Passing the Faith Along...

I had held out as long as possible before throwing away my withering Valentine's Day roses from Derek. They stayed beautiful for quite some time this year and brought me a smile every time I looked at them. When I finally caved, and headed for the trash can with them, Sophie was so disappointed. "MOMMY! Do you really have to throw them away? They're still alive aren't they?"
Even Cameron joined in the protest, thinking I should give them another chance at rallying. :)

I thought it was rather cute that they were being such advocates for the poor flowers, but a thought struck me as I ignored their pleas and shoved the stems deep down into the wastebasket.

"Sophie, do you know when these roses started dying?" I asked her.

"Today???" she threw out uncertainly.

I sat the kids down at the table and read to them from John 15. I said, "Children, these flowers began to die the very instant they were cut from their bush. Even though we've enjoyed them for some time now, they have been in the process of dying the whole time."

We went on to have a discussion about the life-source of the flower, and then applied how the Scripture refers to us as being on a vine as well. There were many good points for discussion after that about truly living in Jesus, bearing fruit for Jesus, how we can be cut off and everything that means about spiritual death.

Still, I see Sophie with her little bedside cup of flowers that she was just given on Sunday, doing everything she can to tend to them and keep them alive as long as possible. We've talked again about the vine and the branches.

My poor children may grow weary of my habit for turning the simplest daily tasks into object lessons...and I assure you, I'm not the most creatively gifted for it...but it is the way that most helps me on my journey and I'm trying to pass it along to them. It's not about winning any blue ribbon for "most creative mom" or "best storyteller", or I'd be in big trouble. What it is about, to my way of thinking, is using the model that Jesus used so often to communicate important truths. Look around you: hardly a day goes by that there's not a life-truth to be learned that's quietly nestled into the common and ordinary things around us.

I'm praying for the Father to help me open my eyes, or just to see with spiritual eyes open, all the things that He would have me know and maybe even share along the Way.

It's Me, It's Me O Lord.....

Do you remember that old chorus? "It's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer! Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me, O Lord! Standing in the need of prayer."

Those words have been running through my mind quite a bit lately, as I've struggled to communicate a message to my children.

It seems that the last few weeks there has been an epidemic of "let me tell you all about the other guys sins" running rampant in this household. I had been taking note of it, wondering about just the best way to deal with this little problem. It would go something like this:

Mommy to Child A: "Child A, Mommy is concerned because you didn't obey me when I asked you to _______"; you need to pay better attention and ...."

Somewhere about there, Child B interjects him/herself into the conversation with "I KNOW! He/she keeps doing_____, instead of ________....." And on it would go with the tales of the other's wrongdoing.

Driving home from church last week, I again pointed out some attitude or behavior to Child X that was unacceptable, when the interruption came. This time, I just called everything to a halt.

I said, "Child C (the interrupter in this case), Quick! I want you to confess to us all 3 things that you've really been struggling to get right. 3 areas where you need help and improvement. And the rest of you, be thinking. You're next."

Stunned silence.

Nervous laughter....

Slow, stammering confessions. Each one wrestling within themselves to even think of 3 areas where they needed help! What would have been funny, had it not been so sad, was how helpful they all seemed to want to be to each other;so quick to help the other remember their faults and flaws! Even in the midst of the exercise, that "pointing out the beam" was so much easier than confronting their own weaknesses.

Now, I'm not trying to make a federal case out of what may be common sibling interaction. And I'm proceeding with care in trying to open my children's eyes to the inherent dangers of this way of thinking and interacting with others. I don't want to just "shut down" a behavior. I want to show them their own hearts and the hurt and harm that can be done if Jesus doesn't help them "look unto their own thing" before they look to the things of others.

But we grown-ups need reminders here too, don't we? We may not be so downright blatant in it, but probably should confess that while we know our own hearts and areas where we fail, it sure is easier to point out all the mess and misery and failure of the other guy.

Which takes me back to the little song. In my mind and heart, I stand before Him, and ask Him to search my own heart. And then I sing, "It's me, it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. It's me, it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer."

Another Day at the Gym

I start this post with a *sigh*. Can you hear it? I've done a lot of sigh-ing lately. I remember learning at some point in my journey that spiritual maturity is achieved through building spiritual "muscle". As with our physical bodies, muscle toning and building is never accomplished through easy means...so it is with our spiritual lives.

Though my physical body is in desperate need of it as well, it's my spiritual muscles that are being worked out and toned up these days. Self-control, humility, patience, slow to anger, slow to SPEAK......whew! It's exhausting! And I'm exhausted.

I have a long way to go toward Christian maturity. Thankful God's not finished with me yet.

Learning to Trust

I just watched that movie, "Facing the Giants" for the first time this week. We've been down with the flu...I mean the bona-fide Influenza, strain A that doesn't respond to the meds, kinda flu. So there's been little of productive things going on around here.
But back to the movie....I'm not much of a sports fan, so I didn't watch it for any sports influence. But there was a greater message and symbolism that was trying to be conveyed, and THAT I was interested in. I shed my share of tears throughout (mostly b/c that's just my way!), but I also found myself a little annoyed (as can also be my way) that as these key characters prayed and trusted God more and more that more and more miracles just kept happening. Like every thing they asked for, hoped for, longed for just started coming their way. And I don't mean to sound harsh...I don't think the movie was actively seeking to promote a prosperity gospel.... And by the end, and during bonus features, I got the idea somewhere that it had been based on a true story. So, not sure about that, but it would certainly step it up a bit for me if that were true. "Facing the Giants" was definitely a story about trusting God.

I'm rambling, I know. Been away from Blogger too long. Bottom line, I did like the movie, and I was terribly impressed that a production of that magnitude could come simply from the desire of one church in one little town, to do something BIG for God. I think that's pretty cool. (and for those who don't know, these are the same people who brought us Fireproof).

There is a need in my life to get a firm grip on what it really means to trust God. Sometimes I'm amazed that after years in a Christian environment, Christian education, sitting under the sound of solid biblical teaching and preaching, knowing Godly people, that I could still struggle with such simple basic concepts. What does fully trusting God look like? What does it feel like? Or does it feel like anything at all?

So I'm doing the only thing I know to do when I'm earnestly seeking to cultivate a Christ-like trait, or be obedient to His desires. I'm telling him how much I want to trust him. Asking his Spirit to teach me. Praying for "grace to trust Him more". And keeping it foremost in my thinking and speaking until it becomes part of me. And then just looking for every opportunity presented to put my new "skill" to use. Maybe there's a better way, but I haven't figured it out yet.

Life is so complex at times, and the way it plays out doesn't often match (at least in our experience) the beautiful watercolor-like fantasies that have taken up residence in our minds for years on end. We may not know how to navigate the waters of this "new" picture, nor how to figure out where certain puzzle pieces fit. But if we can learn to Trust our Maker, the lover of our souls, who surely does know and understand...then maybe we can rise to our fullest potential in Him! Maybe we can face those giants.

So...these are my thoughts, poorly expressed at best, in an effort to reunite with Blogger. There are so many things rattling around in my mind and heart that I would love to blog about, but simply lack the skill to do it justice.

Blessings to any readers still out there! Be careful....it's probably dusty in here! :)

Auto-Pilot

I have had the rather unnerving experience of arriving at a destination after a 20-30 minute drive, only to put the van in park and think to myself, "I don't even remember the drive here!". Looking back over the miles I'd just traveled, I would realize that I had just been automatically doing the right things to get me where I needed to go. Still a little scary, though, and I know you know what I mean if you have ever done the same thing.

Equally as disturbing to me are the nights that I pillow my head in the darkness, and then think "Lord, did I commune with you on purpose today?" Sometimes the days seem so long, and that time of morning prayer or prayer with the children seems like a distant memory in the fog by the time I wind it all down for the night. God is so faithful, forgiving, and longsuffering with me. How many nights have I fallen asleep whispering, "I'll do better tomorrow"......

I don't want to live my spiritual life on auto-pilot. I want to intentionally seek to understand the things of God more. I want to read His Word with anticipation of learning. I want to be a ready vessel when He wants to pick me up and pour me out. And I know these things don't happen when we're "asleep at the wheel". The Bible tells us to BE VIGILANT! We have an adversary who walks around seeking to destroy us!

Before I finish off these rambling thoughts, I wanted to add one more thing about God's mercy. There have been specific times in my life, the most recent one I remember being the weeks following Reagan' birth, when I have been too drained of everything physically, emotionally, and spiritually to be that "vigilant" watchman. That's pretty common I think after having a new baby! But there are other stages of life when this occurs as well. During those weeks, the only prayer I seemed able to pray, especially at night, was something like this, "Lord, please don't forget about me. Don't give up on me. I don't have anything to give right now, but if you'll just hold me until everything balances itself again...I WILL serve you with all that is within me!" I know that sure doesn't sound very spiritual or probably very theologically sound. But my testimony is that through those days of auto-pilot, God was still very much in the control room. Every night, I sensed that it was okay. He's big enough to handle it all. And, best of all, He did hold me until I was strong again.

I wouldn't want to live my life that way permanently, but I'm very thankful that when the circumstances of life necessitate it, we serve Someone who can be trusted to be there on the other side of it all. After all, perhaps it bears mentioning Who pilots this rig in the first place!

Well, I guess it's pretty obvious who these thoughts are for this morning: just me, really. But if it can serve as a reminder or wake-up call to any reader, then that's good news too.

I Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober, Be vigilant! Because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

The Love Chapter: Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of love will endure.

I came across this reading while looking for things to share in our little family concert that we gave last night. (and found the song, by the way. yay!) God helped us, despite the fact that we have been fighting various and sundry MISERABLE flus for two weeks. I have so many pics and even some videos I want to share, but am just too wiped out, to be honest. The children had their piano recital, and we were so proud of them both. I'll try to get the pics and videos up later. Blessings on you all during this harried season!

Parachutes and Perspectives

Recently I've been thinking quite a bit about Perspective. A good many years ago now, (I'm increasingly alarmed at the rate in which time flies), our Pastor and friend Greg Makcen shared an illustration with us. At the time, we had never heard of the speaker, Ray Comfort. Now we are quite familiar with his work and teachings with a program called "The Way of the Master". I wanted to share that illustration with you, as it relates to Perspective.


It is the tale of a man who boards a plane. Crowded with other passengers. The man settles into his seat, and the plane takes off for its intended destination. Presently, a flight attendant comes to the man with a parachute in her hands. "Sir, please put on this parachute. We want your flight to be most enjoyable, and if you will just put this on, your will flight will be easier and more comfortable, with no problems to worry about!" So of course, the passenger obliges. After all, who wouldn't want an easier, more enjoyable flight? After a short time, however, the man notices that everyone is laughing at him. He can't sit all the way back in his seat, for the parachute pack is secured to his back. People are pointing. He feels ridiculous. His flight isn't more comfortable! He isn't having an easier time! Finally, in disgust, he yanks the parachute straps from off his shoulders, throws the parachute onto the floor, stomps on it, and declares with finality that he will NEVER put on another parachute as long as he lives.
In Contrast, let's take the same story. Man boards plane. Flight attendant approaches. This time, she says, "Sir, QUICKLY put this parachute on. At any moment this plane could go down, and you will have to jump from the plane. PUT ON THE PARACHUTE!" Of course, the passenger obliges. He secures the parachute to his back. He can't sit all the way back. He is indeed uncomfortable. People point to him and laugh. He looks ridiculous sitting in his seat with a parachute on. He pays it no mind, however, because he KNOWS that at any moment that parachute will save his life. It matters not that it is uncomfortable, unfashionable, and seems unnecessary to others. In fact, let's even suppose that a flight attendant walks past him and spills hot coffee all over him. Would he then become angry at the parachute and throw it off in disgust? No! Still, he gladly embraces the parachute.
This is an illustration of the fallacy of sharing the Gospel with a wrong emphasis. Living a life of Chrisitianity will not ensure your comfort, ease, financial success, or lack of problems and challenges. However, embracing Christ as the only HOPE of your salvation, your only SAVIOR from the wrath that is to come, will change your perspective on how you deal with these issues when they arrive. If you understand this message, you are far less likely to "throw Christ off" when hard times come and turn your back on the message. If you understand this, you only cling harder to your Savior when it's almost time to jump.

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This illustration has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. I have needed a reminder on the importance of my perspective. Not that I've been tempted to throw off Christ, but perhaps to 'feel sorry for myself', when life just isn't producing the results that I had hoped for in certain areas. To that end, there is a song that has been continually bringing me to a place of re-focusing. I have not arrived at the place in my life spiritually where I want to be, regarding areas of de-railment and disappointment. An attitude of PRAISE ANYWAY is what I'm endeavoring to cultivate. Someday I hope it is just second nature. In the meantime, I need focus-shifters like this one:

"How Can I Keep From Singing"

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne


LYRICS BY CHRIS TOMLIN