John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
When Jesus was born hope came into the world--along with light and life and power and glory and grace and TRUTH! At last, embodied in human flesh, the entire will and nature of God. What a wonder! How far beyond our imagination! And isn't it that very fact--that it is beyond the fantasies of any man--that attests to the origin and veracity of this wonderful story of love?
Jesus didn't just come to show us the way; he is the Way. He didn't just come to love us; he is love, itself. He didn't just come to bring us truth; he is truth. From his infancy to the last day of his life, Jesus is the voice of heaven summoning us to a life of joyful and meaningful fulfillment. He calls us to our spiritual destiny.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Search for Truth, #7
In Jesus' prayer the night before he died, he prayed for us. This is amazing to me. If I knew it to be my last day on earth it's unlikely I would pray a lengthy prayer for people I had never met. Of course, Jesus knew us before we were born (Psalm 139:13-16), so that sort of makes my situation irrelevant.
Nevertheless, his focus on us and his desire for his investment in our spiritual well-being to produce eternal results, is obviously uppermost in his heart. His prayer as he prepares to rejoin God in heaven reveals a longing for us to be one with him and the Father.
John 17:13-17
And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.
What a request! Jesus' desire for us cannot be fulfilled by God without our cooperation. Jesus lived to give us the "words of truth." They will only have impact if we honestly seek them out and allow them to affect our lives--to make us "pure and holy." Truth in action is Jesus' desire for our lives! Truth CAN be found!
Nevertheless, his focus on us and his desire for his investment in our spiritual well-being to produce eternal results, is obviously uppermost in his heart. His prayer as he prepares to rejoin God in heaven reveals a longing for us to be one with him and the Father.
John 17:13-17
And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.
What a request! Jesus' desire for us cannot be fulfilled by God without our cooperation. Jesus lived to give us the "words of truth." They will only have impact if we honestly seek them out and allow them to affect our lives--to make us "pure and holy." Truth in action is Jesus' desire for our lives! Truth CAN be found!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Seardh for Truth, #6
Matthew 7:21-23
Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as "Lord," but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, "lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name."
But I will reply, "I never knew you. go away; the things you did were unauthorized." (NLT)
Some sincerely religious people will be unpleasantly surprised on judgment day to find they are not making it to heaven. The message of this scripture is that obedience is a salvation issue. Just believing and acknowledging Jesus as Lord is not all that God requires.
This is Jesus speaking-- the God/man who loved us so much that he died in order to secure our salvation! He is not taunting us here. He is clarifying that truth requires obedience. This is not a savior who would make truth obscure. He wants his death to count for as many souls as possible. But having his death avail for our salvation depends on our obedience. We'd all do well to focus on what he asks of us.
I believe that Elizabeth is Queen of England. I'm right in that belief. It is the truth, but it has little effect on my life and that belief does not make me a citizen of the country where she reigns. I do not obey her laws; I do not pay her taxes; I have not pledged her my allegiance. I am not a citizen of her country.
I believe that Jesus is Lord, the Son of God. I am right in that belief. It is the truth. But I must obey His laws if I am to be a citizen of his heavenly kingdom. This makes it imperative that I find the truth of his will and obey. He's made it accessible. I must take responsibility for searching it out and committing my life to it.
Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as "Lord," but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, "lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name."
But I will reply, "I never knew you. go away; the things you did were unauthorized." (NLT)
Some sincerely religious people will be unpleasantly surprised on judgment day to find they are not making it to heaven. The message of this scripture is that obedience is a salvation issue. Just believing and acknowledging Jesus as Lord is not all that God requires.
This is Jesus speaking-- the God/man who loved us so much that he died in order to secure our salvation! He is not taunting us here. He is clarifying that truth requires obedience. This is not a savior who would make truth obscure. He wants his death to count for as many souls as possible. But having his death avail for our salvation depends on our obedience. We'd all do well to focus on what he asks of us.
I believe that Elizabeth is Queen of England. I'm right in that belief. It is the truth, but it has little effect on my life and that belief does not make me a citizen of the country where she reigns. I do not obey her laws; I do not pay her taxes; I have not pledged her my allegiance. I am not a citizen of her country.
I believe that Jesus is Lord, the Son of God. I am right in that belief. It is the truth. But I must obey His laws if I am to be a citizen of his heavenly kingdom. This makes it imperative that I find the truth of his will and obey. He's made it accessible. I must take responsibility for searching it out and committing my life to it.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Search for Truth, #5
II Corinthians 11:3-4
But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you believed.
It's interesting that Satan didn't just try to convince Eve that God didn't exist; instead, he just filled her head with half truths and misinformation about the nature and will of God. Nothing has changed. When Satan can't introduce atheistic thinking, he just twists the truth. Believers in God can become believers in a false gospel--dangerous!
The fact that such distortions could be so soon passed off as truth should serve as a warning to us. Satan has had a lot more time to introduce doubts and confusing philosophies. The advantage we have that the early disciples did not is that we have the written word. We can find truth and confirm our faith by going to the original source--the entire recorded word of God.
With such a gift, we should treasure the Bible as a source of infallible truth. We can place our confidence in the omnipotent power of God to keep it untainted through the centuries so that we can know the truth. God will surely not overlook our ignorance as an excuse when we have such a holy resource at our disposal Our search for truth begins and ends within its pages
.
But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you believed.
It's interesting that Satan didn't just try to convince Eve that God didn't exist; instead, he just filled her head with half truths and misinformation about the nature and will of God. Nothing has changed. When Satan can't introduce atheistic thinking, he just twists the truth. Believers in God can become believers in a false gospel--dangerous!
The fact that such distortions could be so soon passed off as truth should serve as a warning to us. Satan has had a lot more time to introduce doubts and confusing philosophies. The advantage we have that the early disciples did not is that we have the written word. We can find truth and confirm our faith by going to the original source--the entire recorded word of God.
With such a gift, we should treasure the Bible as a source of infallible truth. We can place our confidence in the omnipotent power of God to keep it untainted through the centuries so that we can know the truth. God will surely not overlook our ignorance as an excuse when we have such a holy resource at our disposal Our search for truth begins and ends within its pages
.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Search for Truth #4
Galatians 1:6-9 (NLT)
I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ.
Let a curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curse fall on that person.
This is strong language from the Apostle Paul. His concern that the Galatian Christians protect their hearts from "being fooled by those who twist and change the truth" was adamant. Souls were at stake. This was not about being broad minded and flexible; this was about holding firmly to truth.
Interestingly, Paul makes reference to the timing of their shift in thinking. He's surprised that it happened "so soon" Given enough time, shifts in thinking and philosophy can invade entire cultures. Psychologists tell us that people are prone to change their thinking to fit their behavior instead of changing their behavior to fit their thinking. This leaves our convictions at risk if we are tempted, even subconsciously, to rationalize the decisions we make and the way we live or the leanings of our culture.
The strongest protection for our hearts is a desire to please God, not men--and not ourselves. God longs for us to know the truth. He did not make it obscure or hard to understand. A heart seeking God and His truth has a promise to rest on:
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.
But be warned: spiritual truth is not intuitive. We will not find it by looking to our own reasoning. While it is universally accessible in the Bible, and easy to understand, it is often extremely challenging to incorporate truth into our characters and lifestyles. Relying on our own reasoning can lead us away from truth.
Isaiah 55:8, 9 (NLT)
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ.
Let a curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curse fall on that person.
This is strong language from the Apostle Paul. His concern that the Galatian Christians protect their hearts from "being fooled by those who twist and change the truth" was adamant. Souls were at stake. This was not about being broad minded and flexible; this was about holding firmly to truth.
Interestingly, Paul makes reference to the timing of their shift in thinking. He's surprised that it happened "so soon" Given enough time, shifts in thinking and philosophy can invade entire cultures. Psychologists tell us that people are prone to change their thinking to fit their behavior instead of changing their behavior to fit their thinking. This leaves our convictions at risk if we are tempted, even subconsciously, to rationalize the decisions we make and the way we live or the leanings of our culture.
The strongest protection for our hearts is a desire to please God, not men--and not ourselves. God longs for us to know the truth. He did not make it obscure or hard to understand. A heart seeking God and His truth has a promise to rest on:
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.
But be warned: spiritual truth is not intuitive. We will not find it by looking to our own reasoning. While it is universally accessible in the Bible, and easy to understand, it is often extremely challenging to incorporate truth into our characters and lifestyles. Relying on our own reasoning can lead us away from truth.
Isaiah 55:8, 9 (NLT)
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Search for Truth #3
Matthew 7:14
You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (NLT)
The truth about entering the kingdom of God on the narrow way is not found in human philosophies. Indeed, while this information is the most important truth we will ever access, it is in many ways counterintuitive to human logic--and, certainly to human desires.
We will never find the narrow way by an inward search for what makes sense to us. Too many factors--that have nothing to do with the perspective of God--shape the way we would like spiritual truth to be. We are influenced by our heritage, our traditions, our cultures, our carnal desires, our rationalizations, our sentimentality, etc. Seeking truth most often requires that we work to set aside these filters to see clearly the will of God.
It takes humility to take God at his word. Launching into complicated and confusing arguments in order to explain away simple truth will always be a human tendency. Humility turns us toward God instead of toward our own intellects.
God has not made truth obscure. He wants us to know truth. He has done all he can to place truth before us: he inspired human authors to record his will--his very heart; he preserved these sacred writings for centuries so that every generation would have access to them; he lived out their message by sending his own Son to walk the narrow way on this earth so we could follow.
The truth of the message of the narrow way is not confirmed through scholarship; it is confirmed by the experience of obedience. When we embark on the journey to put the Word of Truth into practice, we see truth in all its glory and blazing clarity. It sets us free from confusion and an empty way of life.
John 8:31, 32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (NLT)
The truth about entering the kingdom of God on the narrow way is not found in human philosophies. Indeed, while this information is the most important truth we will ever access, it is in many ways counterintuitive to human logic--and, certainly to human desires.
We will never find the narrow way by an inward search for what makes sense to us. Too many factors--that have nothing to do with the perspective of God--shape the way we would like spiritual truth to be. We are influenced by our heritage, our traditions, our cultures, our carnal desires, our rationalizations, our sentimentality, etc. Seeking truth most often requires that we work to set aside these filters to see clearly the will of God.
It takes humility to take God at his word. Launching into complicated and confusing arguments in order to explain away simple truth will always be a human tendency. Humility turns us toward God instead of toward our own intellects.
God has not made truth obscure. He wants us to know truth. He has done all he can to place truth before us: he inspired human authors to record his will--his very heart; he preserved these sacred writings for centuries so that every generation would have access to them; he lived out their message by sending his own Son to walk the narrow way on this earth so we could follow.
The truth of the message of the narrow way is not confirmed through scholarship; it is confirmed by the experience of obedience. When we embark on the journey to put the Word of Truth into practice, we see truth in all its glory and blazing clarity. It sets us free from confusion and an empty way of life.
John 8:31, 32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
Friday, December 6, 2013
Search for Truth, #2
II Timothy 4:3, 4
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.
In a search for truth, we have to be careful to get our preconceived notions and our own desires out of the way. The things that we hope are true can become a distorting filter through which we see truth.
God has offered us truth. He recorded it in the Bible and displayed it in the life of Jesus. There are millions of lies that can appear attractive and even valid, but adhering to God's truth will always set our course in the right direction.
We will always be able to find tutors to suit our inclinations. From the beginning there have been false prophets who offer doctrines and philosophies more appealing than the teachings of God.
It takes great personal honesty and a search without filters to find the way of God. It is not our intellects that stand in our way. It is our hearts' desires.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.
In a search for truth, we have to be careful to get our preconceived notions and our own desires out of the way. The things that we hope are true can become a distorting filter through which we see truth.
God has offered us truth. He recorded it in the Bible and displayed it in the life of Jesus. There are millions of lies that can appear attractive and even valid, but adhering to God's truth will always set our course in the right direction.
We will always be able to find tutors to suit our inclinations. From the beginning there have been false prophets who offer doctrines and philosophies more appealing than the teachings of God.
It takes great personal honesty and a search without filters to find the way of God. It is not our intellects that stand in our way. It is our hearts' desires.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Search for Truth, #1
Matthew 2:9
...the wise men went on their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem.
How desperately the world still needs a guide to the Savior! Innately most search for truth--at least something they can believe to be is truth. We no longer have a star to follow, but God has not left us without guidance. Truth is accessible.
John 18:37, 38
Pilate replied, "You are a king then?"
"You sat that I am a king, and you are right," said Jesus. "I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love truth recognize that what I say is true."
"What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again...."
Pilate must not have really been seeking an answer, because he left without waiting for Jesus to reply. Pilate apparently thought he had asked a question that had no answer, or he did not want the answer, or he did not want the answer from Jesus. In any event, he didn't persevere in a search for truth.
There is absolute truth and we can know it. It may take work to find it, but it is worth the effort. Many truths have no relevance for our lives, but the one truth that every human needs to confirm is the truth of who Jesus is and how he wants us to live.
John 14:6
Jesus told him [Thomas], "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
--more tomorrow
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Pilgrims
In my fantasy world I imagine the pilgrims time-traveling to the 21st century. I hear them murmuring in a corner. They are saying, "What in the heck is green bean casserole?"
Back to reality, I am grateful for abundant blessings (not so much for green bean casserole). But in another fantasy, I would be with everyone I love around a table and the feast would be relationships. How very blessed I am with family and friends who fill my life with joy!
Back to reality, I am grateful for abundant blessings (not so much for green bean casserole). But in another fantasy, I would be with everyone I love around a table and the feast would be relationships. How very blessed I am with family and friends who fill my life with joy!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friends, Farewells and Flashbacks
Yesterday was our last Sunday meeting with the Seattle Church of Christ. Well, it was our last time as residents of the area and official members of this congregation. Hopefully we'll meet with them again, but next time as visitors.
I was holding it together nicely until Greg got up to do the closing announcements and started saying outrageously nice things about us, and James, who was leading singing, said he was "calling an audible" and changed the last song. He asked the congregation to "stand and face the Brumleys" while he led them in "I Love You with the Love of the Lord." That's when I lost it without hope of gaining any composure or shred of dignity--naturally, it was the moment when all eyes were on us. I'm an ugly crier.
Suddenly all these faces held memories of times shared. Every previous Sunday I was living in the moment: focused on worshipping God with people I loved and whose faith encouraged me. I was present with each person I spoke with. But not yesterday. Yesterday was flashbacks of specific times of shared laughter and tears, hope and answered prayers:
early morning trips across Lake Washington with Ellen; after school coffee with Amanda; kitchen table prayers with Joanna and Mie; words of wisdom from Ruthann; sitting in the infusion room with brave Kari over the months she was fighting cancer; teaching the 3rd and 4th grade class with Sallee and Jeff; Starbucks chats with Alcides and Leslie; dreaming and planning with Daren and Karla; watching Jake and Lauren's budding romance and then the wedding; family nights with Mike and Laura and Matthew and Maria; a hundred meals, rescued projects and help offered by Jerry and Shanti; Alison's ever brilliant, cheerful assistance with her unlimited energy and skill: watching Greg and Lisa raise their wonderful children and grow to be trusted for leadership in the church--those I left out of this list are not left out of my heart, but....
You must be getting bored. I could go on for hours! But a rush of memories arose with every face before me. I've heard that just before people die their lives flash before them. I think there are just moments in time that hold a significance that produces the same effect--friends, farewells, and flashbacks.
I was holding it together nicely until Greg got up to do the closing announcements and started saying outrageously nice things about us, and James, who was leading singing, said he was "calling an audible" and changed the last song. He asked the congregation to "stand and face the Brumleys" while he led them in "I Love You with the Love of the Lord." That's when I lost it without hope of gaining any composure or shred of dignity--naturally, it was the moment when all eyes were on us. I'm an ugly crier.
Suddenly all these faces held memories of times shared. Every previous Sunday I was living in the moment: focused on worshipping God with people I loved and whose faith encouraged me. I was present with each person I spoke with. But not yesterday. Yesterday was flashbacks of specific times of shared laughter and tears, hope and answered prayers:
early morning trips across Lake Washington with Ellen; after school coffee with Amanda; kitchen table prayers with Joanna and Mie; words of wisdom from Ruthann; sitting in the infusion room with brave Kari over the months she was fighting cancer; teaching the 3rd and 4th grade class with Sallee and Jeff; Starbucks chats with Alcides and Leslie; dreaming and planning with Daren and Karla; watching Jake and Lauren's budding romance and then the wedding; family nights with Mike and Laura and Matthew and Maria; a hundred meals, rescued projects and help offered by Jerry and Shanti; Alison's ever brilliant, cheerful assistance with her unlimited energy and skill: watching Greg and Lisa raise their wonderful children and grow to be trusted for leadership in the church--those I left out of this list are not left out of my heart, but....
You must be getting bored. I could go on for hours! But a rush of memories arose with every face before me. I've heard that just before people die their lives flash before them. I think there are just moments in time that hold a significance that produces the same effect--friends, farewells, and flashbacks.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Make Someone Smile
For several years Friday afternoons were a special time in our family. It was a day when homework could wait because of the weekend ahead, so when the kids got home from school I'd say, "Let's go make someone smile!" They knew what that meant and always looked forward to this weekly adventure. (OK, it could have been the carrot at the end of the stick. When this tradition first began, I'd add, "And then we'll go get ice cream and make ourselves smile!")
The venue for this adventure in smile-gathering was our local nursing home. We would enter the large double doors of the facility to find stooped residents shuffling past wheelchairs occupied by those who could no longer shuffle. The magic occurred when any of the elderly residents caught sight of children in their midst. Then their faces would light up and hands would reach out to touch and perhaps detain a little one for a chat.
Suddenly a new energy entered the room. There was quiet laughter, teasing, offers of little candies, a sweet competition for the attention of a child. Stories were told: "I remember when my son was your age...."
I watched my children learning valuable life lessons in this atmosphere. They learned the social skills of initiating a conversation, asking questions to keep the dialogue flowing, and they learned to say, "Thank you for telling me that story. I'll see you again next week." They learned to overcome their shyness and fear of reaching out to someone they didn't know and had little in common with. They learned compassion and others centeredness. They learned the power of having something to offer just by being present and friendly. They learned that making someone smile is a very worthwhile goal.
The venue for this adventure in smile-gathering was our local nursing home. We would enter the large double doors of the facility to find stooped residents shuffling past wheelchairs occupied by those who could no longer shuffle. The magic occurred when any of the elderly residents caught sight of children in their midst. Then their faces would light up and hands would reach out to touch and perhaps detain a little one for a chat.
Suddenly a new energy entered the room. There was quiet laughter, teasing, offers of little candies, a sweet competition for the attention of a child. Stories were told: "I remember when my son was your age...."
I watched my children learning valuable life lessons in this atmosphere. They learned the social skills of initiating a conversation, asking questions to keep the dialogue flowing, and they learned to say, "Thank you for telling me that story. I'll see you again next week." They learned to overcome their shyness and fear of reaching out to someone they didn't know and had little in common with. They learned compassion and others centeredness. They learned the power of having something to offer just by being present and friendly. They learned that making someone smile is a very worthwhile goal.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Holiday Traditions
Years ago I was impressed by an article I read about the importance of traditions in a home. It emphasized the role that family traditions play in making children feel secure. Being able to depend on familiar, happy routines builds memories and shapes a child's world and values.
The article went on to say that traditions--especially holiday traditions-- are often absent in single-parent homes where the mom or dad is burdened with just making it through the day. They are prone to depend on grandparents or other friends or relatives to supply holiday festivity. It leaves something important lacking in the development of the child.
Whether the article was accurate or not, it impressed me enough to make me evaluate our own family traditions. Although I had both a mom and a dad, I grew up in a home where traditions were pretty much absent. We relied on aunts and uncles for holiday activities. Usually we didn't even have a Christmas tree and Thanksgiving was never hosted at our home.
Today, among my favorite memories are the traditions we created with our own children at Thanksgiving. We almost always had 30-35 people around a vastly extended table. Friends and family gathered early and swarmed in the kitchen preparing the feast.
While the mom's and I cooked, we also wrote a script for a skit to be performed by the kids after dinner. The rehearsal kept them occupied and all were little hams looking forward to their moment of stardom.
We also prepared place cards for each person at the table. These had no names on them. Rather, they had descriptions or connections to events that identified everyone individually. Things like, "Hole in One"' for the golfer who had enjoyed such celebrity, or "Sweet 16" for the lucky teen who turned that significant age in that year. You get the idea.
When the table was finally filled with food and people, and before the prayer, we went around the table one by one to each say what we were thankful for in that year. Often tears flowed and the food got cold while we rehearsed our blessings, but no one cared. it was a highlight of the day.
Usually we invited others for dessert in the evening--friends who had their own plans, but wanted to be together on this special day. This was the time for the kids performance. The adults were a most appreciative audience!
My favorite script was the year we had a Charlie Brown skit. A forlorn turkey came to seek counsel from Lucy acting as psychiatrist for the day and sitting behind a booth that posted a fee of 5 cents. The turkey's mantra was "I don't want to die!" It's a wonder we didn't traumatize the kids with that one! Lucy's advice was basically, "Get over it!"
Traumatized or not we chalked up another year of wonderful Thanksgiving memories and hopefully a little extra security for our kids.
The article went on to say that traditions--especially holiday traditions-- are often absent in single-parent homes where the mom or dad is burdened with just making it through the day. They are prone to depend on grandparents or other friends or relatives to supply holiday festivity. It leaves something important lacking in the development of the child.
Whether the article was accurate or not, it impressed me enough to make me evaluate our own family traditions. Although I had both a mom and a dad, I grew up in a home where traditions were pretty much absent. We relied on aunts and uncles for holiday activities. Usually we didn't even have a Christmas tree and Thanksgiving was never hosted at our home.
Today, among my favorite memories are the traditions we created with our own children at Thanksgiving. We almost always had 30-35 people around a vastly extended table. Friends and family gathered early and swarmed in the kitchen preparing the feast.
While the mom's and I cooked, we also wrote a script for a skit to be performed by the kids after dinner. The rehearsal kept them occupied and all were little hams looking forward to their moment of stardom.
We also prepared place cards for each person at the table. These had no names on them. Rather, they had descriptions or connections to events that identified everyone individually. Things like, "Hole in One"' for the golfer who had enjoyed such celebrity, or "Sweet 16" for the lucky teen who turned that significant age in that year. You get the idea.
When the table was finally filled with food and people, and before the prayer, we went around the table one by one to each say what we were thankful for in that year. Often tears flowed and the food got cold while we rehearsed our blessings, but no one cared. it was a highlight of the day.
Usually we invited others for dessert in the evening--friends who had their own plans, but wanted to be together on this special day. This was the time for the kids performance. The adults were a most appreciative audience!
My favorite script was the year we had a Charlie Brown skit. A forlorn turkey came to seek counsel from Lucy acting as psychiatrist for the day and sitting behind a booth that posted a fee of 5 cents. The turkey's mantra was "I don't want to die!" It's a wonder we didn't traumatize the kids with that one! Lucy's advice was basically, "Get over it!"
Traumatized or not we chalked up another year of wonderful Thanksgiving memories and hopefully a little extra security for our kids.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Disasterous Disconnect
We are a fragile species: we have an unceasing need for oxygen; hypothermia can claim our lives in minutes; dehydration makes us crazy before it kills us; prolonged sleep deprivation results in mental instability; food is an almost daily need--at least three times a day if we have our way.
The desperate need we are most likely to ignore is our need to stay connected to God. There are needs that God alone can meet and yet we often look in all the wrong places. We sense the vacuum. We are primitively sent clawing after fulfillment only to be repeatedly disappointed.
Oh, there will come the temporary illusion that we have found a refreshing spring welling up to fill the breach and satisfy. but it will never fill us and we will often find it to be a polluted source--but maybe not soon enough to leave our souls un-poisoned.
Desperation will make the compromises easier. Things we never dreamed we'd do will seem to simply "happen."
And God will seem distant and indifferent and shadowed--like a concept instead of a living Spirit. We'll come to feel ill-equipped and ashamed to turn to him. And Satan will whisper that we've ruined or hearts and destroyed all hope of connecting to God again.
God is more loving, more powerful and more gracious than we can conceive. He stands ready to rescue and reunite with us. When we take one step in his direction, he comes the rest of the way to meet us even when we're at our worst.
Psalm 40:2-3
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.
The desperate need we are most likely to ignore is our need to stay connected to God. There are needs that God alone can meet and yet we often look in all the wrong places. We sense the vacuum. We are primitively sent clawing after fulfillment only to be repeatedly disappointed.
Oh, there will come the temporary illusion that we have found a refreshing spring welling up to fill the breach and satisfy. but it will never fill us and we will often find it to be a polluted source--but maybe not soon enough to leave our souls un-poisoned.
Desperation will make the compromises easier. Things we never dreamed we'd do will seem to simply "happen."
And God will seem distant and indifferent and shadowed--like a concept instead of a living Spirit. We'll come to feel ill-equipped and ashamed to turn to him. And Satan will whisper that we've ruined or hearts and destroyed all hope of connecting to God again.
God is more loving, more powerful and more gracious than we can conceive. He stands ready to rescue and reunite with us. When we take one step in his direction, he comes the rest of the way to meet us even when we're at our worst.
Psalm 40:2-3
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
funny thing about the south
I've been in Atlanta for a few weeks now. Is it just me or is everybody's business everybody's business here? I admit I'm given to eavesdropping, but you don't even have to work at it here to learn about "Martha Lynn's falling on the stairs on her way up to the choir loft, bless her heart!"
I was in the check-out line at Publix buying some tonic water. The checker was a woman who was maybe 10 years my junior as was the man waiting to bag my purchase. After scanning my item, she turned pointing my bottle at me and said: "Quinine--you know what else works for leg cramps? Pickle juice!"
"Oh," I replied softly, aware that the others in my line and the lines on either side of me were now aware--if not interested--that I am a leg cramp sufferer. I don't feel ashamed or guilty about my leg cramps, but I'm simply not ready for strangers to discuss them.
This would never happen in Seattle. No one comments on your purchases at the grocery store. Of, course they don't smile or make eye contact either, but.....
"I always just put some salt in my hand and lick it and the cramps go right away and I can go back to sleep," chimed in the rotund bagger.
"Well, I said sheepishly, "we all have so much in common! I may just stick with the tonic water."
"You need to think about the salt. It's always on hand and it works right away! Is that sweet pickle juice or dill pickle juice?" he inquired turning to the checker,
"Dill, of course! It's about the salt. You'd think somebody who recommends salt would know it's about the salt in the pickle juice."
I was holding out my hand for my change, uncomfortable that I had inadvertently pushed my helpers onto the verge of a dispute. People in other lines were paying, claiming their groceries and heading for their cars and I was still smiling stiffly and holding out my hand.
"I think straight salt tastes a lot better than dill pickle juice," the bagger offered.
"Well, have you ever tried it? Don't you like pickles?" She was clutching my change but unaware that I was poised to receive it.
"I like 'em OK in potato salad, but I never drank the juice."
"Well, you oughtta try it," she said turning to me at last with my change. She smiled sweetly as she emptied the coins into my hand. "Good luck with your leg cramps, Sweetie!"
It would not surprise me at all to return to that store and have some stranger approach me while I am examining tomatoes in the produce department. She will inquire without even introducing herself, "How are your leg cramps, honey?" And I will thank her for her concern.
.
I was in the check-out line at Publix buying some tonic water. The checker was a woman who was maybe 10 years my junior as was the man waiting to bag my purchase. After scanning my item, she turned pointing my bottle at me and said: "Quinine--you know what else works for leg cramps? Pickle juice!"
"Oh," I replied softly, aware that the others in my line and the lines on either side of me were now aware--if not interested--that I am a leg cramp sufferer. I don't feel ashamed or guilty about my leg cramps, but I'm simply not ready for strangers to discuss them.
This would never happen in Seattle. No one comments on your purchases at the grocery store. Of, course they don't smile or make eye contact either, but.....
"I always just put some salt in my hand and lick it and the cramps go right away and I can go back to sleep," chimed in the rotund bagger.
"Well, I said sheepishly, "we all have so much in common! I may just stick with the tonic water."
"You need to think about the salt. It's always on hand and it works right away! Is that sweet pickle juice or dill pickle juice?" he inquired turning to the checker,
"Dill, of course! It's about the salt. You'd think somebody who recommends salt would know it's about the salt in the pickle juice."
I was holding out my hand for my change, uncomfortable that I had inadvertently pushed my helpers onto the verge of a dispute. People in other lines were paying, claiming their groceries and heading for their cars and I was still smiling stiffly and holding out my hand.
"I think straight salt tastes a lot better than dill pickle juice," the bagger offered.
"Well, have you ever tried it? Don't you like pickles?" She was clutching my change but unaware that I was poised to receive it.
"I like 'em OK in potato salad, but I never drank the juice."
"Well, you oughtta try it," she said turning to me at last with my change. She smiled sweetly as she emptied the coins into my hand. "Good luck with your leg cramps, Sweetie!"
It would not surprise me at all to return to that store and have some stranger approach me while I am examining tomatoes in the produce department. She will inquire without even introducing herself, "How are your leg cramps, honey?" And I will thank her for her concern.
.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Bucket List
My husband, Ron, has a creative approach to a bucket list. Whenever we do something fun, he says, "Let's write this on our bucket list and check it off." I love this! We are never fearful that we'll die before we get to the end of our list because there's nothing on it except things we've already done!
Reading about Simeon in Luke 2:25-32, we find that he apparently had only one thing on his bucket list. He knew the scriptures' promises about the coming of the Messiah, and he anticipated that coming with all the eagerness it deserved. Something (the Spirit) urged him to go into the temple courts the same day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there for the first time.
Simeon took him into his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen our salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people."
Simeon was dialed in to what really matters. He got it! Having seen the Messiah, he was good to go. All his dreams had come true. He didn't need a trip to retrace the Israelites journey from Egypt to the promised land. He didn't need some award or recognition. He wasn't longing for some prized possession. He just wanted to see Jesus.
But Simeon really saw so little of Jesus--just the baby. Still, he knew the importance of who Jesus was. Before all the miracles, before all the amazing lessons, before the resurrection, before the church--Simeon saw none of the wonderful things we have seen. But he was fulfilled to the point that he was ready to die happy!
The Apostle Paul seemed to have a bucket list, too. Paul's bucket list extended all the way to how he would die and into eternity:
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The longings of these men's hearts challenges us to ask ourselves: what would it take for me to be able to say to God, "You can take me now. Everything I've longed for on this earth has been fulfilled!"
Reading about Simeon in Luke 2:25-32, we find that he apparently had only one thing on his bucket list. He knew the scriptures' promises about the coming of the Messiah, and he anticipated that coming with all the eagerness it deserved. Something (the Spirit) urged him to go into the temple courts the same day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there for the first time.
Simeon took him into his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen our salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people."
Simeon was dialed in to what really matters. He got it! Having seen the Messiah, he was good to go. All his dreams had come true. He didn't need a trip to retrace the Israelites journey from Egypt to the promised land. He didn't need some award or recognition. He wasn't longing for some prized possession. He just wanted to see Jesus.
But Simeon really saw so little of Jesus--just the baby. Still, he knew the importance of who Jesus was. Before all the miracles, before all the amazing lessons, before the resurrection, before the church--Simeon saw none of the wonderful things we have seen. But he was fulfilled to the point that he was ready to die happy!
The Apostle Paul seemed to have a bucket list, too. Paul's bucket list extended all the way to how he would die and into eternity:
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The longings of these men's hearts challenges us to ask ourselves: what would it take for me to be able to say to God, "You can take me now. Everything I've longed for on this earth has been fulfilled!"
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Living Beyond Our Dreams
John 15:4, 5
Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Never before in my life have I been more humbly aware that I am not the source of the fruit of my life. I am a grateful conduit for the work God has faithfully done over the years.
Philippians 2:13
...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Last Sunday our oldest son, Greg, was appointed an elder in the Seattle Church of Christ. In accepting that responsibility, which is a reflection of his faith and the life he and his wife, Lisa, have lived, he mentioned his childhood memories of coming home from school in the afternoon to study the Bible with me over milk and cookies.
I was surely not looking for accolades, nor any credit for the choices he has made as an adult in serving the church and raising his two children to embrace Jesus and become disciples. but I was so happy for the young families in the audience to know that your children do not just absorb your faith through osmosis. Nor has God appointed our church's children's ministries nor our teen ministries with the task of making believers of our children. God has given that privilege and responsibility to parents--both mom and dad, and even grandparents.
II Timothy 1:5
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
I long for every Christian parent to understand that if they dream of their children making it to heaven, it will take an investment of their own time and energy and creativity and effort to allow that dream to come true. It will, primarily, require that they remain in the vine. Our faithfulness to God is our children's best hope for their own spiritual futures.
Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Never before in my life have I been more humbly aware that I am not the source of the fruit of my life. I am a grateful conduit for the work God has faithfully done over the years.
Philippians 2:13
...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Last Sunday our oldest son, Greg, was appointed an elder in the Seattle Church of Christ. In accepting that responsibility, which is a reflection of his faith and the life he and his wife, Lisa, have lived, he mentioned his childhood memories of coming home from school in the afternoon to study the Bible with me over milk and cookies.
I was surely not looking for accolades, nor any credit for the choices he has made as an adult in serving the church and raising his two children to embrace Jesus and become disciples. but I was so happy for the young families in the audience to know that your children do not just absorb your faith through osmosis. Nor has God appointed our church's children's ministries nor our teen ministries with the task of making believers of our children. God has given that privilege and responsibility to parents--both mom and dad, and even grandparents.
II Timothy 1:5
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
I long for every Christian parent to understand that if they dream of their children making it to heaven, it will take an investment of their own time and energy and creativity and effort to allow that dream to come true. It will, primarily, require that they remain in the vine. Our faithfulness to God is our children's best hope for their own spiritual futures.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Warts and All
After more than a year and three doctors later, I'm finally rid of a wart that had embedded itself on the middle finger of my right hand. Actually, it turned out to be a cluster of warts.
I hated it! I felt contaminated and apologetic to anyone who, for whatever reason, had to touch my right hand (though I kept it covered with a bandage). Even hidden, I felt embarrassed by it.
Plus, it hurt! Since it protruded, and I am right handed, I was always bumping it or scraping it against something. Uncovered it was really ugly (the final blow to my dreams of becoming a hand model--just kidding). I hated the thing.
I was relentless in trying to get rid of it. First I tried home remedies: smashing it with a heavy book (hey, old wives tails sometimes work!), Super Glue, duct tape and every over-the-counter cure my pharmacy had to offer. I went to a couple of doctors for several painful liquid nitrogen treatments, but I kept torturing the thing in hopes of winning the battle. I was begging them to get out the scalpel and cut deep and wide! Finally, a dermatologist zapped the thing in several spots with a laser and I'm now wart-free but permanently scarred.
I couldn't help thinking how much getting rid of sin is like getting rid of a wart: often painful and it can leave scars. Wart removal offers us some good clues to dealing with persistent sin:
*hate it
*never flaunt it, but confess it
*have a sober shame before God
*protect others from your sin
*seek help for as long as it takes
*endure whatever pain may be involved
*be persistent until you've won the battle
Matthew 5:30
And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Miley
Entertainers need attention from their audience to keep their careers moving forward. That often means they have to upstage one another to get top billing. It seems this week that Miley Cyrus has accomplished that. Poor Miley; she's not the problem. She's simply a representation of a culture whose values have gone awry.
Jeremiah 8:12
Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.
History records individual declines in morality and national declines. Neither ends well. We don't learn, do we? How did we get to a point where we are ashamed of purity? When did high moral standards start being seen as narrow and bigoted? It's been in my lifetime. It happened very quickly. But there was a time I never thought I'd see the things I'm seeing today.
Instead of shame, we take pride in our "broadmindedness." We flaunt philosophies that degrade God's laws. We replace God's wisdom with our own folly.
Philippians 3:19
...their glory is in their shame.
Today our culture holds tolerance as the highest virtue. Humanism has no boundaries that will not eventually crumble in the face of our most prurient desires. As Christians we must be careful never to be ashamed of holding up God's standards.
II Corinthians 4: 2, 4
...we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God....The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
We have the privilege and hope of being used by God to restore sight to the blind. It will take courage and steadfastness and humility and, most of all, love.
Jeremiah 8:12
Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.
History records individual declines in morality and national declines. Neither ends well. We don't learn, do we? How did we get to a point where we are ashamed of purity? When did high moral standards start being seen as narrow and bigoted? It's been in my lifetime. It happened very quickly. But there was a time I never thought I'd see the things I'm seeing today.
Instead of shame, we take pride in our "broadmindedness." We flaunt philosophies that degrade God's laws. We replace God's wisdom with our own folly.
Philippians 3:19
...their glory is in their shame.
Today our culture holds tolerance as the highest virtue. Humanism has no boundaries that will not eventually crumble in the face of our most prurient desires. As Christians we must be careful never to be ashamed of holding up God's standards.
II Corinthians 4: 2, 4
...we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God....The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
We have the privilege and hope of being used by God to restore sight to the blind. It will take courage and steadfastness and humility and, most of all, love.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Guns and Violence
Genesis 6:5, 6, 11, 12
The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence.
God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
In the aftermath of the tragic shootings at the Naval shipyards in Washington, D.C. today, politicians are again blaming the availability of guns. Sadly, violence has always been a problem here on earth--even before guns were invented. And it has always broken God's heart.
Violence is not a problem of accessible weapons. Violence is a problem of the heart. It is a problem that will permeate and corrupt a society, but the answer will never be found in legislation. Violence can only be effectively abated by lifting the moral integrity of a culture. This happens one person at time as we turn ourselves over to the will of a perfect God.
Supporting evidence for this perspective lies in the fact that guns have been available to our citizens since our country was founded. Their abuse is not new, but it is certainly more publicized and politicized today. However, you can chart the atrocities in our headlines on a parallel track with the declining morality of our culture.
The answer to all human problems are found in heavenly principles as we seek to conform to the teachings on which our nation was founded. A good place to begin is to turn as many hearts as we can back to God.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
It is frighteningly easy as human beings in assessing cause and effect to land on the wrong cause and then employ ineffective or even harmful solutions. Humility needs to take us back to the basic principles of the Bible to change what only He can change--one heart at a time.
The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence.
God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
In the aftermath of the tragic shootings at the Naval shipyards in Washington, D.C. today, politicians are again blaming the availability of guns. Sadly, violence has always been a problem here on earth--even before guns were invented. And it has always broken God's heart.
Violence is not a problem of accessible weapons. Violence is a problem of the heart. It is a problem that will permeate and corrupt a society, but the answer will never be found in legislation. Violence can only be effectively abated by lifting the moral integrity of a culture. This happens one person at time as we turn ourselves over to the will of a perfect God.
Supporting evidence for this perspective lies in the fact that guns have been available to our citizens since our country was founded. Their abuse is not new, but it is certainly more publicized and politicized today. However, you can chart the atrocities in our headlines on a parallel track with the declining morality of our culture.
The answer to all human problems are found in heavenly principles as we seek to conform to the teachings on which our nation was founded. A good place to begin is to turn as many hearts as we can back to God.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
It is frighteningly easy as human beings in assessing cause and effect to land on the wrong cause and then employ ineffective or even harmful solutions. Humility needs to take us back to the basic principles of the Bible to change what only He can change--one heart at a time.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Transformation--How Bad Do You Want It?
What passion stirred in the heart of the apostle Paul to make him long to be like Jesus to the point of dying like him? What combination of love, zeal, admiration, loyalty, and idealism caused him to make this statement in Philippians 3:10, 11:
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
This is the ultimate example of a desire to be like Jesus. Paul displays an eagerness to be like Jesus in every aspect, no exceptions, no boundaries. The New Testament story doesn't reveal every aspect of Paul's journey to put off the old man and to put on the new (Colossians 3:5-14) but it does give us a glimpse into the character of the old Saul of Tarsus and the transformed apostle Paul.
We first meet Saul in Acts 9 where he was standing at the periphery of an angry crowd that had been whipped into a murderous frenzy by the peaching of a young man named Stephen. Saul wasn't just a part of the melee, caught up in the hysteria of the mob. Paul had a harder heart than the men throwing the stones that killed Stephen. He stood coldly by observing, approving, authorizing the atrocity. He held the coats of the murderers so they could do their grizzly work.
I wonder if a personal view of his other relationships revealed a softer side? I can't imagine it. This picture of religious zeal almost reveals a sociopath. He simply went from town to town dragging Christians to prison or to their death. It was his consuming mission. (Acts 8:1-3)
The rest of the book of Acts begins to introduce us to the changed man, Paul. He retained a zeal for God, but shaped that zeal by the love of Jesus. I find the most stunning example of his transformation in the book of Philemon. In this appeal to his old friend, Philemon, to have mercy on his new friend, Onesimus, Paul uses these phrases:
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement...."
"...I appeal to you on the basis of love."
"...Onesimus, who became my son...."
"I am sending him--who is my very hear--back to you."
How many guys do you know who are this vocally effusive and tender? In Saul's early life as a Jewish zealot, it is hardly imaginable that he could become this vulnerable in his expressions of love. But here it is in black and white--the transformation of a man on a quest to become like Jesus.
I look at my life and think of the ways that I am different from Jesus. I have to ask myself: how much do I want to be like him? What am I willing to crucify in my nature to embrace his nature? How unselfish am I willing to be? How seemingly foolish am I willing to look in order to imitate his love? How far out of my comfort zone am I willing to step to look like him?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Futile Focus: Self
I admit I can tend to over-think things. Knowing this tendency is unwise is barely a deterrent--but I think I might be locked up somewhere if I didn't have some small ability to reign in my tangled musings. While I have made great progress over time, it is still a part of my nature to try to sort things out, to understand, to figure out my own motivations, to know my own heart....
I Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
It used to be consuming to fret over my own motives and responsibility. In broad daylight, I could seek perspective from a spiritual friend. But in the dead of the night, I could become the helpless victim of my own head: Why did I do this or that? What am I responsible for in this situation? Are my motives pure? Could I have said that better?
Somehow, it is in the middle of the night that I am most vulnerable to insanity. I can pray then, but groggy prayer has seldom been effective for me. I know that rumination accomplishes nothing, but even that knowledge used to seem like a foggy, illusive truth. These midnight recriminations accomplished nothing but sleep-deprivation and self-doubt. They never led me to spiritual insight and clarity.
I finally realized that these thoughts had me focused on the wrong person. I'll always be discouraged if I'm focusing on me. It is only God who can make something meaningful and useful out of my inadequacies. I sleep a lot better these days because I'm more able to be excited that God can use anything--even my mistakes and my sub-par motives to accomplish something good.
I Corinthians 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus....
I Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
It used to be consuming to fret over my own motives and responsibility. In broad daylight, I could seek perspective from a spiritual friend. But in the dead of the night, I could become the helpless victim of my own head: Why did I do this or that? What am I responsible for in this situation? Are my motives pure? Could I have said that better?
Somehow, it is in the middle of the night that I am most vulnerable to insanity. I can pray then, but groggy prayer has seldom been effective for me. I know that rumination accomplishes nothing, but even that knowledge used to seem like a foggy, illusive truth. These midnight recriminations accomplished nothing but sleep-deprivation and self-doubt. They never led me to spiritual insight and clarity.
I finally realized that these thoughts had me focused on the wrong person. I'll always be discouraged if I'm focusing on me. It is only God who can make something meaningful and useful out of my inadequacies. I sleep a lot better these days because I'm more able to be excited that God can use anything--even my mistakes and my sub-par motives to accomplish something good.
I Corinthians 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus....
Friday, September 6, 2013
Sane and Satisfied
God longs to supply everything we need to be sane and satisfied. In the pursuit of happiness we often make insane choices trying to satisfy longings that only God can be counted on the meet. He alone is able, not just to supply, but to be all that we hunger for within. God alone is able to be our all in all. At our core we need love, and peace, and hope--without any of these elements we cannot retain a state of sanity or satisfaction.
Love gives us our security and our identity. When we feel loved it shapes our sense of self as a worthwhile being. It makes us know someone is there for us--someone we can rely on through the hard times; someone to delight in us and enjoy us; someone who gets us; someone who knows we are not perfect but who will cheer us on as we try to be.
I Corinthians 13:11
...the God of love...will be with you.
We all long for peace--not boredom--peace. We want freedom from turmoil. We want peace personally, internally and externally. The list of stressors in daily life and the resultant anxiety-induced health issues keep our medical community overwhelmed. We look for answers to give us peace and for offenders to blame and eliminate from our lives. We obsessively look for solutions to problems but as soon as one problem is resolved another arises. But often we miss who the real enemy is and where the real solution lies..
Romans 16:20
The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Often our joy in the moment depends on our security in the future. Not every life circumstance points to a secure future. When our hope lies in circumstances, it is tenuous and fragile. We hold our breaths watching for signs of hope fulfilled. The funny thing is, we often don't even know what to hope for and we stake our dreams for a better tomorrow on empty wishful thinking. God doesn't just want to offer us hope he wants to be our hope.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Love, peace and hope--who could ask for anything more? These wonderful qualities supply our sanity and satisfaction in life. God, himself, is the unfailing source of these and so much more!
Love gives us our security and our identity. When we feel loved it shapes our sense of self as a worthwhile being. It makes us know someone is there for us--someone we can rely on through the hard times; someone to delight in us and enjoy us; someone who gets us; someone who knows we are not perfect but who will cheer us on as we try to be.
I Corinthians 13:11
...the God of love...will be with you.
We all long for peace--not boredom--peace. We want freedom from turmoil. We want peace personally, internally and externally. The list of stressors in daily life and the resultant anxiety-induced health issues keep our medical community overwhelmed. We look for answers to give us peace and for offenders to blame and eliminate from our lives. We obsessively look for solutions to problems but as soon as one problem is resolved another arises. But often we miss who the real enemy is and where the real solution lies..
Romans 16:20
The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Often our joy in the moment depends on our security in the future. Not every life circumstance points to a secure future. When our hope lies in circumstances, it is tenuous and fragile. We hold our breaths watching for signs of hope fulfilled. The funny thing is, we often don't even know what to hope for and we stake our dreams for a better tomorrow on empty wishful thinking. God doesn't just want to offer us hope he wants to be our hope.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Love, peace and hope--who could ask for anything more? These wonderful qualities supply our sanity and satisfaction in life. God, himself, is the unfailing source of these and so much more!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
World Peace
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Everyday newspaper headlines confirm the truth of Jesus' words, "In this world you will have trouble."
Centuries ago, war on one side of the world would not impact the other. Today our world is small and the fallout of conflict and the reach of weapon power weaves a fabric of caution and fear on every continent.
For sure God would like for us to live in peace. He just doesn't promise it. Having given us free will, he doesn't impose his will when we have disputes.
I Timothy 2:1, 2
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
The Bible addresses peace on several levels. In the above passage, it talks about a peace at a national level. In several passages we are encouraged to access inner peace through our faith in the midst of turmoil. In fact he promises us a peace "which transcends all understanding." (Philippians 4:6, 7) And it really doesn't make sense to most people to be calm in a storm.
Still, the most important peace we can seek, and the one the Bible addresses the most is peace with God. For many it's hard to acknowledge that we are enemies of God, waging war against his will for our lives, but all of us have been there. (Romans 8:6, 7)
Finding peace with God makes us able to cope with every earthly source of turmoil. Understanding and having peace with God puts the rest of life into perspective.
You may be familiar with Richard Carlson's book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff. Great title! But it is no small thing that God extends peace to us. Knowing we have peace with God is what makes everything else the small stuff.
Colossians 1:19, 20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Everyday newspaper headlines confirm the truth of Jesus' words, "In this world you will have trouble."
Centuries ago, war on one side of the world would not impact the other. Today our world is small and the fallout of conflict and the reach of weapon power weaves a fabric of caution and fear on every continent.
For sure God would like for us to live in peace. He just doesn't promise it. Having given us free will, he doesn't impose his will when we have disputes.
I Timothy 2:1, 2
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
The Bible addresses peace on several levels. In the above passage, it talks about a peace at a national level. In several passages we are encouraged to access inner peace through our faith in the midst of turmoil. In fact he promises us a peace "which transcends all understanding." (Philippians 4:6, 7) And it really doesn't make sense to most people to be calm in a storm.
Still, the most important peace we can seek, and the one the Bible addresses the most is peace with God. For many it's hard to acknowledge that we are enemies of God, waging war against his will for our lives, but all of us have been there. (Romans 8:6, 7)
Finding peace with God makes us able to cope with every earthly source of turmoil. Understanding and having peace with God puts the rest of life into perspective.
You may be familiar with Richard Carlson's book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff. Great title! But it is no small thing that God extends peace to us. Knowing we have peace with God is what makes everything else the small stuff.
Colossians 1:19, 20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Vision and Reality
Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
For more than forty years I lived near the Pacific Ocean. There is something about its vastness and power that is awesome and humbling. One can feel very small and very in need of guidance and perspective on the shore of so great a body of water.
Looking out where the water meets the sky, stirs the imagination. Because my world was small for most of those years, it was faith in cartographers and books and acquaintances who had traveled that made me believe there were lands beyond that horizon. They seemed inaccessible and exotic and intimidating.
Then we moved to Chicago. One day on the shore of Lake Michigan I gazed at the horizon and saw water touching sky. There were no powerfully rhythmic crashing waves, but there was the same apparent vastness. I realized that without a map I would have no way of discerning that Lake Michigan is tiny by comparison to the Pacific Ocean. Vision is precious, but very limited in what it can reveal.
This is even more true of our spiritual vision. We see such a tiny slice of the expanse of eternity and the plans of God. It is good he gave us a map in the Bible. We are wise not to chart our courses without its guidance.
For more than forty years I lived near the Pacific Ocean. There is something about its vastness and power that is awesome and humbling. One can feel very small and very in need of guidance and perspective on the shore of so great a body of water.
Looking out where the water meets the sky, stirs the imagination. Because my world was small for most of those years, it was faith in cartographers and books and acquaintances who had traveled that made me believe there were lands beyond that horizon. They seemed inaccessible and exotic and intimidating.
Then we moved to Chicago. One day on the shore of Lake Michigan I gazed at the horizon and saw water touching sky. There were no powerfully rhythmic crashing waves, but there was the same apparent vastness. I realized that without a map I would have no way of discerning that Lake Michigan is tiny by comparison to the Pacific Ocean. Vision is precious, but very limited in what it can reveal.
This is even more true of our spiritual vision. We see such a tiny slice of the expanse of eternity and the plans of God. It is good he gave us a map in the Bible. We are wise not to chart our courses without its guidance.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
No contest
Luke 14:26
If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, your wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. (NLT)
I remember reading this for the first time and considering my own life loves. I loved my husband so deeply and my children so passionately, I could not imagine loving anyone more--not even God. It was a scary, confusing concept for me. I felt so consumed with love for my husband and children, I felt at a bursting point--there was simply no excess space to give to God or anyone else.
Reasoning through the decision I was faced with--wanting to follow Jesus and yet not knowing how to place anyone above my love for my family-- I thought it might mean that I had to reduce the love I had for them in order to set God above them. I was, after all, at full capacity, or so I thought.
My friend explained to me that this verse simply meant there would be no contest for first place in my heart. No contest. If it ever came down to having to make a choice between God and anyone else on earth, it would have to be no contest--God would have to be the winner. Another human being's will--even my own will--or God's will--no contest. God would have to be the winner.
I wrestled with these conditions of discipleship for quite awhile before surrendering my heart to God. It is a stance that has been challenged many times in my Christian life. Our superlative love for God is Satan's first target in our lives.
The amazing thing I discovered was that loving God did not reduce my capacity for loving my family or anyone else. In fact, it expanded my capacity for love in ways I never dreamed. It gave me new reasons to love and new ways of expressing that love. As I began putting the commands of God for relationships into practice, I found that by loving God and his will first, I was able to love everyone else in my life better and more fully than I'd ever have been able to on my own.
It's that funny thing about putting the will of God into practice: you think you're giving something up and yet you get much more in return. The saying is not trite: you can't out-give God.
If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, your wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. (NLT)
I remember reading this for the first time and considering my own life loves. I loved my husband so deeply and my children so passionately, I could not imagine loving anyone more--not even God. It was a scary, confusing concept for me. I felt so consumed with love for my husband and children, I felt at a bursting point--there was simply no excess space to give to God or anyone else.
Reasoning through the decision I was faced with--wanting to follow Jesus and yet not knowing how to place anyone above my love for my family-- I thought it might mean that I had to reduce the love I had for them in order to set God above them. I was, after all, at full capacity, or so I thought.
My friend explained to me that this verse simply meant there would be no contest for first place in my heart. No contest. If it ever came down to having to make a choice between God and anyone else on earth, it would have to be no contest--God would have to be the winner. Another human being's will--even my own will--or God's will--no contest. God would have to be the winner.
I wrestled with these conditions of discipleship for quite awhile before surrendering my heart to God. It is a stance that has been challenged many times in my Christian life. Our superlative love for God is Satan's first target in our lives.
The amazing thing I discovered was that loving God did not reduce my capacity for loving my family or anyone else. In fact, it expanded my capacity for love in ways I never dreamed. It gave me new reasons to love and new ways of expressing that love. As I began putting the commands of God for relationships into practice, I found that by loving God and his will first, I was able to love everyone else in my life better and more fully than I'd ever have been able to on my own.
It's that funny thing about putting the will of God into practice: you think you're giving something up and yet you get much more in return. The saying is not trite: you can't out-give God.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
God Is
Psalm 104:1
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with strength and majesty.
An acquaintance of mine was complaining that she was put off by God desiring our worship. She found this to be egotistical. She reasoned that if God were truly good he would deflect attention and praise away from himself and surely would not have planned for heaven to be a place of eternal adoration.
How little we understand God! How easy it is for us to ascribe human characteristics and motivations to a God whose nature and existence are so far above us, so other-worldly that it is out of our reach. Neither our instincts nor our experience can reveal God to us; he can only be accessed by our faith.
God is not like us. "God is Spirit" (John 4:24); we can barely conceive of what that means. I am flesh and blood. I have a spirit, but I am not spirit alone.
I John 4:16 says that "God is love." In I Corinthians 13 we find the attributes of love broken down and each one of them can be acknowledged as another quality exposing the person of God. God is kind, unable to envy, humble, never rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, eager to forgive, protective, and unfailing.
We find in I Corinthians 1:30 and Ephesians 4:24 that God is righteousness, redemption and holiness. This is different from saying That God is righteous, a redeemer and holy--although, he is all of those things, too. From David we learn that God is a shield around us (Psalm 3:3). Paul tells us that God embodies "secret wisdom" (I Corinthians 2:7). In the human body of Jesus, God explained that he is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). And the apostle John in I John 1:5 announces that in addition to being IN the light, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
God tried so hard in the pages of the Bible and in the incarnation of Jesus to help us know him. What is it that he wants us to worship and adore? I suggest that it is love, righteousness, redemption, holiness, wisdom, life and light. God alone is the definition and embodiment of these perfect qualities. He IS these things. He wants us to value them, adore them, aspire to them, delight in them now and throughout eternity.
Psalm 148:1-3
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him from the heights above.
Praise him all his angels,
praise him , all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the sky
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with strength and majesty.
An acquaintance of mine was complaining that she was put off by God desiring our worship. She found this to be egotistical. She reasoned that if God were truly good he would deflect attention and praise away from himself and surely would not have planned for heaven to be a place of eternal adoration.
How little we understand God! How easy it is for us to ascribe human characteristics and motivations to a God whose nature and existence are so far above us, so other-worldly that it is out of our reach. Neither our instincts nor our experience can reveal God to us; he can only be accessed by our faith.
God is not like us. "God is Spirit" (John 4:24); we can barely conceive of what that means. I am flesh and blood. I have a spirit, but I am not spirit alone.
I John 4:16 says that "God is love." In I Corinthians 13 we find the attributes of love broken down and each one of them can be acknowledged as another quality exposing the person of God. God is kind, unable to envy, humble, never rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, eager to forgive, protective, and unfailing.
We find in I Corinthians 1:30 and Ephesians 4:24 that God is righteousness, redemption and holiness. This is different from saying That God is righteous, a redeemer and holy--although, he is all of those things, too. From David we learn that God is a shield around us (Psalm 3:3). Paul tells us that God embodies "secret wisdom" (I Corinthians 2:7). In the human body of Jesus, God explained that he is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). And the apostle John in I John 1:5 announces that in addition to being IN the light, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
God tried so hard in the pages of the Bible and in the incarnation of Jesus to help us know him. What is it that he wants us to worship and adore? I suggest that it is love, righteousness, redemption, holiness, wisdom, life and light. God alone is the definition and embodiment of these perfect qualities. He IS these things. He wants us to value them, adore them, aspire to them, delight in them now and throughout eternity.
Psalm 148:1-3
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him from the heights above.
Praise him all his angels,
praise him , all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the sky
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Leaving Camp and Cupcakes
This summer was the best summer of my life. Even Ron gets that and is not offended by that assessment on my part. I wish I could adequately describe the atmosphere at CampHOPEforkids.
It is not just the magical beauty of the wooded 90 acres with a broad creek running through it. It is not just the energy and the laughter of the children who spend a week of their summer as campers there. It is not even the assemblies, the singing, the zip line, the gaga courts, the petting zoo, the sweet relationships, the creative Bible study....
Part of it is watching the young staff, the twenty-somethings, shoulder levels of responsibility that would be daunting even to experienced professionals. It has to do with a spirit that permeates the whole camp.
Every staffer and every volunteer exudes joyful, spiritual sacrifice. You can almost breathe the encouragement. Everywhere you turn you hear young people saying: "Is there anything else I can do to help?" Anything else....after they have already gone the second mile to serve--it's amazing!
It is rare to see anyone without a smile on their face, even though they are hot, sticky, sleep-deprived and bug-bitten. Those smiles aren't just about personal joy, they are proffered gifts to anyone in their path. Encouragement is purposeful and generous.
Everyday at the end of the morning assembly, Logan Krieder, poured all his abundant energy into leading the campers in a rousing, exuberant dance to Reel Big Fish's song, "Good Thing." I bounced along with the crowd happily feeling the appropriateness of the lyrics until my last day at camp. Previously, the words that had impacted me were: "You know we've got a good thing goin'...."
Oh, it was such a good thing goin' there! It was just one good thing after another! But on that last day, the words that resonated deeply were: "I don't wanna see it end!" It was hard to stop the tears.
I didn't want my time there this summer to end and I don't want to see the camp itself end. The lease is up in December with an option to buy and we have until then to raise 1 million dollars so that we won't have to see CampHOPEforkids end. Our campaign to raise all that money is the sales of Cupcakes for Camp. This is an unapologetic plea for donations. If you find someone at your church selling cupcakes for camp, please dig deep. Buy a cupcake, write a check, dream big and give generously. We don't wanna see it end!
It is not just the magical beauty of the wooded 90 acres with a broad creek running through it. It is not just the energy and the laughter of the children who spend a week of their summer as campers there. It is not even the assemblies, the singing, the zip line, the gaga courts, the petting zoo, the sweet relationships, the creative Bible study....
Part of it is watching the young staff, the twenty-somethings, shoulder levels of responsibility that would be daunting even to experienced professionals. It has to do with a spirit that permeates the whole camp.
Every staffer and every volunteer exudes joyful, spiritual sacrifice. You can almost breathe the encouragement. Everywhere you turn you hear young people saying: "Is there anything else I can do to help?" Anything else....after they have already gone the second mile to serve--it's amazing!
It is rare to see anyone without a smile on their face, even though they are hot, sticky, sleep-deprived and bug-bitten. Those smiles aren't just about personal joy, they are proffered gifts to anyone in their path. Encouragement is purposeful and generous.
Everyday at the end of the morning assembly, Logan Krieder, poured all his abundant energy into leading the campers in a rousing, exuberant dance to Reel Big Fish's song, "Good Thing." I bounced along with the crowd happily feeling the appropriateness of the lyrics until my last day at camp. Previously, the words that had impacted me were: "You know we've got a good thing goin'...."
Oh, it was such a good thing goin' there! It was just one good thing after another! But on that last day, the words that resonated deeply were: "I don't wanna see it end!" It was hard to stop the tears.
I didn't want my time there this summer to end and I don't want to see the camp itself end. The lease is up in December with an option to buy and we have until then to raise 1 million dollars so that we won't have to see CampHOPEforkids end. Our campaign to raise all that money is the sales of Cupcakes for Camp. This is an unapologetic plea for donations. If you find someone at your church selling cupcakes for camp, please dig deep. Buy a cupcake, write a check, dream big and give generously. We don't wanna see it end!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Attire and Labels
I am packing up to go home. I got teased a little here that I had brought no "camp clothes." I'm starting to know what that means. When you pack for camp, you don't bring anything that might bother you if it got stained, torn, faded or lost. So, if it's already on it's way to being in one or a combination of those conditions, all the better. Comfort is the supreme goal (unless you're a teenage girl hoping to be admired by a teenage boy), and modesty is the standard.
While packing, I noticed a familiar tag inside one of my blouses. I've owned other items from this relatively well-known, reasonably priced manufacturer: Sag Harbor.
Is it only me, or does it bother you a bit that there's a women's clothing line called "Sag Harbor?" I mean really! I harbor many sags, but it just seems to be a poor marketing strategy to rub it in!
I should probably Google it to put my mind at rest. Maybe it's a super classy seaside resort place like Cape Cod or something, and I should be familiar with it's exotic location and upscale reputation and feel ritzy when I wear that label. Until such a mental association takes hold, it now just seems like a collection for women of a certain age who harbor sags. But who knows? Maybe that's the demographic the company is aiming for and they've hit their target audience on the nose, or the sag, as it were.
You don't have to go farther than the droop beneath my eyes, or the softening jowls beside my chin--oh, and then there's that chin, itself, with its flappy little companion lolling below it like a skin-toned hammock (by tone, I mean hue, not firmness). We'll stop this depressing review right here. Most of the rest of the sags can be camouflaged with cleverly designed clothing.
But the final blow, the ultimate insult, the coup de grace, is having to wear the label (hidden though it is) at the nape of my neck marking me like a tattoo--as in, I don't just wear sag harbor--I am sag harbor! I really do like that blouse, though. I may just cut out the label.
While packing, I noticed a familiar tag inside one of my blouses. I've owned other items from this relatively well-known, reasonably priced manufacturer: Sag Harbor.
Is it only me, or does it bother you a bit that there's a women's clothing line called "Sag Harbor?" I mean really! I harbor many sags, but it just seems to be a poor marketing strategy to rub it in!
I should probably Google it to put my mind at rest. Maybe it's a super classy seaside resort place like Cape Cod or something, and I should be familiar with it's exotic location and upscale reputation and feel ritzy when I wear that label. Until such a mental association takes hold, it now just seems like a collection for women of a certain age who harbor sags. But who knows? Maybe that's the demographic the company is aiming for and they've hit their target audience on the nose, or the sag, as it were.
You don't have to go farther than the droop beneath my eyes, or the softening jowls beside my chin--oh, and then there's that chin, itself, with its flappy little companion lolling below it like a skin-toned hammock (by tone, I mean hue, not firmness). We'll stop this depressing review right here. Most of the rest of the sags can be camouflaged with cleverly designed clothing.
But the final blow, the ultimate insult, the coup de grace, is having to wear the label (hidden though it is) at the nape of my neck marking me like a tattoo--as in, I don't just wear sag harbor--I am sag harbor! I really do like that blouse, though. I may just cut out the label.
Monday, July 29, 2013
When We Fall
in a world where broken dreams
and empty promises abound;
where a lasting joy or hope
is seldom ever to be found;
where cheap pleasure masquerades
as an answer to hope's call--
is there a hand to lift us when we fall?
I brought Jesus only brokenness
and emptiness and sin.
but he took the pieces of my life
and offered to come in.
and he made of all those fragments
something whole and straight and tall
yes, there's a hand to lift us when we fall!
and empty promises abound;
where a lasting joy or hope
is seldom ever to be found;
where cheap pleasure masquerades
as an answer to hope's call--
is there a hand to lift us when we fall?
I brought Jesus only brokenness
and emptiness and sin.
but he took the pieces of my life
and offered to come in.
and he made of all those fragments
something whole and straight and tall
yes, there's a hand to lift us when we fall!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Visible Faith
When God tested Abraham's faith, he waited until Abraham had raised a knife over Isaac's bound body as he was about to slay his only son. Then God intervened with a blessed reprieve and said in Genesis 22:12:
"Do not lay a hand on the boy.... Now I know that you fear God."
Curious, isn't it, this response from God? Didn't an all-knowing God perceive Abraham's faith without having to see it in action? But then, from God's point of view, is faith really faith if it is not visible?
When Jesus healed the paralytic whose friends had lowered him through the roof of the house, the text in Luke 5:20 reveals a similar response by Jesus:
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friends, your sins are forgiven."
Again, Jesus praises, not just their faith, but the visible evidence of their faith. God doesn't want to have to comb the hidden depths of our hearts to see our faith. He wants to see it in our life.
These real life stories give flesh and bones confirmation to the teaching in James 2:14-26 that faith without action is not faith in the sight of God. He wants to see it.
And I think it parallels the idea of not hiding your light under a bushel. (Matthew 5:14-16) Sometimes we read this passage thinking it is just the world around us that God wants us to shine our light for, but I think most of all, He wants to see it for himself!
"Do not lay a hand on the boy.... Now I know that you fear God."
Curious, isn't it, this response from God? Didn't an all-knowing God perceive Abraham's faith without having to see it in action? But then, from God's point of view, is faith really faith if it is not visible?
When Jesus healed the paralytic whose friends had lowered him through the roof of the house, the text in Luke 5:20 reveals a similar response by Jesus:
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friends, your sins are forgiven."
Again, Jesus praises, not just their faith, but the visible evidence of their faith. God doesn't want to have to comb the hidden depths of our hearts to see our faith. He wants to see it in our life.
These real life stories give flesh and bones confirmation to the teaching in James 2:14-26 that faith without action is not faith in the sight of God. He wants to see it.
And I think it parallels the idea of not hiding your light under a bushel. (Matthew 5:14-16) Sometimes we read this passage thinking it is just the world around us that God wants us to shine our light for, but I think most of all, He wants to see it for himself!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Rain and Rivers
This is not a good day to sing "Peace Like a River." After an all night downpour the benign creek that cuts through CampHOPEforKids has become a raging river--nothing peaceful about it.
It has encroached into the low tree line claiming territory that the saplings had thought to be their own. Now those little trees have only their top branches lifted above the muddy swell.
The creek's volume has raised from a hushed trickle to a deafening roar. It's whole personality has changed. Once it was gentle; now it is aggressive and threatening. The transformation took only a few hours.
Swollen waters lap at the door of the oar and life vest shelter. The floating dock is askew and our canoes hang on by tethers stretched taut. It will be interesting to see whether the flood abates as swiftly as the creek was engorged. The evident power is daunting.
Psalm 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
It has encroached into the low tree line claiming territory that the saplings had thought to be their own. Now those little trees have only their top branches lifted above the muddy swell.
The creek's volume has raised from a hushed trickle to a deafening roar. It's whole personality has changed. Once it was gentle; now it is aggressive and threatening. The transformation took only a few hours.
Swollen waters lap at the door of the oar and life vest shelter. The floating dock is askew and our canoes hang on by tethers stretched taut. It will be interesting to see whether the flood abates as swiftly as the creek was engorged. The evident power is daunting.
Psalm 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Our Piece of the Pie
; I think it was Nelson Rockefeller who, when asked how much money it takes to be happy said, "Just a little bit more." It is so easy to think that we are one more thing or one more experience or one more accomplishment or one more acquisition away from true fulfillment and happiness.
Finding contentment with our lot in life is a noble spiritual goal. It is one of the hallmarks of true Christianity. It doesn't mean we can't be dreamers or have goals or ambitions; it means that even while we are hoping for an upgrade in life, we are able to enjoy our current situation fully and remain without frustration even if we never have more. But we live in a world where our eyes are drawn to what we are lacking--especially if we are prone to compare ourselves to others. There's a reason for the phrase, :Keeping up with the Jones's."
Psalm 16:5, 6 Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
What a great way too live! When we happily accept our possessions, our location, our families--when we give thanks for them instead of complaining about them, contentment is ours. We'll never "have it all" except spiritually speaking.
Romans 8:32
Since God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God who gave us Christ, also give us everything?
In Christ we really do have it all! We have Divine eternal relationships and real estate in heaven and purpose in this life! Where we live or what we have or don't have as we live out that purpose is really beside the point.
Psalm73:26 ...God the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 119:57 You are my portion, O Lord....
If we have God, we have everything. What do we get out of living a God-centered life? God himself--and who could ask for anything more? None of us should, but most of us do, With God, all else should be irrelevant. This is not an easy mindset to capture in a world full of stuff! It's inspiring to see Christians who really live out this attitude of joy and contentment. It's amazing.
But what is more amazing, and beyond our comprehension, is that what God gets out of the deal is us--weak, sinful, unattractive, insignificant us. And we are enough for him. We are his delight. We are why he got in the game. For God, it's not about position or possessions. It's about us!
Deuteronomy 32:9 For the Lord's portion is his people.
Finding contentment with our lot in life is a noble spiritual goal. It is one of the hallmarks of true Christianity. It doesn't mean we can't be dreamers or have goals or ambitions; it means that even while we are hoping for an upgrade in life, we are able to enjoy our current situation fully and remain without frustration even if we never have more. But we live in a world where our eyes are drawn to what we are lacking--especially if we are prone to compare ourselves to others. There's a reason for the phrase, :Keeping up with the Jones's."
Psalm 16:5, 6 Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
What a great way too live! When we happily accept our possessions, our location, our families--when we give thanks for them instead of complaining about them, contentment is ours. We'll never "have it all" except spiritually speaking.
Romans 8:32
Since God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God who gave us Christ, also give us everything?
In Christ we really do have it all! We have Divine eternal relationships and real estate in heaven and purpose in this life! Where we live or what we have or don't have as we live out that purpose is really beside the point.
Psalm73:26 ...God the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 119:57 You are my portion, O Lord....
If we have God, we have everything. What do we get out of living a God-centered life? God himself--and who could ask for anything more? None of us should, but most of us do, With God, all else should be irrelevant. This is not an easy mindset to capture in a world full of stuff! It's inspiring to see Christians who really live out this attitude of joy and contentment. It's amazing.
But what is more amazing, and beyond our comprehension, is that what God gets out of the deal is us--weak, sinful, unattractive, insignificant us. And we are enough for him. We are his delight. We are why he got in the game. For God, it's not about position or possessions. It's about us!
Deuteronomy 32:9 For the Lord's portion is his people.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Camp Clothes
I'm not a camper--never have been. I don't make cowboy coffee or clean fish. Camps have dirt. Camps have campfires and campfires have smoke. Bug spray smells bad. That said, I'm loving CampHOPEforKids and at least I'm not sleeping in a tent.
Now, I have camped a time or two when our kids were small and we couldn't afford a real vacation. By "real" I mean a trip where you don't have to work harder than you do at home. My experience with camping is that everything is harder at camp than it is at home--cooking, washing, dishes, clothes and yourself, and cleaning wounds you wouldn't even have acquired if you had not come camping--all harder!
I came to camp this summer with what I deemed appropriate expectations. I also came with what I considered appropriate camp attire. I had the right number of matching shirts and capris.--no holes or frayed edges. At first, I mostly washed things out in my sink at night and hung them in my room to dry or spread them out to be as wrinkle-free as possible.
It's been three weeks now. I schlep my laundry over to the camp laundromat. I don't bother to separate darks and whites--I can rock drab. I don't notice wrinkles--now my clothes match my skin. Stains make me more relatable to the kids. Delicate cycle? I've forgotten what the term means. My wardrobe has gone from camp-cute to camp-who-gives-a-hoot. I'm a camper!
Now, I have camped a time or two when our kids were small and we couldn't afford a real vacation. By "real" I mean a trip where you don't have to work harder than you do at home. My experience with camping is that everything is harder at camp than it is at home--cooking, washing, dishes, clothes and yourself, and cleaning wounds you wouldn't even have acquired if you had not come camping--all harder!
I came to camp this summer with what I deemed appropriate expectations. I also came with what I considered appropriate camp attire. I had the right number of matching shirts and capris.--no holes or frayed edges. At first, I mostly washed things out in my sink at night and hung them in my room to dry or spread them out to be as wrinkle-free as possible.
It's been three weeks now. I schlep my laundry over to the camp laundromat. I don't bother to separate darks and whites--I can rock drab. I don't notice wrinkles--now my clothes match my skin. Stains make me more relatable to the kids. Delicate cycle? I've forgotten what the term means. My wardrobe has gone from camp-cute to camp-who-gives-a-hoot. I'm a camper!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Camp Clothes for 95 Degrees F, and 90% Humidity
Please don't tell me that the new 70 is 50. I can't take that kind of pressure. Just let me be my age with all of the attendant implications. I don't have the energy (or the funds) to appear 20 years younger.
Seventy means you have wrinkles and seventy means you go to bed earlier than you once did--even if you worked in a nap that day. Seventy means you don't have the same figure of a twenty-something or the stamina of a teen. Seventy means your hair is thinner, grayer and duller. I'm asking the world around me to lower their expectations!
A friend inquired whether my wardrobe at camp in Philly included shorts. "No!" I replied. "My legs have been banned in 49 of the 50 states. The exception is the state of Florida where apparently little old ladies are encouraged to bare their arms and legs. But I am not in Florida. People should be thanking me for sparing them such a sight!"
I recently told Ron that we have reached an age where no one who reads our obituaries would say, "Oh, what a shame--premature death." I'd like to wear my maturity as naturally and inconspicuously as possible, thank you very much! This is how I embrace my age.
Seventy means you have wrinkles and seventy means you go to bed earlier than you once did--even if you worked in a nap that day. Seventy means you don't have the same figure of a twenty-something or the stamina of a teen. Seventy means your hair is thinner, grayer and duller. I'm asking the world around me to lower their expectations!
A friend inquired whether my wardrobe at camp in Philly included shorts. "No!" I replied. "My legs have been banned in 49 of the 50 states. The exception is the state of Florida where apparently little old ladies are encouraged to bare their arms and legs. But I am not in Florida. People should be thanking me for sparing them such a sight!"
I recently told Ron that we have reached an age where no one who reads our obituaries would say, "Oh, what a shame--premature death." I'd like to wear my maturity as naturally and inconspicuously as possible, thank you very much! This is how I embrace my age.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Let Me Count the Ways
A new batch of campers arrived at CampHOPEforKids today. This is the crazy day. All the adult volunteers are new and trying to get their heads wrapped around their jobs and locate their supplies and find the camaraderie among the peers with whom they share tasks. The rhythm of camp doesn't start on the first day, but by tomorrow....all will be transformed into a well-oiled machine.
The layers of responsibility will be a dazzling display of coordination. Maybe it would best be called choreography because it's as beautiful as a dance. Campers will be joyfully following their counselors from activity to activity, some arm in arm with a new buddy. There will be laughter and songs and energy abounding. Counselors and volunteers will be pouring on the love and working really, really hard in 90degree temperatures, high humidity and bugs and poison ivy.
I had heard of this camp from many returning campers and counselors. I thought, "That's nice." Now I don't know how to describe it. Here's the best I can do: I feel like I've slipped and fallen in a puddle full of love.
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
The layers of responsibility will be a dazzling display of coordination. Maybe it would best be called choreography because it's as beautiful as a dance. Campers will be joyfully following their counselors from activity to activity, some arm in arm with a new buddy. There will be laughter and songs and energy abounding. Counselors and volunteers will be pouring on the love and working really, really hard in 90degree temperatures, high humidity and bugs and poison ivy.
I had heard of this camp from many returning campers and counselors. I thought, "That's nice." Now I don't know how to describe it. Here's the best I can do: I feel like I've slipped and fallen in a puddle full of love.
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Intimacy with God through Temptation and Repentace
I think there are no prayerful conversations with God more intimate than the ones when we throw ourselves on him to seek his partnership in our repentance. A desparate appeal for his mercy and power to overcome sin defines our dependence on him in the deepest, most vulnerable, crucial, and freeing way. His love is most profoundly experienced through his grace as he freely forgives and joins with us to fight our enemies, our temptations.
Certainly, the command to repent of sin puts the onus on the sinner, but God does not stand aloof. He rushes to our aid when we call.
Satan would love for us to believe that God stands sternly and angrily with his arms folded across his chest and reluctantly accepts us again after we have repented and maybe even done penance. But that is not who God is. Our cries to him meet ears eager to hear and a heart eager to help. He intimately understands our weakness. (Psalm 103:8-13)
He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He delivered me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
Psalm 18:16, 17 (NLT)
His delight in his children remains unchanged even when we are at our worst. Godliness is not defined by perfection, but by repentance, growth, humility, and faith. When we faithfully and humbly turn to him for growth and repentance, his heart connects with ours and his power infuses our life.
The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23, 24 (NLT)
Certainly, the command to repent of sin puts the onus on the sinner, but God does not stand aloof. He rushes to our aid when we call.
Satan would love for us to believe that God stands sternly and angrily with his arms folded across his chest and reluctantly accepts us again after we have repented and maybe even done penance. But that is not who God is. Our cries to him meet ears eager to hear and a heart eager to help. He intimately understands our weakness. (Psalm 103:8-13)
He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He delivered me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
Psalm 18:16, 17 (NLT)
His delight in his children remains unchanged even when we are at our worst. Godliness is not defined by perfection, but by repentance, growth, humility, and faith. When we faithfully and humbly turn to him for growth and repentance, his heart connects with ours and his power infuses our life.
The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23, 24 (NLT)
Monday, July 1, 2013
Next Generation
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. --Psalm 71:18
I have reached an age where I give a lot of thought to the next generation. Watching the morality of our culture deteriorate over the last seven decades can fill me with fear for the world my grandchildren will inherit.
It scared me a couple of weeks ago to read a quote by Taylor Swift who said, "Every singer out there with songs on the radio is raising the next generation." I think she may be right about many lives who have no other compass to point them to meaning and wholesomeness. This is really frightening--have you listened to some of the lyrics of the songs kids are hearing? They make rebellion, immorality and meanness seem normal and in many iterations desireable.
Being here at CampHOPEforKids has lifted my heart in a million ways. The young people volunteering here are the best and the brightest. With the future in their hands as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13), God can will amazing things.
I have reached an age where I give a lot of thought to the next generation. Watching the morality of our culture deteriorate over the last seven decades can fill me with fear for the world my grandchildren will inherit.
It scared me a couple of weeks ago to read a quote by Taylor Swift who said, "Every singer out there with songs on the radio is raising the next generation." I think she may be right about many lives who have no other compass to point them to meaning and wholesomeness. This is really frightening--have you listened to some of the lyrics of the songs kids are hearing? They make rebellion, immorality and meanness seem normal and in many iterations desireable.
Being here at CampHOPEforKids has lifted my heart in a million ways. The young people volunteering here are the best and the brightest. With the future in their hands as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13), God can will amazing things.
Friday, June 28, 2013
What's in a Name?
In John 8:58, Jesus rightly claimed the name of God when he told the Pharisees who were arguing with him that he was the "I Am." Of the many names of God recorded throughout the Bible, Jesus used the name that would have the most meaning and, actually, be the most offensive to his critics in that moment. He was unmistakenly claiming to be the eternal God when he made that statement. In fact, when they heard this, they tried to stone him on the spot.
Jesus never denied his deity, but he never flaunted it either. He never sought glory from his listeners; he only sought their faith. He was willing to patiently wait for the Father to glorify him at just the right time.
John 13:31, 32
Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once."
I find it fascinating that the way Jesus many times referred to himself was as, " the Son of Man." More than a dozen times the gospels record Jesus referring to himself this way. In Luke 17:22-26, he refers to himself as the Son of Man five times in a single conversation.
It's a name that applies to every human being. I wonder if referring to himself this way was just an aspect of his humility? I wonder if he were trying to emphasize that he understood all of us because he was experiencing humanity in the same way we do?
Sometimes I wonder if he called himself the Son of Man just because it remained a daily surprise to him that all his power and deity was contained in flesh? Like, "Wow! I wole up human again!" After an eternity in the heavenly realms and existing pure spirit, how strange it must have been to be in a human body with human frailties and human needs and human temptations.
This may not be a very deep theological exegesis of this phrase, "Son of Man," but it is deeply moving to me that my Lord became flesh. When I read this phrase, I pause in wonder. May be that's why he said it.
Jesus never denied his deity, but he never flaunted it either. He never sought glory from his listeners; he only sought their faith. He was willing to patiently wait for the Father to glorify him at just the right time.
John 13:31, 32
Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once."
I find it fascinating that the way Jesus many times referred to himself was as, " the Son of Man." More than a dozen times the gospels record Jesus referring to himself this way. In Luke 17:22-26, he refers to himself as the Son of Man five times in a single conversation.
It's a name that applies to every human being. I wonder if referring to himself this way was just an aspect of his humility? I wonder if he were trying to emphasize that he understood all of us because he was experiencing humanity in the same way we do?
Sometimes I wonder if he called himself the Son of Man just because it remained a daily surprise to him that all his power and deity was contained in flesh? Like, "Wow! I wole up human again!" After an eternity in the heavenly realms and existing pure spirit, how strange it must have been to be in a human body with human frailties and human needs and human temptations.
This may not be a very deep theological exegesis of this phrase, "Son of Man," but it is deeply moving to me that my Lord became flesh. When I read this phrase, I pause in wonder. May be that's why he said it.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Thrills
Yesterday I did the zip line across Swamp Creek--over on one scary line and back on a scarier line. It was bold. It was daring. When I reached the platform for the trip back across the creek (after a harrowing climb up a pole like a trapeze artist would ascend), I immediately sat down. Brandon, the zip line king assisting zippers at the top told me to walk to the edge.
"Oh, no!" I said, firmly planted on my bottom. "I can scoot to the edge of this platform, but there is no way I can summon the courage to walk out there." So, as I had on my way over (where the platform was much more accessible and much more stable and much less scary), I sat for one final gulp of air before tightly closing my eyes and zipping into a fall that pitched my full weight onto a cable strung across the murky water.
Today adults and kids alike are asking me if it was fun. I tell them, "No. It was not fun by my definition of fun, but it was a very important event for me." I am afraid of heights, speed, murky water--plus, I'm elderly and everyone would have understood if I had declined this adventure. So, why, you may ask, did I do this?
Here's why. Sometimes on TV I catch a glimpse of someone on a zip line (this is usually just long enough for me to change channels, but I always think, "Hmmmm, that looks like fun. I think I'd like to do that someday."). I guess I picured the zip alone, not the take off or the landing. Just like with flying an airplane, these are the treacherous times. But the deciding factor was I knew that forever after when I saw someone zipping on TV or I heard someone talking about their experience, I'd regret that I didn't really know what it felt like to soar that way. Now I know..
"Oh, no!" I said, firmly planted on my bottom. "I can scoot to the edge of this platform, but there is no way I can summon the courage to walk out there." So, as I had on my way over (where the platform was much more accessible and much more stable and much less scary), I sat for one final gulp of air before tightly closing my eyes and zipping into a fall that pitched my full weight onto a cable strung across the murky water.
Today adults and kids alike are asking me if it was fun. I tell them, "No. It was not fun by my definition of fun, but it was a very important event for me." I am afraid of heights, speed, murky water--plus, I'm elderly and everyone would have understood if I had declined this adventure. So, why, you may ask, did I do this?
Here's why. Sometimes on TV I catch a glimpse of someone on a zip line (this is usually just long enough for me to change channels, but I always think, "Hmmmm, that looks like fun. I think I'd like to do that someday."). I guess I picured the zip alone, not the take off or the landing. Just like with flying an airplane, these are the treacherous times. But the deciding factor was I knew that forever after when I saw someone zipping on TV or I heard someone talking about their experience, I'd regret that I didn't really know what it felt like to soar that way. Now I know..
Morning Music at CampHOPEforKids
A solitary songbird began his daybreak vocals
summonning his friends to join his reveille.
An insect heard the call and single-handedly
(or footedly or leggedly) contributed his tympanic rhythm.
They rocked out energetically for near an hour
before the other birds awoke in full force
to take up the morning anthem and stir the world into action.
Then a holy choir crescendoed in volume and sweetness
as the chatter and laughter of children filled air.
summonning his friends to join his reveille.
An insect heard the call and single-handedly
(or footedly or leggedly) contributed his tympanic rhythm.
They rocked out energetically for near an hour
before the other birds awoke in full force
to take up the morning anthem and stir the world into action.
Then a holy choir crescendoed in volume and sweetness
as the chatter and laughter of children filled air.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The Happiest Place on Earth
Okay, so Disney made the claim first, and probably even copyrighted it, but I really can't imagine any place happier than where I am right now. One hundred and twenty campers decended today on CampHOPEfor Kids in Swenksville, PA.
Sweet eagerness fills the air. Cabins are loading up with kids in color-coded tee-shirts. College-age counselors are relieving parent of a week's worth of responsibility after they have deposited their kids for 7days of swimming, canoe-ing, rock climbing, zip-lining across Swamp Creek; volleyball, basketball, gaga (new to me--its a sort of dodgeball in an enclosed court), night-time pranks, singing, praying and dramatic presentation of Jesus' Parables.
You can see the friendships already developing. Companionship for the vulnerable--these bonds will last. There's also a bit of hero-worship here. And why not, when your cabin counselor is the coolest college kid you've ever seen and they are making you laugh, reassuring every insecurity and basically, being your slave?
I have a few words left to describe these counselors.
--spiritual
--visionaries
I'm overwhelmed with the comforting feeling that this generation has the world well in hand. They are the face of Christianity for this half of the 21st century. They are wholesome to the core. Their commitment and integrity will bless all whose lives they touch.
I'd been told for years that I needed to come and see this camp. I'm so grateful it finally happened. I'm praying for the funding that will enable this camp to last for generations to come.
Sweet eagerness fills the air. Cabins are loading up with kids in color-coded tee-shirts. College-age counselors are relieving parent of a week's worth of responsibility after they have deposited their kids for 7days of swimming, canoe-ing, rock climbing, zip-lining across Swamp Creek; volleyball, basketball, gaga (new to me--its a sort of dodgeball in an enclosed court), night-time pranks, singing, praying and dramatic presentation of Jesus' Parables.
You can see the friendships already developing. Companionship for the vulnerable--these bonds will last. There's also a bit of hero-worship here. And why not, when your cabin counselor is the coolest college kid you've ever seen and they are making you laugh, reassuring every insecurity and basically, being your slave?
I have a few words left to describe these counselors.
--spiritual
--visionaries
I'm overwhelmed with the comforting feeling that this generation has the world well in hand. They are the face of Christianity for this half of the 21st century. They are wholesome to the core. Their commitment and integrity will bless all whose lives they touch.
I'd been told for years that I needed to come and see this camp. I'm so grateful it finally happened. I'm praying for the funding that will enable this camp to last for generations to come.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
CampHOPEfor Kids
I'd heard all the stories--"It's awesome;" "It changed my life;" "I met all my best friends there;" "I never want to miss another summer there for the rest of my life." These quotes are mostly from our grandkids, but everyone we've ever talked to who has been here has voiced equivalent praise.
I thought, "That's nice." Then I came. This is the end of my 4th full day here and I have no words to express how it has affected me--but I'll try.
--BEAUTIFUL. As we pulled into the camp in a rural area of Philadelphia it felt like we were a million miles from nowhere. Lush sylvan beauty enveloped us. It is pretty easy to feel close to the
Creator when you are standing in awe of His creation. I could see immediately that praying, singing and reading my Bible in some forested nook every morning was going to be a rich spiritual experience--and that was before I'd hiked down to the creek or crossed the footbridge in hearing of the waterfall, or seen the deer or the funny camo-clad frog on the forest floor.
--INSPIRING. There are about 75+ kids here (some of them would be offended to be called "kids"--whatever! I'm elderly and they are kids to me). This is the week the Americorp and Youthcorp prepares the camp for the onslaught of young campers. There are cobwebs to remove, toilets to clean, raking and weeding, moping and scrubbing, gathering and hauling. None of it is eaasy.
The quality of character, heart, service, joy, respect, diligence....I could go on. I have not seen one complainer. What I have seen is very, very hard work, sweet spirits and stellar leadership among them. And the thing is, any of them could lead, but there is not an evident ego in the bunch. They are eager and cooperative at a level I think I've never seen. they stand fully behind anyone who is in charge of any given task no matter the task.
Let me give you an example. As a joke, the camp director (who is maybe 22 yrs. old) told the assembled group that they would be dredging the lake the following day. He gave strict instructions about the dangers of infection because of the obvious polution. It has a certain beauty, but no one would want to go in.
The plan was for outraged complaints to ensue before the volunteers were told they didn't really have to jump in the lake. The prank failed because there was not a negative word. Every one of these kids willlingly offered themselves. (Willingly, not necessarily enthusiastically).
I have a few more words I need to offer you to give you a fuller picture of what I am experiencing, but that will be in my next post. Stand by--I'm trying to find the words.
I thought, "That's nice." Then I came. This is the end of my 4th full day here and I have no words to express how it has affected me--but I'll try.
--BEAUTIFUL. As we pulled into the camp in a rural area of Philadelphia it felt like we were a million miles from nowhere. Lush sylvan beauty enveloped us. It is pretty easy to feel close to the
Creator when you are standing in awe of His creation. I could see immediately that praying, singing and reading my Bible in some forested nook every morning was going to be a rich spiritual experience--and that was before I'd hiked down to the creek or crossed the footbridge in hearing of the waterfall, or seen the deer or the funny camo-clad frog on the forest floor.
--INSPIRING. There are about 75+ kids here (some of them would be offended to be called "kids"--whatever! I'm elderly and they are kids to me). This is the week the Americorp and Youthcorp prepares the camp for the onslaught of young campers. There are cobwebs to remove, toilets to clean, raking and weeding, moping and scrubbing, gathering and hauling. None of it is eaasy.
The quality of character, heart, service, joy, respect, diligence....I could go on. I have not seen one complainer. What I have seen is very, very hard work, sweet spirits and stellar leadership among them. And the thing is, any of them could lead, but there is not an evident ego in the bunch. They are eager and cooperative at a level I think I've never seen. they stand fully behind anyone who is in charge of any given task no matter the task.
Let me give you an example. As a joke, the camp director (who is maybe 22 yrs. old) told the assembled group that they would be dredging the lake the following day. He gave strict instructions about the dangers of infection because of the obvious polution. It has a certain beauty, but no one would want to go in.
The plan was for outraged complaints to ensue before the volunteers were told they didn't really have to jump in the lake. The prank failed because there was not a negative word. Every one of these kids willlingly offered themselves. (Willingly, not necessarily enthusiastically).
I have a few more words I need to offer you to give you a fuller picture of what I am experiencing, but that will be in my next post. Stand by--I'm trying to find the words.
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