I am not yet finished with the book I am currently reading. It's one of thoses "savor and process" books. Each chapter stands on its own with enough for me to chew for a day or two. But today is a special day and this book makes me think about special people in my world.
The book is "Out Live Your Live-You were made to make a difference" by Max Lucado. It is written in Max Lucado's typical style of short chapters, great descriptions of Bible passages and stories about everyday people all wrapped up in a ribbon of "You won't soon forget this." The focus is on the early church in the book of Acts. It parallels how one small movement and one small group of people rocked the culture and nations of the day. He makes the point that God is still pushing us toward that today and wouldn't it be something if we all took those steps out of our boxes. One person can't do everything but what if everyone did something? Our homes, our neighborhoods, our nation and our world could not be the same. Simple acts and gifts can have eternal consequences. If you liked Crazy Love by Frances Chan, read this book too.
I love this book because it reminds me of my mom and her birthday is today. Happy Birthday Mom!
I don't think my mom would describe herself as giving. But it is one of the first words I would use to describe her. She would not like this but I am going to brag on her a little bit. For the past 2 Christmases my Mom has given to international relief organizations in each of our names. This past Christmas, she gave us the privilege of choosing the gift we wanted to give. I gave milk to babies, one of my kids gave sports equipment to kids, one of my nephews gave a water buffalo or something. So cool. When I think about babies getting the nutrition they need from my gift my heart fills. I so desparately would like to be able to hold and care for babies I know who starve and fight illnesses that are easily treatable here. I can't do that but through those gifts and my prayers a difference is made in their lives. My mom gave those gifts on behalf of the 30 something people (I have lost count) in my family.
I remember one year my mom brought my dad to help a lady put up her Chirstmas tree. I don't remember why she needed help but my mom saw a need and knew she could help.
My mom was a nurse's assistant at our local hospital while I was growing up. She went above and beyond when caring for people. She didn't just care about meeting physical needs but could give a kind word. She took care of countless newborn babies and so many mom's remember her fondly in those first days of their child's life. They knew she wasn't just giving care to those babies, she was giving love.
My mom has made each of the grandkids a baby quilt when they are born and a big quilt when they graduate from high school. These are treasures to her grandkids and some (I won't mention names, still sleep with their baby blanket) So sweet.
My mom spends many mornings at weekly breakfasts with friends she has had for years. She walks along side them as they struggle through the pain of getting older, losing their spouses and the pain of having children who have cancer. She has had friends longer than I have been on this earth and she continues to have room in her life for new ones.
My mom gives her time for her church and for a local thrift store. She loves both and is willing to commit hours of her time each week to them.
My mom has given her love, time and resources to her family (especially this daughter) and never once has she made me feel like I owed her any thing. The enemy has tried to tell me I do and that she will expect something but I know that's not why she does it. She gives because she loves. She gives and loves because she has been given much and has been loved much. She has a deep compassion for those who are hurting and it is not in her to ignore hurting people.
My mom gives everyday of her life. She is a beautiful woman. While she may not recognize it, what she does goes on farther than she knows. I know someday, Jesus will show her how all she gave has touched lives and the impact she made. She is a light and a blessing to me, my family and so many other people. I am thankful that I was able (through a few tears) to sit down and try and honor who she is today. Please consider this the hug I can't give you today. I love you mom! You are blessed!
Thank you Jesus for my mom. Hold her close, show her today how valuable, loved and precious. Bless her with many more wonderful years. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
joy
PS My niece Rianne also shares this day with my mom as her birthday and I am proud to say she is as giving as my mom. She has a passion for the those who are often forgotten today-the elderly, the deaf, the orphans. She has a heart for Jesus and loves to share His love. She has a beautiful light in her spirit. I love you too Rianne!!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
What I'm reading-"Heaven is for Real"
I was recently able to procure a few books thanks to a wonderful Christmas giftcard from my sweet in-laws. I love books and usually find myself in the throws of 2 or 3 at once. Some books want to be savored and processed so I am a little slow with them. Some are "I need to finish this book!" kind of books. For me those are usually other people's stories. I love it when someone else shares their story. It is so sweet when someone is able to look back and see God's fingerprints all over an experience even if they may not have felt it so strongly at the time.
So it is my goal to try and read a book at week and share with you if I think it is with your valuable time and dollars. Unless you go to the library, then it's free. I don't do the library. I am forgetful and oftentimes the fines would have bought me the book. I do love going to the library, I love being surrounded by the possibilities in all those books but it's not for me.
All of the books I mention can (and should be) purchased from your local Christian book store. Full disclosure, my sister owns one and I have seen that by supporting the store in your purchases you are also supporting a very real, valuable ministry for the people who come in there seeking. Another disclosure, I don't have a small, Christian bookstore nearby, just a chain store, which is good, but I don't get my books there because....yet another disclosure, I have a nook and read my books on that. When we moved I had to get rid of books because of the volume I like to have around me and that was awful. This way my little books are in one compact little place. Ok, onward and upward. :)
The first book in the recently purchased "stack" is "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. What I really want to do it tell you EVERYTHING about this book but then you may decide you don't need to read it since you know everything. This book excited me, comforted me and didn't just leave me wanting heaven but it gave real comfort that God hears us, Jesus intercedes for us and the Holy Spirit does a work in us here on earth.
Here's the summary. The story is about Colton Burpo who was 4 years old when he was having emergency surgery and at some point in the surgery he left his body and went to heaven. Todd, his father, writes about what Colton shared over the course of a 1-2 years after the experience. A few of the things he described where how he saw his father praying during the surgery, meeting family members who had gone to heaven before him, seeing angels and having tiny angel wings. That may seem like things a preschooler may think about but theres more. There's things that a preschooler would likely not have learned in their Sunday School-how Jesus has a white horse (Revalation 9), "rainbows "around God's throne (Revalation 4), the Holy Spirit who "shoots power down" on us.
While all of those things are awesome, the point that this book drove home to me is how children are so, so, so special to Jesus. I believe children, because of their innocence, have the ability to see things that adults don't. I remember almost 17 or 18 years ago, a sweet friend of mine lost her precious baby girl to SIDS. My friend's son was 3-4 years old at the time. One day when they were together, the little guy told his mom he wanted to go see his sister. My friend thought he meant the cemetary and told him sure they could go there. But the little guy persisted and said "No, I want to go to her house. I saw her and her house, it's beautiful." How many preschoolers know John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."?
It is amazing to me that God used the words and experience of a 4 year old boy to make the concept of Heaven a reality, again in my and so many other's minds. So sweet, so beautiful. I highly recommend this book. You will want to tell someone else about it too.
blessings,
joy
So it is my goal to try and read a book at week and share with you if I think it is with your valuable time and dollars. Unless you go to the library, then it's free. I don't do the library. I am forgetful and oftentimes the fines would have bought me the book. I do love going to the library, I love being surrounded by the possibilities in all those books but it's not for me.
All of the books I mention can (and should be) purchased from your local Christian book store. Full disclosure, my sister owns one and I have seen that by supporting the store in your purchases you are also supporting a very real, valuable ministry for the people who come in there seeking. Another disclosure, I don't have a small, Christian bookstore nearby, just a chain store, which is good, but I don't get my books there because....yet another disclosure, I have a nook and read my books on that. When we moved I had to get rid of books because of the volume I like to have around me and that was awful. This way my little books are in one compact little place. Ok, onward and upward. :)
The first book in the recently purchased "stack" is "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. What I really want to do it tell you EVERYTHING about this book but then you may decide you don't need to read it since you know everything. This book excited me, comforted me and didn't just leave me wanting heaven but it gave real comfort that God hears us, Jesus intercedes for us and the Holy Spirit does a work in us here on earth.
Here's the summary. The story is about Colton Burpo who was 4 years old when he was having emergency surgery and at some point in the surgery he left his body and went to heaven. Todd, his father, writes about what Colton shared over the course of a 1-2 years after the experience. A few of the things he described where how he saw his father praying during the surgery, meeting family members who had gone to heaven before him, seeing angels and having tiny angel wings. That may seem like things a preschooler may think about but theres more. There's things that a preschooler would likely not have learned in their Sunday School-how Jesus has a white horse (Revalation 9), "rainbows "around God's throne (Revalation 4), the Holy Spirit who "shoots power down" on us.
While all of those things are awesome, the point that this book drove home to me is how children are so, so, so special to Jesus. I believe children, because of their innocence, have the ability to see things that adults don't. I remember almost 17 or 18 years ago, a sweet friend of mine lost her precious baby girl to SIDS. My friend's son was 3-4 years old at the time. One day when they were together, the little guy told his mom he wanted to go see his sister. My friend thought he meant the cemetary and told him sure they could go there. But the little guy persisted and said "No, I want to go to her house. I saw her and her house, it's beautiful." How many preschoolers know John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."?
It is amazing to me that God used the words and experience of a 4 year old boy to make the concept of Heaven a reality, again in my and so many other's minds. So sweet, so beautiful. I highly recommend this book. You will want to tell someone else about it too.
blessings,
joy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Years Resolutions to My Kids
Wow, a new year. I was still trying to get used to 2010 and all that it has held for me and my family. I did one of those "status collages" on facebook and I was pretty happy with what it showed. In the middle was God and Proverbs on the side (yay for wisdom!). All of my kids and husband's names were scattered through out. I was proud of that because part of what made this move so important was the recognition that what I said I valued and my actions were out of sync.
As part of a leadership class last year I had to write out my life story. I put it off as I felt like it would be painful to put to paper the parts of my life I was not particularly proud of. But the writing also helped me go back and remember those feelings of when my oldest was born and the very real, somehow forgotten feeling of "I was made to be a mom." As much as I struggle, as frustrated as I get, as big as my biggest failures in this category, I know that God made me for this in this time. He gave me these unique kids who need me as a mom and I need them too. So, in that, I decided to in my new years resolutions to do a little better as a mom. Knowing I will fall short, I still think it's important to make those resolutions. I also think it's important to tell others about it so here it goes:
New Years Resolutions to my Kids
1) I resolve to watch my words and how I say them. Scarcasm (and I meant to spell it that way) has to go. I resolve to replace them with encouragement or shut up until I can find it. If it gets heated, I resolve to talk to God before I talk to you. You may be suprised that sometimes I am so frustrated and angry I pray to be struck mute. But that doesn't happen so I will pray for an abundant measure of self control.
2) I resolve to see you as individuals and not just "the kids." I resolve to try and spend time alone with each of you in formal and informal ways. I recognize our time is limited and valuable. I resolve to not view these times with an agenda but to keep it open for what is important to you.
3) I resolve to remember that ultimately you are not mine but God's. I will keep this in the forefront of my mind when we argue, when I am disappointed in a choice you have made, when your pursuits are not necessarily what I would have chosen for you. I will remember He is doing a mighty work in you too and it is my job to not stand in the way of your victories.
4) I resolve to continue to love your Dad. Your dad is my hero, too. I will spend time with him with out feeling guilty because I am not with you. I will be there for you when you need me too. It is the best gift I can give you to have a happy marriage and happy dad.
5) I resolve to show you more this year how to give back to others. It may mean stepping out of our box. It may mean feeling a little wierd but it will be worth it. God has blessed us in amazing ways and now it's our turn to pay it forward. I know you guys have great ideas about how to do this and I know you see needs that I don't. Please share those with me.
6) Last but not the least, actually the most important. I resolve to take care of myself physically, spiritually and emotionally. More exercise, less caffeine. More Bible, less facebook. More retreating and refreshing, less going full bore every day. In doing this so I can better care for you. When I am more in the Word I am less fearful which equals trusting God which equals me yelling less because something feels out of control. I hope that makes sense.
I love you and my prayer is that even more this year that you see I love being your mom. I pray that anyone who knows me will know that my family is my biggest blessing. "I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:27) Help me to ALWAYS remember you are an answer to my prayers.
Love you guys,
mom
As part of a leadership class last year I had to write out my life story. I put it off as I felt like it would be painful to put to paper the parts of my life I was not particularly proud of. But the writing also helped me go back and remember those feelings of when my oldest was born and the very real, somehow forgotten feeling of "I was made to be a mom." As much as I struggle, as frustrated as I get, as big as my biggest failures in this category, I know that God made me for this in this time. He gave me these unique kids who need me as a mom and I need them too. So, in that, I decided to in my new years resolutions to do a little better as a mom. Knowing I will fall short, I still think it's important to make those resolutions. I also think it's important to tell others about it so here it goes:
New Years Resolutions to my Kids
1) I resolve to watch my words and how I say them. Scarcasm (and I meant to spell it that way) has to go. I resolve to replace them with encouragement or shut up until I can find it. If it gets heated, I resolve to talk to God before I talk to you. You may be suprised that sometimes I am so frustrated and angry I pray to be struck mute. But that doesn't happen so I will pray for an abundant measure of self control.
2) I resolve to see you as individuals and not just "the kids." I resolve to try and spend time alone with each of you in formal and informal ways. I recognize our time is limited and valuable. I resolve to not view these times with an agenda but to keep it open for what is important to you.
3) I resolve to remember that ultimately you are not mine but God's. I will keep this in the forefront of my mind when we argue, when I am disappointed in a choice you have made, when your pursuits are not necessarily what I would have chosen for you. I will remember He is doing a mighty work in you too and it is my job to not stand in the way of your victories.
4) I resolve to continue to love your Dad. Your dad is my hero, too. I will spend time with him with out feeling guilty because I am not with you. I will be there for you when you need me too. It is the best gift I can give you to have a happy marriage and happy dad.
5) I resolve to show you more this year how to give back to others. It may mean stepping out of our box. It may mean feeling a little wierd but it will be worth it. God has blessed us in amazing ways and now it's our turn to pay it forward. I know you guys have great ideas about how to do this and I know you see needs that I don't. Please share those with me.
6) Last but not the least, actually the most important. I resolve to take care of myself physically, spiritually and emotionally. More exercise, less caffeine. More Bible, less facebook. More retreating and refreshing, less going full bore every day. In doing this so I can better care for you. When I am more in the Word I am less fearful which equals trusting God which equals me yelling less because something feels out of control. I hope that makes sense.
I love you and my prayer is that even more this year that you see I love being your mom. I pray that anyone who knows me will know that my family is my biggest blessing. "I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:27) Help me to ALWAYS remember you are an answer to my prayers.
Love you guys,
mom
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Not forgotten...
The last post I did for those facing a difficult Christmas season. It was a helpful blog for me to sort through, yet in spite of it I still found myself in a funk and just sort of getting through it. I didn't want that but that's just how it was. In the middle of my pit I could not see exactly what was bringing me down.
If it was homesickness and the ache of hearing the sounds of "I'll be home for Christmsas..." I could deal with that. That seems "normal." No this is an area I would have formerly put in the "weak" or "lame" or "pathetic" category and it is Lonely. Much different than being "alone." I have gotten used to "alone" and adapted to it. Lonely is when you want to have a connection with someone so bad it almost hurts. My husband gets a little offended when I talk about this as he feels I am not alone unless I have him and the kids around. This is true and probably speaks to my need to be more content with the blessing of my family. But here's the deal, it's kind of hard to not ask myself, "We have been here 10 months and I don't know if anybody here would call us "friends." We have people we hang out with occasionally. People that we work with and like. But not sure who I would call in a crisis if I needed help. Am I a loser?
This came to a head on Christmas Eve as I muddled through Christmas Eve service longing for the familiar of our church in Iowa, asking myself when is this going to feel like home, when am I going to stop comparing and appreciate this? And then the ugly thought that all these other people have family and friends to go to and out I go with my family, alone. I didn't even have Christmas Eve dinner prepared. My sweet husband was thinking Chic Fil A would be open and I was hoping for Chinese. Neither one worked. After we opened presents I was so entirely drained that when the kids acted up a bit I called off the going to look at Christmas lights and hot cocoa-our family tradition.
Christmas Day was at Walt Disney World along with a million other people doing their own Christmas thing. It was actually a really good place to be that day.
I could not have verbalized any of this until 2 evenings this week we were blessed to spend them with some Iowa friends. The filing I received in my spirit was very sweet. One person noted the alll the hugs and she was right. If you come down here I will hug you to death. This time of year has me so starved for the familiar that I was chatting up the family in the Iowa sweatshirts on the tram at WDW like we were old friends-until the little girl threw up on my son and I's shoes. :)
God made us to be in relationship. I know that is true. But as I search my Bible, what keeps coming up is the call to turn back to God to meet all my needs. I need to know that I am not forgotten even when the enemy wants me to believe I am. This has become a spiritual battle. And my weapon is the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 5:17) I remember I am not forgotten -"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." (Isaiah 49:16). I am loved so deeply by the God of the Universe “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3). I am not ever alone. "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:8-10)
The reality is that relationships take time to develop. Patience is not my strongest suit. God has shown up and showed me I am not alone. He has shown me His love in the sweetest ways. It is those moments I have clung to in the middle of all of this. I want to conclude with a little story.
I work with another nurse, that over the course of time God has allowed many conversations to occur about faith, prayer and end times (her favorite topic). I try to tell her that I am not worried. My salvation is secure. We talk about church and her aversion to going. (Please pray as I navigate that as well) We also have talked about angels and our common belief. I gave her a Christmas book to read about angels thinking a) she would like this and b) she needed to read something different than end of times stuff. And I told her that. She returned the book the next day with a gift wrapped in red tissue paper. She shrugged and said it wasn't a big deal but believe me when I tell you it was a very big deal to me. You can see a picture of the gift below. I touched my heart so much as it is exactly the kind of ornaments my dad used to make. And right away the feeling I had was "See, you are not alone. I have not forgotten your heart. You are loved" I love the moments when my Heavenly Father sound very much like my earthy father.
So that's it. Full circle again. Thanks for walking with me. Hope I haven't made you too dizzy.
Praying for a blessed new year,
joy
If it was homesickness and the ache of hearing the sounds of "I'll be home for Christmsas..." I could deal with that. That seems "normal." No this is an area I would have formerly put in the "weak" or "lame" or "pathetic" category and it is Lonely. Much different than being "alone." I have gotten used to "alone" and adapted to it. Lonely is when you want to have a connection with someone so bad it almost hurts. My husband gets a little offended when I talk about this as he feels I am not alone unless I have him and the kids around. This is true and probably speaks to my need to be more content with the blessing of my family. But here's the deal, it's kind of hard to not ask myself, "We have been here 10 months and I don't know if anybody here would call us "friends." We have people we hang out with occasionally. People that we work with and like. But not sure who I would call in a crisis if I needed help. Am I a loser?
This came to a head on Christmas Eve as I muddled through Christmas Eve service longing for the familiar of our church in Iowa, asking myself when is this going to feel like home, when am I going to stop comparing and appreciate this? And then the ugly thought that all these other people have family and friends to go to and out I go with my family, alone. I didn't even have Christmas Eve dinner prepared. My sweet husband was thinking Chic Fil A would be open and I was hoping for Chinese. Neither one worked. After we opened presents I was so entirely drained that when the kids acted up a bit I called off the going to look at Christmas lights and hot cocoa-our family tradition.
Christmas Day was at Walt Disney World along with a million other people doing their own Christmas thing. It was actually a really good place to be that day.
I could not have verbalized any of this until 2 evenings this week we were blessed to spend them with some Iowa friends. The filing I received in my spirit was very sweet. One person noted the alll the hugs and she was right. If you come down here I will hug you to death. This time of year has me so starved for the familiar that I was chatting up the family in the Iowa sweatshirts on the tram at WDW like we were old friends-until the little girl threw up on my son and I's shoes. :)
God made us to be in relationship. I know that is true. But as I search my Bible, what keeps coming up is the call to turn back to God to meet all my needs. I need to know that I am not forgotten even when the enemy wants me to believe I am. This has become a spiritual battle. And my weapon is the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 5:17) I remember I am not forgotten -"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." (Isaiah 49:16). I am loved so deeply by the God of the Universe “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3). I am not ever alone. "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:8-10)
The reality is that relationships take time to develop. Patience is not my strongest suit. God has shown up and showed me I am not alone. He has shown me His love in the sweetest ways. It is those moments I have clung to in the middle of all of this. I want to conclude with a little story.
I work with another nurse, that over the course of time God has allowed many conversations to occur about faith, prayer and end times (her favorite topic). I try to tell her that I am not worried. My salvation is secure. We talk about church and her aversion to going. (Please pray as I navigate that as well) We also have talked about angels and our common belief. I gave her a Christmas book to read about angels thinking a) she would like this and b) she needed to read something different than end of times stuff. And I told her that. She returned the book the next day with a gift wrapped in red tissue paper. She shrugged and said it wasn't a big deal but believe me when I tell you it was a very big deal to me. You can see a picture of the gift below. I touched my heart so much as it is exactly the kind of ornaments my dad used to make. And right away the feeling I had was "See, you are not alone. I have not forgotten your heart. You are loved" I love the moments when my Heavenly Father sound very much like my earthy father.
Praying for a blessed new year,
joy
Monday, December 13, 2010
An open letter to anyone for who Christmas is different this year...
Dear Friend,
I am not writing this to be preachy or Bible thumping. I am writing you this letter because I have experienced a December when my dad was diagnosed with cancer 1 week before Christmas and 3 Christmases later I faced Christmas with out him, my husband was laid off at every Christmas for the past 3 years, and now Christmas in an entirely different state from my mom and my sisters and their families. Part of this is sharing what has brought me through and part of this is keeping me together and focused on the Main Thing this season.
Christmas is different this year isn't it? Someone or something is missing. Loss and change hurt all the time but it hurt especially so this time of year, regardless of how the loss occured-death, divorce, a move. Maybe you are in a different place physically, mentally, financially, emotionally than you expected to be. Maybe you are in this place because of your choices or maybe you had no choice whatsoever. All of these circumstances make us look at Christmas last year, compare it to this year and wonder "What happened?" Everything is different.
Now what? Honestly, I don't know. I was hoping someone could tell me. :) It's at moments like this that I have to go the Truth.
My favorite scripture to remember this time of year is Isaiah 61. I heard it once referred to as Jesus's job description. We so often focus on baby Jesus this time of year and that is awesome. We remember that because it shows Jesus came as a man. He experienced life on earth as we have. He faced the same things we do. But don't forget the "Why did he do it?" The first few verses of Isaiah 61 sum it up best.
"He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. "
I think that summarizes what takes away our joy at Christmas doesn't it? The enemy tries to convince us every day and especially every day of December, that Christmas is for the happy, the well off, the well connected, the put together, the perfect. But if that's all there was, there would be no reason for Jesus to come. Jesus came not for the face on our Christmas card pictures, but for the struggles that we would not even consider putting in the Christmas letter.
"God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, to care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit."
Grace-God's greatest gift. Unmerited favor. The gift of salvation not based on who we are, what we do right, how much we give or what church we go to. A gift only worth something if you receive it, open it, experience it. It's not a gift to set on a shelf to observe and study. It's a gift to RECEIVE! Grace destroys the enemy because it takes away the "You are not good enough" argument. Grace doesn't just cover some of our sin, it covers ALL of it. Romans 5: 17-18 says it well: "If death got the upper hand through one man's (Adam's) wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?"
Now that's a message of joy. Wipe off thoses ashes of guilt, receive the bouquet of "grace roses" He is giving you right now.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory. Isaiah 61:1-4 (The Message)
A new name. If you read this blog, you know how much I love this about God. God takes those called "poor", "broken hearted", "captives", "prisoners" and renames them Oaks of Righteousness. An oak with deep roots, who has been tested and withstood the winds of trial, by God's grace. An upright oak with branches that point up to the One who gets the glory. A strong, mighty oak who will be able give strength to someone else when they are hurting in a similar way- "....so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4).
This, to me, is the most important part. December 25 willl come and it will go and life will get back to "normal." You will get through it. But do not "waste" this struggle you are going through. Don't just endure the season. Don't forget it. Open your eyes and see that He is carrying you. Don't miss those who are coming along side of you. Don't forget the "God sightings" (some call them coincidences, I disagree). These are God's way of showing you He is right there with you in the midst of all of this. Remember it, write it down if you have to and put it in your box of Christmas decorations for next year.
And in 2011 use it to comfort others. Tell others and give God the glory. Praise him. Thank him.
Jesus, I want to lift up my friends who are hurting. Help them to lay their pain before you. Comfort them. Give them peace. Show them your love and grace in real, tangible ways, Father. Surround them with people who can comfort as they have been comforted. Help them to start to feel the strength of the mighty oak. Only you can give this Jesus. And only because you came to this earth 2010 years ago. Thank you for the gift of You.
joy
I am not writing this to be preachy or Bible thumping. I am writing you this letter because I have experienced a December when my dad was diagnosed with cancer 1 week before Christmas and 3 Christmases later I faced Christmas with out him, my husband was laid off at every Christmas for the past 3 years, and now Christmas in an entirely different state from my mom and my sisters and their families. Part of this is sharing what has brought me through and part of this is keeping me together and focused on the Main Thing this season.
Christmas is different this year isn't it? Someone or something is missing. Loss and change hurt all the time but it hurt especially so this time of year, regardless of how the loss occured-death, divorce, a move. Maybe you are in a different place physically, mentally, financially, emotionally than you expected to be. Maybe you are in this place because of your choices or maybe you had no choice whatsoever. All of these circumstances make us look at Christmas last year, compare it to this year and wonder "What happened?" Everything is different.
Now what? Honestly, I don't know. I was hoping someone could tell me. :) It's at moments like this that I have to go the Truth.
My favorite scripture to remember this time of year is Isaiah 61. I heard it once referred to as Jesus's job description. We so often focus on baby Jesus this time of year and that is awesome. We remember that because it shows Jesus came as a man. He experienced life on earth as we have. He faced the same things we do. But don't forget the "Why did he do it?" The first few verses of Isaiah 61 sum it up best.
"He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. "
I think that summarizes what takes away our joy at Christmas doesn't it? The enemy tries to convince us every day and especially every day of December, that Christmas is for the happy, the well off, the well connected, the put together, the perfect. But if that's all there was, there would be no reason for Jesus to come. Jesus came not for the face on our Christmas card pictures, but for the struggles that we would not even consider putting in the Christmas letter.
"God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, to care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit."
Grace-God's greatest gift. Unmerited favor. The gift of salvation not based on who we are, what we do right, how much we give or what church we go to. A gift only worth something if you receive it, open it, experience it. It's not a gift to set on a shelf to observe and study. It's a gift to RECEIVE! Grace destroys the enemy because it takes away the "You are not good enough" argument. Grace doesn't just cover some of our sin, it covers ALL of it. Romans 5: 17-18 says it well: "If death got the upper hand through one man's (Adam's) wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?"
Now that's a message of joy. Wipe off thoses ashes of guilt, receive the bouquet of "grace roses" He is giving you right now.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory. Isaiah 61:1-4 (The Message)
A new name. If you read this blog, you know how much I love this about God. God takes those called "poor", "broken hearted", "captives", "prisoners" and renames them Oaks of Righteousness. An oak with deep roots, who has been tested and withstood the winds of trial, by God's grace. An upright oak with branches that point up to the One who gets the glory. A strong, mighty oak who will be able give strength to someone else when they are hurting in a similar way- "....so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4).
This, to me, is the most important part. December 25 willl come and it will go and life will get back to "normal." You will get through it. But do not "waste" this struggle you are going through. Don't just endure the season. Don't forget it. Open your eyes and see that He is carrying you. Don't miss those who are coming along side of you. Don't forget the "God sightings" (some call them coincidences, I disagree). These are God's way of showing you He is right there with you in the midst of all of this. Remember it, write it down if you have to and put it in your box of Christmas decorations for next year.
And in 2011 use it to comfort others. Tell others and give God the glory. Praise him. Thank him.
Jesus, I want to lift up my friends who are hurting. Help them to lay their pain before you. Comfort them. Give them peace. Show them your love and grace in real, tangible ways, Father. Surround them with people who can comfort as they have been comforted. Help them to start to feel the strength of the mighty oak. Only you can give this Jesus. And only because you came to this earth 2010 years ago. Thank you for the gift of You.
joy
Monday, December 6, 2010
Mary and Elizabeth
Mary and Elizabeth. I was reading a small devotional the other day that talked about how Mary went to Elizabeth because she was another woman in a similar circumstance. It emphasized the importance of relationships for women and how we should have those relationships with other women like us-young moms, working moms, bible study ladies, etc.
For some reason, that just isn't landing right with me or my experience in this season of life. Don't get me wrong. I have, in the past, been in those mom's groups, had a fabulous group of women to work with who shared similar struggles and joys, discussed the Bible with amazing women. On top of all that I have been blessed with an AWESOME family of 5 sisters and we are definitely bonded by family ties. But I think what keeps us close is our ability to share what God is doing in our very different lives. Which brings me to my point.
The ONLY thing Mary and Elizabeth had in common were their pregnancies and the hand God had in them. OK not a small thing. But they were different. Mary was a poor young girl from a tiny town. Elizabeth was married to a priest with high standing and she was OLD.
They were so very different from each other but Mary still ran to Elizabeth because of what they shared in common. They saw beyond their differences and bonded over what they shared.
My "support" here is diverse and eclectic. When you are building a new network of friends you are not able to say "Well, before I had this friend and she looks like a good replacement for her." It doesn't work. Trust me, I've tried.
I tried to find a nice Bible study that would give me a nice group of women to replace the ones I lost. In the ER, you work with lots of different people and so each shift is different and you could be the only female on your team. So that is a poor replacement for my all female work team of 12, most of which were moms too. No way can I "replace" friendships I've had since childhood. Replacement isn't what God is asking for. No, again God has another plan-a new thing.
Sometimes God puts people in our lives that when we first meet we think we have very little in common because of what we see on the outside. But I have been blessed with the surprises that in time once you get to know them and their heart you find you have more in common than you thought. And the in the differences are fun discoveries and things to learn.
And like Mary and Elizabeth, hope and joy is shared. Support is offered. Memories are made. A safe place is found.
Jesus, you know making new friends is not the easiest for me and you have made it so much easier when I was finally able to open my eyes to see who you’ve put around me. Help me to be a good friend, Father, to my precious old friends and my new ones.
Trying to be a friend who loves at all times,
joy
For some reason, that just isn't landing right with me or my experience in this season of life. Don't get me wrong. I have, in the past, been in those mom's groups, had a fabulous group of women to work with who shared similar struggles and joys, discussed the Bible with amazing women. On top of all that I have been blessed with an AWESOME family of 5 sisters and we are definitely bonded by family ties. But I think what keeps us close is our ability to share what God is doing in our very different lives. Which brings me to my point.
The ONLY thing Mary and Elizabeth had in common were their pregnancies and the hand God had in them. OK not a small thing. But they were different. Mary was a poor young girl from a tiny town. Elizabeth was married to a priest with high standing and she was OLD.
They were so very different from each other but Mary still ran to Elizabeth because of what they shared in common. They saw beyond their differences and bonded over what they shared.
My "support" here is diverse and eclectic. When you are building a new network of friends you are not able to say "Well, before I had this friend and she looks like a good replacement for her." It doesn't work. Trust me, I've tried.
I tried to find a nice Bible study that would give me a nice group of women to replace the ones I lost. In the ER, you work with lots of different people and so each shift is different and you could be the only female on your team. So that is a poor replacement for my all female work team of 12, most of which were moms too. No way can I "replace" friendships I've had since childhood. Replacement isn't what God is asking for. No, again God has another plan-a new thing.
Sometimes God puts people in our lives that when we first meet we think we have very little in common because of what we see on the outside. But I have been blessed with the surprises that in time once you get to know them and their heart you find you have more in common than you thought. And the in the differences are fun discoveries and things to learn.
And like Mary and Elizabeth, hope and joy is shared. Support is offered. Memories are made. A safe place is found.
Jesus, you know making new friends is not the easiest for me and you have made it so much easier when I was finally able to open my eyes to see who you’ve put around me. Help me to be a good friend, Father, to my precious old friends and my new ones.
Trying to be a friend who loves at all times,
joy
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Grace
I am, finally after 8 months, sitting on the beach with my Bible, my journal and
a commentary. Why it took so long to do this turns out to be the real reason
God brought me out here under the guise of a "spiritual retreat." The best way
I can put it is "Sometimes God tricks me to get me somewhere so I can deal with
what I have been avoiding for a long time."
About a year ago, maybe more I was sitting in my Iowa pastor's office and for some reason I was thinking about reaching out & I was sharing that I did a search and the only time I could find those words in the Bible was when the "woman with blood" in Mark 5 reached out and touched the hem of Jesus's robe. I thought that was weird but I felt like my pastor knew that it was significant. So I always pay attention to that story and I was reading it again today on my "retreat" along with a commentary.
The story goes on to say Jesus feels "power gone from him" and He calls her out. See, it was an act of tremendous faith on her part to believe that just touching his robe would heal her but Jesus took it a step further. My commentary said He did that because He knew she needed the personal, face to face encounter with him. I love that.
Then do you know what she did? I always remembered that he blessed her and sent her away. BUT when I reread it again today I realized that she first told him her whole story-Mark 5:32 (the msg says it best). It is significant!
Here's the backstory: I loved Psalm 18 especially verses 20-24 in the weeks before we left Iowa. "God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him." See, we went through some really difficult, gross financial stuff as a result of wage cuts, layoffs and unwise decisions on our part. We were so embarassed by it, but at the time I felt God wanted me to be honest and share with those closest to us exactly what was going on. I didn't want people to think we "ran away" when I knew they would find out eventually. Some felt the need to respond with kind words and that was sweet. Others said nothing because either (a) it didn't matter to them, we were the same people or (b) maybe they were disappointed in us. I don't know. But the whole thing is a black cloud and the enemy has used it to shoot arrows of lies at my core.
Fast forward to today and my "spiritual retreat." I was reflecting on the reasons in my journal "Why has it taken me so long to do this?" And the first thing off my pen was "Because it's a luxury I don't deserve." The reason I haven't been out here to the beach to retreat and why I cringe when my husband posts on facebook about the current temperature or about the beach or some other cool thing we are doing is because I believed I/we didn't deserve it. When this started to hit home and in the time of processing all this and I wrote in my journal "How does Jesus see it?"
Back to Mark 5. After she lays it out to Him, He says to her (and I am just now soaking this in & the tears are streaming) "Daughter you took a risk of faith & now you are healed and whole. Live well, live blessed. Be healed of your plauge." Wow.
He wants me to enjoy this place. He wants me to realize we live in a great place and are blessed and THAT'S OKAY. Grace is getting what I don't deserve. I am so thankful for the grace Jesus gives me everyday.
Thanks for hearing me again.. :)
Grace to you...
joy
a commentary. Why it took so long to do this turns out to be the real reason
God brought me out here under the guise of a "spiritual retreat." The best way
I can put it is "Sometimes God tricks me to get me somewhere so I can deal with
what I have been avoiding for a long time."
About a year ago, maybe more I was sitting in my Iowa pastor's office and for some reason I was thinking about reaching out & I was sharing that I did a search and the only time I could find those words in the Bible was when the "woman with blood" in Mark 5 reached out and touched the hem of Jesus's robe. I thought that was weird but I felt like my pastor knew that it was significant. So I always pay attention to that story and I was reading it again today on my "retreat" along with a commentary.
The story goes on to say Jesus feels "power gone from him" and He calls her out. See, it was an act of tremendous faith on her part to believe that just touching his robe would heal her but Jesus took it a step further. My commentary said He did that because He knew she needed the personal, face to face encounter with him. I love that.
Then do you know what she did? I always remembered that he blessed her and sent her away. BUT when I reread it again today I realized that she first told him her whole story-Mark 5:32 (the msg says it best). It is significant!
Here's the backstory: I loved Psalm 18 especially verses 20-24 in the weeks before we left Iowa. "God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him." See, we went through some really difficult, gross financial stuff as a result of wage cuts, layoffs and unwise decisions on our part. We were so embarassed by it, but at the time I felt God wanted me to be honest and share with those closest to us exactly what was going on. I didn't want people to think we "ran away" when I knew they would find out eventually. Some felt the need to respond with kind words and that was sweet. Others said nothing because either (a) it didn't matter to them, we were the same people or (b) maybe they were disappointed in us. I don't know. But the whole thing is a black cloud and the enemy has used it to shoot arrows of lies at my core.
Fast forward to today and my "spiritual retreat." I was reflecting on the reasons in my journal "Why has it taken me so long to do this?" And the first thing off my pen was "Because it's a luxury I don't deserve." The reason I haven't been out here to the beach to retreat and why I cringe when my husband posts on facebook about the current temperature or about the beach or some other cool thing we are doing is because I believed I/we didn't deserve it. When this started to hit home and in the time of processing all this and I wrote in my journal "How does Jesus see it?"
Back to Mark 5. After she lays it out to Him, He says to her (and I am just now soaking this in & the tears are streaming) "Daughter you took a risk of faith & now you are healed and whole. Live well, live blessed. Be healed of your plauge." Wow.
He wants me to enjoy this place. He wants me to realize we live in a great place and are blessed and THAT'S OKAY. Grace is getting what I don't deserve. I am so thankful for the grace Jesus gives me everyday.
Thanks for hearing me again.. :)
Grace to you...
joy
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