Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Peace

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

The “Prince of Peace.” What a beautiful idea. True in heaven to be sure. Not so true on earth, as long as humans continue to fight with each another. Why do we fight? James says we fight because we cannot have what we want. Just like two-year-olds (my opinion).

Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)


Do not be afraid because Jesus is preparing a place for us in his Kingdom. And he will return to take us to be with himself in that place where peace will reign through and through.

The writer of Hebrews said:
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

In the coming year, I wish you peace. The kind Jesus gives, which comes from the inside out. May you be content with what you have. May you peacefully work toward what you want. May you strive to live at peace with all other humans. May your thoughts and actions glorify God. May you give the forgiveness, grace, and peace to others you wish for yourself. May all this be true of me as well.

Perhaps 2009 will be the year Jesus returns and ushers in the fullness of the Kingdom. Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

People versus Stuff

Speaking, once again, about passion...

What are the people of the USA passionate about? Apparently, some New Yorkers are so passionate about stuff, they were willing to trample a man to death in a Wal-Mart store, while rushing through the doors to get to the sale merchandise.

Having spent over fourteen years working in retail, I understand the Christmas feeding frenzy. Once, while supervising a Blue Light Special promotion, I had to physically climb up on a Blue Light machine to avoid being trampled by a crowd of shoppers. It's a frightening thing to face a wild eyed tsunami of flesh surging toward a bargain.

Rather than condemn those complicit in this truly "Black Friday" event, I instead feel drawn to examine my own heart. Is there anything I want so badly that I am willing to knock down, or walk over, others to get it? If I am not up for a physical confrontation, am I willing to knock others over with my words? And what about my heart? Do I trample others with my thoughts?

God, please help me to be content with what I have, to pursue peace, and to always value people over stuff. Amen.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Writing About Jesus


Speaking of passion...

I just spent the weekend with a group of people who are passionate about writing about Jesus. The conference, sponsored by Write About Jesus, was incredible. We received wonderful instruction about the craft of song writing, got to hear song writers perform their own songs (some of them have received Dove awards for their work), and fellowshipped and worshipped with a great group of other song writers.

Three days immersed in this creative boot-camp has energized me. My head is spinning from all I learned and I'm busy scribbling down ideas as they appear.

If you are interested in Christian song writing, please check out the
Write About Jesus web site and make plans to attend the next workshop!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

What is your passion?

What activity is so important to you that you would do it even if no one else noticed? The answer, according to a recent speaker I heard, is your passion.

What is so important to me that I do it even if no one else notices? I'm not sure if these are the types of things the speaker meant, but several things come to mind:
Praying
Reading my Bible (and other books)
Looking for God in all things
Studying
Learning
Eating chocolate
Writing
Laughing

Things that involve other people include:
Hanging out with my husband and friends
Encouraging others in various ways
Making chocolates and giving them away
Teaching anyone who will listen

The items listed are not necessarily in the order of importance and, if I spent more time thinking about it, I could probably add to each list. Some items are frivolous, some necessary. Each activity adds a measure of fullness to my life and is a reflection of who I am. I thank God for this list which is unique to me. It demonstrates his gifts of grace in my life.

What do you love to do so much that you would do it even if no one noticed? I encourage you today to think about what it is you love to do and to celebrate your uniqueness with the God who made you!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Last Minute Attempt...

When I started this blog, my intent was to post at least once a week. Life intervened (see previous posts). I am also in the midst of preparing to teach for several institutions (I love every aspect of the preparation, but it is time consuming).

Anyway, here it is, over a month since I last posted, and I'm making a last minute attempt to post so I meet the goal of posting at least once a month. I know, real bloggers post multiple times a day. Many bloggers post at least three times a week (I understand that is the recommended minimum). I'm not sure my thoughts are that interesting to others. I certainly have enough thoughts to blog that often. But, in my opinion (which is what blogs are all about), practicality and usefulness should converge to make the effort worthwhile.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure how useful this blog about blogging is. So, having met my goal (or at least part of my goal) I will sign off, with the hopes that time and thinking will produce a more useful blog post in the near future.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Got Fruit?

By their own admission, they were far along on the path of spiritual growth. They made sure the other students knew they were beyond infancy and into the deep things of spiritual formation. Unfortunately, their behavior did not match their words.

Consequently, I've been thinking a lot about the fruit of the Spirit, which, according to Galatians 5:22-23 is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV). Specifically, I've been observing my life to see how much of it is evident.

Since I teach spiritual formation to university and seminary students, the question often comes up, "How will I know if I am making progress in the area of spiritual formation?" My answer is usually, "Your progress will be demonstrated by the display of the Sprit's fruit in your life."

I believe (like M.Robert Mulholland Jr. and others - see Mulholland's book Invitation to a Journey) that the goal of spiritual formation is to become like Jesus Christ (not in his divinity - humans do not become divine - but in his behavior towards others, as one example). Jesus exuded the fruit of the Spirit. If I am to be like Jesus, then, I too, will display the Spirit's fruit.

The proving ground for the evidence of this fruit is in my relationships with other people. One can be quite spiritual in one's room at home. It is when we rub shoulders with others that our true nature squeaks out.

I've been told by others that they see more evidence of fruit in my life (praise God), but, there is always room for more. The interesting thing about the fruit is that we cannot manufacture it. It comes from the Spirit as we yield ourselves to God's work in our lives. So, as I think, I am also reading God's Word, spending time with God in prayer, and attempting to understand and obey.

How about you? What is your fruit quotient? Would others find you full of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (NIV)? Do you have a desire to display these qualities in your life? If so, join me in seeking the face of God and obeying his commands. Hopefully, as fall comes, we will enjoy an abundant harvest!

I pray that my students will do the same...

Sunday, June 29, 2008

God is at work...

As I reflect on the past six months, I see that God has provided me with many opportunities to exercise my trust in him. This is not surprising, since I have discovered this is exactly where I need to grow. As I have learned to trust him, God has proved exceedingly faithful.

I praise God that I appear to have recovered from the injuries sustained in the car accident I suffered in January (though I still shudder while driving through the intersection where the accident occurred). God has also sustained me through some teaching opportunities and has caused a variety of fruit to grow as a result.

However, life is still crazy: I still have family members who are ill, some who need jobs, and others who need to recognize their need for God. Many of the women to whom I minister are suffering physically and/or financially. The economy is wretched and the cost of gas alone is enough to make a grown woman cry.

But God is good. And he is still on his throne. He is faithful and is worthy of praise. He has not, nor will he ever abandon us. He is ever present. We just need to look for his presence in our lives.

What is he doing in your life?

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Teach Me!

I will let the Word of God speak for me today:

"The length of our days is seventy years -
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away."

"Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be gald all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your speldor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work or our hands for us -
yes, establish the work of our hands."

From a psalm of Moses, Psalm 90:10, 12, 14-17 NIV

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Trust Him

"To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I wil be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place." So said David in Psalm 28:1-2 (NIV)

How I love the Psalms. They are themselves a place of refuge for a weary heart.

My life right now contains a strange mixture of calamity and blessing. Each day holds its own strangeness. The details do not matter. Most of you know exactly what I mean.

But, God is good and he is still on the throne - which means, he is in charge and I can trust him.

So, trust him I will.

"The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever" (Psalm 28:8-9 NIV). Amen and Amen.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

January 9, 2008

I'm stuck. Again.

Over the Christmas holiday, as I read the Christmas story in Luke, I got stuck on Mary's response to the angel (I'll blog about that another time).

Now I'm stuck on the shepherds.

Of all the people on earth, why did God choose to reveal the good news about the Savior to shepherds? How is it that the shepherds did not question the angel, but instead ran to Bethlehem to see the Messiah?

Why didn't the angel appear to the religious leaders who were expecting the Messiah to come? Is it because they would not believe? After all, they were expecting a conquering king. But the birth (in a stable) of a baby (to a poor girl) did not fit their paradigm.

I wonder what I am missing because my expectations are not in sync with God's plan...

Is God doing something (or trying to do something) unexpected in and around me? Am I stuck in the rut of my own expectations?

Help God!

Pry me loose. Open my eyes. Give me faith.

Help me see your handiwork and praise you, just like the shepherds.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

January 3, 2008

What does it mean to be safe?

In Psalm 121:7, the Psalmist says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Sounds great! Where do I sign up for an eternity of being "kept from all harm?" And how should I react when "harm" befalls me?

Among my family, friends, and co-workers (believers all), we are currently dealing with deadly diseases, debilitating injuries, defiant children, and disappearing jobs (to name just a few of the circumstances).

In the midst of these tempests, I am awed by my fellow believers, as I watch them respond with graceful dignity. Yes, there are tears and pleas for prayers. But the strength of character they display as they cling to God demonstrates a deep and abiding faith in the One who they know will carry them through to the other side.

When the storm comes, I need to follow their example and run into the arms of the One who will not let go, no matter what. He will not leave or forsake me. I can rest in him knowing he is powerful enough to cure or carry into eternity the loved one in his care.

Maybe there is a "harm" more serious than bodily illness and injury. Perhaps safety is to be found in a relationship rather than in a circumstance.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).