Last night I went for a walk in a park with my friend Patti. On our walk, we came to a dam with one of the gates open. Patti knew in the moment that there would be a message in it for me and that it would be posted on my blog today...she was right.
She and I had talked about the stillness of the larger body of water that filtered into this small space to be released down into a narrower body of water that was very stirred up and flowed with greater strength.
Today I'm listening to Travis Cottrell's song, "Search Me, Know Me." The chorus says,
Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin
Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before you now I humbly bring.
Oftentimes, our lives can move along smoothly and with little disruption, and we may even look pretty good. We, as believers and followers of Christ, because we have God's spirit, long for a heart that's truly clean.
What happens when the world presses in on us, or possibly God presses in on us, and moves us from our comfortable, free space into a channel of disruption? It feels chaotic, out of control, frustrating, scary and painful. We no longer look in the mirror and see the carefree, undisturbed calm that existed "pre-dam" experience. Suddenly we've become a disrupted pile of nerves that has just crashed painfully against rocks creating a foamy discord, a fishy odor and casting a certain mist that is certainly not appealing.
So what's the point to all this?
As God guides and protects our way over the disruptiveness, it exposes who we really are. It exposes, as the song reveals, "our secret shame, our sin, our nakedness" that we covered so well in the places of little disruption.
But here, where we're exposed...this is how God so amazingly and wonderfully responds:
He conquers ...through his own death and resurrection
He clothes us ...He gets the most beautiful clothing and puts it on us
He covers us in grace ...the clothing He chooses for us announces the message...
"RIGHTEOUS!"
Isaiah 61.10 (Amp)
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Follow the leader
I'm reading a great book right now, The Disciple Making Church, by Glenn McDonald, senior pastor of Zionsville Presbyterian Church in Indiana. It's leading me to ask some really good questions of myself that I haven't explored in quite awhile. I've summarized my thoughts/questions here....
To whom are you looking to lead you? Who is your mentor?
To whom do you look to be your example(s) in life...maybe your hero?
Be assured, you will become like this person / these people.
I have mentors who know me, and then I have other examples that I seek to follow... such as many positive biblical examples, Beth Moore, Kathy Troccoli, etc. I am careful about what I allow into my mind. But not everyone is. We need to consider what people we are looking to as examples, what books we read that influence our thoughts, and what music we listen to...it will ALL influence us.
We live in such a loud world, that even when we are careful about our influences, we will still have to battle the negative influences as well as the sinfulness of our flesh.
Recently, my 3 kids were arguing. When I tried to intervene, they each spoke very loudly over each other trying to get his or her own story heard. Finally, over the chaos, I yelled, "Shut up!" There was immediate silence (since this was quite a rare occurence). My oldest son (who is, by the way, half way through his blackbelt training program for karate) appeared quite offended at my instruction as he silently took a step toward me with an aggressive look in his eye.... We all just stood frozen for about 5 very long seconds until I said, "Uhhh, I learned that from Jack*." We all laughed, and I apologized.
As my son, Jack*, is learning to get control over his speech, I've been influenced by it. That's why Paul says in Galatians 6.1 "...if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Be in there to help, but be careful.
There are plenty of negative influences that will always be around us. We must watch ourselves and make sure we do what we can to surround ourselves with righteous influences. May it be our heart's desire to be a light for others...with no darkness in it. John said of God, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1.4). And Paul commissions us with Jesus' own message: "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth' " (Acts 13.47).
And finally, Jesus commissions us: "See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness" (Luke 11.35).
*Note: name change to protect his dignity.
To whom are you looking to lead you? Who is your mentor?
To whom do you look to be your example(s) in life...maybe your hero?
Be assured, you will become like this person / these people.
I have mentors who know me, and then I have other examples that I seek to follow... such as many positive biblical examples, Beth Moore, Kathy Troccoli, etc. I am careful about what I allow into my mind. But not everyone is. We need to consider what people we are looking to as examples, what books we read that influence our thoughts, and what music we listen to...it will ALL influence us.
We live in such a loud world, that even when we are careful about our influences, we will still have to battle the negative influences as well as the sinfulness of our flesh.
Recently, my 3 kids were arguing. When I tried to intervene, they each spoke very loudly over each other trying to get his or her own story heard. Finally, over the chaos, I yelled, "Shut up!" There was immediate silence (since this was quite a rare occurence). My oldest son (who is, by the way, half way through his blackbelt training program for karate) appeared quite offended at my instruction as he silently took a step toward me with an aggressive look in his eye.... We all just stood frozen for about 5 very long seconds until I said, "Uhhh, I learned that from Jack*." We all laughed, and I apologized.
As my son, Jack*, is learning to get control over his speech, I've been influenced by it. That's why Paul says in Galatians 6.1 "...if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Be in there to help, but be careful.
There are plenty of negative influences that will always be around us. We must watch ourselves and make sure we do what we can to surround ourselves with righteous influences. May it be our heart's desire to be a light for others...with no darkness in it. John said of God, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1.4). And Paul commissions us with Jesus' own message: "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth' " (Acts 13.47).
And finally, Jesus commissions us: "See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness" (Luke 11.35).
*Note: name change to protect his dignity.
Being Incarnational
The other day I was at a relative's house enjoying some quality outdoor time, much like how I grew up out in the country. I sat peacefully by the pond for a while, shot some baskets with others, played with the puppies and cats, shot a couple different .22 rifles at targets, .... It was great! Someone commented on how I seemed so relaxed in that environment...I was in my element.
I've been connecting with that lifestyle so much more recently that sometimes it hurts to not have it...for me and for the kids.
A couple days later, it was my night out. I drove down some roads scoping out potential lots similar to how I grew up. I wondered where my discontent was coming from...flesh or spirit.
I picked up a Mocha Frappuccino from my favorite coffee shop and was en route to a nearby park to read when I inadvertently passed the driveway to the park. As I prepared to turn around, the Huron River came to mind, and I was drawn to go explore it in the direction I was driving.
When I got close to the river, wherever I found a place to park along the river, there were already people there, so I continued on...looking for a less-busy place. I drove around a curve and noticed my old college dorm. Immediately, a whole slew of thoughts flashed through my mind, but the predominant train of thought was that (23 years ago) I had left the open country space of where I grew up, and I packed myself into a small, confining dorm room. It reminded me of what Jesus did by becoming incarnate...leaving the expansiveness of heaven and cramming himself (God of the universe) into the confining space of a woman's womb for nine months. And after that, living confined to his earthly mission for 33 years, knowing one day he would be free again in the expanse of heaven.
I'm not sure yet what all this is communicating to me, but my initial thought is that I'm longing for heaven, and one day I'll have it. But for now, my mission is to be incarnational, embodying the Spirit of Christ, while submitting to the confines presented by the goal of reaching the lost, loving others and laying down my life...ultimately loving God through my flesh. It's often painful, disappointing and sometimes even leaves me feeling trapped. But the Apostle Paul said he "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4.12). And Jesus himself told us that this world would bring us trouble, trials and sorrows, and will not satisfy us, but ultimately, it will be okay (John 16.33). When his Spirit lives in us, we have the only component for peace. And when we have that component for peace, believing by faith that God is caring for us, then we can live incarnationally in a disruptive world.
I've been connecting with that lifestyle so much more recently that sometimes it hurts to not have it...for me and for the kids.
A couple days later, it was my night out. I drove down some roads scoping out potential lots similar to how I grew up. I wondered where my discontent was coming from...flesh or spirit.
I picked up a Mocha Frappuccino from my favorite coffee shop and was en route to a nearby park to read when I inadvertently passed the driveway to the park. As I prepared to turn around, the Huron River came to mind, and I was drawn to go explore it in the direction I was driving.
When I got close to the river, wherever I found a place to park along the river, there were already people there, so I continued on...looking for a less-busy place. I drove around a curve and noticed my old college dorm. Immediately, a whole slew of thoughts flashed through my mind, but the predominant train of thought was that (23 years ago) I had left the open country space of where I grew up, and I packed myself into a small, confining dorm room. It reminded me of what Jesus did by becoming incarnate...leaving the expansiveness of heaven and cramming himself (God of the universe) into the confining space of a woman's womb for nine months. And after that, living confined to his earthly mission for 33 years, knowing one day he would be free again in the expanse of heaven.
I'm not sure yet what all this is communicating to me, but my initial thought is that I'm longing for heaven, and one day I'll have it. But for now, my mission is to be incarnational, embodying the Spirit of Christ, while submitting to the confines presented by the goal of reaching the lost, loving others and laying down my life...ultimately loving God through my flesh. It's often painful, disappointing and sometimes even leaves me feeling trapped. But the Apostle Paul said he "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4.12). And Jesus himself told us that this world would bring us trouble, trials and sorrows, and will not satisfy us, but ultimately, it will be okay (John 16.33). When his Spirit lives in us, we have the only component for peace. And when we have that component for peace, believing by faith that God is caring for us, then we can live incarnationally in a disruptive world.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Spiritual Gifts
I've been thinking a lot about "mission" lately. One area in particular relates to spiritual gifts. As I was reading the book of Mark, I was noticing that (although He undoubtedly could have) Jesus didn't often seem to display a wide range of spiritual gifts. We don't see Him, in Scripture (as far as I can tell), focused in areas such as singing with the music team, playing the lyre, preparing budgets and helping to build houses for Habitat For Humanity (although he was a carpenter by trade). Instead, he certainly taught often (and was often referred to as Teacher). But what stands out to me is that He focused much on healing. People were constantly coming to Him to be healed.
I have not noticed a gift of healing in myself, but I did do a couple online spiritual gifts assessments to understand better where God might have me focus in His unique work for me.
When it comes to our gifts, sometimes others may be something of a devil's advocate. Sometimes we are to ourselves. There have been others who have condemned me in my gifts, and there have been times when I've been blind to or critical of the gift and condemned myself. But God has gifted me uniquely so that I can be a blessing to Him and to others. Here are some thoughts I had that are challenging me:
"God says to me, 'I have called you and equipped you to display the gifts of ____________.'"
"What do others others say about you?"
"What do you say about yourself?"
"Who will you choose to believe?"
I have not noticed a gift of healing in myself, but I did do a couple online spiritual gifts assessments to understand better where God might have me focus in His unique work for me.
When it comes to our gifts, sometimes others may be something of a devil's advocate. Sometimes we are to ourselves. There have been others who have condemned me in my gifts, and there have been times when I've been blind to or critical of the gift and condemned myself. But God has gifted me uniquely so that I can be a blessing to Him and to others. Here are some thoughts I had that are challenging me:
"God says to me, 'I have called you and equipped you to display the gifts of ____________.'"
"What do others others say about you?"
"What do you say about yourself?"
"Who will you choose to believe?"
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
CarePoint Workbooks
Did you know you can order my workbooks (or any CarePoint workbook) online at two different locations?
CBD has them available at:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=carepoint&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
or they can be ordered directly from the CarePoint website at:
http://www.carepointministry.com/discouragement.html
for "Healing Tears"
and
http://www.carepointministry.com/sexabuse.html
for "Life Beyond the Scars"
We'll have the next phase of workbooks available toward the end of the summer, which will include my newest release "Clash of Hope: Getting to the heart of conflict resolution".
I hope you'll check them out and that they will be meaningful in your life.
CBD has them available at:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=carepoint&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
or they can be ordered directly from the CarePoint website at:
http://www.carepointministry.com/discouragement.html
for "Healing Tears"
and
http://www.carepointministry.com/sexabuse.html
for "Life Beyond the Scars"
We'll have the next phase of workbooks available toward the end of the summer, which will include my newest release "Clash of Hope: Getting to the heart of conflict resolution".
I hope you'll check them out and that they will be meaningful in your life.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Swamp
Ah, well, school gets out tomorrow, and I expect my swamp visits will be a bit less frequent for the rest of the summer. Fortunately, my friend Patti asked me for pictures of the swamp (in 22 years, I've never taken a picture there!). So this morning I went and took some. Now I'll still be able to enjoy the view of the swamp from my own house.... :)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Make some noise!
I'm at the swamp today. There is both life and death here. There's something scary AND enticing about the swamp. Despite the name I've given it, there is beauty here...with the lush green colors in the trees and grass and bushes, the beauty of the water, small islands, blue sky...nature as God created it at its core.
There is also the overgrowth of trees and bushes along the trails, the trash, fallen dead trees, wildlife that can strike intimidation into me, mud, a half-rotted railroad tie, dead leaves and sticks and swamp growth cluttering the water's edge....
As I walked up to the water, something exuding life leapt into the water, and as I squatted down, taking in the landscape, a big splash startled me--maybe a beaver, or some other water-loving creature, entered the water several yards away from me. It can be a bit scary not knowing what lurks around you...and then knowing what does.... It can feel very vulnerable.
This is also the world around me.
It can seem so scary, intimidating, corrupt and dead...yet there is life in it because it's God's creation and He breathed life into it. The question I ask myself is, "How can I draw out life from what is corrupt or threatening or appears dead?"
At the swamp, what arouses life?
My silence: when I'm still and life resumes its normal course.
My presence: when I make noise that disrupts the normal flow of activity...maybe arousing fear, maybe arousing attention to what's important, and bringing about change.
I live in a corrupt world...a swamp or sorts. As I sit silently, life will resume normally around me. But if I make some noise...godly noise, I will disrupt the norm and effect change. The change will be disruptive...sometimes leading to godliness and sometimes greater ungodliness. But if I don't live with a VOICE in my world, not even good change results.
...So my sister is getting married. I've already been forewarned that some of her friends may present things at her shower that I would consider in poor taste. Some of these people want to help plan the shower...and I'm aware of the type of cake they want to get.... My heart sinks, yet this is the world (it's Babylon...if you did Beth Moore's Daniel study). As I think of how to respond, I wonder about challenging them toward life... "There is something much better in you than that...you have something good, something so much better to offer." It's what God has breathed into them...that only He can cause to grow to fullness of life.
I want to find and draw out the life from what has become so corrupt. I want to make some noise!
There is also the overgrowth of trees and bushes along the trails, the trash, fallen dead trees, wildlife that can strike intimidation into me, mud, a half-rotted railroad tie, dead leaves and sticks and swamp growth cluttering the water's edge....
As I walked up to the water, something exuding life leapt into the water, and as I squatted down, taking in the landscape, a big splash startled me--maybe a beaver, or some other water-loving creature, entered the water several yards away from me. It can be a bit scary not knowing what lurks around you...and then knowing what does.... It can feel very vulnerable.
This is also the world around me.
It can seem so scary, intimidating, corrupt and dead...yet there is life in it because it's God's creation and He breathed life into it. The question I ask myself is, "How can I draw out life from what is corrupt or threatening or appears dead?"
At the swamp, what arouses life?
My silence: when I'm still and life resumes its normal course.
My presence: when I make noise that disrupts the normal flow of activity...maybe arousing fear, maybe arousing attention to what's important, and bringing about change.
I live in a corrupt world...a swamp or sorts. As I sit silently, life will resume normally around me. But if I make some noise...godly noise, I will disrupt the norm and effect change. The change will be disruptive...sometimes leading to godliness and sometimes greater ungodliness. But if I don't live with a VOICE in my world, not even good change results.
...So my sister is getting married. I've already been forewarned that some of her friends may present things at her shower that I would consider in poor taste. Some of these people want to help plan the shower...and I'm aware of the type of cake they want to get.... My heart sinks, yet this is the world (it's Babylon...if you did Beth Moore's Daniel study). As I think of how to respond, I wonder about challenging them toward life... "There is something much better in you than that...you have something good, something so much better to offer." It's what God has breathed into them...that only He can cause to grow to fullness of life.
I want to find and draw out the life from what has become so corrupt. I want to make some noise!
Late for church!
My husband, Dave, and I are implementing a Bible reading plan for our family. The kids decided on which book of the Bible to start with: the book of Mark. So, each day (6 days a week) we read the passage on the schedule and then usually discuss it at dinner.
On our way to church Sunday morning, we discussed the Mark 7 passage (we missed discussing it the night before). But I was frustrated! I had gotten up in just enough time to get MYSELF ready to go. When I was ready, I went to find everyone else. No one else was ready, or even moving in the right direction. That's when the frustration hit.
Eventually we got on our way...right on schedule to arrive 15 minutes late. I could feel the battle within me...that battle between knowing the best thing would be to be at peace and the anger that no one else seems to care about being on time.
Mark 7 was about "Inner purity." The Pharisees were upset that Jesus' disciples didn't strickly adhere to the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. Jesus' reply began in verse 6: "'You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away...." For you ignore God's specific laws and substitute your own traditions.'"
Ouch. It struck right at my heart. Just like hand washing before eating is a good practice, so is getting to church on time. But when the ritual/activity becomes more important than having a heart/attitude that honors God in the moment (wherever I am, on time or late), I dishonor God.
My worship time that morning was humbling...and good...filled with repentance and gratitude for His grace and forgiveness. It was perfectly fitting when we sang, "I'm coming back to the heart of worship. It's all about You, Jesus."
On our way to church Sunday morning, we discussed the Mark 7 passage (we missed discussing it the night before). But I was frustrated! I had gotten up in just enough time to get MYSELF ready to go. When I was ready, I went to find everyone else. No one else was ready, or even moving in the right direction. That's when the frustration hit.
Eventually we got on our way...right on schedule to arrive 15 minutes late. I could feel the battle within me...that battle between knowing the best thing would be to be at peace and the anger that no one else seems to care about being on time.
Mark 7 was about "Inner purity." The Pharisees were upset that Jesus' disciples didn't strickly adhere to the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. Jesus' reply began in verse 6: "'You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away...." For you ignore God's specific laws and substitute your own traditions.'"
Ouch. It struck right at my heart. Just like hand washing before eating is a good practice, so is getting to church on time. But when the ritual/activity becomes more important than having a heart/attitude that honors God in the moment (wherever I am, on time or late), I dishonor God.
My worship time that morning was humbling...and good...filled with repentance and gratitude for His grace and forgiveness. It was perfectly fitting when we sang, "I'm coming back to the heart of worship. It's all about You, Jesus."
Friday, June 8, 2007
Backyard Attack
There has been much attack in my backyard lately. First, I noticed a squirrel running along the top rail of our wood fence...and then birds dive bombing the squirrel in shameful attack. Then I saw birds attacking other birds (trust me, it wasn't love...there was anger in their dispositions). And that's not to mention the live traps we've set to eradicate our chipmunk population, the trampoline wars and squirt guns. War in my own backyard...!
Today I watched a robin looking for worms in the grass through a gentle rain. Suddenly, another bird swooped in. I quickly anticipated another battle, but to my delight, the swooping bird, another robin, landed right beside the first, dropped something out of its mouth for the first bird and then flew away.
It gave me a fresh perspective of community, caring for each other, spewing out love for each other. It was a good reminder of Philippians 2:4, "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Today I watched a robin looking for worms in the grass through a gentle rain. Suddenly, another bird swooped in. I quickly anticipated another battle, but to my delight, the swooping bird, another robin, landed right beside the first, dropped something out of its mouth for the first bird and then flew away.
It gave me a fresh perspective of community, caring for each other, spewing out love for each other. It was a good reminder of Philippians 2:4, "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Monday, June 4, 2007
Swamp Water
I came to my favorite spot at the swamp tonight. Earlier, a friend had asked me to pray for her, and since I didn't have plans for my night out, I sensed that the swamp was my destiny.
As I approached, there were a couple people near my new spot on the west side, and three cars parked on the south side. I got to my favorite spot on the southeast corner, and it was vacant. :) I knew I had to walk down the trail...God had something to speak to me there. It was wet and muddy at first (a good deterrent to others for my alone time...although I was open to however God wanted to speak).
I was drawn to one place in particular. I stood on the higher ground overlooking the beauty of the sun setting over the water...the resolute breeze blowing toward me. I was compelled to draw nearer to the water, stepping down the slope to meet the water at the shore.
The higher ground, however, is more comfortable and provides a better view. It occurred to me that the wind, channeled by the Spirit, will push the water toward me, but just as Jesus stepped down from His higher ground and into our world to be incarnate, I needed to step down from my higher ground to the water.
Some of the trees nearby were actually in the water. My thoughts articulated, "I have to approach the water to reach it...and sometimes I have to take the uncomfortable step of walking out into the swamp water to rescue those who are dying in it." Something shiny at the edge of the water captured my attention...then I noticed the single dead fish floating....
Just then my spirit heard a voice saying, "Look up." I looked up to see a beautiful evening sky...but more than the sky...a destiny that overwhelmed my heart with longing...a longing that would certainly, one day, be fulfilled. But resting in that "one day," I was called to look back down...to approach the water...to bring life to what exists in the water. It's right in front of me...the Spirit is blowing it my way.
As I approached, there were a couple people near my new spot on the west side, and three cars parked on the south side. I got to my favorite spot on the southeast corner, and it was vacant. :) I knew I had to walk down the trail...God had something to speak to me there. It was wet and muddy at first (a good deterrent to others for my alone time...although I was open to however God wanted to speak).
I was drawn to one place in particular. I stood on the higher ground overlooking the beauty of the sun setting over the water...the resolute breeze blowing toward me. I was compelled to draw nearer to the water, stepping down the slope to meet the water at the shore.
The higher ground, however, is more comfortable and provides a better view. It occurred to me that the wind, channeled by the Spirit, will push the water toward me, but just as Jesus stepped down from His higher ground and into our world to be incarnate, I needed to step down from my higher ground to the water.
Some of the trees nearby were actually in the water. My thoughts articulated, "I have to approach the water to reach it...and sometimes I have to take the uncomfortable step of walking out into the swamp water to rescue those who are dying in it." Something shiny at the edge of the water captured my attention...then I noticed the single dead fish floating....
Just then my spirit heard a voice saying, "Look up." I looked up to see a beautiful evening sky...but more than the sky...a destiny that overwhelmed my heart with longing...a longing that would certainly, one day, be fulfilled. But resting in that "one day," I was called to look back down...to approach the water...to bring life to what exists in the water. It's right in front of me...the Spirit is blowing it my way.
*****************
Mark 1:14-17 "...Jesus went...to preach God's Good News. ...'Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!' One day as Jesus was walking along the shores..., he saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing with a net.... Jesus called out to them, 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'"
Question: What is the water in my life (that is right in front of me...that the Spirit is blowing my way) ...the shore that I can approach and walk along...calling disciples and fishing for people?
Question: What is the water in my life (that is right in front of me...that the Spirit is blowing my way) ...the shore that I can approach and walk along...calling disciples and fishing for people?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The tension between heaven and earth
It seems like there's constant tension in my life. One area of tension is with raising my kids...trying to train them in the way they should go when their flesh doesn't want to go there.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In this world I will long for what completely fills me. And when I find Him, and when I really understand that He is my only sufficiency, I will want Him more than anything...and I will realize I need Him more than anything. With that realization, it will be more difficult to engage in the world. But He has us still in the world for a PURPOSE that includes involvement in the lives of those around us. We will live in this world with a constant tension between our very real need to constantly be with Him and our purpose of being in the world and pouring out ourselves for others in the world.
This idea was highlighted yesterday morning through my visit to the swamp. My swamp lesson came like this:
While still at home, I wrote out a list of things I needed to talk to God about...things I needed complete alone time for...even being alone at my house wasn't enough (there are distractions). I needed the ALWAYS quiet, no-one-ever-around place where I hear God most vividly and connect with Him in undistracted devotion. I needed the swamp. So to the swamp I ventured.
I have a favorite spot at the swamp...the southeast corner where I can park, and if I want, I can get out and walk north, with water on both sides of me, to several locations overlooking the water...there are many options.
The time before last that I was there, I was surprised when someone pulled into "my" spot just ahead of me...to go fishing. Disappointed, I scoped out a new spot and ended up connecting with God in a way that seemed to make this new location the perfect spot for the day. Then on my last visit, I decided to return to that new location where God spoke clearly, again, to some specific issues in my life.
Yesterday, however, I was longing for my favorite spot...anticipating it. I arrived only to see a man fishing at my favorite spot...certainly not conducive to my ALONE time to bask in God's presence and hear His voice...or so I thought.
Disappointed again, I kept driving...scoping out more potential locations. I stopped at two on the south side...neither of which was "right." They just felt completely wrong. So I drove to the west side and pulled into the location from the last two visits. Still, it just wasn't right. I noticed a potential spot at the southwest corner, but I was too distracted there...partially by an unusual amount of trash, no place to sit, etc.
I decided to go back to my favorite spot and see if the fisherman had left yet. He was still there. I decided I would still go there and walk back beyond his fishing spot where I was relatively sure there was complete solitude.
As soon as I parked and turned off my van, another car pulled in right behind me. I watched as a woman got out with her fishing pole (!) and walked down the trail and out of sight. Just then another car pulled in behind her and then drove around her and parked just out of my sight. I was stunned at the "traffic," but I was quickly beginning to hear the swamp message for the day. Accepting my circumstances, I started writing.
"In this world, there will always be tension between caring for our time WITH God and caring for our time FOR God."
As much time as I get with Him, it never seems to be enough...and it's not enough, because this isn't the world we were created for. But the time we get...the time He allows, will suffice until we enter the world we WERE created for.
As I wrote, several runners ran by, and one man, "just looking around," walked by my open window and started chatting with me briefly. Several minutes later, the first two people left and then a man and his son came with their fishing poles. I realized I need to be open to disruptive opportunities (the trouble in the world) so that I can reflect what Jesus has overcome.
If I'm right with Him, my time with Him probably won't feel like enough, but it will suffice until I enter a new world with Him.
So yesterday morning was a totally unusual and public swamp experience...as I pursued ALONE time with Him. God is certainly not predictable.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In this world I will long for what completely fills me. And when I find Him, and when I really understand that He is my only sufficiency, I will want Him more than anything...and I will realize I need Him more than anything. With that realization, it will be more difficult to engage in the world. But He has us still in the world for a PURPOSE that includes involvement in the lives of those around us. We will live in this world with a constant tension between our very real need to constantly be with Him and our purpose of being in the world and pouring out ourselves for others in the world.
This idea was highlighted yesterday morning through my visit to the swamp. My swamp lesson came like this:
While still at home, I wrote out a list of things I needed to talk to God about...things I needed complete alone time for...even being alone at my house wasn't enough (there are distractions). I needed the ALWAYS quiet, no-one-ever-around place where I hear God most vividly and connect with Him in undistracted devotion. I needed the swamp. So to the swamp I ventured.
I have a favorite spot at the swamp...the southeast corner where I can park, and if I want, I can get out and walk north, with water on both sides of me, to several locations overlooking the water...there are many options.
The time before last that I was there, I was surprised when someone pulled into "my" spot just ahead of me...to go fishing. Disappointed, I scoped out a new spot and ended up connecting with God in a way that seemed to make this new location the perfect spot for the day. Then on my last visit, I decided to return to that new location where God spoke clearly, again, to some specific issues in my life.
Yesterday, however, I was longing for my favorite spot...anticipating it. I arrived only to see a man fishing at my favorite spot...certainly not conducive to my ALONE time to bask in God's presence and hear His voice...or so I thought.
Disappointed again, I kept driving...scoping out more potential locations. I stopped at two on the south side...neither of which was "right." They just felt completely wrong. So I drove to the west side and pulled into the location from the last two visits. Still, it just wasn't right. I noticed a potential spot at the southwest corner, but I was too distracted there...partially by an unusual amount of trash, no place to sit, etc.
I decided to go back to my favorite spot and see if the fisherman had left yet. He was still there. I decided I would still go there and walk back beyond his fishing spot where I was relatively sure there was complete solitude.
As soon as I parked and turned off my van, another car pulled in right behind me. I watched as a woman got out with her fishing pole (!) and walked down the trail and out of sight. Just then another car pulled in behind her and then drove around her and parked just out of my sight. I was stunned at the "traffic," but I was quickly beginning to hear the swamp message for the day. Accepting my circumstances, I started writing.
"In this world, there will always be tension between caring for our time WITH God and caring for our time FOR God."
As much time as I get with Him, it never seems to be enough...and it's not enough, because this isn't the world we were created for. But the time we get...the time He allows, will suffice until we enter the world we WERE created for.
As I wrote, several runners ran by, and one man, "just looking around," walked by my open window and started chatting with me briefly. Several minutes later, the first two people left and then a man and his son came with their fishing poles. I realized I need to be open to disruptive opportunities (the trouble in the world) so that I can reflect what Jesus has overcome.
If I'm right with Him, my time with Him probably won't feel like enough, but it will suffice until I enter a new world with Him.
So yesterday morning was a totally unusual and public swamp experience...as I pursued ALONE time with Him. God is certainly not predictable.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Still
As soon as I parked, I recognized how still the water was at the swamp...barely moving at all. What grabbed my attention most was the reflection in the water...the brilliant and nearly unflawed reflection of the many hues of green from the trees with the clarity of the branches, and the blue sky.
Aside from the dust that was settled on the surface of the water...on the surface of the reflection, the reflection was almost like the real thing.
Lately I've been struggling with some anxiety and stress, knowing that it is not at all good for me! It occurred to me, with the water's reflection, that I reflect God best when I'm still. I may be spending time with Him, which is crucial to reflecting Him, but if I'm filled with anxiety and stress and fear, I won't reflect Him. Instead, I'll appear like the water on a windy day, and others will only see waves of turmoil and discord.
He reminds me to 'come to Him' and leave my burdens with Him. Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." When I go to Him, I need to leave my stuff with Him, trusting that He can take care of my stuff. Only then can I be still and reflect Him well.
Aside from the dust that was settled on the surface of the water...on the surface of the reflection, the reflection was almost like the real thing.
Lately I've been struggling with some anxiety and stress, knowing that it is not at all good for me! It occurred to me, with the water's reflection, that I reflect God best when I'm still. I may be spending time with Him, which is crucial to reflecting Him, but if I'm filled with anxiety and stress and fear, I won't reflect Him. Instead, I'll appear like the water on a windy day, and others will only see waves of turmoil and discord.
He reminds me to 'come to Him' and leave my burdens with Him. Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." When I go to Him, I need to leave my stuff with Him, trusting that He can take care of my stuff. Only then can I be still and reflect Him well.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Blindfolded faith-walk
Back in my "Come to me" post I mentioned the Juan Mann "Free Hugs" video that has been widely circulated online at youtube.com. (It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e3Emjk3Zko&mode=related&search=.) The first time I saw it, something about it kept drawing me back into it. Then I realized it was the idea of 'taking love (God's love) to the streets' that drew me. At the time, my book Healing Tears was just being released. I heard God leading me to "Take Healing Tears out of the church and into the street." Skeptical, I complained, "But how am I supposed to take a 10-week 'healing' study to the street...???" I didn't get it.
Soon after that, I was driving along and noticed, for the first time ever, SafeHouse. Immediately, I got it. That's the street. A flood of memories came to me from my own childhood experience at a safehouse...and the love and care that I experienced there with the staff. I pursued taking Healing Tears there, but an opportunity hasn't become available at this point. But it did give me a broader view of how to take God's love out of the church and into the community.
Then I sensed God calling me on a "blindfolded faith-walk"...to leave my small group and spend between 3 weeks and 3 months at another large church's care ministry. I spent 4 weeks there, gaining insight, building relationships and building a vision for the 'church'. Through a very unexpected turn of events, God had me return for one more week and confirmed that my time there was finished. (Sorry to be so vague, but this IS the internet.)
Now I'm awaiting direction for the next step. I'm excited as I see potential opportunities for my involvement in God reaching the streets of my community...and reaching the hearts of multitudes of people...much like I saw in the Free Hugs video...but then also transforming those hearts into lives of beauty and freedom.
I will continue, with excitement at what's ahead, on my blindfolded faith-walk. I've finished my Clash of Hope workbook on conflict resolution, and I'm just reading it over before I send it in. So I get a little break!! :) Please pray for God's direction and that those of us needing to hear it will listen closely. Thanks for reading.
Soon after that, I was driving along and noticed, for the first time ever, SafeHouse. Immediately, I got it. That's the street. A flood of memories came to me from my own childhood experience at a safehouse...and the love and care that I experienced there with the staff. I pursued taking Healing Tears there, but an opportunity hasn't become available at this point. But it did give me a broader view of how to take God's love out of the church and into the community.
Then I sensed God calling me on a "blindfolded faith-walk"...to leave my small group and spend between 3 weeks and 3 months at another large church's care ministry. I spent 4 weeks there, gaining insight, building relationships and building a vision for the 'church'. Through a very unexpected turn of events, God had me return for one more week and confirmed that my time there was finished. (Sorry to be so vague, but this IS the internet.)
Now I'm awaiting direction for the next step. I'm excited as I see potential opportunities for my involvement in God reaching the streets of my community...and reaching the hearts of multitudes of people...much like I saw in the Free Hugs video...but then also transforming those hearts into lives of beauty and freedom.
I will continue, with excitement at what's ahead, on my blindfolded faith-walk. I've finished my Clash of Hope workbook on conflict resolution, and I'm just reading it over before I send it in. So I get a little break!! :) Please pray for God's direction and that those of us needing to hear it will listen closely. Thanks for reading.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
When God shows up
This past week was very occupied with the shows that my boys (my two young thespians) were in (The Jungle Book/Cinderella), and I've been very occupied with that the last couple days. I know it's been several days since I last posted, and I wanted to post something; however, whenever I tried to sit at the computer, I couldn't do it. And I certainly couldn't sit here to work (still have more to do). My head and neck ache...which makes it difficult to think on a deep level.
As I sat at the computer and got to this website, I lamented at my inability to sit here. I slid (literally) out of my chair and to my knees. Now, you have to picture this. Light off, kneeling in front of and leaning on my chair, my neck feeling too weak to hold my head up so my hands were holding my head up as the chair supported my elbows. I felt like the woman in the First Alert commercial: "I've fallen and I can't get up!" Yes, I could move around, but to sit still in this one position, to do the one thing I needed to do, felt impossible.
As I prayed, the verse from a song I learned back in college came to mind...Psalm 145:14-16:
"The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."
Here I was, fallen (in a sense) physically, bowed to my knees, eyes on and seeking him for help, trusting him to show up and meet my needs...knowing he doesn't always meet our needs in the ways we want or in our preferred time frame. But I also know he's honored and loves it when we look to him and put our trust in him. So however he responded, I was committed to looking to him and trusting how he chose to provide.
All I can say is that I was filled with praise as I felt renewed strength in my neck again and was able to hold my head up. And I told him I would tell you about it. I do need to tend to some issues in my neck soon, but for now, "The Lord upholds" my head and is strengthening my neck.
I'm thinking about how often we struggle with issues...and struggle, and struggle...without falling to our knees and getting our eyes on him (I know we ALL do it). But how he longs to make eye contact with us...in those times and all the time. He is so passionate about us and delights in our attention!
"Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever." --Deut. 5.29
Back to work now to finish the last chapter of "Clash of Hope." Please pray for God's words in this chapter on 'Good Conflict'. It's been the hardest, but I know he'll show up and make it as he wants.
I'm praying for you.
As I sat at the computer and got to this website, I lamented at my inability to sit here. I slid (literally) out of my chair and to my knees. Now, you have to picture this. Light off, kneeling in front of and leaning on my chair, my neck feeling too weak to hold my head up so my hands were holding my head up as the chair supported my elbows. I felt like the woman in the First Alert commercial: "I've fallen and I can't get up!" Yes, I could move around, but to sit still in this one position, to do the one thing I needed to do, felt impossible.
As I prayed, the verse from a song I learned back in college came to mind...Psalm 145:14-16:
"The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."
Here I was, fallen (in a sense) physically, bowed to my knees, eyes on and seeking him for help, trusting him to show up and meet my needs...knowing he doesn't always meet our needs in the ways we want or in our preferred time frame. But I also know he's honored and loves it when we look to him and put our trust in him. So however he responded, I was committed to looking to him and trusting how he chose to provide.
All I can say is that I was filled with praise as I felt renewed strength in my neck again and was able to hold my head up. And I told him I would tell you about it. I do need to tend to some issues in my neck soon, but for now, "The Lord upholds" my head and is strengthening my neck.
I'm thinking about how often we struggle with issues...and struggle, and struggle...without falling to our knees and getting our eyes on him (I know we ALL do it). But how he longs to make eye contact with us...in those times and all the time. He is so passionate about us and delights in our attention!
"Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever." --Deut. 5.29
Back to work now to finish the last chapter of "Clash of Hope." Please pray for God's words in this chapter on 'Good Conflict'. It's been the hardest, but I know he'll show up and make it as he wants.
I'm praying for you.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Customer Reviews on CBD
If any of you is interested, I would love it if you would write a review of one or both of my books (if you've read them) on the CBD website. Just go to www.christianbook.com, do a search for Healing Tears or Life Beyond The Scars, and then scroll down to customer reviews. Thanks.
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