God saw all that he had made, and it was very (Genesis 1:31 NIV)
The calendar is a good thing. It helps us to track the seasons and mark special events and plan for the future. But it is not perfect...thus we have today, Leap Year Day. You see, the solar year is actually closer to 365.25 years long, so we need to add a day every 4 years to keep the calendar on track with the seasons.
BUT... Did you know that doesn't completely fix it? We have to go a little further and NOT have a leap year on every year divisible by 100 EXCEPT for those years that are divisible by 400 whereby we do add a day...(which is why we had a leap year in 2000).
We took an idea that was very good, but flawed (the calendar) and made it work for us (leap year).
God created the world and found that it was very good. But he gave us free will which allowed us to mess it up. But God had his own "leap" in mind to make it work for us in spite of our every effort to the contrary. We know God's "Leap Day" as Ressurection Day... The day that God took the natural order of things as we know them and turned them upside down. God made life work for us by removing death.
Father,
Thank you for the giant LEAP you took by giving your Son to die for us and raising him on the third day. We look forward to celebrating this very special Leap Day in a few more weeks. Amen.
Joys: last day of February and Spring just around the corner; a long but satisfyingly productive day yesterday; friends
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
One-Upping
Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? (1 Corinthians 5:6 NIV)
Have you ever known anyone who always had to "one up" everyone else? If you talked about the fish you caught, he caught a bigger one. If you talked about being in labor for 20 hours, she was in labor for 40. If you pulled a 4.0 GPA in college.. Well... He'll tell you he tested out of college and they just gave him a degree. We all know someone like this... And perhaps we are even like this ourselves from time to time.
The thing is, when we are one-upped in our stories, we are rarely impressed with that person. We are only annoyed. They stole our thunder. They made our accomplishment look small. They tried to make themselves look good, but only succeeded in making themselves look petty. So why do we ever do that?
We crave recognition. We want people to admire us. But bragging always backfires. No one admires a braggart. And the only recognition the habitual braggart gets is eye rolls as he approaches a group in conversation.
Paradoxically, the way to win admiration is by being humble. When we live our lives the way we hshould, people are naturally drawn to us and even want to imitate us. That is what being yeast is all about. Instead of trying to be better than someone else, we merely do our OWN best and encourage others to be their best. Sometimes we will get the biggest fish and sometimes someone else will. But the point is, the fish are being caught and we should be happy for every person's success, big or small.
We're all in this life together and working together we make much better yeast than when we try to get all the recognition for ourselves.
Father,
Help us to remain humble...and silent...even when we have a "better" story. Help us to take more joy in recognizing others rather than craving recognition for ourselves. Amen.
Joys:"catching up" with someone I haven't seen in a while; very productive day at work; Donna"s great news
Have you ever known anyone who always had to "one up" everyone else? If you talked about the fish you caught, he caught a bigger one. If you talked about being in labor for 20 hours, she was in labor for 40. If you pulled a 4.0 GPA in college.. Well... He'll tell you he tested out of college and they just gave him a degree. We all know someone like this... And perhaps we are even like this ourselves from time to time.
The thing is, when we are one-upped in our stories, we are rarely impressed with that person. We are only annoyed. They stole our thunder. They made our accomplishment look small. They tried to make themselves look good, but only succeeded in making themselves look petty. So why do we ever do that?
We crave recognition. We want people to admire us. But bragging always backfires. No one admires a braggart. And the only recognition the habitual braggart gets is eye rolls as he approaches a group in conversation.
Paradoxically, the way to win admiration is by being humble. When we live our lives the way we hshould, people are naturally drawn to us and even want to imitate us. That is what being yeast is all about. Instead of trying to be better than someone else, we merely do our OWN best and encourage others to be their best. Sometimes we will get the biggest fish and sometimes someone else will. But the point is, the fish are being caught and we should be happy for every person's success, big or small.
We're all in this life together and working together we make much better yeast than when we try to get all the recognition for ourselves.
Father,
Help us to remain humble...and silent...even when we have a "better" story. Help us to take more joy in recognizing others rather than craving recognition for ourselves. Amen.
Joys:"catching up" with someone I haven't seen in a while; very productive day at work; Donna"s great news
Monday, February 27, 2012
...Which God Prepared in Advance
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
This verse has always been a bit confusing to me. Does it mean we were created to do good works in general...that God prepared many good works for all of us to do? Or does it mean that God created us to do good works created specifically for each of us?
I know people who really seem to have found their niche as far as good works. It really does seem like what the are doing so well must have been created for them to do. For instance: John and Relay For Life; C.J. and prison ministry; Janice who is so good at visiting and otherwise caring for those who are sick, grieving or home bound; Gerry and TEC; Karen and middle schoolers; Donna and Project Matthew. And there are many others whose names just seem synonymous with their good works.
So what about those who haven't found their specific good works yet? Did God pass us by, or were we too occupied by worldly things and missed the opportunity when it was presented to us? I think that most of us do a lot of good works, but it just seems such a way of life that we don't count them as such. And just because our name is not synonymous with a specific action does not mean we are not busy in God's kingdom.
I checked several translations of this verse and all of them left that same question in my mind...except for the CEV translation, which put it this way: God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. (Ephesians 2:10 CEV)
I think, if we really try to live as we know God wants us to live, we will more easily see the opportunities to do good works. Our hearts will be more easily moved to compassion and a willingness to bear the burdens of others. Specific or not, there is much work to be done... Healing, helping, teaching, providing, loving, giving.
Don't look for that "specific" good work. If it is there for you, it will find you. Just live as God intended, with a pliable heart and you will see opportunities to do good everywhere.
But, understand...good works are not your ticket to heaven! Jesus bought that ticket for you about 2000 years ago and it can't be taken away from you. God just knew that we would want to express our love and gratitude and in so doing become the light that leads others to Christ...and so God planned for us to do good things...and has made a wide variety for us to choose from.
Father,
Open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities to do good that you will make available to us today. Amen.
Joys: a trip to the mall with Cecelia and totally spoiling her (even more than usual!); having Kevin around a little more than usual this weekend; signs of Spring
This verse has always been a bit confusing to me. Does it mean we were created to do good works in general...that God prepared many good works for all of us to do? Or does it mean that God created us to do good works created specifically for each of us?
I know people who really seem to have found their niche as far as good works. It really does seem like what the are doing so well must have been created for them to do. For instance: John and Relay For Life; C.J. and prison ministry; Janice who is so good at visiting and otherwise caring for those who are sick, grieving or home bound; Gerry and TEC; Karen and middle schoolers; Donna and Project Matthew. And there are many others whose names just seem synonymous with their good works.
So what about those who haven't found their specific good works yet? Did God pass us by, or were we too occupied by worldly things and missed the opportunity when it was presented to us? I think that most of us do a lot of good works, but it just seems such a way of life that we don't count them as such. And just because our name is not synonymous with a specific action does not mean we are not busy in God's kingdom.
I checked several translations of this verse and all of them left that same question in my mind...except for the CEV translation, which put it this way: God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. (Ephesians 2:10 CEV)
I think, if we really try to live as we know God wants us to live, we will more easily see the opportunities to do good works. Our hearts will be more easily moved to compassion and a willingness to bear the burdens of others. Specific or not, there is much work to be done... Healing, helping, teaching, providing, loving, giving.
Don't look for that "specific" good work. If it is there for you, it will find you. Just live as God intended, with a pliable heart and you will see opportunities to do good everywhere.
But, understand...good works are not your ticket to heaven! Jesus bought that ticket for you about 2000 years ago and it can't be taken away from you. God just knew that we would want to express our love and gratitude and in so doing become the light that leads others to Christ...and so God planned for us to do good things...and has made a wide variety for us to choose from.
Father,
Open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities to do good that you will make available to us today. Amen.
Joys: a trip to the mall with Cecelia and totally spoiling her (even more than usual!); having Kevin around a little more than usual this weekend; signs of Spring
Friday, February 24, 2012
A Permanent Experience
So then, my friends, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. (2 Peter 1:10 GNT)
One of the biggest difference between "believer's baptism" and infant baptism is the perspective. The first is done from the perspective that we choose God; the latter from the perspective that God chooses us.
The verse above tells us to make God's choice of us a "permanent experience." whether we were baptized as babies, teens or adults, if we want to make it a permanent experience, we must remember our baptism each day.
What a fine thing to begin to do for Lent! We can remember our baptism many ways throuout the day:
When you shower
When it rains
When you wash your hands or face
When you do dishes and put water on to boil
When you drink a glass of water
When you drive by a lake or river or when you go to the beach
When you use a drive-through car wash
This Lent, let us begin a habit of associating all the water in each day with our baptism. Make God's choice of YOU a permanent experience.
Father,
Thank you for choosing me. Amen.
Joys: seeing this season's first dandelions yesterday... Their cheerful yellow faces tell me Spring is not far behind; time with Cecelia tonight; expecting a call from Richard this morning
One of the biggest difference between "believer's baptism" and infant baptism is the perspective. The first is done from the perspective that we choose God; the latter from the perspective that God chooses us.
The verse above tells us to make God's choice of us a "permanent experience." whether we were baptized as babies, teens or adults, if we want to make it a permanent experience, we must remember our baptism each day.
What a fine thing to begin to do for Lent! We can remember our baptism many ways throuout the day:
When you shower
When it rains
When you wash your hands or face
When you do dishes and put water on to boil
When you drink a glass of water
When you drive by a lake or river or when you go to the beach
When you use a drive-through car wash
This Lent, let us begin a habit of associating all the water in each day with our baptism. Make God's choice of YOU a permanent experience.
Father,
Thank you for choosing me. Amen.
Joys: seeing this season's first dandelions yesterday... Their cheerful yellow faces tell me Spring is not far behind; time with Cecelia tonight; expecting a call from Richard this morning
Thursday, February 23, 2012
We Are Stardust
The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. (1 Corinthians 15:41 NIV)
As much as I love Lent and the call to "Return to the Lord your God," I find that the Ash Wednesday service is usually a little difficult. I don't mind the confessions and the black paraments and the somber tones and I like the symbolism of receiving the ashes and the confirmation of forgiveness through Communion.
Even though I know it's true, being told over and over that I am merely dust makes me feel pretty worthless. And maybe it is supposed to humble us, but I know "God didn't make no junk," so I don't think he wants me to think of myself as completely worthless.
That is why I totally loved the spin Pastor Chad put on the idea in his Ash Wednesday sermon. He said that yes, we come from dust, but scientists agree that the dust of the earth originally came from the stars. So in essence, we are stardust! How cool is that?!
It makes me feel so connected to eternity and to the whole universe. Instead of feeling worthless, it makes me feel special...and loved...and a part of something much bigger than I can even imagine. As the person sitting next to me observed, it makes us want to shine and twinkle. And isn't that what we are created to do?
Father,
As Joni Mitchell wrote in the 70's, "We are stardust, we are golden; and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden." Guide us on our journey back to the garden and help us to shine like stars along the way. Amen.
Joys: stardust; longer days; Lenten disciplines
As much as I love Lent and the call to "Return to the Lord your God," I find that the Ash Wednesday service is usually a little difficult. I don't mind the confessions and the black paraments and the somber tones and I like the symbolism of receiving the ashes and the confirmation of forgiveness through Communion.
Even though I know it's true, being told over and over that I am merely dust makes me feel pretty worthless. And maybe it is supposed to humble us, but I know "God didn't make no junk," so I don't think he wants me to think of myself as completely worthless.
That is why I totally loved the spin Pastor Chad put on the idea in his Ash Wednesday sermon. He said that yes, we come from dust, but scientists agree that the dust of the earth originally came from the stars. So in essence, we are stardust! How cool is that?!
It makes me feel so connected to eternity and to the whole universe. Instead of feeling worthless, it makes me feel special...and loved...and a part of something much bigger than I can even imagine. As the person sitting next to me observed, it makes us want to shine and twinkle. And isn't that what we are created to do?
Father,
As Joni Mitchell wrote in the 70's, "We are stardust, we are golden; and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden." Guide us on our journey back to the garden and help us to shine like stars along the way. Amen.
Joys: stardust; longer days; Lenten disciplines
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Return to the Lord Your God
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:13 NIV)
A woman brought her 4-year-old grandson to his first Ash Wednesday service. They went to the the altar to have the ashes placed on there foreheads and the little boy listened as to person after person the pastor said, "You are but dust and to dust you shall return." On their way back to their seats the little boy loudly asked, "Nanna, what is 'butt dust?'"
I don't think the little guy is alone in misunderstanding Ash Wednesday or Lent in general. Recently I've read several discussions about Lent on Nondenominational Christian websites. Some people even seem angry that any Christian would WANT to observe Lent. A common statement was: "I am not under the law, but covered by grace," as if that explained why they thought Lent was a terrible, pagan practice.
Others said that the attitude and practices of Lent should be our attitude and practices all year long. And while I agree that we should strive to be better in our Christian walk all year, I don't think we need to do it with as solemn an attitude as is typically associated with Lent. And besides, we are human and are easily drawn to worldly things. As Lent turns to Easter and Easter turns to the carefree days of summer and then cycles back to the joy-filled season of the fall and winter holidays, we forget our promises we made in Lent.
And so we need to hear that ancient call, "Return to the Lord, your God!" We need to be reminded to get back to a regular practice of prayer, study and worship. We need to be reminded to show our love for others in practical ways. And we need to even be reminded that we are "butt dust."
And we start with this day, Ash Wednesday. Let this day be a day for fewer words all day long. Let it be a day for some stillness, for paying quiet attention to mystery, to beauty, to the sacred.
Father,
Turn our hearts to you. Amen
Joys: pancakes and fun fellowship; Lent; my sister Lisa on her birthday
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:13 NIV)
A woman brought her 4-year-old grandson to his first Ash Wednesday service. They went to the the altar to have the ashes placed on there foreheads and the little boy listened as to person after person the pastor said, "You are but dust and to dust you shall return." On their way back to their seats the little boy loudly asked, "Nanna, what is 'butt dust?'"
I don't think the little guy is alone in misunderstanding Ash Wednesday or Lent in general. Recently I've read several discussions about Lent on Nondenominational Christian websites. Some people even seem angry that any Christian would WANT to observe Lent. A common statement was: "I am not under the law, but covered by grace," as if that explained why they thought Lent was a terrible, pagan practice.
Others said that the attitude and practices of Lent should be our attitude and practices all year long. And while I agree that we should strive to be better in our Christian walk all year, I don't think we need to do it with as solemn an attitude as is typically associated with Lent. And besides, we are human and are easily drawn to worldly things. As Lent turns to Easter and Easter turns to the carefree days of summer and then cycles back to the joy-filled season of the fall and winter holidays, we forget our promises we made in Lent.
And so we need to hear that ancient call, "Return to the Lord, your God!" We need to be reminded to get back to a regular practice of prayer, study and worship. We need to be reminded to show our love for others in practical ways. And we need to even be reminded that we are "butt dust."
And we start with this day, Ash Wednesday. Let this day be a day for fewer words all day long. Let it be a day for some stillness, for paying quiet attention to mystery, to beauty, to the sacred.
Father,
Turn our hearts to you. Amen
Joys: pancakes and fun fellowship; Lent; my sister Lisa on her birthday
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Improve the World
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (Romans 7:15 NIV)
The writer E.B. White once commented, "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." I'm sure this is a struggle all of us have to one extent or another. Even Paul talks about the trouble this phenomena gives him when he says,"I don't do what I want, but I do what I hate."
Now most of us will not have holidays named after us for improving the world in any significant ways, and human nature will always be after us to please ourselves rather than others. But with each decision we make during the course of each day we have a choice of improving the world or simply enjoying the world.
It is the choice we make between serving a home-cooked meal at a homeless shelter or going out to eat...again. It is the choice between giving your quarters to Relay For Life or tossing them in your overflowing change jar. It is a choice between taking offense or letting it go... Holding a grudge or forgiving. It is the choice between wearing a scowl all day or smiling at each person you encounter.
Improving the world doesn't always mean solving world hunger or balancing the national budget. If everyone always made the decision to improve the world in the these smaller ways, the bigger problems would practically take care of themselves.
Lent begins tomorrow. If you haven't signed up for lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com, do it now. There will be many opportunities to help you make those smaller decisions to improve the world. And the wonderful paradox God offers is that when we decide to improve the world rather than enjoy the world, we actually enjoy the world a whole lot more than we would have.
Father,
May we turn our hearts to you throughout this Lenten season and beyond. Guide us in every choice we make today. Amen.
Joys: Cecelia's excitement at seeing our strawberry plant beginning to sprout; pancake supper tonight; productive day at work yesterday
The writer E.B. White once commented, "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." I'm sure this is a struggle all of us have to one extent or another. Even Paul talks about the trouble this phenomena gives him when he says,"I don't do what I want, but I do what I hate."
Now most of us will not have holidays named after us for improving the world in any significant ways, and human nature will always be after us to please ourselves rather than others. But with each decision we make during the course of each day we have a choice of improving the world or simply enjoying the world.
It is the choice we make between serving a home-cooked meal at a homeless shelter or going out to eat...again. It is the choice between giving your quarters to Relay For Life or tossing them in your overflowing change jar. It is a choice between taking offense or letting it go... Holding a grudge or forgiving. It is the choice between wearing a scowl all day or smiling at each person you encounter.
Improving the world doesn't always mean solving world hunger or balancing the national budget. If everyone always made the decision to improve the world in the these smaller ways, the bigger problems would practically take care of themselves.
Lent begins tomorrow. If you haven't signed up for lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com, do it now. There will be many opportunities to help you make those smaller decisions to improve the world. And the wonderful paradox God offers is that when we decide to improve the world rather than enjoy the world, we actually enjoy the world a whole lot more than we would have.
Father,
May we turn our hearts to you throughout this Lenten season and beyond. Guide us in every choice we make today. Amen.
Joys: Cecelia's excitement at seeing our strawberry plant beginning to sprout; pancake supper tonight; productive day at work yesterday
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Extra Mile
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:41 NIV)
Last night I had the privilege to serve at our local homeless shelter. There are a lot of wonderful people who give up a night at home with family once every month or two to stay overnight at the shelter. I tried this once, but I am not a night person and I find it very difficult to stay awak beyond 11:00. But I can still serve by helping to supply the evening meal. It really was a joy to see that everyone who supplied food last night donated real home cooking. This was more than food... It symbolized time, effort and love.
We need to be aware of our charity. We should not only give from our leftovers... The things we won't miss. We should give from the heart. Have you ever, like me, been guilty of cleaning out your pantry for a food drive? You know... All those things that seemed like a good idea at the time you bought them, like cream of shrimp soup... Really... Who is going to eat that?
What about clothing for the family that lost everything in a fire? Do you go to the back of the closet for stuff you don't wear because it is out of style? Why not give up one outfit that someone could proudly wear to work or school instead of a closet full of stuff no one wants?
When we give, God wants us to give with love... From our hearts. It is not a sacrifice to give what we no longer want. And we only feel the joy of giving when we give up something we enjoy.
At the next food drive, go to the store and pick up some stuff that you would use yourself. Put a little love and a little thought into your giving... It's almost addictive!
Father,
You have given to us from the depths of your love for us. Help us love even the "least of these" with that kind of love. Let us give from our best, rather than from our cast-offs. Amen.U
Joys: being asked to serve and giving a little more than was necessary; little children who are happy in whatever circumstances they find themselves; Friday
***I want to remind you to sign up for the Lenten Daily Challenge... Challenges begin in only 5 more days. Go to lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com and submit your email address to have a new challenge sent to you each day.
Last night I had the privilege to serve at our local homeless shelter. There are a lot of wonderful people who give up a night at home with family once every month or two to stay overnight at the shelter. I tried this once, but I am not a night person and I find it very difficult to stay awak beyond 11:00. But I can still serve by helping to supply the evening meal. It really was a joy to see that everyone who supplied food last night donated real home cooking. This was more than food... It symbolized time, effort and love.
We need to be aware of our charity. We should not only give from our leftovers... The things we won't miss. We should give from the heart. Have you ever, like me, been guilty of cleaning out your pantry for a food drive? You know... All those things that seemed like a good idea at the time you bought them, like cream of shrimp soup... Really... Who is going to eat that?
What about clothing for the family that lost everything in a fire? Do you go to the back of the closet for stuff you don't wear because it is out of style? Why not give up one outfit that someone could proudly wear to work or school instead of a closet full of stuff no one wants?
When we give, God wants us to give with love... From our hearts. It is not a sacrifice to give what we no longer want. And we only feel the joy of giving when we give up something we enjoy.
At the next food drive, go to the store and pick up some stuff that you would use yourself. Put a little love and a little thought into your giving... It's almost addictive!
Father,
You have given to us from the depths of your love for us. Help us love even the "least of these" with that kind of love. Let us give from our best, rather than from our cast-offs. Amen.U
Joys: being asked to serve and giving a little more than was necessary; little children who are happy in whatever circumstances they find themselves; Friday
***I want to remind you to sign up for the Lenten Daily Challenge... Challenges begin in only 5 more days. Go to lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com and submit your email address to have a new challenge sent to you each day.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Shine In Our Hearts
Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (Mark 9:5 NIV)
I once heard a disillusioned Christian remark "I wish I could just start a church with only people who truly love an want to serve Jesus." It does sound great, doesn't it? No church politics, no petty bickering, no personality clashes... Just love, love, love.
It sure would be easy to love those who just want to love. It would be so easy to serve those who come with humble hearts asking for what they need. It would be so easy with no rules to follow and everybody just got along. Ahh, yes... The mountaintop. But that is not where Jesus calls us to serve. He calls us to a real world full of real people. And where there are real people we will find politics, bickering and selfishness. We will have to serve people who think they are entitled to whatever we have to give. We will find dishonesty, greed and bitterness among those we are called to help. And we will find the same even among those we serve alongside.
Jesus never said that we would get to serve ON the mountaintop. No, he gives us occasional glimpses of his glory to keep us going, but the work is in the valley. We are continually challenged to love the unlovable, to be kind to those who treat us unkindly and to serve those who demand whatever we have to give. We are sometimes rewarded with a sincere "thank you," or a hug or tears of gratitude...and that helps.
But there is also an inner joy to serving even when we are unappreciated. Christ transfigures within us and we feel that radiant glow that warms and encourages us. Though we can't serve on the mountaintop, if we have been there, we always keep a part of it with us.
Lord Jesus,
Keep shining in our hearts even as we do your work in the darkness. Amen.
Joys: yesterday's bright sunshine; tea with Chelsea; a tiny green sprout popping up in Cecelia's and my strawberry planter... She will be so excited!
I once heard a disillusioned Christian remark "I wish I could just start a church with only people who truly love an want to serve Jesus." It does sound great, doesn't it? No church politics, no petty bickering, no personality clashes... Just love, love, love.
It sure would be easy to love those who just want to love. It would be so easy to serve those who come with humble hearts asking for what they need. It would be so easy with no rules to follow and everybody just got along. Ahh, yes... The mountaintop. But that is not where Jesus calls us to serve. He calls us to a real world full of real people. And where there are real people we will find politics, bickering and selfishness. We will have to serve people who think they are entitled to whatever we have to give. We will find dishonesty, greed and bitterness among those we are called to help. And we will find the same even among those we serve alongside.
Jesus never said that we would get to serve ON the mountaintop. No, he gives us occasional glimpses of his glory to keep us going, but the work is in the valley. We are continually challenged to love the unlovable, to be kind to those who treat us unkindly and to serve those who demand whatever we have to give. We are sometimes rewarded with a sincere "thank you," or a hug or tears of gratitude...and that helps.
But there is also an inner joy to serving even when we are unappreciated. Christ transfigures within us and we feel that radiant glow that warms and encourages us. Though we can't serve on the mountaintop, if we have been there, we always keep a part of it with us.
Lord Jesus,
Keep shining in our hearts even as we do your work in the darkness. Amen.
Joys: yesterday's bright sunshine; tea with Chelsea; a tiny green sprout popping up in Cecelia's and my strawberry planter... She will be so excited!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Subtext of Life
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4 NRSV)
I love to read. My favorite genre is literary fiction or just a good story written by a really good and experienced author will satisfy too. What I enjoy about these authors is that they don't write just a surface story; there is always another (usually more important)point that the author hopes to get across. You won't find it in the words of the book... You don't read it... You "feel" it. This is called the "subtext." Often you can't even explain the subtext to another person; it is just an inner knowledge that you take away from the book. People who read books solely for the outer story don't usually find the subtext, but even those who don't are often affected by it anyway.
Spirituality is the subtext of life. You can't see it. It's very difficult to explain. But if you know enough to look for it, you will feel it. And when you feel it, you find it absolutely everywhere!
Our atheist and agnostic brothers and sisters are those who haven't found life's subtext. Their attention is focused on all those things of this world... Things that they can see and touch and taste and hear. In their minds, anything else does not exist.
Very few atheists and agnostics are won by words. They must find the subtext and feel it for themselves. Our job of evangelism will be more successful if we can find ways to help others feel the spiritual thrum of life that lies just under the material world.
Father,
Open the eyes of the hearts of those blind to the spiritual side of life so that they can see this incredible, beautiful subtext that goes on just beyond the reach of our physical senses. Amen.
Joys: an awesome day with Cecelia; a few morning snowflakes yesterday... Just enough to delight; life's subtext
I love to read. My favorite genre is literary fiction or just a good story written by a really good and experienced author will satisfy too. What I enjoy about these authors is that they don't write just a surface story; there is always another (usually more important)point that the author hopes to get across. You won't find it in the words of the book... You don't read it... You "feel" it. This is called the "subtext." Often you can't even explain the subtext to another person; it is just an inner knowledge that you take away from the book. People who read books solely for the outer story don't usually find the subtext, but even those who don't are often affected by it anyway.
Spirituality is the subtext of life. You can't see it. It's very difficult to explain. But if you know enough to look for it, you will feel it. And when you feel it, you find it absolutely everywhere!
Our atheist and agnostic brothers and sisters are those who haven't found life's subtext. Their attention is focused on all those things of this world... Things that they can see and touch and taste and hear. In their minds, anything else does not exist.
Very few atheists and agnostics are won by words. They must find the subtext and feel it for themselves. Our job of evangelism will be more successful if we can find ways to help others feel the spiritual thrum of life that lies just under the material world.
Father,
Open the eyes of the hearts of those blind to the spiritual side of life so that they can see this incredible, beautiful subtext that goes on just beyond the reach of our physical senses. Amen.
Joys: an awesome day with Cecelia; a few morning snowflakes yesterday... Just enough to delight; life's subtext
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)
How often do we hear this passage at weddings? Hopefully the kind of love we share with our spouse can easily relate to these verses, but these beautiful words were not intended to describe only romantic love. No, these words are meant to tell us about Agape love... The kind of love that God has for us... Unconditional, never-failing love. A love we can never fully practice in our human imperfection.
Re-read the scripture above, but put the name "Jesus" in place of the word "love." it works pretty well, doesn't it? Jesus certainly is all of those things. Jesus IS agape love. He IS God's love for us. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love.
Now re-read the the passage one more time, but put your own name in place of the word "love." It doesn't quite work this time, does it? We fall so short! This short passage makes a great examination of conscience when we substitute our own name.
Take this Valentines Day to meditate a little on REAL love...God's love. Try to live this day as if our name made a good substitute for love in The Love Chapter.
Father,
Thank for this day each year that we set aside for love. Help us to focus at least as much on your love and the love we ought to give to all rather than only romantic love. Amen.
Joys: spending the day with Cecelia today... Maybe we will make some v-day cupcakes!; one day closer to Richard's military retirement; A warm home.
How often do we hear this passage at weddings? Hopefully the kind of love we share with our spouse can easily relate to these verses, but these beautiful words were not intended to describe only romantic love. No, these words are meant to tell us about Agape love... The kind of love that God has for us... Unconditional, never-failing love. A love we can never fully practice in our human imperfection.
Re-read the scripture above, but put the name "Jesus" in place of the word "love." it works pretty well, doesn't it? Jesus certainly is all of those things. Jesus IS agape love. He IS God's love for us. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love.
Now re-read the the passage one more time, but put your own name in place of the word "love." It doesn't quite work this time, does it? We fall so short! This short passage makes a great examination of conscience when we substitute our own name.
Take this Valentines Day to meditate a little on REAL love...God's love. Try to live this day as if our name made a good substitute for love in The Love Chapter.
Father,
Thank for this day each year that we set aside for love. Help us to focus at least as much on your love and the love we ought to give to all rather than only romantic love. Amen.
Joys: spending the day with Cecelia today... Maybe we will make some v-day cupcakes!; one day closer to Richard's military retirement; A warm home.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Yes, Yes and Yes Again
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:6 NIV)
How often do we walk through life thinking that God has only granted us a small percentage of what we have asked for in prayer? We believe that God always answers prayer, but we also believe that his most prevelant answer to our prayers is, "no," "no," and "no" again. We ask for healing for a loved one... But they die. We ask for a job after weeks or months of unemployment, yet we are still looking. We ask for healing in a relationship, but that person refuses to apologize for the hurt they have caused us. Why does God keep saying "no?"
Like the beggar in the scripture above, perhaps the words we use in our prayers don't truly reflect our deepest desire in that circumstance. Perhaps we don't even realize what it is we truly want. The beggar was lame from birth. He didn't even consider that what he really wanted was physical healing. So he asked for a Bandaid... Money to provide for his physical needs for the day.
Only the Holy Spirit knows what we are really asking for when we pray, and it is He who God listens to as He translates our poorly spoken words into the needs that come from the deepest parts of our soul. It is to these needs that God keeps answering "yes," "yes," and "yes" again! But more often than not we don't recognize the "yes" and think our prayer answer was a "no." In not recognizing the gift of a "yes" we don't accept it and therefore we ourselves speak the "no" to the prayer to which God said "yes."
When we ask for healing for a loved one who dies, we miss that the Holy Spirit asked for wholeness for them. Our ego grieves and miss the fact that our loved one has been granted ultimate healing, even though we think God said "no."
Perhaps in asking for a job, the Holy Spirit has asked God to send opportunities to use our gifts and talents to do God's work. And the opportunities come but we miss them because maybe they don't pay enough or even at all. We think our prayer has gone unanswered, but if we had trusted God who knows that we have to earn a living, we may have found that the connections for paid employment may have come through using our gifts for another purpose.
Perhaps when we ask God to "change someone's heart" so our relationship can heal, the Holy Spirit, in His Wisdom, asks God to work on our own heart. This has to be one of the hardest "yes"-es to hear. And so we don't accept the gift of answered prayer and the relationship remains broken and we think God has said "no" again.
Our prayers are too quick and our expectations too low. If we would trust the Holy Spirit to translate our poor words into the deepest desires of our heart and to open our eyes to God's work in our lives, how happy we would be! We would see God's "yes"-es imprinted all over our lives!
Holy Spirit,
Continue to speak up for us in our poor attempts to pray. Open our eyes to God's "yes." Amen.
Joys: laughter... The kind that gives yor tummy muscles a really good workout; new friends; strengthening bonds with present friends
How often do we walk through life thinking that God has only granted us a small percentage of what we have asked for in prayer? We believe that God always answers prayer, but we also believe that his most prevelant answer to our prayers is, "no," "no," and "no" again. We ask for healing for a loved one... But they die. We ask for a job after weeks or months of unemployment, yet we are still looking. We ask for healing in a relationship, but that person refuses to apologize for the hurt they have caused us. Why does God keep saying "no?"
Like the beggar in the scripture above, perhaps the words we use in our prayers don't truly reflect our deepest desire in that circumstance. Perhaps we don't even realize what it is we truly want. The beggar was lame from birth. He didn't even consider that what he really wanted was physical healing. So he asked for a Bandaid... Money to provide for his physical needs for the day.
Only the Holy Spirit knows what we are really asking for when we pray, and it is He who God listens to as He translates our poorly spoken words into the needs that come from the deepest parts of our soul. It is to these needs that God keeps answering "yes," "yes," and "yes" again! But more often than not we don't recognize the "yes" and think our prayer answer was a "no." In not recognizing the gift of a "yes" we don't accept it and therefore we ourselves speak the "no" to the prayer to which God said "yes."
When we ask for healing for a loved one who dies, we miss that the Holy Spirit asked for wholeness for them. Our ego grieves and miss the fact that our loved one has been granted ultimate healing, even though we think God said "no."
Perhaps in asking for a job, the Holy Spirit has asked God to send opportunities to use our gifts and talents to do God's work. And the opportunities come but we miss them because maybe they don't pay enough or even at all. We think our prayer has gone unanswered, but if we had trusted God who knows that we have to earn a living, we may have found that the connections for paid employment may have come through using our gifts for another purpose.
Perhaps when we ask God to "change someone's heart" so our relationship can heal, the Holy Spirit, in His Wisdom, asks God to work on our own heart. This has to be one of the hardest "yes"-es to hear. And so we don't accept the gift of answered prayer and the relationship remains broken and we think God has said "no" again.
Our prayers are too quick and our expectations too low. If we would trust the Holy Spirit to translate our poor words into the deepest desires of our heart and to open our eyes to God's work in our lives, how happy we would be! We would see God's "yes"-es imprinted all over our lives!
Holy Spirit,
Continue to speak up for us in our poor attempts to pray. Open our eyes to God's "yes." Amen.
Joys: laughter... The kind that gives yor tummy muscles a really good workout; new friends; strengthening bonds with present friends
Friday, February 10, 2012
Challenge For Lent
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV)
It's ready! For the last several weeks I've been working on a project for Lent and I am really excited about it.
For several months, I have belonged to an online group called MeYouHealth Daily Challenge. Each day they email you a small action to do that is designed to help improve your overall well-being. One day they will give you a stretching exercise; another day they will tell you to replace your normal snack with a piece of fruit... The idea is that we can improve our health and well-being by making small changes to our lives.
It made me think that if this can work for our physical and mental health, wouldn't it also work for our spiritual health? So I have designed the Lenten Daily Challenge. My church will be involved and Behlehem in Hickory will be signing up too. But it is open to anyone who would like to participate. If you go to a different church, invite them too! Invite you family, your friends and your neighbors. The challenges are pretty simple... Some as easy as reading and reflecting on a specific bible verse. The most complicated is probably setting up a home altar, although that can be as easy or as complicated as the individual wants to make it.
To sign up (it's ready for signing up now, though the challenges won't start coming until February 22), go to Lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com. On the left side of the page is a place to submit your email address. Send it and then follow the prompts. You will get an email asking you to verify your email address so don't forget to do that! There is another place on the left side of the home page to join. I would love to see how many people are doing this, so please do join!
Each challenge encourages you to leave a comment about how you did on the challenge. I hope to see lots of comments each day as we encourage one another on our Lenten journey.
Father,
Prepare our hearts for the Lenten season coming up. Bless us as we return to you. Amen.
Joys: working on a fun project; a weekend at the beach; Kevin and Chelsea's first ultrasound of their baby today
It's ready! For the last several weeks I've been working on a project for Lent and I am really excited about it.
For several months, I have belonged to an online group called MeYouHealth Daily Challenge. Each day they email you a small action to do that is designed to help improve your overall well-being. One day they will give you a stretching exercise; another day they will tell you to replace your normal snack with a piece of fruit... The idea is that we can improve our health and well-being by making small changes to our lives.
It made me think that if this can work for our physical and mental health, wouldn't it also work for our spiritual health? So I have designed the Lenten Daily Challenge. My church will be involved and Behlehem in Hickory will be signing up too. But it is open to anyone who would like to participate. If you go to a different church, invite them too! Invite you family, your friends and your neighbors. The challenges are pretty simple... Some as easy as reading and reflecting on a specific bible verse. The most complicated is probably setting up a home altar, although that can be as easy or as complicated as the individual wants to make it.
To sign up (it's ready for signing up now, though the challenges won't start coming until February 22), go to Lentendailychallenge.blogspot.com. On the left side of the page is a place to submit your email address. Send it and then follow the prompts. You will get an email asking you to verify your email address so don't forget to do that! There is another place on the left side of the home page to join. I would love to see how many people are doing this, so please do join!
Each challenge encourages you to leave a comment about how you did on the challenge. I hope to see lots of comments each day as we encourage one another on our Lenten journey.
Father,
Prepare our hearts for the Lenten season coming up. Bless us as we return to you. Amen.
Joys: working on a fun project; a weekend at the beach; Kevin and Chelsea's first ultrasound of their baby today
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I Am Willing
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" (Mark 1:40, 41 NIV)
It is interesting that in the passage above that it says, "Jesus was indignant." Why was Jesus indignant? I think it was because the man said, "IF you are willing..." OF COURSE Jesus is willing. Why wouldn't he heal a man of leprosy? Jesus had the power, the man had the need and the request had been made. What else is needed?
But can you blame the man for asking? We all have the power to heal at some level... Only we are often not willing. We have the power to keep children from dying from Malaria by providing mosquito netting. We have the power to provide clean drinking water to those who have to walk miles for disease-infected water. We have the power to help feed the hungry and help house the homeless. But so often we are not willing.
We can't individually buy EVERY child mosquito netting or dig EVERY village a well or feed or house the ENTIRE world, but when the request is made to one of us on behalf of one person or one small share of a larger project, shouldn't our answer always be, "I am willing?"
Lord Jesus,
Give us hearts that are always willing so that the world could be healed by you through us. You are willing, but we must also be willing. Amen.
Joys: a really lazy day at home yesterday; looking forward to a weekend away; looking through family photos
It is interesting that in the passage above that it says, "Jesus was indignant." Why was Jesus indignant? I think it was because the man said, "IF you are willing..." OF COURSE Jesus is willing. Why wouldn't he heal a man of leprosy? Jesus had the power, the man had the need and the request had been made. What else is needed?
But can you blame the man for asking? We all have the power to heal at some level... Only we are often not willing. We have the power to keep children from dying from Malaria by providing mosquito netting. We have the power to provide clean drinking water to those who have to walk miles for disease-infected water. We have the power to help feed the hungry and help house the homeless. But so often we are not willing.
We can't individually buy EVERY child mosquito netting or dig EVERY village a well or feed or house the ENTIRE world, but when the request is made to one of us on behalf of one person or one small share of a larger project, shouldn't our answer always be, "I am willing?"
Lord Jesus,
Give us hearts that are always willing so that the world could be healed by you through us. You are willing, but we must also be willing. Amen.
Joys: a really lazy day at home yesterday; looking forward to a weekend away; looking through family photos
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A New Twist
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)
Sometimes we hear a Bible verse so many times in the same way that it loses its meaning for us. That's when I like to pull out other translations and versions. Read the translation above from NIV, then read this from The Message:
...and this from Good News:
In this case, I especially like the way the Good News Bible puts it. We really are happiest when we are doing what God requires. And what DOES God require? The book of Micah answers that mquite plainly. Here it is from NIV:
...and from The Message:
...and The Good News:
In this case, I really like how The Message tells us not to take ourselves too seriously.
Looking at several different Bible translations and versions can make all the difference in understanding scripture. And it is so easy to do these days with every version available on the Internet. On Biblegatway.com, you can even open several different versions side by side.
If your Bible reading feels stale and tiring, shake it up by reading a different translation. Don't limit yourself. You may find a whole new meaning from verses or even whole bible stories.
Father,
Thank you for the broad range of ways that the scriptures are brought to us. Help us to explore them as often and as widely as possible. Amen.
Joys: planning a celebration for Kevin's graduation; planning a vacation; Morning birdsong outside my window... Sounds like Spring!
for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)
Sometimes we hear a Bible verse so many times in the same way that it loses its meaning for us. That's when I like to pull out other translations and versions. Read the translation above from NIV, then read this from The Message:
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. (Matthew 5:6 MSG)
...and this from Good News:
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully! (Matthew 5:6 GNT)
In this case, I especially like the way the Good News Bible puts it. We really are happiest when we are doing what God requires. And what DOES God require? The book of Micah answers that mquite plainly. Here it is from NIV:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)
...and from The Message:
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously-take God seriously. (Micah 6:8 MSG)
...and The Good News:
No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. (Micah 6:8 GNT)
In this case, I really like how The Message tells us not to take ourselves too seriously.
Looking at several different Bible translations and versions can make all the difference in understanding scripture. And it is so easy to do these days with every version available on the Internet. On Biblegatway.com, you can even open several different versions side by side.
If your Bible reading feels stale and tiring, shake it up by reading a different translation. Don't limit yourself. You may find a whole new meaning from verses or even whole bible stories.
Father,
Thank you for the broad range of ways that the scriptures are brought to us. Help us to explore them as often and as widely as possible. Amen.
Joys: planning a celebration for Kevin's graduation; planning a vacation; Morning birdsong outside my window... Sounds like Spring!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Examing Our Churches
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." (Acts 15:36 NIV)
In my small group I meet with on Fridays, when we last met, we discussed Paul. Paul is what I'd call an extreme personality. If he's in, you can bet he's all in. When he was persecuting Christians, he did it with his whole heart. When he became a Christian, it became his whole life.
Paul's love for Christ is evident in every word of his letters, but I'm not sure I'd want him as a pastor... He's just too intense! But I guess he had to be with the job he had in the time in history he had it and the opposition he faced. God needed an extreme personality for this particular job, so he got Paul.
Paul didn't mess around with his churches. If they weren't doing things the right way or if they were missing the point, Paul wouldn't mince words to spare their feelings. He didn't just set up a church and move on... He kept tabs on each of them... Not an easy task without modern communication.
I wonder what Paul would have to say about our churches today. I'm not really talking about the theological differences regarding baptism, women preaching, etc. I'm talking more about how we treat one another within our churches and how we treat those outside the church... Those we are supposed to be inviting in.
Would Paul's letters praise us for the love and charity we demonstrate? Or would he chastise us for our petty bickering... For building bigger and better church building for our own use instead of feeding the hungry and housing the homeless? For turning away those who seek Jesus because they aren't like us?
It would be a little daunting to have Paul come in to examine the heart and spirit of love and grace of each of our churches. But it may be exactly what we need.
Father,
Show us where we fall from your purposes and give us hearts to be honest with ourselves. Help us to be about your work in our churches and in our individual lives. Amen.
Joys: a productive day at work yesterday;a little time with Cecelia; quiet mornings
In my small group I meet with on Fridays, when we last met, we discussed Paul. Paul is what I'd call an extreme personality. If he's in, you can bet he's all in. When he was persecuting Christians, he did it with his whole heart. When he became a Christian, it became his whole life.
Paul's love for Christ is evident in every word of his letters, but I'm not sure I'd want him as a pastor... He's just too intense! But I guess he had to be with the job he had in the time in history he had it and the opposition he faced. God needed an extreme personality for this particular job, so he got Paul.
Paul didn't mess around with his churches. If they weren't doing things the right way or if they were missing the point, Paul wouldn't mince words to spare their feelings. He didn't just set up a church and move on... He kept tabs on each of them... Not an easy task without modern communication.
I wonder what Paul would have to say about our churches today. I'm not really talking about the theological differences regarding baptism, women preaching, etc. I'm talking more about how we treat one another within our churches and how we treat those outside the church... Those we are supposed to be inviting in.
Would Paul's letters praise us for the love and charity we demonstrate? Or would he chastise us for our petty bickering... For building bigger and better church building for our own use instead of feeding the hungry and housing the homeless? For turning away those who seek Jesus because they aren't like us?
It would be a little daunting to have Paul come in to examine the heart and spirit of love and grace of each of our churches. But it may be exactly what we need.
Father,
Show us where we fall from your purposes and give us hearts to be honest with ourselves. Help us to be about your work in our churches and in our individual lives. Amen.
Joys: a productive day at work yesterday;a little time with Cecelia; quiet mornings
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Even Newer Testament
Have you ever seen these word while reading your Bible?....
Those words are actually in there dozens of times. Sometimes it precedes the questioned verses; sometimes these words are footnoted; sometimes the verses themselves are questionable enough as to be just footnotes.
It can be really confusing when we want to believe that the Bible is the completely inspired Word of God. There are many who believe these verses should be removed. But who are we to say what has been inspired by God?
First of all, I don't believe "inspired" means "literal." Secondly, I think a lot of things can happen between the Source of inspiration and the hand of a human being. We just can't help but put our own spin on things.
That being said, I believe these additions are also inspired by God. I believe they were added later by people who had added insight to the nature of God... Who had been touched by his love and grace.
I believe each one of us could add a little more to the story too. I believe we still live in "biblical times" in that each of us has a unique relationship with God and a story that would serve to strengthen the faith of others... And isn't that the whole purpose of Bible stories?
I think it would be kind of cool to write an Even Newer Testament... The many stories of God's love and grace given to his people in the 21st century. What would your story be?
Father,
Your story continues. Help us use our own story of You to help strengthen the faith of others. Inspire us! Amen.
Joys: Watching the Super Bowl (probably the only team sporting event I ever watch); a nice, quiet weekend; music in the morning
[The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have the following verses...]
Those words are actually in there dozens of times. Sometimes it precedes the questioned verses; sometimes these words are footnoted; sometimes the verses themselves are questionable enough as to be just footnotes.
It can be really confusing when we want to believe that the Bible is the completely inspired Word of God. There are many who believe these verses should be removed. But who are we to say what has been inspired by God?
First of all, I don't believe "inspired" means "literal." Secondly, I think a lot of things can happen between the Source of inspiration and the hand of a human being. We just can't help but put our own spin on things.
That being said, I believe these additions are also inspired by God. I believe they were added later by people who had added insight to the nature of God... Who had been touched by his love and grace.
I believe each one of us could add a little more to the story too. I believe we still live in "biblical times" in that each of us has a unique relationship with God and a story that would serve to strengthen the faith of others... And isn't that the whole purpose of Bible stories?
I think it would be kind of cool to write an Even Newer Testament... The many stories of God's love and grace given to his people in the 21st century. What would your story be?
Father,
Your story continues. Help us use our own story of You to help strengthen the faith of others. Inspire us! Amen.
Joys: Watching the Super Bowl (probably the only team sporting event I ever watch); a nice, quiet weekend; music in the morning
Friday, February 3, 2012
Pressing On
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NIV)
What a beautiful day it was yesterday! February 2nd with sunshine and 70 degrees! Naturally, since I had the day off, I went to South Mountains for a hike.
It has been important to me to keep this activity something I love, so usually, I don't push myself too hard. Some days it is even more of a stroll than a hike as I stop several times to enjoy the scenery or take pictures. I have several favorite rest areas on the trail and usually take full advantage of them. But yesterday, the sun was warm, the air was clean and I was feeling energetic, so I decided to push myself a little harder by only taking a short break up at the waterfall.
It was kind of funny how every time I would reach one of my usual rest stops, my body just felt like it wanted to naturally stop. It was hard not to! But I pressed on past them. The 180 steps from the base of the waterfall to the top of the waterfall was the most challenging. There are 4 or 5 stone benches on that section of the trail and they are always so inviting. But I pressed on... Slowly... But steadily. I was very proud when I accomplished my goal and hope to improve my time next time.
So what about our spiritual health? Have we gotten used to the habits we currently have with no desire to improve? Lent is coming up. What a good time to push ourselves a little harder! Plan now to do a Bible study, or add more prayer time to your day. Decide to be kinder to people even when they are unkind to you.
Our spiritual lives always have plenty of room for improvement. Let's push ourselves a little harder this Lent. We will be so happy with ourselves when we reach our new goals.
Father,
Keep us from being too satisfied with our current spiritual health. Encourage us as we press on toward the goal. Amen.
Joys: unseasonably warm winter days; setting and reaching a goal; starting a good novel
What a beautiful day it was yesterday! February 2nd with sunshine and 70 degrees! Naturally, since I had the day off, I went to South Mountains for a hike.
It has been important to me to keep this activity something I love, so usually, I don't push myself too hard. Some days it is even more of a stroll than a hike as I stop several times to enjoy the scenery or take pictures. I have several favorite rest areas on the trail and usually take full advantage of them. But yesterday, the sun was warm, the air was clean and I was feeling energetic, so I decided to push myself a little harder by only taking a short break up at the waterfall.
It was kind of funny how every time I would reach one of my usual rest stops, my body just felt like it wanted to naturally stop. It was hard not to! But I pressed on past them. The 180 steps from the base of the waterfall to the top of the waterfall was the most challenging. There are 4 or 5 stone benches on that section of the trail and they are always so inviting. But I pressed on... Slowly... But steadily. I was very proud when I accomplished my goal and hope to improve my time next time.
So what about our spiritual health? Have we gotten used to the habits we currently have with no desire to improve? Lent is coming up. What a good time to push ourselves a little harder! Plan now to do a Bible study, or add more prayer time to your day. Decide to be kinder to people even when they are unkind to you.
Our spiritual lives always have plenty of room for improvement. Let's push ourselves a little harder this Lent. We will be so happy with ourselves when we reach our new goals.
Father,
Keep us from being too satisfied with our current spiritual health. Encourage us as we press on toward the goal. Amen.
Joys: unseasonably warm winter days; setting and reaching a goal; starting a good novel
Thursday, February 2, 2012
NO Eye Has Seen
However, as it is written:
"What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived"—
the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)
There are some popular books available about people who have been to heaven and have come back to tell about it. I've read a couple of them and have come away doubtful. At first the books really annoyed me because they were obviously written by folks who held literal interpretations of the Bible. They would write about heaven having literal roads paved with literal gold and literal mansions all standing behind a literal gate made of literal pearls. I had to wonder... Would these folks really lie about their experience in order to make money off a book?
I've since decided that their experiences were moments of grace give by God in a way they could understand and process. I have experienced such grace in difficult and confusing times too. And I think that is what Jesus' discriptions of heaven in the Bible are about as well.
I think what heaven is actually like is way too far above our comprehension to understand and so Jesus gives us these images of the world's most desirable things to let us know that heaven is beyond everything we could ever need or want.
I guess my annoyance about those books I mentioned wasn't so much that I disagreed with the authors, but that I felt a disappointment with their version of heaven. I WANT it to be more than that... Gold and pearls and mansions are a delight in this life, but I expect so much more from the next!
Father,
Thank you for the moments of grace you send to us to help us through grief and confusion. But keep our hearts open to the unimaginable glories you have in store for us. Amen.
Joys: I love that a whole nation can get together to celebrate something as silly as Groundhog Day.... Have a happy one!
"What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived"—
the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)
There are some popular books available about people who have been to heaven and have come back to tell about it. I've read a couple of them and have come away doubtful. At first the books really annoyed me because they were obviously written by folks who held literal interpretations of the Bible. They would write about heaven having literal roads paved with literal gold and literal mansions all standing behind a literal gate made of literal pearls. I had to wonder... Would these folks really lie about their experience in order to make money off a book?
I've since decided that their experiences were moments of grace give by God in a way they could understand and process. I have experienced such grace in difficult and confusing times too. And I think that is what Jesus' discriptions of heaven in the Bible are about as well.
I think what heaven is actually like is way too far above our comprehension to understand and so Jesus gives us these images of the world's most desirable things to let us know that heaven is beyond everything we could ever need or want.
I guess my annoyance about those books I mentioned wasn't so much that I disagreed with the authors, but that I felt a disappointment with their version of heaven. I WANT it to be more than that... Gold and pearls and mansions are a delight in this life, but I expect so much more from the next!
Father,
Thank you for the moments of grace you send to us to help us through grief and confusion. But keep our hearts open to the unimaginable glories you have in store for us. Amen.
Joys: I love that a whole nation can get together to celebrate something as silly as Groundhog Day.... Have a happy one!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Word For Today
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
I participate in an online activity called "Me You Health Daily Challenge." Each day they email participants a small, simple activity to do that is designed to improve physical or emotional health. After completing the challenge, we are encouraged to post a comment about how we did.
Yesterday's challenge was to write down one word describing how we would like our day to go. The idea is, if you write it down, the thought would stick with you and your day would have a higher probability of going as you had hoped.
The most interesting part of this challenge was reading other people's responses. Harried young parents posted words like "peacefully" or "smoothly." Those off to a full work day posted words like "productively" or "successfully."
My favorite response was from a woman who used the word "accordingly." She went on to add that she hoped that even if things don't go as planned, she can accept and respond to change with grace.
What if each morning we selected a word to describe how we hoped our Christian walk would go that day? What word do you need to focus on today? "Forgiveness?" "Humbleness?" "Genorosity?". If we write the word down on a sticky note and keep it in our mind all day long, perhaps we will live it instead of just wish it.
Father,
You have given us powerful minds that can help us make our ideals realities. Help us as we try to live the way you would have us live. Amen.
Joys: fun book club last night; a spring-like day... Perfect for hiking; quiet mornings
I participate in an online activity called "Me You Health Daily Challenge." Each day they email participants a small, simple activity to do that is designed to improve physical or emotional health. After completing the challenge, we are encouraged to post a comment about how we did.
Yesterday's challenge was to write down one word describing how we would like our day to go. The idea is, if you write it down, the thought would stick with you and your day would have a higher probability of going as you had hoped.
The most interesting part of this challenge was reading other people's responses. Harried young parents posted words like "peacefully" or "smoothly." Those off to a full work day posted words like "productively" or "successfully."
My favorite response was from a woman who used the word "accordingly." She went on to add that she hoped that even if things don't go as planned, she can accept and respond to change with grace.
What if each morning we selected a word to describe how we hoped our Christian walk would go that day? What word do you need to focus on today? "Forgiveness?" "Humbleness?" "Genorosity?". If we write the word down on a sticky note and keep it in our mind all day long, perhaps we will live it instead of just wish it.
Father,
You have given us powerful minds that can help us make our ideals realities. Help us as we try to live the way you would have us live. Amen.
Joys: fun book club last night; a spring-like day... Perfect for hiking; quiet mornings
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