I don’t know why but the Lord keeps bringing the scripture story of Jesus at the wedding at Cana across my path. I don’t want to brag about my being quick, but when I hear something the 3rd, 4th, or 5th time, I get this idea that there may be a reason. LOL
So, I went to biblegateway.com to look up John 2 and read. Why, you ask, did I go to the internet instead of my sword (bible)? I would answer because on this website I can read the passage in many translations. I do this sometimes when I’m seeking a deeper understanding of what God was saying. I believe wholeheartedly that God can speak English, but let’s face it, he wrote in Hebrew,Greek, or Aramaic. (Remember He created several languages at the Tower of Babel,) and I think beginning at Pentecost He has been in the process of reversing that and returning to one language. (Remember how each person heard an unknown language in such a way that they understood it.) However, for the present time, each country has its own language and ours is English.
Back to the story. The first thing I read is that it was the 3rd day. What was on day 1 and day 2? Check out John 1—we meet the "Word,” who was with God, was God, was present originally with God, made all things, and was the Light of men. (That’s a whole study in itself.) We meet John the Baptist who called Jesus the “Lamb of God,” as well as Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael who became disciples on day two.
The third day, there was a wedding in Cana a few miles away from Nazareth. Jesus’ mother was there and appears to have felt some kind of responsibility for it going smoothly. (I can’t help wondering if her sister or best friend was one of the mothers—(no scriptural reason except that’s how sisters or best friends often are.) Jesus was invited along with his new disciples (another reason to think it might be someone close to them). When the refreshments ran out, Mary shared her panic with her first-born (other reasons for my perceptions).
Jesus responds with a thought-provoking “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” NIV translates it “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” That sounds a little nicer; although I have read that the term “woman” was a term of endearment. I do choose to believe that endearment thing because my two sons used to call me “woman” while I suggested they call me “Mother Dear” to no avail.
Mary then gives the very best advice to all of us who were to come after: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” So far, that’s what I’ve got. I’m sure we’re not done with the Cana wedding; but for now, that’s my day 1.
Whatever He says to you, do it!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Katie Had Some Little Goats
A few days ago, we took our two granddaughters to visit a couple baby goats and their mother. They were so playful and gentle. In their pen is a drum-like “toy” that was probably 2 feet across and about a foot high. If someone pats the top of the drum, the little goats agilely hop up on it. And that is one of their games—up and down and back up again.
The two little girls were nervous at first; but with a little coaxing, they were soon petting and playing with the darling animals. We stayed a long time, and when it was time to go, two little girls didn’t want to leave their new “friends.” They had never seen a goat before and especially had never been close enough to pet or hug one.
The little goats were so cute, but even if they had been ugly, it wouldn’t have mattered to the girls. That’s an especially admirable trait in kids that are very young (and dogs of any age)—they do not judge on appearances, wealth, or status. They are interested in kindness and how much they feel loved.
There is tonight, in our nation’s capital, a “beer summit” because for many decades we have judged one another on superficial qualities like skin color. While the November election was to signal a time of healing in the country, it is obviously going to take more than a cold beer to deal with the deep-seeded anger waiting to spill over as buckets are bumped. I heard someone teach about checking our own personal buckets when we get jostled. What spills out?
Back to the goats, I thought about the scripture in Exodus 12:5, “The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats,” and how both young lambs and goats were innocent and gentle with no deceit. They were the opposite of wolves and lions. And yet, Isaiah 11:6 tells that there will come a time, “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.”
When Jesus came to the stable, he came as a lamb. Isaiah 53:7 tells, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” In Revelation, we read that "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…" Looking at those baby goats, I can’t imagine anything being more accepting, more loving, more gentle, and less threatening. Yet the religious men thought God’s lamb was dangerous and needed to die.
When Jesus comes back, he will come as the lion of the tribe of Judah. “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… has triumphed.” I don’t believe those on planet earth who have rejected him will find him a gentle king, but rather a roaring lion, “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”
But for today, I will remember the darling baby goats and the little girls who loved them. I will also say thank you to the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
The two little girls were nervous at first; but with a little coaxing, they were soon petting and playing with the darling animals. We stayed a long time, and when it was time to go, two little girls didn’t want to leave their new “friends.” They had never seen a goat before and especially had never been close enough to pet or hug one.
The little goats were so cute, but even if they had been ugly, it wouldn’t have mattered to the girls. That’s an especially admirable trait in kids that are very young (and dogs of any age)—they do not judge on appearances, wealth, or status. They are interested in kindness and how much they feel loved.
There is tonight, in our nation’s capital, a “beer summit” because for many decades we have judged one another on superficial qualities like skin color. While the November election was to signal a time of healing in the country, it is obviously going to take more than a cold beer to deal with the deep-seeded anger waiting to spill over as buckets are bumped. I heard someone teach about checking our own personal buckets when we get jostled. What spills out?
Back to the goats, I thought about the scripture in Exodus 12:5, “The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats,” and how both young lambs and goats were innocent and gentle with no deceit. They were the opposite of wolves and lions. And yet, Isaiah 11:6 tells that there will come a time, “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.”
When Jesus came to the stable, he came as a lamb. Isaiah 53:7 tells, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” In Revelation, we read that "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…" Looking at those baby goats, I can’t imagine anything being more accepting, more loving, more gentle, and less threatening. Yet the religious men thought God’s lamb was dangerous and needed to die.
When Jesus comes back, he will come as the lion of the tribe of Judah. “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… has triumphed.” I don’t believe those on planet earth who have rejected him will find him a gentle king, but rather a roaring lion, “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”
But for today, I will remember the darling baby goats and the little girls who loved them. I will also say thank you to the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 28
In my past, July 28 was a special day—my mother’s birthday. I always insisted we celebrate. I would bake a cake when I was old enough, and in her last few years, would roll her wheelchair out for a lawn party.
My mom was an exceptional lady, and I realize it more and more as I “mature.” There is an old adage about not judging someone until you have “walked a mile in their shoes.” I’m also understanding that more and more, although I was never required to wear the shoes my mom was given to wear.
She was next to the youngest of a very large family in a very small town. Although an unusually intelligent girl in math, she had neither money nor opportunity for college, but instead went to work in a shoe factory. She married a young man and moved to an even smaller town. It was in the years following the Great Depression that she gave birth to a son and six years later, to me.
Scarcely two years after that, my father died, leaving my mom to raise us alone. I don’t know how she managed that, but one of my earliest memories is her determination that her kids would go to college. She worked unbelievable hours doing all kinds of odd jobs, but her kids went to college. She taught Sunday School for as many years as I can remember and was an avid student of the bible. Her family (especially her grandkids) and her church were her life.
Shortly after her 80th birthday, she moved into her church’s retirement facility where she had often volunteered. For the next 13 years, she used a wheelchair as she continued pursuing her love for quilting and crocheting. As her body wore out, her spirit and sense of humor stayed strong. However, there was a longing in her to “go home,” not to the little house in the little town, but home where her husband, her sisters, and most of her friends had gone before her.
As I said, during her last few years on July 28, some of us would take a picnic lunch (with cake), roll her out to the gazebo, talk, laugh, sing, and blow out candles. Today, I remember and miss her, but I’m glad she left the pain behind and is dancing on streets of gold.
Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
My mom was an exceptional lady, and I realize it more and more as I “mature.” There is an old adage about not judging someone until you have “walked a mile in their shoes.” I’m also understanding that more and more, although I was never required to wear the shoes my mom was given to wear.
She was next to the youngest of a very large family in a very small town. Although an unusually intelligent girl in math, she had neither money nor opportunity for college, but instead went to work in a shoe factory. She married a young man and moved to an even smaller town. It was in the years following the Great Depression that she gave birth to a son and six years later, to me.
Scarcely two years after that, my father died, leaving my mom to raise us alone. I don’t know how she managed that, but one of my earliest memories is her determination that her kids would go to college. She worked unbelievable hours doing all kinds of odd jobs, but her kids went to college. She taught Sunday School for as many years as I can remember and was an avid student of the bible. Her family (especially her grandkids) and her church were her life.
Shortly after her 80th birthday, she moved into her church’s retirement facility where she had often volunteered. For the next 13 years, she used a wheelchair as she continued pursuing her love for quilting and crocheting. As her body wore out, her spirit and sense of humor stayed strong. However, there was a longing in her to “go home,” not to the little house in the little town, but home where her husband, her sisters, and most of her friends had gone before her.
As I said, during her last few years on July 28, some of us would take a picnic lunch (with cake), roll her out to the gazebo, talk, laugh, sing, and blow out candles. Today, I remember and miss her, but I’m glad she left the pain behind and is dancing on streets of gold.
Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Sword for All
I just love a Sunday with a nice breeze and blue sky like today. We did have a problem in Sunday School, but it was a wonderful one—our class has grown so that we needed to add some tables to our circle. Well actually it’s more of a square that is becoming a rectangle. I can’t speak for the class, but I am always excited to get there and hear what is happening in their lives and what God has to say to us. Sometimes they share fun things they have been doing and sometimes they share a challenge they are facing. (Sometimes we see pictures on Facebook!)
The Rock Group is studying I Samuel, and today we read how in the early days of Saul’s kingship, there were only two swords in the whole Israelite army because their enemy had control over sword production. There are countries which outlaw swords today, as Ephesians 6:17 explains swords, “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” For the time being, we are blessed with the capability to have as many swords (bibles) as we want, but I fear we may take that blessing for granted. Our sword may be misplaced in a bookcase or lying in a bureau drawer, dusty and dull from lack of use. If so, get it out and get ready for battle. If you are not in a battle now, you have time to practice for combat before what will be an imminent attack.
Later, the little campers from VBS sang a few songs in our morning service, and it was thrilling to see so many youngsters singing with all their hearts and raising their hands to God. One of their favorite songs (mine, too) came from the story of Peter needing to keep his eyes on Jesus as he faced a violent storm and fierce waves.
I hope they, as well as the rest of us, can keep that message with us always. Like Peter, it is so tempting for each of us to see how enormous the waves are and how strong the wind is rather than how big our God is.
Time for a sword drill! Luke 1:37
The Rock Group is studying I Samuel, and today we read how in the early days of Saul’s kingship, there were only two swords in the whole Israelite army because their enemy had control over sword production. There are countries which outlaw swords today, as Ephesians 6:17 explains swords, “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” For the time being, we are blessed with the capability to have as many swords (bibles) as we want, but I fear we may take that blessing for granted. Our sword may be misplaced in a bookcase or lying in a bureau drawer, dusty and dull from lack of use. If so, get it out and get ready for battle. If you are not in a battle now, you have time to practice for combat before what will be an imminent attack.
Later, the little campers from VBS sang a few songs in our morning service, and it was thrilling to see so many youngsters singing with all their hearts and raising their hands to God. One of their favorite songs (mine, too) came from the story of Peter needing to keep his eyes on Jesus as he faced a violent storm and fierce waves.
I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus
When I start to fall, he helps me to stand.
I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus
And He’s keeping me in His hand.
I hope they, as well as the rest of us, can keep that message with us always. Like Peter, it is so tempting for each of us to see how enormous the waves are and how strong the wind is rather than how big our God is.
Time for a sword drill! Luke 1:37
Saturday, July 25, 2009
C and N
I think it’s Saturday. This has been such a multifarious week that I am struggling to keep days and nights identified. Let me see! Do I prefer same old, same old weeks or wild and wooly ones? Truth be told, I’m not sure. I do know which is easier, but is easier always better? I think not.
Strangely enough, I have been cooking today. I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought real food. This morning I cooked chicken and eggs (separately). I made my second favorite thing—chicken salad. This evening I plan to fix my first favorite thing—chicken and noodles. My kids, who are all grown, complain that chicken and noodles was the only dish I ever cooked when they were young, so I probably won’t invite any of them to eat with us even though they love chicken salad. Too bad; they should not disparage the Mom.
Now, to why it is strange that I cooked; since we are empty nesters, we find it easier to grab something quick to eat rather than prepare a meal, eat the meal, and clean up the meal. Also, we have something to do almost every evening, so as I said, it’s easier. However, there comes a time when I just want some home-cooked food. I have had too many burgers, subs, etc. that I need a break. Home food sounds so good—like casseroles, beef manhattans, or chili. Omelets with ham and cheese sound good; gosh, even peanut butter and homemade jelly sandwiches are appealing.
There were many times in my life when I would have arm-wrestled to go out to eat, but there were so many of us that we didn’t do that much. There was also one of us who didn’t want to go anywhere that his cheeseburger wasn’t ready and waiting when he got there. (I just had a memory of a time he and a coat tree almost fell through the window of the diner in town). Anyway, we were generally stuck eating home-cooked food and sitting down as a family if we could manage the schedule to do that. Our kids considered that punishment and they were sure they were the only kids in town that had to eat with their family. (You know we only ate chicken and noodles).
Food does play an important part in our lives. I guess that’s why Eve was out looking for new apples. My son says if he had a personal chef preparing great healthy foods daily, he would be thrilled to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, entrees, and salads. But for now, until our ship and our chef come in, we will seek to squeeze in some fast meals between activities. Nehemiah says eating and joy go together, and joy is strength.
Sweet drinks = sweet tea. Choice food = chicken and noodles!
Strangely enough, I have been cooking today. I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought real food. This morning I cooked chicken and eggs (separately). I made my second favorite thing—chicken salad. This evening I plan to fix my first favorite thing—chicken and noodles. My kids, who are all grown, complain that chicken and noodles was the only dish I ever cooked when they were young, so I probably won’t invite any of them to eat with us even though they love chicken salad. Too bad; they should not disparage the Mom.
Now, to why it is strange that I cooked; since we are empty nesters, we find it easier to grab something quick to eat rather than prepare a meal, eat the meal, and clean up the meal. Also, we have something to do almost every evening, so as I said, it’s easier. However, there comes a time when I just want some home-cooked food. I have had too many burgers, subs, etc. that I need a break. Home food sounds so good—like casseroles, beef manhattans, or chili. Omelets with ham and cheese sound good; gosh, even peanut butter and homemade jelly sandwiches are appealing.
There were many times in my life when I would have arm-wrestled to go out to eat, but there were so many of us that we didn’t do that much. There was also one of us who didn’t want to go anywhere that his cheeseburger wasn’t ready and waiting when he got there. (I just had a memory of a time he and a coat tree almost fell through the window of the diner in town). Anyway, we were generally stuck eating home-cooked food and sitting down as a family if we could manage the schedule to do that. Our kids considered that punishment and they were sure they were the only kids in town that had to eat with their family. (You know we only ate chicken and noodles).
Food does play an important part in our lives. I guess that’s why Eve was out looking for new apples. My son says if he had a personal chef preparing great healthy foods daily, he would be thrilled to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, entrees, and salads. But for now, until our ship and our chef come in, we will seek to squeeze in some fast meals between activities. Nehemiah says eating and joy go together, and joy is strength.
"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Sweet drinks = sweet tea. Choice food = chicken and noodles!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lessons from VBS
While I had a good time in Chicago (not relaxing, but still fun), I am so sorry I missed our Vacation Bible School because the Rock Group, my Sunday School Class, presented the lessons each evening. I had the privilege of being a part of it for two nights, but I understood the other nights were fabulous. The VBS program focused on Peter and his relationship with Jesus from a variety of angles.
We saw Jesus calling Peter and the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus walking on the water (you should have seen our Sea of Galilee raging in the storm), Peter recognizing that Jesus was the Messiah, Peter denying Jesus three times then being forgiven, and Peter with John healing the lame man.
In addition to being called to share the gospel with the many children, our class learned much about each other in that even though they came there from different paths, their hearts are turned toward God and each other. They shared part of their hearts this week, and I’m so sorry I missed even a minute of it. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled they had that blessing. Just to mention a few things shared, it seems that one of us took a 15-year vacation from church, at least one of us thinks a jeep is challenging to get into, and someone would rather stay and have ice cream than have a little time of her own. There were many others but with the experience came a desire to learn more—more about the Lord and more about each other.
Doesn’t that sound a lot like Matthew 22:36-39?
Giving hours out of hectic and bustling schedules represented a real sacrifice, but I’m guessing those involved would say they got more out of the experience than they put into it. Jesus is like that, you know. He used Peter’s boat then gave him more fish than his boat could contain. May he do that with that wonderful VBS group.
We saw Jesus calling Peter and the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus walking on the water (you should have seen our Sea of Galilee raging in the storm), Peter recognizing that Jesus was the Messiah, Peter denying Jesus three times then being forgiven, and Peter with John healing the lame man.
In addition to being called to share the gospel with the many children, our class learned much about each other in that even though they came there from different paths, their hearts are turned toward God and each other. They shared part of their hearts this week, and I’m so sorry I missed even a minute of it. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled they had that blessing. Just to mention a few things shared, it seems that one of us took a 15-year vacation from church, at least one of us thinks a jeep is challenging to get into, and someone would rather stay and have ice cream than have a little time of her own. There were many others but with the experience came a desire to learn more—more about the Lord and more about each other.
Doesn’t that sound a lot like Matthew 22:36-39?
"Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Giving hours out of hectic and bustling schedules represented a real sacrifice, but I’m guessing those involved would say they got more out of the experience than they put into it. Jesus is like that, you know. He used Peter’s boat then gave him more fish than his boat could contain. May he do that with that wonderful VBS group.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Been Gone
I'm back home tonight after three days in Chicago with a busload of high schoolers, some very helpful chaperones, a fun tour guide, and a terrific bus driver. I have mentioned a big activity in our office, and this was it. It was a whirlwind tour. We visited Parkland College on the way, ate lunch at Navy Pier, saw Millenium Park and the bean, Shedd Aquarium, Ed Debevics, and Blue Man Show. That was just the first day. We had another day and a half of that pace, trying to see as much as possible in a short time.
Many of the kids expessed their thanks for the trip, but some forgot. It reminds me of a story in Luke 17
It also reminds me of me because I sometimes forget to thank the Lord for his many blessings.
It was a good trip and I am so thankful to the Lord for his protection and help. I'll try to get back to more regular blogging.
Be thankful!
Many of the kids expessed their thanks for the trip, but some forgot. It reminds me of a story in Luke 17
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
It also reminds me of me because I sometimes forget to thank the Lord for his many blessings.
It was a good trip and I am so thankful to the Lord for his protection and help. I'll try to get back to more regular blogging.
Be thankful!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A Few Minutes of Reflection
We had the first night of VBS this evening. We are once again building up our attendance and had a great time. The young adult class provided both drama and comedy as they sought to plant in the young hearts and minds the image of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to be disciples and the miraculous catch of fish. It was memorable. The fishing hat given to each child was fun, colorful, and a wonderful reminder of the lesson.
So many things are screaming out for attention that it is a challenge to meet all the deadlines, but we will keep working at each. For now, it's time to get some needed rest. Tomorrow brings getting ready for our big activity at work, starting construction of a new housing project, and preparing for the second installment of VBS.
I give thanks for my husband and kids and their service in the kingdom!
So many things are screaming out for attention that it is a challenge to meet all the deadlines, but we will keep working at each. For now, it's time to get some needed rest. Tomorrow brings getting ready for our big activity at work, starting construction of a new housing project, and preparing for the second installment of VBS.
I give thanks for my husband and kids and their service in the kingdom!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Best Seller
I was reading today from I Chronicles 26. Why? Who reads that? Well, there are some—all the people who are reading through the bible in a year. I’m not one of those I say regretfully. I always think I will but get caught up studying (not to mention that it takes discipline), and I focus on specific parts of the scripture rather than reading through it. Maybe next year.
Anyway, I was reading and found it full of names, the positions held, and their assistants or successors. Verse after verse contain such information. “Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to the Lord. From the family of Libni in the clan of Gershon, Jehiel was the leader. The sons of Jehiel, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.”
This is one of those passages where the poor volunteer reader (and I) stumble over every name. However, I’m guessing some schoolteachers stumble over some of our modern names, too. Both are like reading a foreign telephone book.
It is significant, however, that God knew those names. He knew their families, their jobs, and when they were assigned to work. But, what does that OT stuff have to do with my life? The New Testament says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.” Did you notice, “All Scripture…” Not some scripture. Not NT scripture. Not ‘the epistles I like to read’ scripture. All scripture! “All” includes Chronicles and those other clean pages in the book.
I am fascinated by the concept that God has books full of names:
"As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat… The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
“… whose names are in the book of life.”
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
“but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”
I said all that to say, God knows each of us. (There’s that number of hairs on our head thing). He knows about us (our families—reasonable or dysfunctional); He knows what we are assigned to do; and He knows those people He has put around us to help. We may feel insignificant, but each of us is important to Him, big-time.
God has book and we’re in it!
Anyway, I was reading and found it full of names, the positions held, and their assistants or successors. Verse after verse contain such information. “Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to the Lord. From the family of Libni in the clan of Gershon, Jehiel was the leader. The sons of Jehiel, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.”
This is one of those passages where the poor volunteer reader (and I) stumble over every name. However, I’m guessing some schoolteachers stumble over some of our modern names, too. Both are like reading a foreign telephone book.
It is significant, however, that God knew those names. He knew their families, their jobs, and when they were assigned to work. But, what does that OT stuff have to do with my life? The New Testament says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.” Did you notice, “All Scripture…” Not some scripture. Not NT scripture. Not ‘the epistles I like to read’ scripture. All scripture! “All” includes Chronicles and those other clean pages in the book.
I am fascinated by the concept that God has books full of names:
"As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat… The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
“… whose names are in the book of life.”
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
“but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”
I said all that to say, God knows each of us. (There’s that number of hairs on our head thing). He knows about us (our families—reasonable or dysfunctional); He knows what we are assigned to do; and He knows those people He has put around us to help. We may feel insignificant, but each of us is important to Him, big-time.
God has book and we’re in it!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Ready or Not?
Tonight is an event we have been planning at the office for months. It’s a prelim to an activity next week, and many, many hours of preparation have gone into the activity and pre-activity projects. We began planning 5 or 6 months ago and thoughtfully wrote it on the calendar in red. In the meantime, we have gone about our daily business, but always in the back of our minds, was this activity way out there in the future.
This brings up a peculiarity I have and it may be genetic because at least one of my children have the same trait—excited about things far off, but less so as the time gets near. I have experienced this condition my entire life and it may be that it is a common dilemma. It isn’t a lack of desire, but rather a vague feeling of uneasiness, closely resembling stage fright. How odd!
It does appear that detailed preparation lessens the anxiety. Lack of adequate preparation to the point of panic-mode is horrifying. The “I should have…” and “We forgot to…” are agonizing as the starting time nears. However, I do believe that this time we have prepared as fully as possible those things we can control, so even in the midst of butterflies, we can be confident.
This reminds me of Jesus returning. We are “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” If we have prepared as fully as possible those things we can control and have received forgiveness and grace for our shortcomings, we can be confident when that day comes. As I said earlier, lack of adequate preparation will result in panic-mode and will be horrifying. Note to self: Be prepared!
Crystal Lewis sings, “People get ready, Jesus is coming soon. We’ll be going home.”
This brings up a peculiarity I have and it may be genetic because at least one of my children have the same trait—excited about things far off, but less so as the time gets near. I have experienced this condition my entire life and it may be that it is a common dilemma. It isn’t a lack of desire, but rather a vague feeling of uneasiness, closely resembling stage fright. How odd!
It does appear that detailed preparation lessens the anxiety. Lack of adequate preparation to the point of panic-mode is horrifying. The “I should have…” and “We forgot to…” are agonizing as the starting time nears. However, I do believe that this time we have prepared as fully as possible those things we can control, so even in the midst of butterflies, we can be confident.
This reminds me of Jesus returning. We are “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” If we have prepared as fully as possible those things we can control and have received forgiveness and grace for our shortcomings, we can be confident when that day comes. As I said earlier, lack of adequate preparation will result in panic-mode and will be horrifying. Note to self: Be prepared!
Crystal Lewis sings, “People get ready, Jesus is coming soon. We’ll be going home.”
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Doors and Windows
Today is the end of an era. I mentioned some time ago that we were embarking on a new business venture. (I got into some hot water in the blogosphere over that announcement.) I’m still not ready to describe it; but in order for us to move in that direction, we have some loose ends to tie up. It has to do with a quote from an unknown someone about when a door closes, a window opens.
Tonight, a door closes. For the past seven years, one of our kids has worked some evenings in a local restaurant, and tonight is her final shift. When she walks out tonight, she leaves the keys there, and the door closes on that chapter.
She and her sister have done this kind of thing since their high school years. They were both “Raxters” at the local Rax Roast Beef Restaurant. Back in the day, that was the cool place for teenagers to work in our small town. We have in our garage the official bulletin board that contains the signatures of many of the young lives who were Raxters. One of our girls was the weekend chef during her tenure at Rax. She got up at 3:30 am on weekends to go in and prepare for the day’s business.
However, college followed high school and eventually the Rax restaurants closed across the nation (although I hear there are a few independent ones still hanging on). Both of our girls went off to college and their careers headed in a far different direction from their Rax days. They both earned Bachelors Degrees, then Masters Degrees. They worked with those degrees for several years, and later decided to add to their education with each getting a second Masters degree.
Seven years ago, one went to work part time as a favor for a friend who was opening a local restaurant. It was so different from her daily routine, that she found it a fun change of pace as well as an opportunity to see many people that would have not been in her world. The other confided in me that with all her years of higher education, she really would rather be a caterer. Sigh!!
Oh, they are still working in their other professions (With today’s economy it does not seem prudent to give up a steady paycheck). But they are ready to try something new in addition to their jobs—to give the open window a try. Before they could do that, the seven-year-long chapter that was only supposed to be a short-lived project, had to close. So this evening a bunch of us headed for the restaurant to eat and celebrate both the closing of a door and the opening of a window.
I’m reminded of a verse in Malachi 3, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.”
May our new one be a window of heaven!
Tonight, a door closes. For the past seven years, one of our kids has worked some evenings in a local restaurant, and tonight is her final shift. When she walks out tonight, she leaves the keys there, and the door closes on that chapter.
She and her sister have done this kind of thing since their high school years. They were both “Raxters” at the local Rax Roast Beef Restaurant. Back in the day, that was the cool place for teenagers to work in our small town. We have in our garage the official bulletin board that contains the signatures of many of the young lives who were Raxters. One of our girls was the weekend chef during her tenure at Rax. She got up at 3:30 am on weekends to go in and prepare for the day’s business.
However, college followed high school and eventually the Rax restaurants closed across the nation (although I hear there are a few independent ones still hanging on). Both of our girls went off to college and their careers headed in a far different direction from their Rax days. They both earned Bachelors Degrees, then Masters Degrees. They worked with those degrees for several years, and later decided to add to their education with each getting a second Masters degree.
Seven years ago, one went to work part time as a favor for a friend who was opening a local restaurant. It was so different from her daily routine, that she found it a fun change of pace as well as an opportunity to see many people that would have not been in her world. The other confided in me that with all her years of higher education, she really would rather be a caterer. Sigh!!
Oh, they are still working in their other professions (With today’s economy it does not seem prudent to give up a steady paycheck). But they are ready to try something new in addition to their jobs—to give the open window a try. Before they could do that, the seven-year-long chapter that was only supposed to be a short-lived project, had to close. So this evening a bunch of us headed for the restaurant to eat and celebrate both the closing of a door and the opening of a window.
I’m reminded of a verse in Malachi 3, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.”
May our new one be a window of heaven!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mirrors
There are days when I feel intelligent. There are other days when I come from behind, struggling to get a grasp on the things around me. The Apostle Paul said, “I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.”
Now, I’m faced with a conundrum. Should I see myself as lower than the first scenario or higher than the second as I think of myself with sober judgment? The truth (as I perceive it) is that I don’t think about it very much at all. A few months ago, one of those “tests” was sent around on Facebook or email or both about 25 things you might not know about me. I couldn’t think of 25 things, known or unknown. One of my kids (I won’t mention which one) said he/she thought of 50 things about themself in a short time. It has been hinted that such a person may look in the mirror a bit much. LOL.
Many of us don’t want to look in the mirror at all. Why? Maybe we don’t like what we see. Maybe we can go about our life with a smudge on our face or broccoli in our teeth or hair standing up funny and ignore it since we aren’t aware of it. We can ignore the truth and act like we’re all right.
In Exodus 38, there is a description of how the Israelites built the furniture for the tabernacle. (If you have been in my Sunday School class, you know how I love the tabernacle. I think it is one of the key topics in the whole bible.) Anyway, verse 8 says “They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women...”
The bronze basin was a large vessel outside of the Holy Place used for washing by those who were going into the place of worship and service. I find it telling that it was made of mirrors. As they looked into the basin to wash, they could see their faces, with the smudges, broccoli, or funny hair. I see a picture of us seeing our sinful condition and recognizing the need for cleansing. We can no longer go about business as usual after we have been confronted by our condition. We can no longer ignore the truth and act like we’re all right. Having seen the truth, we must find the provision to be made clean. (What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.)
While so much of our world is consumed by external appearances, the notion of a larger inside flaw is unacceptable. The concept of sin has been ridiculed, berated, ignored, legislated against, and called “archaic” by the so-called wise of our day. They are in for a colossal surprise!
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” This would imply we don’t know fully where our smudges are. As a mother, I remember days past and have to chuckle as I think about getting a “spit bath” from the Lord.
Let’s go ahead, look into God’s mirror, but not just look. Let’s allow Him to show us the smudges and seek to be spiffy clean. I think James tells about looking but not doing, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Instead, we want to shed the smudges and reflect His glory. “But we all… beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory...” As my neighbor Marsha says, it’s a journey.
“I’m starting with the (wo)man in the mirror.”
Now, I’m faced with a conundrum. Should I see myself as lower than the first scenario or higher than the second as I think of myself with sober judgment? The truth (as I perceive it) is that I don’t think about it very much at all. A few months ago, one of those “tests” was sent around on Facebook or email or both about 25 things you might not know about me. I couldn’t think of 25 things, known or unknown. One of my kids (I won’t mention which one) said he/she thought of 50 things about themself in a short time. It has been hinted that such a person may look in the mirror a bit much. LOL.
Many of us don’t want to look in the mirror at all. Why? Maybe we don’t like what we see. Maybe we can go about our life with a smudge on our face or broccoli in our teeth or hair standing up funny and ignore it since we aren’t aware of it. We can ignore the truth and act like we’re all right.
In Exodus 38, there is a description of how the Israelites built the furniture for the tabernacle. (If you have been in my Sunday School class, you know how I love the tabernacle. I think it is one of the key topics in the whole bible.) Anyway, verse 8 says “They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women...”
The bronze basin was a large vessel outside of the Holy Place used for washing by those who were going into the place of worship and service. I find it telling that it was made of mirrors. As they looked into the basin to wash, they could see their faces, with the smudges, broccoli, or funny hair. I see a picture of us seeing our sinful condition and recognizing the need for cleansing. We can no longer go about business as usual after we have been confronted by our condition. We can no longer ignore the truth and act like we’re all right. Having seen the truth, we must find the provision to be made clean. (What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.)
While so much of our world is consumed by external appearances, the notion of a larger inside flaw is unacceptable. The concept of sin has been ridiculed, berated, ignored, legislated against, and called “archaic” by the so-called wise of our day. They are in for a colossal surprise!
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” This would imply we don’t know fully where our smudges are. As a mother, I remember days past and have to chuckle as I think about getting a “spit bath” from the Lord.
Let’s go ahead, look into God’s mirror, but not just look. Let’s allow Him to show us the smudges and seek to be spiffy clean. I think James tells about looking but not doing, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Instead, we want to shed the smudges and reflect His glory. “But we all… beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory...” As my neighbor Marsha says, it’s a journey.
“I’m starting with the (wo)man in the mirror.”
Monday, July 13, 2009
It's Shoe Time
Back to a full day of work loaded with activities, plans, cool shirts, and one challenging phone call. It was at the end of the day, so my parting thoughts as I drove out of the parking lot were grrr, grumble, mumble, mutter, murmur, etc. (Each of those is an onomatopoeia—a vocal imitation of sounds associated with an object or action, like hiss, buzz, boom, etc.) I have used that as an explanation when I have taught about Moses leading the Israelites in their 40-year trek through the wilderness. The people frequently (if not constantly) murmured against Moses and against God. Scripture mentions this ten times in Exodus 15-17 and Numbers 14. I imagine murmuring was an indistinct complaint that sounded low, under their breath, like murmurmurmurmur. That’s how I felt this evening.
As I sat down to blog, an intrusive thought smacked me. Today was a good day with all those things I mentioned above. One bit of negativity and I’m ready to let it define my day? I am like Haman. Esther 3:1-2
Back to the “because of one, all must die” thing; think about the story of Adam and his sin. Because of one, all were under a death sentence. But Jesus came to die in our place. Because of one (Jesus), all who choose to follow Him can live. Hallelujah!
I have decided not to play the part of Haman this evening. One little pebble in my shoe is painfully annoying, so I will “dump” it out. Now I can enjoy the rest of the good parts of the day.
Clean out your shoes!
As I sat down to blog, an intrusive thought smacked me. Today was a good day with all those things I mentioned above. One bit of negativity and I’m ready to let it define my day? I am like Haman. Esther 3:1-2
After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman… elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.Haman had so much to be delighted with; he was wealthy, had a large family, was politically plugged in, and had everyone (except Mordecai) bowing down to him. But that one little pebble in his shoe, Mordecai, was allowed to become such an obsession that Haman could not enjoy all his other benefits. Verses 5-6:
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.That’s a bit overkill, don’t you agree? Because of one, all must die? Let me come back to that later. Haman was given to an overkill mentality as shown in his plan.
Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a single day.And his wife and friends chimed in:
"Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it.Seventy-five feet high! That’s about 7 stories. I wonder how high their other buildings were. That overkill mentality tells a lot about the man and his temper. As I tell that story to kids, I remind them of a boomerang, a missile so constructed that when it is thrown, it returns to the thrower. As I mention that, you can probably figure out who hung on the gallows Haman built. (Read the book of Esther; it’s full of great lessons.)
Back to the “because of one, all must die” thing; think about the story of Adam and his sin. Because of one, all were under a death sentence. But Jesus came to die in our place. Because of one (Jesus), all who choose to follow Him can live. Hallelujah!
I have decided not to play the part of Haman this evening. One little pebble in my shoe is painfully annoying, so I will “dump” it out. Now I can enjoy the rest of the good parts of the day.
Clean out your shoes!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Getcha, Getcha, Getcha,Getcher Head in the Game
Home again. It was a long drive for one day with three small kids, but they were wonderful. The new technology of car video players can make the hours pass much quicker for them. From right behind the front seat today I heard two Cinderella movies plus High School Musical I and High School Musical 2.
There is a load of clothes in the washer and bags and cases to unload. My milk in the refrigerator is several days past the date and the house is very quiet. To go from 11 persons down to 2 may sound peaceful, but is also a bit lonely.
Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time of rest and enjoying the family. (I have the songs from those movies playing over and over in my head.)
There is a load of clothes in the washer and bags and cases to unload. My milk in the refrigerator is several days past the date and the house is very quiet. To go from 11 persons down to 2 may sound peaceful, but is also a bit lonely.
Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time of rest and enjoying the family. (I have the songs from those movies playing over and over in my head.)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On the Road Again...
This is our last day to play for tomorrow we head home. Everyone wanting to stay longer is an indication that all the planning, packing, and effort were worthwhile. Somebody famous (I don’t know who) said “leave them wanting more.” That’s what we are doing.
I heard someone else say that you can get so used to things that you don’t notice them, like wearing a watch or ring. Perhaps that is also true of beautiful blue water, incredible white sand, and soft ocean breezes. Perhaps they could become ordinary and ho hum if experienced every day, although that doesn’t sound possible at the moment. But then again, perhaps it has been the fun time spent with the people I am closest to that has made the week so special. Perhaps it’s not been the water or sand at all.
In reflecting on this, I realize there are people back home that I have missed, and I do find myself eager to see and catch up with. (Facebook has helped us stay a bit connected.) Our wonderful friends, dear saints at church¸ women at my office, organizations we are a part of, and even the people we see at the pizza place make heading home a little more enticing.
People matter. Everything else is icing on the cake. We live where we live. We could move to the beach as we are nearing retirement, but that would mean leaving the people God has given us to love. Hmmmmm. Family/friends or sand/water? If I could have both, I’d take it; otherwise, I choose family and friends.
Perhaps next year we can do this again. I surely hope so! But for now, I thank the Lord so much for the blessings we have known this time away.
I heard someone else say that you can get so used to things that you don’t notice them, like wearing a watch or ring. Perhaps that is also true of beautiful blue water, incredible white sand, and soft ocean breezes. Perhaps they could become ordinary and ho hum if experienced every day, although that doesn’t sound possible at the moment. But then again, perhaps it has been the fun time spent with the people I am closest to that has made the week so special. Perhaps it’s not been the water or sand at all.
In reflecting on this, I realize there are people back home that I have missed, and I do find myself eager to see and catch up with. (Facebook has helped us stay a bit connected.) Our wonderful friends, dear saints at church¸ women at my office, organizations we are a part of, and even the people we see at the pizza place make heading home a little more enticing.
People matter. Everything else is icing on the cake. We live where we live. We could move to the beach as we are nearing retirement, but that would mean leaving the people God has given us to love. Hmmmmm. Family/friends or sand/water? If I could have both, I’d take it; otherwise, I choose family and friends.
Perhaps next year we can do this again. I surely hope so! But for now, I thank the Lord so much for the blessings we have known this time away.
Friday, July 10, 2009
"With fronds like these, who needs anemones?"
We have one more day with the sea breezes, sleeping in, eating out, and avoiding sunburn. It’s funny how half of the people here can’t get enough of the sun and the skin color that goes with it and others who have too much color (along with some pain) try to steer clear of getting more with lotions, hats, and shade sitting.
We have some of each group with us which is just one indication that God designed people different from one another. What a phenomenal Creator! We ate at a fabulous restaurant the other evening (high end, for us) and it became an entire evening’s entertainment. There was a piano man (who never played the song) and an extremely pretty, attentive waitress who looked much like our friend, Whitney. She was darling! There were 11 of us who ordered 11 different dishes—well, not really. Several of us shared entrees because the portions are often larger than one can eat alone. We have become big fans of “bisque,” seafood, lobster, or shrimp. And, some of us love seafood and some always prefer chicken, beef, or salads. ("Fish are friends, not food!")
This restaurant boasts of a huge salt water aquarium with beautiful small ocean fish. They did, of course, remind us of Finding Nemo since we are especially kid-oriented. As I stood there admiring the fish, I was reminded of thoughts I have often had about the glorious array of ocean life that lives where no humans can see. God created enormous beauty and diversity for what must be His own pleasure. At least I don’t think the fish themselves stand around and think about how beautiful they and their neighbors are. Can fish even see the gorgeous colors and shapes? Or, maybe there is truth in the expression, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Maybe we do the same thing. Maybe we overlook the beauty in those around us. Maybe we don’t appreciate differences, but rather judge others on their similarity to us. Do we like those people who wear their hair like us, wear clothes like us, talk like us, eat like us, think like us? I am beginning to have an increased awareness of God’s declaration,
I am also becoming more convinced that as we slow our lives down, we are better able to be aware of God’s visual aids in our lives. Daily schedules so easily take over our lives and thus life becomes the “tyranny of the urgent.” But for now, relax and breathe. There’s still one day more.
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”
We have some of each group with us which is just one indication that God designed people different from one another. What a phenomenal Creator! We ate at a fabulous restaurant the other evening (high end, for us) and it became an entire evening’s entertainment. There was a piano man (who never played the song) and an extremely pretty, attentive waitress who looked much like our friend, Whitney. She was darling! There were 11 of us who ordered 11 different dishes—well, not really. Several of us shared entrees because the portions are often larger than one can eat alone. We have become big fans of “bisque,” seafood, lobster, or shrimp. And, some of us love seafood and some always prefer chicken, beef, or salads. ("Fish are friends, not food!")
This restaurant boasts of a huge salt water aquarium with beautiful small ocean fish. They did, of course, remind us of Finding Nemo since we are especially kid-oriented. As I stood there admiring the fish, I was reminded of thoughts I have often had about the glorious array of ocean life that lives where no humans can see. God created enormous beauty and diversity for what must be His own pleasure. At least I don’t think the fish themselves stand around and think about how beautiful they and their neighbors are. Can fish even see the gorgeous colors and shapes? Or, maybe there is truth in the expression, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Maybe we do the same thing. Maybe we overlook the beauty in those around us. Maybe we don’t appreciate differences, but rather judge others on their similarity to us. Do we like those people who wear their hair like us, wear clothes like us, talk like us, eat like us, think like us? I am beginning to have an increased awareness of God’s declaration,
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
I am also becoming more convinced that as we slow our lives down, we are better able to be aware of God’s visual aids in our lives. Daily schedules so easily take over our lives and thus life becomes the “tyranny of the urgent.” But for now, relax and breathe. There’s still one day more.
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Wall
We are still off with the family, and I find it a wonderful visual aid of life in God’s larger family. The closer I stand to something, the more the flaws become visible and apparent. A stone wall looks perfectly beautiful from a distance, but move close enough to touch it, and the little imperfections become easily discernible.
However, even more discernible and observable is the beautiful workmanship in the arrangement of the stones. Staring closely at the wall, it is clearly not a haphazard structure which just fell together by chance, but rather is a composition obviously constructed by a master designer and builder. Each stone is carefully chosen, shaped, and positioned by that builder. None of the stones are accidents. None are misfits. They are all unique but together make a beautiful structure.
This describes our family. From my viewpoint, I could tell you almost all of the flaws and chinks. We are certainly no archetype of perfection. However, we, too, are not a haphazard structure; we are constructed by a master designer and builder. Each of us is unique and may well be seen as odd or quirky. None are accidents. None are misfits. And, in our own weird way, together we are beautiful.
It does, of course, thrill me that our structure is not finished. At least two more stones are being fashioned for their position in the family soon with probably several other large and small ones planned by the master.
The scripture describes God’s family/building. I Peter 2:4-5 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The closer we are, we may see more flaws; however, we see far more the beautiful workmanship in the arrangement from the master builder.
May the master builder cause the mortar to always hold us together!
However, even more discernible and observable is the beautiful workmanship in the arrangement of the stones. Staring closely at the wall, it is clearly not a haphazard structure which just fell together by chance, but rather is a composition obviously constructed by a master designer and builder. Each stone is carefully chosen, shaped, and positioned by that builder. None of the stones are accidents. None are misfits. They are all unique but together make a beautiful structure.
This describes our family. From my viewpoint, I could tell you almost all of the flaws and chinks. We are certainly no archetype of perfection. However, we, too, are not a haphazard structure; we are constructed by a master designer and builder. Each of us is unique and may well be seen as odd or quirky. None are accidents. None are misfits. And, in our own weird way, together we are beautiful.
It does, of course, thrill me that our structure is not finished. At least two more stones are being fashioned for their position in the family soon with probably several other large and small ones planned by the master.
The scripture describes God’s family/building. I Peter 2:4-5 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The closer we are, we may see more flaws; however, we see far more the beautiful workmanship in the arrangement from the master builder.
May the master builder cause the mortar to always hold us together!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Models
Rain is pouring down, and I am alone in a vacation place which a few minutes ago was filled with 11 teeming (whatever that means) family members, most adult but some six and under. Suddenly, a large group took off for an indoor arcade (you can guess which ones) and some moved out to the covered patio to watch the rain fall into the ocean and onto the beach. I can hear the sound of thunder, rain, waves, distant voices, and quiet. Smile!
A “family vacation” of one kind or another is something we have done for many years. Sometimes it was a long weekend at a state park; sometimes it was just those family members that could find time in their schedules to go; and sometimes it was a whole week with everyone. I don’t know if we would have continued that practice had we not seen it modeled before us.
When our kids were very young and we had many expenses of raising them, we found a state park in Indiana where the lodge room rate was $27 per night for a double room with a tiny kitchenette. We went the same week every year and would get an extra rollaway bed so everyone had a place to sleep (though fairly crowded). The boys were little enough to sleep at opposite ends of the rollaway. Eventually, we had to get a larger room with another full-size bed (boys do grow up). For years, I had to roll up a blanket to mark the middle of the beds so each had their space that was not to be encroached upon.
During those years, another family also descended upon the state park lodge, and it consisted of three generations. This was their family reunion/vacation. Grandpa and Grandma were the head of the family and had seven children. Generation 2 did most of the hands-on planning and preparation of meals and activities. They did many things together but occasionally went their own way for a few hours here and there. Generation 3 was children of the ages of our kids. This wonderful family practically adopted us as part of theirs.
They became a role model for us as young parents. They were strong Christians and lived their faith in such a way that others wanted what they had. They had their own worship service on the lawn (which we were invited to) and joined in all the games and activities available at the park. They were a riot! They each brought groceries and home-prepared food or ran into the nearby town to buy volumes of pizza or KFC, and regularly ate on the back patio of the lodge. Once in a while, they ate in the lodge dining room, but usually outside at noon and evening.
Over the years, we watched their family grow and mature. Some years, not all seven could come; but the others came, enjoying the family God had granted them. It was not always roses in their lives. There were deaths, illnesses, accidents, divorces, and childhood rebellion. Still, they came, laughed, cried, told stories of the year past, praised God, and welcomed us. A model was planted and watered in our family.
Eventually, we moved our family vacation away from the state park and south to the beach (my farmer loves walking on the beach). Each year, I wonder if our Generation 2 will want to continue with us or leave to go off on their own. Our Generation 3 loves the time together so far; but they will become teens, and who knows what that will bring? For now, we will cherish the time and the memories.
By the way, we still exchange Christmas cards with the Rinkenberger family—bless them!
A “family vacation” of one kind or another is something we have done for many years. Sometimes it was a long weekend at a state park; sometimes it was just those family members that could find time in their schedules to go; and sometimes it was a whole week with everyone. I don’t know if we would have continued that practice had we not seen it modeled before us.
When our kids were very young and we had many expenses of raising them, we found a state park in Indiana where the lodge room rate was $27 per night for a double room with a tiny kitchenette. We went the same week every year and would get an extra rollaway bed so everyone had a place to sleep (though fairly crowded). The boys were little enough to sleep at opposite ends of the rollaway. Eventually, we had to get a larger room with another full-size bed (boys do grow up). For years, I had to roll up a blanket to mark the middle of the beds so each had their space that was not to be encroached upon.
During those years, another family also descended upon the state park lodge, and it consisted of three generations. This was their family reunion/vacation. Grandpa and Grandma were the head of the family and had seven children. Generation 2 did most of the hands-on planning and preparation of meals and activities. They did many things together but occasionally went their own way for a few hours here and there. Generation 3 was children of the ages of our kids. This wonderful family practically adopted us as part of theirs.
They became a role model for us as young parents. They were strong Christians and lived their faith in such a way that others wanted what they had. They had their own worship service on the lawn (which we were invited to) and joined in all the games and activities available at the park. They were a riot! They each brought groceries and home-prepared food or ran into the nearby town to buy volumes of pizza or KFC, and regularly ate on the back patio of the lodge. Once in a while, they ate in the lodge dining room, but usually outside at noon and evening.
Over the years, we watched their family grow and mature. Some years, not all seven could come; but the others came, enjoying the family God had granted them. It was not always roses in their lives. There were deaths, illnesses, accidents, divorces, and childhood rebellion. Still, they came, laughed, cried, told stories of the year past, praised God, and welcomed us. A model was planted and watered in our family.
Eventually, we moved our family vacation away from the state park and south to the beach (my farmer loves walking on the beach). Each year, I wonder if our Generation 2 will want to continue with us or leave to go off on their own. Our Generation 3 loves the time together so far; but they will become teens, and who knows what that will bring? For now, we will cherish the time and the memories.
By the way, we still exchange Christmas cards with the Rinkenberger family—bless them!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Making Memories
Hebrews 4 says, “For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest...” That’s what I’m doing for the next few days—making every effort to enter a rest. Sometimes resting is more challenging than business as usual. Our bodies and minds get used to a rhythm and lifestyle of the everyday, and a change is hard to manage all at once. But, I will manage.
Part of the challenge is walking the delicate tightrope of being the mother of four grown children. God forgot to put in an “off switch” in the bossy nature of mothers. When kids are young, they have to be taught, disciplined, and bossed. I don’t know exactly the date when the off switch should be thrown, but I’m sure that date has passed for all four of mine. There are also spouses involved, and I don’t want to be a terrible mother-in-law. I could still boss the grandkids around, but I’d rather be the good guy with that generation.
Another role mothers play, which I’m sure there is no off switch for, is that of the mediator. Strong and occasionally opposing forces (and there are many in a large family) need to be soothed and smoothed. The wisdom of King Solomon would be a great asset. I should be so blessed.
These factors will come into play as we are all going to spend the next week together under one roof. I will make every effort to enter the above-mentioned rest—to relax, enjoy, and have no opinion about much of anything but to keep everyone happy. Sounds restful, right?
Part of the challenge is walking the delicate tightrope of being the mother of four grown children. God forgot to put in an “off switch” in the bossy nature of mothers. When kids are young, they have to be taught, disciplined, and bossed. I don’t know exactly the date when the off switch should be thrown, but I’m sure that date has passed for all four of mine. There are also spouses involved, and I don’t want to be a terrible mother-in-law. I could still boss the grandkids around, but I’d rather be the good guy with that generation.
Another role mothers play, which I’m sure there is no off switch for, is that of the mediator. Strong and occasionally opposing forces (and there are many in a large family) need to be soothed and smoothed. The wisdom of King Solomon would be a great asset. I should be so blessed.
These factors will come into play as we are all going to spend the next week together under one roof. I will make every effort to enter the above-mentioned rest—to relax, enjoy, and have no opinion about much of anything but to keep everyone happy. Sounds restful, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
