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.
Showing posts with label God's working. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's working. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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! :)
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! :)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An Election Day Prayer
An Election Day Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, God who created Heaven and Earth:
In your vast universe, we are but a “blue dot” in the rearview mirror, so very small by comparison to all You have made. On that blue dot, there is a small continent, and on that small continent there is a small country. Only a baby by our own earthly, finite standards. How much smaller and younger by the way that You measure time and space. And in Your loving-kindness,You have sought to be PRESENT in our every step since the days of our beginnings. Everywhere we look around us, there are reminders that You were invoked here during the days of our founding. You are acknowledged on our monies, on the walls of national capitol buildings, on courthouse steps, on hospital walls. It was not the intention in the beginning to push You out or push You away. We sought only to worship You freely and without fear of retribution.
Somewhere in the march of time, as generations have passed, we have moved away from You one step at a time. We have neglected Your Word. We have made light of things that You call an abomination. We speak openly and proudly of things that are done in secret. We murder the innocent by the millions. We ban You from our educational system. We routinely break our marriage covenants. We flaunt our nudity. We bow at the idol of materialism. We lust for that which is unseemly. We ridicule Your son, and we ignore Your Holy Spirit. Oh God, please forgive us. Please have mercy on us.
Hope is not lost. As long as there is life, Life in You, there is hope. And there is still a remnant…perhaps millions strong…lifting their voices in intercessory prayer to You always. But especially on this day. We repent on behalf of our nation. We recognize that You cannot withhold Your wrath forever upon our wickedness. But we ask You today to once again raise up the righteous, and tear down the wicked. Give us men like Elijah who will stand in the gap for us. Give us courage to stand in the face of evil. Give us willing hearts for service.
Forgive us, as your Bride, for not being a true example of Your love. Forgive us for not being Your hands and feet. Forgive us for allowing the government to do the job that we should be doing. Where there is hunger, poverty, genocide, wars, and unspeakable pain, may we be the ones to comfort, to give, to heal, to save. Give us Your eyes to see the world. Help us not to think in a vacuum that only sees our own problems and the troubles of our own nation.
Today is our nation’s Election Day, and we need Your wisdom and guidance. I humbly ask that You draw in close to us as we go to the privacy of the voting booth. I ask that You would use whatever means necessary to breathe a memory through our minds. Remind us of righteousness, of life, of moral duty and responsibility. Remind us of Yourself. Today You set before us life and death, blessings and cursings. Oh God, please help us to choose wisely. Help us to choose life that we and our children may live.
As dawn breaks tomorrow morning, whoever our new President-Elect may be, I humbly pray down Your grace and anointing on him. May You over-shadow him so completely with Your presence that he falls on his face before you. And may your people still place all hope and faith and trust in only You. For You are all we have in this life and in the life to come. In life or in death, we belong to You. All this I pray in the name of our crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ Your Son,
Amen.
Our Heavenly Father, God who created Heaven and Earth:
In your vast universe, we are but a “blue dot” in the rearview mirror, so very small by comparison to all You have made. On that blue dot, there is a small continent, and on that small continent there is a small country. Only a baby by our own earthly, finite standards. How much smaller and younger by the way that You measure time and space. And in Your loving-kindness,You have sought to be PRESENT in our every step since the days of our beginnings. Everywhere we look around us, there are reminders that You were invoked here during the days of our founding. You are acknowledged on our monies, on the walls of national capitol buildings, on courthouse steps, on hospital walls. It was not the intention in the beginning to push You out or push You away. We sought only to worship You freely and without fear of retribution.
Somewhere in the march of time, as generations have passed, we have moved away from You one step at a time. We have neglected Your Word. We have made light of things that You call an abomination. We speak openly and proudly of things that are done in secret. We murder the innocent by the millions. We ban You from our educational system. We routinely break our marriage covenants. We flaunt our nudity. We bow at the idol of materialism. We lust for that which is unseemly. We ridicule Your son, and we ignore Your Holy Spirit. Oh God, please forgive us. Please have mercy on us.
Hope is not lost. As long as there is life, Life in You, there is hope. And there is still a remnant…perhaps millions strong…lifting their voices in intercessory prayer to You always. But especially on this day. We repent on behalf of our nation. We recognize that You cannot withhold Your wrath forever upon our wickedness. But we ask You today to once again raise up the righteous, and tear down the wicked. Give us men like Elijah who will stand in the gap for us. Give us courage to stand in the face of evil. Give us willing hearts for service.
Forgive us, as your Bride, for not being a true example of Your love. Forgive us for not being Your hands and feet. Forgive us for allowing the government to do the job that we should be doing. Where there is hunger, poverty, genocide, wars, and unspeakable pain, may we be the ones to comfort, to give, to heal, to save. Give us Your eyes to see the world. Help us not to think in a vacuum that only sees our own problems and the troubles of our own nation.
Today is our nation’s Election Day, and we need Your wisdom and guidance. I humbly ask that You draw in close to us as we go to the privacy of the voting booth. I ask that You would use whatever means necessary to breathe a memory through our minds. Remind us of righteousness, of life, of moral duty and responsibility. Remind us of Yourself. Today You set before us life and death, blessings and cursings. Oh God, please help us to choose wisely. Help us to choose life that we and our children may live.
As dawn breaks tomorrow morning, whoever our new President-Elect may be, I humbly pray down Your grace and anointing on him. May You over-shadow him so completely with Your presence that he falls on his face before you. And may your people still place all hope and faith and trust in only You. For You are all we have in this life and in the life to come. In life or in death, we belong to You. All this I pray in the name of our crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ Your Son,
Amen.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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."
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."
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Coming back....
Finding God in the quiet. That's the challenge sometimes in this life. Finding God at all. Sometimes, however, He reaches out in the most surprising of ways to let us know that He's still there in the shadows, and we just need to hold on.
Things have been quiet on my blog, but they have not been quiet in my life. I have had "issues" to deal with; those things that sort of knock you for a loop and leave you a little bewildered. I've had schooling hurdles to overcome with the children; thankfully, we are back on a path that fosters the joy in learning. I've had some sleepless nights.
After one such night, where many tears were shed into my pillow and many calls went up to my Heavenly Father.....I began the day as I do many others. Bible reading, prayer, children gathered around for the daily schedule of lessons. We were nearly finished with our read-aloud, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. In fact, at the close of our last chapter we had mourned the death of Aslan. So on this particular morning, we picked right up reading the next chapter. The young girls, Lucy and Susan, are heart-broken over the death of the beloved Lion. They are experiencing such grief and anguish of spirit as only those who have ever "lost" can know. Their tears are unending, their sobs unabating. Then, Lewis does that thing he does. Stops his descriptive narrative to address you, the reader, directly. Here I am reading this book aloud to my children, and the author stops and directly asks me if I, too, perhaps had been up all night crying! How did he know that??? I was more than a little taken aback. My kids just thought I was taking the death of Aslan especially hard, though they themselves were sniffling a little. But back to Lewis. He went on to assure me that peace would be found. It would come in the quiet.
And as I related this experience back to Derek later in the day, my heart rejoiced and was comforted that in something so seemingly "random", God had reached out to me. I must be careful to cultivate the quiet...so that I can always hear Him when He speaks. The beautiful Lion of Judah.
Dear readers, thank you for your kind comments, emails, and understanding! Sometimes we must prioritize and give diligence to the things that are most important. I am looking forward to our interaction again, and will be visiting your blogs soon, as well. I alluded before about the restructuring of our home-school. This has proven to be one of the most beneficial actions we've taken in some time. We think it's important to keep a good log of the progress we're making, and have a forum to share with others, and learn from others as well. To that end, I have set up a new blog specifically for documenting our educational efforts. You are welcome to visit anytime, though it is still somewhat "under construction" right now as I get all the information sorted and posted.
http://www.classicallychallenged.blogspot.com/
Blessings on you all!
Things have been quiet on my blog, but they have not been quiet in my life. I have had "issues" to deal with; those things that sort of knock you for a loop and leave you a little bewildered. I've had schooling hurdles to overcome with the children; thankfully, we are back on a path that fosters the joy in learning. I've had some sleepless nights.
After one such night, where many tears were shed into my pillow and many calls went up to my Heavenly Father.....I began the day as I do many others. Bible reading, prayer, children gathered around for the daily schedule of lessons. We were nearly finished with our read-aloud, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. In fact, at the close of our last chapter we had mourned the death of Aslan. So on this particular morning, we picked right up reading the next chapter. The young girls, Lucy and Susan, are heart-broken over the death of the beloved Lion. They are experiencing such grief and anguish of spirit as only those who have ever "lost" can know. Their tears are unending, their sobs unabating. Then, Lewis does that thing he does. Stops his descriptive narrative to address you, the reader, directly. Here I am reading this book aloud to my children, and the author stops and directly asks me if I, too, perhaps had been up all night crying! How did he know that??? I was more than a little taken aback. My kids just thought I was taking the death of Aslan especially hard, though they themselves were sniffling a little. But back to Lewis. He went on to assure me that peace would be found. It would come in the quiet.
And as I related this experience back to Derek later in the day, my heart rejoiced and was comforted that in something so seemingly "random", God had reached out to me. I must be careful to cultivate the quiet...so that I can always hear Him when He speaks. The beautiful Lion of Judah.
Dear readers, thank you for your kind comments, emails, and understanding! Sometimes we must prioritize and give diligence to the things that are most important. I am looking forward to our interaction again, and will be visiting your blogs soon, as well. I alluded before about the restructuring of our home-school. This has proven to be one of the most beneficial actions we've taken in some time. We think it's important to keep a good log of the progress we're making, and have a forum to share with others, and learn from others as well. To that end, I have set up a new blog specifically for documenting our educational efforts. You are welcome to visit anytime, though it is still somewhat "under construction" right now as I get all the information sorted and posted.
http://www.classicallychallenged.blogspot.com/
Blessings on you all!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart....
"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. That's right. No other single discipline is more useful and rewarding than this. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividend! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your counseling will be in demand. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. "
Charles Swindoll
from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life.
I have been strongly challenged by these words today, and am pledging to myself to do better in this area. Memorization has always come fairly easily for me, so I have no excuse to offer for my lack of endeavor in my adult years.
Do any of you have secrets for memorizing, or any specific blessings you've received for the discipline of doing so?
Charles Swindoll
from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life.
I have been strongly challenged by these words today, and am pledging to myself to do better in this area. Memorization has always come fairly easily for me, so I have no excuse to offer for my lack of endeavor in my adult years.
Do any of you have secrets for memorizing, or any specific blessings you've received for the discipline of doing so?
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Thanksgiving Blog.
My heart has been writing this blog for a couple of months now. Oh, I didn't necessarily think it would be my "Thanksgiving" blog, but I knew there were things bubbling up from the inner spring that wanted to be shared. And the more I have pondered these things, I have realized that in effect it is my "counted blessings" and even somewhat my personal testimony. A lot of the thoughts are still knocking around somewhere in the recesses and I hope that I will be able to draw them in, and do justice to what I'd like to share.
I remember many years ago being gathered with a group of students outside the high school classrooms at Hobe Sound. I don't remember the occasion or the purpose of the gathering, but Dr. Whitaker was talking to us, and he made a statement that I have never forgotten. He told us that we each one were "marked" whether we wanted to be or not, by the atmosphere of our surroundings on a Bible college campus. Marked by what we had seen, marked by what we had learned. Marked by the people that we were associated with. He assured us that no matter where we went from there, no matter what path we chose to take, that that "marking" would always be with us, that we would never get away from it.
As I reflect back on my life, I can testify with certainty that that is the case with me. I have sensed that marking on me my whole life. Most of the time I consider it a blessing, other times.....I'm not so sure! For me, it is not a marking that I feel is visible to others, it is not a marking to "do this" or to "do that". It is a stamp on the heart of who I am, and in difficult times when I am faced with such frustrations and hard times that shake me, I find myself hitting the rewind button to go back in my memory to those times when I have known solid ground. It is a coping mechanism that gets me through. Recently, I had this experience, and as I began my journey backward (noting those "stones" placed there during times of deliverance), a spirit of Thanksgiving was born in my heart. So I wanted to share some of my very personal thanksgivings with you.
God was there when He designed that I was born to Christian parents, who wanted to love me and train me and provide me with godly examples to look to. God was there when he led my parents to Hobe Sound during the years they were rearing their family; God was there when He made a way through the love of a grandfather to provide tuition for a Christian education for us kids. God was there when He placed a desire within me to love Him, and to serve Him, even though I was still a child. God was there when I went week after week to children's church with Uncle George and Aunt Ruthie, and learned all those great childrens songs that I still remember today. God was there when I stood in awe in Campmeeting services at the visible moving of His Spirit. God was there when I grew old enough to pay attention in Sunday morning worship service, and began learning a deeper sense of what it meant to join in corporate worship. God was there when He gave my parents wisdom to steer me away from potentially harmful influences during those key years of adolescence. God was there when He brought true and meaningful friendship my way, and allowed me to experience the joy of a lifelong bond with another person. God was there when He allowed me to experience falling in love, and to get the gift of sharing the rest of my life with that person that first made my heart turn upside down and inside out. God was there when He led us to Alabama, strangest thing though it seemed at the time. God was there when He put me through the painful process of personal growth and surrender. God was there when He blessed my womb four times over with an inheritance from Heaven. God has been with me throughout all the phases of my life. And though there have been times when as anyone else, I have known the shock of betrayal, the sting of rejection, and the pain of grief, when the dark hours come, I am comforted by the knowledge that He's probably still right where He's always been. Even when I don't consciously know it at the time. My life has been blessed by God. My life has been marked by the dear and precious people I have known, the sermons I have heard, the rules was I asked to keep, the standard (not necessarily "standards") to which I was held.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love that day above all the others. And I'm always thankful for the Pilgrims on the Mayflower who risked life and limb to come to the New World in quest of religious freedom. I'm always thankful for the turkey and the trimmings. Thankful for the family to share those trimmings with. Thankful for the memories of holidays past and those no longer here to share them with. But this year, I just felt thankful in a little different way for the "unseen Hand" that has been with me this far.
I have a busy week of food preparation and travel ahead. I wanted to take the time on this Monday morning before all the hustle and bustle of the week began to post my thoughts of thanks. Personal...maybe a little too personal...but I hope a blessing just the same.
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL! May you have a day of bountiful blessings and loved ones to share them with!
I remember many years ago being gathered with a group of students outside the high school classrooms at Hobe Sound. I don't remember the occasion or the purpose of the gathering, but Dr. Whitaker was talking to us, and he made a statement that I have never forgotten. He told us that we each one were "marked" whether we wanted to be or not, by the atmosphere of our surroundings on a Bible college campus. Marked by what we had seen, marked by what we had learned. Marked by the people that we were associated with. He assured us that no matter where we went from there, no matter what path we chose to take, that that "marking" would always be with us, that we would never get away from it.
As I reflect back on my life, I can testify with certainty that that is the case with me. I have sensed that marking on me my whole life. Most of the time I consider it a blessing, other times.....I'm not so sure! For me, it is not a marking that I feel is visible to others, it is not a marking to "do this" or to "do that". It is a stamp on the heart of who I am, and in difficult times when I am faced with such frustrations and hard times that shake me, I find myself hitting the rewind button to go back in my memory to those times when I have known solid ground. It is a coping mechanism that gets me through. Recently, I had this experience, and as I began my journey backward (noting those "stones" placed there during times of deliverance), a spirit of Thanksgiving was born in my heart. So I wanted to share some of my very personal thanksgivings with you.
God was there when He designed that I was born to Christian parents, who wanted to love me and train me and provide me with godly examples to look to. God was there when he led my parents to Hobe Sound during the years they were rearing their family; God was there when He made a way through the love of a grandfather to provide tuition for a Christian education for us kids. God was there when He placed a desire within me to love Him, and to serve Him, even though I was still a child. God was there when I went week after week to children's church with Uncle George and Aunt Ruthie, and learned all those great childrens songs that I still remember today. God was there when I stood in awe in Campmeeting services at the visible moving of His Spirit. God was there when I grew old enough to pay attention in Sunday morning worship service, and began learning a deeper sense of what it meant to join in corporate worship. God was there when He gave my parents wisdom to steer me away from potentially harmful influences during those key years of adolescence. God was there when He brought true and meaningful friendship my way, and allowed me to experience the joy of a lifelong bond with another person. God was there when He allowed me to experience falling in love, and to get the gift of sharing the rest of my life with that person that first made my heart turn upside down and inside out. God was there when He led us to Alabama, strangest thing though it seemed at the time. God was there when He put me through the painful process of personal growth and surrender. God was there when He blessed my womb four times over with an inheritance from Heaven. God has been with me throughout all the phases of my life. And though there have been times when as anyone else, I have known the shock of betrayal, the sting of rejection, and the pain of grief, when the dark hours come, I am comforted by the knowledge that He's probably still right where He's always been. Even when I don't consciously know it at the time. My life has been blessed by God. My life has been marked by the dear and precious people I have known, the sermons I have heard, the rules was I asked to keep, the standard (not necessarily "standards") to which I was held.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love that day above all the others. And I'm always thankful for the Pilgrims on the Mayflower who risked life and limb to come to the New World in quest of religious freedom. I'm always thankful for the turkey and the trimmings. Thankful for the family to share those trimmings with. Thankful for the memories of holidays past and those no longer here to share them with. But this year, I just felt thankful in a little different way for the "unseen Hand" that has been with me this far.
I have a busy week of food preparation and travel ahead. I wanted to take the time on this Monday morning before all the hustle and bustle of the week began to post my thoughts of thanks. Personal...maybe a little too personal...but I hope a blessing just the same.
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL! May you have a day of bountiful blessings and loved ones to share them with!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Pondering Prosperity
I've been thinking....about the blur of sacred and secular. So easy to "spiritualize" and feel all the right stuff on Sunday and Wednesday...to easily express thoughts and attitudes of praise and sentimental worship when sitting in the church building. But man o man, it's that grind, that GRRRRIIIINND, that takes place in between those visits to the church house. That's when all the things that I say I believe are supposed to kick in...and make me an example of God's grace. I confess, I fall so short. Day in and day out, when life's crushing circumstances rush in and do their best work, I give in way too easily to the discouragement. And if not to that, then just to the ambivalence...like I'm not really seeking for the excellent. But I am working on these things. To that end, the chorus of a song has been running through my mind all afternoon. I spotted a church steeple through the clouds and trees...and the words of David Phelps song came,
Been thinkin' on something else, too: There is a prevailing message in our culture today...this "prosperity gospel", it's called. Take the time to listen to some of it and it can really set your mind reeling. Some preach the message so well, that it becomes quite convincing, and then you're stuck with the question, "what's wrong with me?!" The more I have pondered this enigma, between a "prosperity" gospel, and a gospel of "suffering with Christ", I have come to an irritated conclusion. For one thing, just that exactly...where did we get the idea we could live lives of comfortable Christianity? On our worst day, most of us will still never actually suffer for the cause of Christ. But have troubles and valleys of discouragement....ah, yes....that we will know a thing or two about. Doesn't mean we're not prospering in the grace of God, though. At least that's how I'm viewing it these days. And then secondly, and most irritatingly, I stopped short when the thought hit me that those who preach this so-called 'prosperity' or 'self-enhancement' gospel are in effect making the message be one of an AMERICAN GOSPEL! No where else on the globe, especially places that are inherently prone to hardship, could they get away with preaching this message to people! This gospel leaves out half the population....no way that can be the right message. That's when everything Kimberly was saying regarding Katrina issues, etc., finally made sense to me. I get it now.
A message of ease, comfort, wealth, health, favor(the new buzz word), and blessing sure does sound like a mighty fine life. Mighty fine. But, if it's not TRUE, if it doesn't lead me to my ultimate destination, and if it doesn't line up with the whole picture presented in the Scripture, then in reality it's a message of disillusionment. Reminds of the parachute example I shared with you previously; you put on that "parachute" expecting prosperity, and find a quite different life indeed....well, then you'd just throw it off altogether. I know I would.
So for me, the challenge is to really expect better of myself in how I view the nasty circumstances that life throws my way at times. Hold my head up anyway, trust God anyway, praise Him anyway...and believe that relief is in sight somewhere down the road. It's time to hold myself to a higher standard.
In an un-related note: I wanted to put out a word to everyone who would feel led to pray for this need. My parents made friends with a young couple while they were living in Kansas. Beautiful family, five children...and the wife/mother is battling aggressive cancer. Updates on her condition can be found on this blog. If God brings her to mind, would you pray for her? Her name is Sandy. I'm praying for God's will....but also asking for His miracle healing touch on her body. Thank you!
"Life is a Church
These are the sacraments
These are the sacraments
This is the altar,
Love is the Spirit
Making this blue world turn
Life is a Church."
I know there may be some arguability(is that a word?) in that statement. But I think the point of the song struck me in a new way today: there is no sacred vs. secular. To us who believe, we can make the sacrifice of praise wherever we are, altar or no altar. We can revel in the broken body of Christ, with or without the traditional sacrament. Not that we would do away with our steeples, altars, and "wine"....heavens, no!...just that I'm seeing that "life is a church" wherever and whenever I still my heart to worship. Hope that made sense!
Been thinkin' on something else, too: There is a prevailing message in our culture today...this "prosperity gospel", it's called. Take the time to listen to some of it and it can really set your mind reeling. Some preach the message so well, that it becomes quite convincing, and then you're stuck with the question, "what's wrong with me?!" The more I have pondered this enigma, between a "prosperity" gospel, and a gospel of "suffering with Christ", I have come to an irritated conclusion. For one thing, just that exactly...where did we get the idea we could live lives of comfortable Christianity? On our worst day, most of us will still never actually suffer for the cause of Christ. But have troubles and valleys of discouragement....ah, yes....that we will know a thing or two about. Doesn't mean we're not prospering in the grace of God, though. At least that's how I'm viewing it these days. And then secondly, and most irritatingly, I stopped short when the thought hit me that those who preach this so-called 'prosperity' or 'self-enhancement' gospel are in effect making the message be one of an AMERICAN GOSPEL! No where else on the globe, especially places that are inherently prone to hardship, could they get away with preaching this message to people! This gospel leaves out half the population....no way that can be the right message. That's when everything Kimberly was saying regarding Katrina issues, etc., finally made sense to me. I get it now.
A message of ease, comfort, wealth, health, favor(the new buzz word), and blessing sure does sound like a mighty fine life. Mighty fine. But, if it's not TRUE, if it doesn't lead me to my ultimate destination, and if it doesn't line up with the whole picture presented in the Scripture, then in reality it's a message of disillusionment. Reminds of the parachute example I shared with you previously; you put on that "parachute" expecting prosperity, and find a quite different life indeed....well, then you'd just throw it off altogether. I know I would.
So for me, the challenge is to really expect better of myself in how I view the nasty circumstances that life throws my way at times. Hold my head up anyway, trust God anyway, praise Him anyway...and believe that relief is in sight somewhere down the road. It's time to hold myself to a higher standard.
In an un-related note: I wanted to put out a word to everyone who would feel led to pray for this need. My parents made friends with a young couple while they were living in Kansas. Beautiful family, five children...and the wife/mother is battling aggressive cancer. Updates on her condition can be found on this blog. If God brings her to mind, would you pray for her? Her name is Sandy. I'm praying for God's will....but also asking for His miracle healing touch on her body. Thank you!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Introspection...no, CONFESSION is Good for the Soul
It's funny how your thinking can change and evolve somewhat with time. I guess because of that solid "Wesleyan Armenian" upbringing, I've always squirmed a little uncomfortably during our liturgical Communion services (Word and Table) since ministering in the United Methodist Church. Not that I meant to be pious or anything, but there were times that it irked me to have to pray the Confession along with others, before partaking of the Eucharist. Was I supposed to have anything to confess? Had I not loved God with my whole heart? Had I not loved my neighbors? Had I failed to be obedient? And if I had, shouldn't I just privately repent and move on? MAYBE.
Something was just different this morning. I don't know what, exactly. I think I just came to realize that while my life is to be one of a victorious overcomer, there are just so many shortcomings and failings that I MUST HAVE the mercy of God to cover. And in the particular Confession prayed today, I had to admit to myself (yes, while somewhat aware of the brothers and sisters sitting around me), that we as a Congregation needed to pray that prayer. For it was a collective prayer of Confession as a congregation. We have fallen short. We need God's mercy. And the beautiful thing is, His mercies are new every morning. There is fresh hope, fresh forgiveness, and fresh grace for the day that I face tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, it will be our first day of this new school year. I have opted for the Abeka program (for this year at least) for Lauren and Cameron, and will begin the K12 program with Sophie. She's only four, but she's ready, too. So I will need God's help in a special way. How could I do this without Him?
Abandoning all piety and embracing humility, I throw myself on the mercies of God.
Today's prayer of Confession and Pardon:
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience, (I love that part!)
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Good News:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God's love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
The Peace:
Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.
The Offering:
As forgiven and reconciled people,
let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.
Something was just different this morning. I don't know what, exactly. I think I just came to realize that while my life is to be one of a victorious overcomer, there are just so many shortcomings and failings that I MUST HAVE the mercy of God to cover. And in the particular Confession prayed today, I had to admit to myself (yes, while somewhat aware of the brothers and sisters sitting around me), that we as a Congregation needed to pray that prayer. For it was a collective prayer of Confession as a congregation. We have fallen short. We need God's mercy. And the beautiful thing is, His mercies are new every morning. There is fresh hope, fresh forgiveness, and fresh grace for the day that I face tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, it will be our first day of this new school year. I have opted for the Abeka program (for this year at least) for Lauren and Cameron, and will begin the K12 program with Sophie. She's only four, but she's ready, too. So I will need God's help in a special way. How could I do this without Him?
Abandoning all piety and embracing humility, I throw myself on the mercies of God.
Today's prayer of Confession and Pardon:
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience, (I love that part!)
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Good News:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God's love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
The Peace:
Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.
The Offering:
As forgiven and reconciled people,
let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Encouraging Word For All Who Pray....
The following is an excerpt from John Piper's book, "The Pleasures of God."
"...God loves to magnify His glory in the lives of his people. So he designed prayer as a way for this to happen. Jesus says, 'whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.' (John 14:14) So God has designed prayer as an occasion when he and the Son will be glorified as the source and agent in doing good to his people. This is one of the reasons Revelation describes the prayers of the saints as golden bowls of incense before the throne of God. (Rev. 5:8) God delights in the aroma of his own glory as he smells it in the prayers of his people. It is as though God has a favorite food. When we pray, he smells the aroma from the kitchen as you prepare his special dish. When God hungers for some special satisfaction, he seeks out a prayer to answer. Our prayer is the sweet aroma from the kitchen ascending up into the King's chambers making him hungry for the meal. But the actual enjoyment of the meal is his own glorious work in answering our prayer. The food of God is to answer our prayers. He has no deficiency in himself that he needs to fill up, so he gets his satisfaction by magnifying the glory of his riches by filling up the deficiencies of people who pray.
This seems to be the point of Ps. 50:13-15, 'Do I eat the flesh of bulls or the drink the blood of goats?' says the Lord. NO. Therefore, 'offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving...and call upon him in the day of trouble, and he will deliver you, and you shall glorify him.' The demonstration of the glory of God in answered prayer is God's special feast. So if we want to feed him with the only kind of joy he is capable of, we hold up the empty cup of prayer and let him show the riches of his glory by filling it. "
This portion of reading has been food for my own soul for about two days now. I couldn't find a good spot to cut off my quote, it is so good! I hope it was an encouragement to you today, as well . Wherever we are, blogging friends, stretched across the globe, may our collective prayers rise to Heaven and be a sweet aroma--a bountiful feast--for our Heavenly Father.
"...God loves to magnify His glory in the lives of his people. So he designed prayer as a way for this to happen. Jesus says, 'whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.' (John 14:14) So God has designed prayer as an occasion when he and the Son will be glorified as the source and agent in doing good to his people. This is one of the reasons Revelation describes the prayers of the saints as golden bowls of incense before the throne of God. (Rev. 5:8) God delights in the aroma of his own glory as he smells it in the prayers of his people. It is as though God has a favorite food. When we pray, he smells the aroma from the kitchen as you prepare his special dish. When God hungers for some special satisfaction, he seeks out a prayer to answer. Our prayer is the sweet aroma from the kitchen ascending up into the King's chambers making him hungry for the meal. But the actual enjoyment of the meal is his own glorious work in answering our prayer. The food of God is to answer our prayers. He has no deficiency in himself that he needs to fill up, so he gets his satisfaction by magnifying the glory of his riches by filling up the deficiencies of people who pray.
This seems to be the point of Ps. 50:13-15, 'Do I eat the flesh of bulls or the drink the blood of goats?' says the Lord. NO. Therefore, 'offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving...and call upon him in the day of trouble, and he will deliver you, and you shall glorify him.' The demonstration of the glory of God in answered prayer is God's special feast. So if we want to feed him with the only kind of joy he is capable of, we hold up the empty cup of prayer and let him show the riches of his glory by filling it. "
This portion of reading has been food for my own soul for about two days now. I couldn't find a good spot to cut off my quote, it is so good! I hope it was an encouragement to you today, as well . Wherever we are, blogging friends, stretched across the globe, may our collective prayers rise to Heaven and be a sweet aroma--a bountiful feast--for our Heavenly Father.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Steel on Steel
Today I am writing this post on behalf of Derek and myself...in memory of and in honor to our friend Greg Makcen.
It was on this date four years ago that our hearts were deeply grieved and sorrowful to learn that Greg had died. Even though he had been battling a mysterious illness for a time, it still seemed unthinkable that someone so exuberant and full of life would indeed be taken from us. The shock was great.
Death has been a part of my life almost since I can remember. I know, that sounds like a bizarre statement. But most of you know that my dad has worked in the Funeral 'business' for many years. His very livelihood counts on the certainty of death. I have also been acquainted with grief through the loss of loved ones, and friends, some of which were so young to die, by all earthly standards. I guess it is because of this familiarity that I came early on in life to deplore the platitudes and cliches that come along with grief. Not because I think people don't mean well; only that hearing once again that "God needed another flower for His garden, or another 'angel' for His choir" brings me no comfort at all; indeed, it flies in the very face of who I believe God to be. Neither a selfish gardener, nor Choral director. Still, the death of this friend was very hard to accept; it was painful.
But I have digressed. I wanted to share some thoughts about who Greg Makcen was to us. Ten years ago, he was a total stranger! Then we received a call to come and be part of his pastoral staff in the capacity of Music Ministry. When we accepted this call, to join Bro. Greg and his family there in Tuscaloosa, we were new to full-time ministry. And Greg was relatively new to having a "team" to work with. What an adjustment of learning, growing, stretching, accepting, mentoring, leading, and following we encountered! As we felt our way through developing a common philosophy of ministry, there were times of major "discussion" that occurred! Boy, did we go 'round and 'round sometimes (you know, in the sanctified sense :) ) There are a lot of people...even those in places of ministry across the CHM and church world at large...who cannot or will not sustain their friendships through these times of 'sharpening each other like steel on steel.' I guess the greatest thing about our relationship and friendship with Bro. Greg was that it only became stronger and deeper with time. We feel like we grew as people and as Christians for having known him. I'm especially glad that we went back for a visit and enjoyed some precious fellowship together just a few weeks before he died. In our minds, Greg didn't leave behind a legacy that he was this perfect, saintly, have-it-all-together man, but his humanity and his ability to correct course and have a teachable spirit are a HUGE example to us. It is no trite thing when I say that the impact that Greg Makcen left on us was Jurassic in size. The way he viewed people and his intense passion for "right living" (as he would say), and whole-hearted Service to God, has left a mark on our lives and we are forever grateful.
Our memories of our time in Alabama are exceedingly precious to us now. So many fun games played around the table, and stories shared. Greg loved tall tales :)
We miss him, and look forward to seeing him again someday in Heaven. It will be interesting to find out if Greg will really be able to sing now that he's crossed to the other side. Lord knows, he drove us nuts in this world wishing that he could!!!
And, if there's Skip-Bo in Heaven, I fully plan to say "Skip Bro. Greg", just once more...for old times' sake!
We have often laughed at the thought of Greg slipping in to sit on the back pew during his own funeral service. He would have gotten such a kick out of it; all the accolades and well-known preachers on the platform. He would have loved every minute of it!
So, here's to you, Bro. Greg: our friend, our Pastor, co-worker, neighbor, and teacher of hard truths. You are Missed!
I know I have shamelessly used my blog today to vent some very personal thoughts and reflections. I hope you'll forgive it, and understand that this was good therapy. When I'm tempted to feel sorrowful for Greg that his full and exciting life was cut short, Derek reminds me: don't feel sorry for Greg! Feel sorry for us! His journey is over; no more pain, sickness, temptation or trouble. He's arrived: now it behooves us to do the same.
It was on this date four years ago that our hearts were deeply grieved and sorrowful to learn that Greg had died. Even though he had been battling a mysterious illness for a time, it still seemed unthinkable that someone so exuberant and full of life would indeed be taken from us. The shock was great.
Death has been a part of my life almost since I can remember. I know, that sounds like a bizarre statement. But most of you know that my dad has worked in the Funeral 'business' for many years. His very livelihood counts on the certainty of death. I have also been acquainted with grief through the loss of loved ones, and friends, some of which were so young to die, by all earthly standards. I guess it is because of this familiarity that I came early on in life to deplore the platitudes and cliches that come along with grief. Not because I think people don't mean well; only that hearing once again that "God needed another flower for His garden, or another 'angel' for His choir" brings me no comfort at all; indeed, it flies in the very face of who I believe God to be. Neither a selfish gardener, nor Choral director. Still, the death of this friend was very hard to accept; it was painful.
But I have digressed. I wanted to share some thoughts about who Greg Makcen was to us. Ten years ago, he was a total stranger! Then we received a call to come and be part of his pastoral staff in the capacity of Music Ministry. When we accepted this call, to join Bro. Greg and his family there in Tuscaloosa, we were new to full-time ministry. And Greg was relatively new to having a "team" to work with. What an adjustment of learning, growing, stretching, accepting, mentoring, leading, and following we encountered! As we felt our way through developing a common philosophy of ministry, there were times of major "discussion" that occurred! Boy, did we go 'round and 'round sometimes (you know, in the sanctified sense :) ) There are a lot of people...even those in places of ministry across the CHM and church world at large...who cannot or will not sustain their friendships through these times of 'sharpening each other like steel on steel.' I guess the greatest thing about our relationship and friendship with Bro. Greg was that it only became stronger and deeper with time. We feel like we grew as people and as Christians for having known him. I'm especially glad that we went back for a visit and enjoyed some precious fellowship together just a few weeks before he died. In our minds, Greg didn't leave behind a legacy that he was this perfect, saintly, have-it-all-together man, but his humanity and his ability to correct course and have a teachable spirit are a HUGE example to us. It is no trite thing when I say that the impact that Greg Makcen left on us was Jurassic in size. The way he viewed people and his intense passion for "right living" (as he would say), and whole-hearted Service to God, has left a mark on our lives and we are forever grateful.
Our memories of our time in Alabama are exceedingly precious to us now. So many fun games played around the table, and stories shared. Greg loved tall tales :)
We miss him, and look forward to seeing him again someday in Heaven. It will be interesting to find out if Greg will really be able to sing now that he's crossed to the other side. Lord knows, he drove us nuts in this world wishing that he could!!!
And, if there's Skip-Bo in Heaven, I fully plan to say "Skip Bro. Greg", just once more...for old times' sake!
We have often laughed at the thought of Greg slipping in to sit on the back pew during his own funeral service. He would have gotten such a kick out of it; all the accolades and well-known preachers on the platform. He would have loved every minute of it!
So, here's to you, Bro. Greg: our friend, our Pastor, co-worker, neighbor, and teacher of hard truths. You are Missed!
I know I have shamelessly used my blog today to vent some very personal thoughts and reflections. I hope you'll forgive it, and understand that this was good therapy. When I'm tempted to feel sorrowful for Greg that his full and exciting life was cut short, Derek reminds me: don't feel sorry for Greg! Feel sorry for us! His journey is over; no more pain, sickness, temptation or trouble. He's arrived: now it behooves us to do the same.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
He Abides
A couple of weeks ago in our Wed Bible study, we were evaluating various study guides. Each person had looked over assigned material and came back the following week to give "reviews" on what they had read. One person shared that their material was called "Abiding in Truth". His first observation was that this guide would be better suited to a more mature Christian group than not, if for no other reason than that the title gave it away as "church-ese" (that unique language that's known only to church-goers). He said, "people just don't use the word 'abide' anymore". I couldn't help it. My first response was, "and that's a bummer, because it's such a great word!"
I really do love words. And I know there's nothing particularly sacred or spiritual about one word over another. But I can't help but feel the beauty and impact of such a great word as "ABIDE"; Sure, you can say the Holy Spirit is "with" me. And it means pretty much the same thing. But the word "abide" implies such a deeper level of being or dwelling. Not only is He "with" me now, but there is almost an unspoken sense of promise that when He came, He came to stay. That it would only be me, by my own choices, that could push Him away. He came to stay. He came to pull alongside me. He came to ABIDE. What a beautiful thought. What a blessing to cherish.
So maybe I am too easily drawn into "church-ese", and I in no way mean to dismiss or condone it. We do have to be careful to not appear exclusive in our language, demeanor, or methods, to a watching world. But in the quiet place of my heart, I will always be glad that I had the opportunity to grow up in such a way that nurtured a love for some of the "old" while recognizing when it's time for some of the "new".
I came home from church that night, and sat down at the piano with my hymnal to play and sing the following, just for the solace it brought to my own heart:
ABIDE WITH ME by Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Abide with me; fast falls the even-tide;
The darkeness deepens: Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
I really do love words. And I know there's nothing particularly sacred or spiritual about one word over another. But I can't help but feel the beauty and impact of such a great word as "ABIDE"; Sure, you can say the Holy Spirit is "with" me. And it means pretty much the same thing. But the word "abide" implies such a deeper level of being or dwelling. Not only is He "with" me now, but there is almost an unspoken sense of promise that when He came, He came to stay. That it would only be me, by my own choices, that could push Him away. He came to stay. He came to pull alongside me. He came to ABIDE. What a beautiful thought. What a blessing to cherish.
So maybe I am too easily drawn into "church-ese", and I in no way mean to dismiss or condone it. We do have to be careful to not appear exclusive in our language, demeanor, or methods, to a watching world. But in the quiet place of my heart, I will always be glad that I had the opportunity to grow up in such a way that nurtured a love for some of the "old" while recognizing when it's time for some of the "new".
I came home from church that night, and sat down at the piano with my hymnal to play and sing the following, just for the solace it brought to my own heart:
ABIDE WITH ME by Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Abide with me; fast falls the even-tide;
The darkeness deepens: Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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