I have always counseled people not to look too long in their rear view mirror, because it is too small for driving forward. However, I’m beginning to think I need to check mine a bit more often in an effort to find two things that are supposed to be following me all the days of my life—goodness and mercy. Remember the 23rd Psalm?
Psalm 23:6 says very plainly that goodness and mercy will follow me. Moreover, as I check back to a promise in Deuteronomy 28:2 “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.”
Those blessings do not have to travel very fast to “overtake” me, so bring them on. Oh, I know that I am a blessed person, but it seems like there have been several “bad news” reports around me lately. My oldest and I have agreed in the past that, when too much news has been bad news, we want a whole bunch of good things to happen without being precipitated by more bad things. If life’s journey can encounter a pile of “bad,” shouldn’t we also find a piles of “good”?
On the other hand, I remember reading somewhere that, “if you can’t think of anything to thank God for, thank Him for what you didn’t get.” There is a lot of bad out there in the world, and we can definitely be grateful we missed it.
Where is all this negativity coming from? Well, yesterday, in my car, I had an inadvertent skirmish with a fence; and I’m sad to say, the fence won. Now I get to pay to have my injured front bumper fixed. There goes my new camera. Bummer!
However, as I told my granddaughter who was worried that Grandpa would be mad at me, it’s just a thing and things can be repaired far easier than people. We will rejoice that no one was hurt, AND we can get a new PLASTIC bumper (what happened to the metal ones from yesteryear—I might have won the battle if I had metal). The repair place said we could drill a few holes and tie the bumper to the car with a strong plastic band so it doesn’t blow off. Won’t that look attractive?
In the big picture, this is a small matter. On my list of things to pray about, this one is pretty far down. For sure, my list of “grateful fors” is much, much longer; and I’m acutely aware that “goodness” and “mercy” are always with me (but I wish they would have moved that fence or moved me).
The sun is shining and the temperature is rising. Good Friday is almost here, and with its horrific darkness, the promise of Resurrection morning following closely—the very source of goodness and mercy!
Have a wonderful Easter season and if you see someone with a big band-aid on their front bumper, be sure to wave.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Counting the Cost or the Possible Cost
I have come to realize that inside, we carry scenes from our past that determine many of our thoughts and actions. Young people may think that older adults have crazy ideas, but at the same time, must acknowledge that we have had more experiences. There have been many hard knocks in the journey to our present age.
Yesterday afternoon, I took my 7-year-old granddaughter to a birthday party at the local roller skating rink. The party was for a new friend who plays on her softball team. Her best friend was going to be there, too, but none of us knew the birthday family nor exactly how the party would work.
Suddenly I was transported back to a time decades ago when as a small girl, three of us kids had gone to church at a nearby town with one's big sister as the driver. After church, we went to the Tastee Freez. We were all very hungry, and I so much wanted to order a sandwich. But, I didn’t know who was paying, and I only had a little money. Some internal warning (or fear) caused me to order a small drink. Just then, the older sister reached out her hand for my money as she put in the order. I had enough. Whew!
Ten years later with a similar scene—I, along with several other naive teenagers from our small town, went on a school field trip to St. Louis. The group stopped at a large cafeteria as we had been told to bring some money for our evening meal. We felt rather “urban” going through the line to choose our food. A huge beef roast was being sliced by a man at the end of the line. I loved roast beef so I told the woman taking orders that I wanted the beef. Fortunately, she asked if I realized that it was a $15 entrée. I shook my head and quickly ordered something small and practically ran away. I did not have $15.
Those two events from my distant past have had an enormous effect on my life. To this day, I always check and double check if I have money to cover what I may face. I hear others around me say, “I don’t have any money with me” with no anxiety or fear. Not me! I can’t imagine choosing not to have some cash. Oh, I’m not like some people that are affluent enough to carry a big wad of bills, but I need to have some.
I guess I’m a little like the man Jesus talked about in Luke 14, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'” Maybe that’s what I’m afraid of—being ridiculed and embarrassed like I almost was at the Tastee Freez and at the St. Louis cafeteria.
Back to my granddaughter and the skating party—I took a few dollar bills out of my purse, folded them neatly, and put them in her jacket pocket with the snap. I then explained that if things went in such a way that she needed some money, there was some in her right pocket along with my phone number. I can’t protect her from every embarrassing or difficult situation she is sure to face, but I can try to keep her from repeating mine.
It was difficult for me to leave her there among strangers, not knowing the people having the party. I did know one young mom who was staying and asked if she would keep an eye out for my young treasure. I cannot imagine how the Father felt, leaving his Son here on a foreign planet among strangers, knowing they would ridicule, torture, and kill him. If God did that for us, He must think we are valuable.
Yesterday afternoon, I took my 7-year-old granddaughter to a birthday party at the local roller skating rink. The party was for a new friend who plays on her softball team. Her best friend was going to be there, too, but none of us knew the birthday family nor exactly how the party would work.
Suddenly I was transported back to a time decades ago when as a small girl, three of us kids had gone to church at a nearby town with one's big sister as the driver. After church, we went to the Tastee Freez. We were all very hungry, and I so much wanted to order a sandwich. But, I didn’t know who was paying, and I only had a little money. Some internal warning (or fear) caused me to order a small drink. Just then, the older sister reached out her hand for my money as she put in the order. I had enough. Whew!
Ten years later with a similar scene—I, along with several other naive teenagers from our small town, went on a school field trip to St. Louis. The group stopped at a large cafeteria as we had been told to bring some money for our evening meal. We felt rather “urban” going through the line to choose our food. A huge beef roast was being sliced by a man at the end of the line. I loved roast beef so I told the woman taking orders that I wanted the beef. Fortunately, she asked if I realized that it was a $15 entrée. I shook my head and quickly ordered something small and practically ran away. I did not have $15.
Those two events from my distant past have had an enormous effect on my life. To this day, I always check and double check if I have money to cover what I may face. I hear others around me say, “I don’t have any money with me” with no anxiety or fear. Not me! I can’t imagine choosing not to have some cash. Oh, I’m not like some people that are affluent enough to carry a big wad of bills, but I need to have some.
I guess I’m a little like the man Jesus talked about in Luke 14, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'” Maybe that’s what I’m afraid of—being ridiculed and embarrassed like I almost was at the Tastee Freez and at the St. Louis cafeteria.
Back to my granddaughter and the skating party—I took a few dollar bills out of my purse, folded them neatly, and put them in her jacket pocket with the snap. I then explained that if things went in such a way that she needed some money, there was some in her right pocket along with my phone number. I can’t protect her from every embarrassing or difficult situation she is sure to face, but I can try to keep her from repeating mine.
It was difficult for me to leave her there among strangers, not knowing the people having the party. I did know one young mom who was staying and asked if she would keep an eye out for my young treasure. I cannot imagine how the Father felt, leaving his Son here on a foreign planet among strangers, knowing they would ridicule, torture, and kill him. If God did that for us, He must think we are valuable.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Emergency Preparedness Plan
God uses a variety of ways to interact with his people. We may find ourselves saying, “God works in mysterious ways.” (is that scriptural—maybe Romans 11:33 Amplified) I‘m pretty sure God uses other people’s voices to speak to me?
I seem to hear from God when I seek to listen or read what He has already shown to godly people (particularly those called to teach His Word). Occasionally, I have one of those “Aha” moments when a light bulb goes on in my head and I know inside me that it is from God.
That happened to me today while reading a blog of David Wilkerson, and it was a revelation of God’s provision for us that I needed to hear. If you have been reading or watching the news, you, too, may be uncomfortable about the future. I have mentioned several challenges in past blog entries that I believe indicate troubled waters ahead for persons my age, my children’s age, and my grandchildren’s age (we need a bridge over troubled waters, get it?).
I would like to paraphrase Rev. Wilkerson's encouraging words. He began by writing,
He then proceeded to offer several examples of God’s Emergency Plans:
• Joseph & his family – world-wide famine
• Elijah – economic collapse and severe famine
• Noah – flood, enough said
• Lot in Sodom – city facing annihilation
• Paul – over and over; (and because it is the Easter season, I would add)
• Jesus – the grave believing it had won for 3 days
In every case, there was an emergency plan put into effect BEFORE the need was ever manifest. Since those plans were not revealed until needed, each case required “faith” in one much greater than he that is in the world. Does that describe us today?
♫ The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm ♫
by Ray Boltz
I seem to hear from God when I seek to listen or read what He has already shown to godly people (particularly those called to teach His Word). Occasionally, I have one of those “Aha” moments when a light bulb goes on in my head and I know inside me that it is from God.
That happened to me today while reading a blog of David Wilkerson, and it was a revelation of God’s provision for us that I needed to hear. If you have been reading or watching the news, you, too, may be uncomfortable about the future. I have mentioned several challenges in past blog entries that I believe indicate troubled waters ahead for persons my age, my children’s age, and my grandchildren’s age (we need a bridge over troubled waters, get it?).
I would like to paraphrase Rev. Wilkerson's encouraging words. He began by writing,
“No matter how unsettled the world becomes, God's people can relax and keep their joy flowing, because our Lord has promised special protection when it is most needed.”Glory!!
He then proceeded to offer several examples of God’s Emergency Plans:
• Joseph & his family – world-wide famine
• Elijah – economic collapse and severe famine
• Noah – flood, enough said
• Lot in Sodom – city facing annihilation
• Paul – over and over; (and because it is the Easter season, I would add)
• Jesus – the grave believing it had won for 3 days
In every case, there was an emergency plan put into effect BEFORE the need was ever manifest. Since those plans were not revealed until needed, each case required “faith” in one much greater than he that is in the world. Does that describe us today?
♫ The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm ♫
by Ray Boltz
Thursday, March 25, 2010
2 O'clock Thoughts
Sometimes in the middle of the night, I wake up and my mind takes off—wondering, worrying, and what-iffing. All the challenges of the previous day or of life in general come flooding into my head that is seeking to sleep.
At 2 o’clock a.m., I feel an uneasy urgency to solve problems—all problems, large and small—mine and everyone else’s. In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of problems around (as though any were in my control). So, instead, I lie there with my eyes open. I know that at 6 o’clock my eyes will be closed in sound sleep, but at 2 o’clock, they won’t go shut.
Often, I find myself trekking out to the recliner, turning on the TV to channel 732(contemporary Christian music), and usually going promptly to sleep. I think it is enough of a distraction to help me change my focus.
There in the night, the problems seem so large and God seems so small or so far away. I know better than that, and those kind of thoughts need to be 2 Corinthians 10:5’ed, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
I have made a powerpoint presentation of images from the Hubble Space telescope. The images are fabulous. Accompanying the presentation, I’ve used a song (#5 on the player) from Psalm 8:3-4“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”
After catching a vision of what God rules over in the heavens, I can’t help but echo the psalmist—what are we that God would notice us? That God would care for us?
Problems large and God small? No way! Our human brains cannot possibly fathom the size, the power, or the glory of God. I think I am going to teach a lesson in Sunday School about “Horton Hears a Who” and seeks to help a tiny world, or “Men in Black 2” where there is a galaxy on a small marble. We are tiny creatures on a tiny speck in a small galaxy in God’s realm. And yet, He loves us. Wow!
♫Oh Lord, how majestic is your name
We sing Lord, how majestic is your name
Oh Lord, how majestic is your name
In all the earth!♫
At 2 o’clock a.m., I feel an uneasy urgency to solve problems—all problems, large and small—mine and everyone else’s. In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of problems around (as though any were in my control). So, instead, I lie there with my eyes open. I know that at 6 o’clock my eyes will be closed in sound sleep, but at 2 o’clock, they won’t go shut.
Often, I find myself trekking out to the recliner, turning on the TV to channel 732(contemporary Christian music), and usually going promptly to sleep. I think it is enough of a distraction to help me change my focus.
There in the night, the problems seem so large and God seems so small or so far away. I know better than that, and those kind of thoughts need to be 2 Corinthians 10:5’ed, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
I have made a powerpoint presentation of images from the Hubble Space telescope. The images are fabulous. Accompanying the presentation, I’ve used a song (#5 on the player) from Psalm 8:3-4“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”
After catching a vision of what God rules over in the heavens, I can’t help but echo the psalmist—what are we that God would notice us? That God would care for us?
Problems large and God small? No way! Our human brains cannot possibly fathom the size, the power, or the glory of God. I think I am going to teach a lesson in Sunday School about “Horton Hears a Who” and seeks to help a tiny world, or “Men in Black 2” where there is a galaxy on a small marble. We are tiny creatures on a tiny speck in a small galaxy in God’s realm. And yet, He loves us. Wow!
♫Oh Lord, how majestic is your name
We sing Lord, how majestic is your name
Oh Lord, how majestic is your name
In all the earth!♫
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Happy Anniversary
Three years ago today, our youngest got married. It was a happy time for us and, I must admit, a relief. Our youngest had not always displayed the wisest of choices in dating during his college years, and the rest of the family was apprehensive about what life might be like for him and us.
When traveling life’s road with those who are—well, who are like-minded for lack of a better term, the journey will be smoother. When traveling with someone who marches to a totally different drum, the journey will most assuredly be more difficult.
Our youngest has dated “different drummer” type young ladies. The whole family suffered through those times; and yet, his choice of a life-long partner was one cut from a different bolt of material from the others. She liked us and we liked her. More importantly, she liked him (that was questionable with the others).
To know our youngest is to know his genetic make-up. He is made of about 60% music and 40% sports. He is 100% creative, 100% follower of Christ, and now 110% proud daddy.
We knew the wedding would not look “traditional” but it would be beautiful. The best man (our other son) surprised his brother by handing him the ring in a Ben & Jerry’s chocolate chip ice cream container. Then, there was dramatic lighting, a fog machine, and beautiful music including the groom leading the bride to a grand piano where he played and sang to her an original song called, “Here We Stand” (#3 on the player over at the right). We were all teary-eyed.
There were two receptions, a large one with cake and punch in the church gym and a smaller one with dinner, dance, and karaoke for family and close friends. Since most friends of the groom were also music majors, it was not your usual karaoke with off-key singers. A couple of memorable moments were when the bride's father sang "I Loved Her First" and was then joined by the bride and the maid-of-honor (her sister) in a rousing routine of “Footloose.”
It was a beautiful spring day for a beautiful wedding and fun receptions. Afterwards, we along with the bride and groom went back to the hotel, changed into comfies, gathered at the TV in the lobby, and watched the NCAA basketball tournament. (I told you he was made of music and sports).
Happy Anniversary Redmans!
♫ I’ve been waiting, all my life
for someone just like you, someone to be my wife.
I’ve been praying, day and night.
Now my dreams are coming true; this just feels so right.
Here we stand, hand in hand, in front of God and man-
In the sight of our dear loved ones; our family and friends.
From this day, together we’ll stay, now and forever more.
I’ll be right by your side, with heaven as our guide.
Here we stand!
Until the day I die, I’ll never leave your side.
Here we stand! ♫
When traveling life’s road with those who are—well, who are like-minded for lack of a better term, the journey will be smoother. When traveling with someone who marches to a totally different drum, the journey will most assuredly be more difficult.
Our youngest has dated “different drummer” type young ladies. The whole family suffered through those times; and yet, his choice of a life-long partner was one cut from a different bolt of material from the others. She liked us and we liked her. More importantly, she liked him (that was questionable with the others).
To know our youngest is to know his genetic make-up. He is made of about 60% music and 40% sports. He is 100% creative, 100% follower of Christ, and now 110% proud daddy.
We knew the wedding would not look “traditional” but it would be beautiful. The best man (our other son) surprised his brother by handing him the ring in a Ben & Jerry’s chocolate chip ice cream container. Then, there was dramatic lighting, a fog machine, and beautiful music including the groom leading the bride to a grand piano where he played and sang to her an original song called, “Here We Stand” (#3 on the player over at the right). We were all teary-eyed.
There were two receptions, a large one with cake and punch in the church gym and a smaller one with dinner, dance, and karaoke for family and close friends. Since most friends of the groom were also music majors, it was not your usual karaoke with off-key singers. A couple of memorable moments were when the bride's father sang "I Loved Her First" and was then joined by the bride and the maid-of-honor (her sister) in a rousing routine of “Footloose.”
It was a beautiful spring day for a beautiful wedding and fun receptions. Afterwards, we along with the bride and groom went back to the hotel, changed into comfies, gathered at the TV in the lobby, and watched the NCAA basketball tournament. (I told you he was made of music and sports).
Happy Anniversary Redmans!
♫ I’ve been waiting, all my life
for someone just like you, someone to be my wife.
I’ve been praying, day and night.
Now my dreams are coming true; this just feels so right.
Here we stand, hand in hand, in front of God and man-
In the sight of our dear loved ones; our family and friends.
From this day, together we’ll stay, now and forever more.
I’ll be right by your side, with heaven as our guide.
Here we stand!
Until the day I die, I’ll never leave your side.
Here we stand! ♫
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March Madness of Many Kinds
March madness with the NCAA basketball tourney is a big deal for many people for the next couple of weeks. Lots of offices or groups have filled out the bracket page and are competing with co-workers for the “pool” to win a few dollars or maybe just the distinction of being the best guesser. I particularly get tickled at the true sports fans’ reactions to missing the prediction. Often they are bested by some know-nothing female who just wrote down names. How funny!
At the same time that all this fun is occurring and grabbing the front pages and news program headlines, our country is involved in a frightening government takeover of health care, another area of our country’s economy and our “inalienable rights” designed by the nation’s founders. Like many, I have been a bit cynical about Washington’s tricks and treats for some time, but lately it has been kicked up several notches.
One very important piece of news that came somewhat under the radar was the White House and Secretary of State Clinton scolding and withholding support of Israel, our long-time ally, as it dealt with its own city of Jerusalem. As the bible teaches, way back in the beginning in Genesis 23, God told Abram (later Abraham), “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” It seems clear to me that scripture teaches that nations choose to obey God or go their own way as they relate to Israel. As a nation chooses to move away from God, it is only reasonable that that nation is choosing to move away from the blessing, the protection, and the favor of God.
Also, have you read about earthquakes occurring in California, Yellowstone Park, Nicaragua, and Cuba, as well as Haiti and Chile. Jesus said in Matthew, Mark, and Luke that earthquakes would be the beginning of birth pains of the end.
Are we getting close? I don’t know, but if I didn’t have the Lord to trust, I would be becoming a terribly fearful person because of the above mentioned problems, to name a few. Instead I will remember Hebrews 13:5 where “God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
May we not be watching too much basketball and let the rest of these historic events slip by us, but I am kind of hoping a Big Ten team can go all the way.
At the same time that all this fun is occurring and grabbing the front pages and news program headlines, our country is involved in a frightening government takeover of health care, another area of our country’s economy and our “inalienable rights” designed by the nation’s founders. Like many, I have been a bit cynical about Washington’s tricks and treats for some time, but lately it has been kicked up several notches.
One very important piece of news that came somewhat under the radar was the White House and Secretary of State Clinton scolding and withholding support of Israel, our long-time ally, as it dealt with its own city of Jerusalem. As the bible teaches, way back in the beginning in Genesis 23, God told Abram (later Abraham), “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” It seems clear to me that scripture teaches that nations choose to obey God or go their own way as they relate to Israel. As a nation chooses to move away from God, it is only reasonable that that nation is choosing to move away from the blessing, the protection, and the favor of God.
In Joel 3:1-2, “…in those days and at that time when I shall reverse the captivity and restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem. I will gather all nations and will bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and there will I deal with and execute judgment upon them for their treatment of My people and of My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations and because they have divided My land.”Did you see that “all nations” thing? I have always hoped that our nation would not be against Israel like the rest of the world. However, it appears we are joining the world in that “standing against” category as we support the “divided land” part. One well-known Christian leader has been quoted as saying that perhaps our ungodly choices are the reasons for the U.S. experiencing such weather devastation; and he, of course, was thoroughly ridiculed for suggesting such nonsense that ungodly choices would have consequences of calamity.
Also, have you read about earthquakes occurring in California, Yellowstone Park, Nicaragua, and Cuba, as well as Haiti and Chile. Jesus said in Matthew, Mark, and Luke that earthquakes would be the beginning of birth pains of the end.
Are we getting close? I don’t know, but if I didn’t have the Lord to trust, I would be becoming a terribly fearful person because of the above mentioned problems, to name a few. Instead I will remember Hebrews 13:5 where “God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
May we not be watching too much basketball and let the rest of these historic events slip by us, but I am kind of hoping a Big Ten team can go all the way.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
B & G
We had a wonderful time last night as our Sunday School class was in charge of preparing and serving at “Feed Your Faith,” the dinner that precedes our weekly mid-week activities. Various classes take turns serving the rest of the church body, and it is a great opportunity to have the privilege of serving. I remember that Jesus said in Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” and Luke 22:27, “But I am among you as one who serves.” He set the example of what he wanted us to do (remember that foot washing thing, too).
It would seem to be the greater blessing to walk right in, sit right down, and have dinner prepared for us. Jesus also said in Luke 22:27, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table?” And yet, he explained that he came to serve, and I find that it is a far greater blessing to be a part of the serving group.
Our church, like all others, is made up of diverse individuals—adults, older and younger; kids, big ones down to newborns; couples; singles; farmers; social workers; plumbers; bankers; janitors; nurses; teachers; factory workers; managers; secretaries; construction workers; stay-at-home moms; those retired from their earlier vocations; and many others. What do we have in common? I would say two things that Jesus also talked about: 1) we love the Lord, and 2) we love each other.
Coming from so many different backgrounds to sit together in a room on Sunday morning, we have little opportunity to become a real body or to develop a sense of belonging and caring. However, flipping pancakes, stirring gravy, cooking 13 pounds of bacon, baking biscuits, setting up a dessert table, preparing the beverages, and washing dishes together as we bump into, walk over, and laugh with each other provides the opportunity to solidify relationships. That face across the room on Sunday becomes a friend and a brother or a sister on such a Wednesday evening.
You can probably guess from the preceding paragraph that we had breakfast food for dinner last night. It was wonderful! First, a few minutes before serving time, the dining room was almost empty. Then, almost as though the doors were opened by an usher, the room was full and the serving line was long. And, I should say, it stayed long. We knew the high schoolers and the junior highers would be back for more bacon and come back and come back and come back. But the adults, too, came back for seconds. We were concerned that the servers might go hungry, but it worked out just about right (although we could have used more bacon and a little more gravy).
Those who were served were very complimentary, and it was obvious from the sounds of chatting and laughing that the dinner was a special time of fellowship. The servers? We were tired and then came the time for clean-up. Much had been cleaned during the meal, but there are always dishes to do at the end. Clean-up may be an even greater expression of serving because there is no one to notice or compliment you.
It was a blessing for both those served and the servers. I think the latter group had more fun.
It would seem to be the greater blessing to walk right in, sit right down, and have dinner prepared for us. Jesus also said in Luke 22:27, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table?” And yet, he explained that he came to serve, and I find that it is a far greater blessing to be a part of the serving group.
Our church, like all others, is made up of diverse individuals—adults, older and younger; kids, big ones down to newborns; couples; singles; farmers; social workers; plumbers; bankers; janitors; nurses; teachers; factory workers; managers; secretaries; construction workers; stay-at-home moms; those retired from their earlier vocations; and many others. What do we have in common? I would say two things that Jesus also talked about: 1) we love the Lord, and 2) we love each other.
Coming from so many different backgrounds to sit together in a room on Sunday morning, we have little opportunity to become a real body or to develop a sense of belonging and caring. However, flipping pancakes, stirring gravy, cooking 13 pounds of bacon, baking biscuits, setting up a dessert table, preparing the beverages, and washing dishes together as we bump into, walk over, and laugh with each other provides the opportunity to solidify relationships. That face across the room on Sunday becomes a friend and a brother or a sister on such a Wednesday evening.
You can probably guess from the preceding paragraph that we had breakfast food for dinner last night. It was wonderful! First, a few minutes before serving time, the dining room was almost empty. Then, almost as though the doors were opened by an usher, the room was full and the serving line was long. And, I should say, it stayed long. We knew the high schoolers and the junior highers would be back for more bacon and come back and come back and come back. But the adults, too, came back for seconds. We were concerned that the servers might go hungry, but it worked out just about right (although we could have used more bacon and a little more gravy).
Those who were served were very complimentary, and it was obvious from the sounds of chatting and laughing that the dinner was a special time of fellowship. The servers? We were tired and then came the time for clean-up. Much had been cleaned during the meal, but there are always dishes to do at the end. Clean-up may be an even greater expression of serving because there is no one to notice or compliment you.
It was a blessing for both those served and the servers. I think the latter group had more fun.
Monday, March 15, 2010
"What kind of mischief. . ."
One of my favorite musicals is “Fiddler on the Roof.” It is very long and it describes the rather bleak life of Jewish families in Russia in the early 1900’s. Yet, in the midst of the poverty and difficulties, a faith in God lifts them above their conditions. I thought about that musical today as I was given the opportunity to practice my Christianity and grow a little fruit.
I shared some time ago from Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” I realize that as I think in my heart, so am I. Obviously, I should think about God’s directives, and really I seek to do that. However, there are many other things in my heart—many memories or snatches from here and there in my past. The one that bubbled to the surface was the quote from “Fiddler” as Tevye talked to God.
I have to admit, I feel that way, too. I just change the words to “my friend Carol” and then listen to see if I can hear God chuckling. So, while my mind was wandering around in the musical, I decided to share a few more of my favorite lines.
Oh, all right. I don’t want to live in a blind and toothless world, so let’s just let that “eye for an eye” thing go and forgive and forget. But there is still that song I refuse to let be played near me (too close to home):-(
I shared some time ago from Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” I realize that as I think in my heart, so am I. Obviously, I should think about God’s directives, and really I seek to do that. However, there are many other things in my heart—many memories or snatches from here and there in my past. The one that bubbled to the surface was the quote from “Fiddler” as Tevye talked to God.
Sometimes I wonder, when it gets too quiet up there, if You are thinking, "What kind of mischief can I play on My friend Tevye?"
I have to admit, I feel that way, too. I just change the words to “my friend Carol” and then listen to see if I can hear God chuckling. So, while my mind was wandering around in the musical, I decided to share a few more of my favorite lines.
“I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?”
As Abraham said, 'I'm a stranger in a strange land.' " "Moses said that." "Forgive me. As King David said, 'I'm slow of speech and tongue'." "That was also Moses." "For a man with a slow tongue, he talked a lot.
Perchik: “In this world it is the wealthy who are criminals. Someday their wealth will be ours.” Tevye: “That would be nice. If they would agree, I would agree.”
Villager: “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!” Tevye: “Very good. That way the whole world will be blind and toothless.”
Oh, all right. I don’t want to live in a blind and toothless world, so let’s just let that “eye for an eye” thing go and forgive and forget. But there is still that song I refuse to let be played near me (too close to home):-(
♫Is this the little girl I carried?Sob, Sob. . .
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Fairness
Hundreds of times, well, at least many, many times I have said to people, particularly kids, that no one promised you fair. I’m sure you’ve heard too, “But that’s not fair!” Often they may be correct—unfair things happen. I’m generally quick to respond as I mentioned, “No one promised you fair.”
As parents, we stress to our children that they must learn to be fair, to “take turns,” and to think about how others feel. We certainly do not want our kids to grow up to be selfish, self-centered brats.
When our four were young, we had several axioms to live by. Now, even though those days are long gone, my grown kids can still recite them (with their eyes rolling, noses wrinkled up, and a sassy voice). One of our favorites, of course, was “No one promised you fair.” Another one was, “What we have, we share.” Today, my granddaughters also recite that maxim when someone in the family prefers not to share.
I said all that to say, “It’s not fair that this weekend is so rainy, dark, and chilly while the weekdays (while I had to be inside) were so beautiful, sunny, and warm. Oh, I loved that weather, especially following the long, long winter weather. One day, I went through a drive-thru, ordered a sandwich, and went to the park to eat lunch.
But, there’s this weekend! Rain, rain, rain. Add to that cloudy, dark, and a bit windy with temperatures in the high forties and you have this weekend (while I could be outside). Oh, it’s not been nearly as bad as it could be—we could have freezing temperatures, snow or sleet, and high winds. I should be grateful, and I am. Nevertheless, I shout, "It’s not fair!"
We drove 3½ hours to get to the boys’ state basketball tournament. There was an opening for us at a wonderful hotel very close to the gym complex. We can leave the car parked there and walk back and forth to the games. It takes longer for the stop light to change to “walk” than it does to walk the rest of the way. Convenient? Extremely! Comfortable? Very! Grateful? You bet!
And yet, in the midst of many blessings, it is still too easy to concentrate on the rain; that is, on the problem. What then is the attitude of my heart? Is it grumbly because I feel someone owed me good weather since I had to work indoors on Wednesday? That sounds silly when I put it into words, and yet, if I’m honest, those are the thoughts from my dark side.
My granddaughter often recites a maxim that she must have learned from pre-school or day care—“We take what we get, and we don’t throw a fit!”
I would love to tell you that I always walk in an attitude of gratitude, but that is a goal I have yet to reach. I need to listen to my own words and not think that someone owes me easy (I do like easy) or fair, but rather that I am the debtor—the one who owes more than I could ever pay. Some wise person also shared an axiom—“We don’t get what we deserve from people, but thank God, we don’t get what we deserve from Him!”
As parents, we stress to our children that they must learn to be fair, to “take turns,” and to think about how others feel. We certainly do not want our kids to grow up to be selfish, self-centered brats.
When our four were young, we had several axioms to live by. Now, even though those days are long gone, my grown kids can still recite them (with their eyes rolling, noses wrinkled up, and a sassy voice). One of our favorites, of course, was “No one promised you fair.” Another one was, “What we have, we share.” Today, my granddaughters also recite that maxim when someone in the family prefers not to share.
I said all that to say, “It’s not fair that this weekend is so rainy, dark, and chilly while the weekdays (while I had to be inside) were so beautiful, sunny, and warm. Oh, I loved that weather, especially following the long, long winter weather. One day, I went through a drive-thru, ordered a sandwich, and went to the park to eat lunch.
But, there’s this weekend! Rain, rain, rain. Add to that cloudy, dark, and a bit windy with temperatures in the high forties and you have this weekend (while I could be outside). Oh, it’s not been nearly as bad as it could be—we could have freezing temperatures, snow or sleet, and high winds. I should be grateful, and I am. Nevertheless, I shout, "It’s not fair!"
We drove 3½ hours to get to the boys’ state basketball tournament. There was an opening for us at a wonderful hotel very close to the gym complex. We can leave the car parked there and walk back and forth to the games. It takes longer for the stop light to change to “walk” than it does to walk the rest of the way. Convenient? Extremely! Comfortable? Very! Grateful? You bet!
And yet, in the midst of many blessings, it is still too easy to concentrate on the rain; that is, on the problem. What then is the attitude of my heart? Is it grumbly because I feel someone owed me good weather since I had to work indoors on Wednesday? That sounds silly when I put it into words, and yet, if I’m honest, those are the thoughts from my dark side.
My granddaughter often recites a maxim that she must have learned from pre-school or day care—“We take what we get, and we don’t throw a fit!”
I would love to tell you that I always walk in an attitude of gratitude, but that is a goal I have yet to reach. I need to listen to my own words and not think that someone owes me easy (I do like easy) or fair, but rather that I am the debtor—the one who owes more than I could ever pay. Some wise person also shared an axiom—“We don’t get what we deserve from people, but thank God, we don’t get what we deserve from Him!”
♫ "I owed a debt I could not pay
He paid a debt He did not owe
I needed someone
Just to take my sins away
And now I sing a brand new song,
Amazing Grace.
Christ Jesus paid the debt
That I could never pay."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lost in the Sixties (Part 2)
Forty-four years ago today was my wedding shower. We were juniors in college, and SIU’s spring break was a week away. We had decided some time earlier to get married over that spring break, and only our final exams stood between the end of our single days and our new journey of married life. Looking back, we didn’t have a clue what that meant. At the moment, it meant an easier way of life.
My husband-to-be lived with a group of guys a couple of miles from town and I lived with three “Linda’s” in a small apartment close to campus. No really, my three roommates that year were all named Linda—one was spelled “L-y-n-d-a,” but that didn’t matter when answering the phone. The caller always said, “May I speak to Linda?” Aaaagggghhhhh! As I look back, I realize I saw very little of them after the wedding. None of us shared a major so we had no classes in common and life changed. Actually, we were never together again after graduation. We each went our own way. How sad is that?
Fortunately, my husband and I have been together since. Life at SIU was easier after our marriage. We had a quiet, private place to study, a small black/white TV, and learned to fix simple meals so eating was cheaper and easier. Cream of chicken soup over toast became a favorite along with tomato soup with toasted cheese or banana peanut butter sandwiches. You get the picture—eating cheap! For those younger among us, you will not believe how a couple could manage with both working as part-time student workers on campus, having started those jobs as freshmen at $.85 an hour.
I know you will say, but prices were lower then. That’s true, but we still waited until we had enough quarters left over to hit the laundromat. We did have some vices—just across the street and down was a Spudnut shop which made fresh spudnuts (doughnuts from potato flour) throughout the day. If we could manage it financially, we would splurge by taking a break from studying in the evening to walk over toward the heavenly aroma. Also, there was a combination drugstore/bookstore/cafeteria called UD’s (University Drugs) which served meals. Meat entrees cost $.75 each, but veggies cost only $.12 per serving. Surprisingly, macaroni and cheese was considered a veggie so for $.36 a piece, we could eat a mac n cheese, peas, and corn dinner. I still love that combination—it’s called “eating a memory”.
It was in college that we learned to drink coffee (and drink it black because there were too many people in the student union between the coffee pot and the fixins’). In college, we became fans of “pizza” which hadn’t really made it to our small towns back home except for the drive-in movie concession stands. In college, there was an old Dairy Queen on the main drag, and if we could afford it, we would share a hot fudge banana split with whipped cream.
Those were great days especially since our basketball team was very good and students got season tickets. The two of us rarely missed a game. At that time, we had an outstanding player—Walt Frazier. Walt went on to play NBA ball, leading the New York Knicks to two championships, and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. The night we won the NIT, we went out to the airport (along with hundreds of others) to welcome the team back.
We had no idea what the future would hold for these two kids from the sticks in southeastern Illinois. But, then again, things haven’t changed too much—we still go to basketball games, eat pizza, drink coffee, go to a doughnut shop, and when we get our Dairy Queen back again, may just go get a hot fudge banana split.
Do I remember the wedding shower or any gifts? No, but I do remember what I wore.
Deuteronomy 11:21 mentions the phrase, “as the days of heaven on the earth.” Does that describe our past 44 years? All things considered together, “Heck yeah!” May there be many more years to come!
My husband-to-be lived with a group of guys a couple of miles from town and I lived with three “Linda’s” in a small apartment close to campus. No really, my three roommates that year were all named Linda—one was spelled “L-y-n-d-a,” but that didn’t matter when answering the phone. The caller always said, “May I speak to Linda?” Aaaagggghhhhh! As I look back, I realize I saw very little of them after the wedding. None of us shared a major so we had no classes in common and life changed. Actually, we were never together again after graduation. We each went our own way. How sad is that?
Fortunately, my husband and I have been together since. Life at SIU was easier after our marriage. We had a quiet, private place to study, a small black/white TV, and learned to fix simple meals so eating was cheaper and easier. Cream of chicken soup over toast became a favorite along with tomato soup with toasted cheese or banana peanut butter sandwiches. You get the picture—eating cheap! For those younger among us, you will not believe how a couple could manage with both working as part-time student workers on campus, having started those jobs as freshmen at $.85 an hour.
I know you will say, but prices were lower then. That’s true, but we still waited until we had enough quarters left over to hit the laundromat. We did have some vices—just across the street and down was a Spudnut shop which made fresh spudnuts (doughnuts from potato flour) throughout the day. If we could manage it financially, we would splurge by taking a break from studying in the evening to walk over toward the heavenly aroma. Also, there was a combination drugstore/bookstore/cafeteria called UD’s (University Drugs) which served meals. Meat entrees cost $.75 each, but veggies cost only $.12 per serving. Surprisingly, macaroni and cheese was considered a veggie so for $.36 a piece, we could eat a mac n cheese, peas, and corn dinner. I still love that combination—it’s called “eating a memory”.
It was in college that we learned to drink coffee (and drink it black because there were too many people in the student union between the coffee pot and the fixins’). In college, we became fans of “pizza” which hadn’t really made it to our small towns back home except for the drive-in movie concession stands. In college, there was an old Dairy Queen on the main drag, and if we could afford it, we would share a hot fudge banana split with whipped cream.
Those were great days especially since our basketball team was very good and students got season tickets. The two of us rarely missed a game. At that time, we had an outstanding player—Walt Frazier. Walt went on to play NBA ball, leading the New York Knicks to two championships, and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. The night we won the NIT, we went out to the airport (along with hundreds of others) to welcome the team back.
We had no idea what the future would hold for these two kids from the sticks in southeastern Illinois. But, then again, things haven’t changed too much—we still go to basketball games, eat pizza, drink coffee, go to a doughnut shop, and when we get our Dairy Queen back again, may just go get a hot fudge banana split.
Do I remember the wedding shower or any gifts? No, but I do remember what I wore.
Deuteronomy 11:21 mentions the phrase, “as the days of heaven on the earth.” Does that describe our past 44 years? All things considered together, “Heck yeah!” May there be many more years to come!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Clog
The weather today was BEAUTIFUL! I chatted with a co-worker coming back from lunch. Neither of us wanted to go back into a closed building on such a day.
My house was clean (if not completely tidy with the little girls there), dinner was to be provided at church at Feed Your Faith, my husband’s contractor job is almost completed, and the sun was shining. All was well with the world. (contented sigh). Well, almost.
Suddenly, the kitchen drain became locked—a severe blockage; and nothing would move in that drain—in or out. Regular people (mere humans) could not fix this problem; this clog called for professional removal—a plumber with proper extraction equipment.
Thinking about that clog painted a picture in my mind (not a pretty one). The clog had begun developing months or even years ago. I never noticed the beginning—a small deposit on the side of the pipe or in the trap. It might have been a small morsel of food or thin coating of grease (yuck). Day by day, week by week, month by month, the little obstruction grew. Other morsels or grease molecules joined themselves to the mass strengthening the clump.
It was invisible to mere human eyes. Water ran through the pipes and those of us using the sink were oblivious to a lurking, growing obstruction. All looked fine on the surface. Little by little, bit by bit, (I remember that phrase from a kid’s book) the silent villain gained in potency. Had it given some warning, steps could have been taken to deal with the impending disaster. But no foreshadowing was noticed until the surprise attack came today. Without warning—CLOG!
The picture in my mind went to our heart’s spiritual plumbing and how God’s grace is meant to flow freely to us and through us. Our hearts have been made spotlessly clean by the powerful blood of Jesus and we have a pipeline to the very throne of God through Him. Then, one day, a little morsel of bitterness or jealousy or unforgiveness attaches to our mental pipe. Grace gushing freely could wash it out, but we decide to keep just a little piece. We store it away in case the opportunity should present itself to get even.
Little by little, bit by bit, we keep other perceived offenses in our little memory box; and an obstruction is born and fed. Oh, it’s not unreasonable. We deserve a little pity party every now and then. We get over it. But the clog grows unseen and the flow of grace lessens until only a trickle can make its way through. At first, it was invisible in our lives. When the deposit has become larger, our faces get involved with fewer smiles and more frowns. Not only can God’s grace no longer flow through us, God’s love cannot get in. Nothing will move in the pipe—in or out.
It will take a professional healer with the proper extraction equipment to unclog our pipeline. It will also take a willing heart to allow the healer to remove the clog.
In the kitchen, I’m guessing the unclogging part will be ugly and smelly. You know, in our hearts, it may be the same. Nevertheless, it will be way worth it.
♫ Search me, O God and know my heart today
Try me, O Savior know my thoughts, I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free
My house was clean (if not completely tidy with the little girls there), dinner was to be provided at church at Feed Your Faith, my husband’s contractor job is almost completed, and the sun was shining. All was well with the world. (contented sigh). Well, almost.
Suddenly, the kitchen drain became locked—a severe blockage; and nothing would move in that drain—in or out. Regular people (mere humans) could not fix this problem; this clog called for professional removal—a plumber with proper extraction equipment.
Thinking about that clog painted a picture in my mind (not a pretty one). The clog had begun developing months or even years ago. I never noticed the beginning—a small deposit on the side of the pipe or in the trap. It might have been a small morsel of food or thin coating of grease (yuck). Day by day, week by week, month by month, the little obstruction grew. Other morsels or grease molecules joined themselves to the mass strengthening the clump.
It was invisible to mere human eyes. Water ran through the pipes and those of us using the sink were oblivious to a lurking, growing obstruction. All looked fine on the surface. Little by little, bit by bit, (I remember that phrase from a kid’s book) the silent villain gained in potency. Had it given some warning, steps could have been taken to deal with the impending disaster. But no foreshadowing was noticed until the surprise attack came today. Without warning—CLOG!
The picture in my mind went to our heart’s spiritual plumbing and how God’s grace is meant to flow freely to us and through us. Our hearts have been made spotlessly clean by the powerful blood of Jesus and we have a pipeline to the very throne of God through Him. Then, one day, a little morsel of bitterness or jealousy or unforgiveness attaches to our mental pipe. Grace gushing freely could wash it out, but we decide to keep just a little piece. We store it away in case the opportunity should present itself to get even.
Little by little, bit by bit, we keep other perceived offenses in our little memory box; and an obstruction is born and fed. Oh, it’s not unreasonable. We deserve a little pity party every now and then. We get over it. But the clog grows unseen and the flow of grace lessens until only a trickle can make its way through. At first, it was invisible in our lives. When the deposit has become larger, our faces get involved with fewer smiles and more frowns. Not only can God’s grace no longer flow through us, God’s love cannot get in. Nothing will move in the pipe—in or out.
It will take a professional healer with the proper extraction equipment to unclog our pipeline. It will also take a willing heart to allow the healer to remove the clog.
In the kitchen, I’m guessing the unclogging part will be ugly and smelly. You know, in our hearts, it may be the same. Nevertheless, it will be way worth it.
♫ Search me, O God and know my heart today
Try me, O Savior know my thoughts, I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hosanna
Sunday evening already. How do weekdays pass so slowly and weekend days so fast? I guess it’s that old cliché about time flying. I did have fun this weekend in a quirky sort of way. The little girls were with us Friday night so we slept late on Saturday morning, went to the doughnut shop, went birthday party shopping at WalMart (fairly traumatic), went to O Cup to wrap presents, visited with customers, and dropped the girls off at the gym studio for the party.
The weather was beautiful. After the party, the little girls went home and my husband and I went out for dinner at a beautifully quaint little state park restaurant a few miles from home. We came home and caught up on a couple of dvr’ed shows. Nice!
Then it was Sunday morning. We went to fellowship time with coffee and doughnuts and on to Sunday School. During share time, Kelly mentioned that he had experienced a wild roller coaster of emotions one day, with a very low low and some very high highs—even a golden key.
We were watching the twelfth chapter of John and saw Jesus also endure a wild roller coaster of emotions. As Passover was approaching, Jesus was received as a king riding a donkey with the people waving palm branches and shouting praises. Hosanna! Hosanna!
But reality set in as he said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” After telling the crowd around him that the Messiah must die, we learned, “Jesus left and hid himself from them.”
What a wide swing of emotions—in a very short time, his mind had to process being cheered as a king and then facing death as a sacrificed lamb. His response? He went off by himself. Why? His past pattern had been to get alone and pray. Perhaps he needed to gain clarity on his goal. Sometimes I have to have a stern talk with myself when what is right conflicts with what I want. The human side of Jesus must have felt that, too.
Jesus finished the chapter saying, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Great news! Even though there is darkness around us, we can walk in His light. Good Friday is coming but Resurrection Day is not far behind.
♫ I see the King of glory coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes; the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy washing over all our sin
The people sing; the people sing
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation rising up to take their place
With selfless faith; with selfless faith
I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees; we're on our knees
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Words and music by Brooke Fraser-Hillsong
The weather was beautiful. After the party, the little girls went home and my husband and I went out for dinner at a beautifully quaint little state park restaurant a few miles from home. We came home and caught up on a couple of dvr’ed shows. Nice!
Then it was Sunday morning. We went to fellowship time with coffee and doughnuts and on to Sunday School. During share time, Kelly mentioned that he had experienced a wild roller coaster of emotions one day, with a very low low and some very high highs—even a golden key.
We were watching the twelfth chapter of John and saw Jesus also endure a wild roller coaster of emotions. As Passover was approaching, Jesus was received as a king riding a donkey with the people waving palm branches and shouting praises. Hosanna! Hosanna!
But reality set in as he said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” After telling the crowd around him that the Messiah must die, we learned, “Jesus left and hid himself from them.”
What a wide swing of emotions—in a very short time, his mind had to process being cheered as a king and then facing death as a sacrificed lamb. His response? He went off by himself. Why? His past pattern had been to get alone and pray. Perhaps he needed to gain clarity on his goal. Sometimes I have to have a stern talk with myself when what is right conflicts with what I want. The human side of Jesus must have felt that, too.
Jesus finished the chapter saying, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Great news! Even though there is darkness around us, we can walk in His light. Good Friday is coming but Resurrection Day is not far behind.
♫ I see the King of glory coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes; the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy washing over all our sin
The people sing; the people sing
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation rising up to take their place
With selfless faith; with selfless faith
I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees; we're on our knees
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna Hosanna; Hosanna in the highest
Words and music by Brooke Fraser-Hillsong
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lord, Give Him Your Heart
I finally was able to convert to an mp3 the song Jeremy wrote for his son’s birth so I could put it on the blog. Little did we know when he wrote it what struggles that tiny bundle of blessing would face during his first few months. He was a very sick little guy a week after he had gone home, was admitted to his local hospital, and then was transferred to a children’s hospital in St. Louis.
Instead of gaining weight, he lost way below his birth weight and continued to lose blood. We learned it was a kidney infection plus other more serious kidney issues. He had IV’s in his arm and leg with cords, tubes, cables, and wires coming out in all directions. It was a challenge to hold or rock him.
That was not what we expected. After all, we are a Christian family—we shouldn’t have difficulties, right? Unfortunately, Psalm 34:19 reminds us that “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
I have come to know that the “delivering” part does not always look like I expect and often is not at all easy. The days turned into weeks with a move to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) which found mom and dad keeping vigil on a hard little couch and the tile floor beside his crib.
Then, a day came when the medical people disconnected the cords, tubes, cables, and wires and sent him home—from 24-hour continual professional monitoring directly to a young couple with no healthcare background or training (but lots of love and prayer). That made this grandmother pretty uneasy, but clinging to faith in the One who had been watching over all along.
In the months that followed, our darling slowly but surely gained weight and strength. There were and are still lots of trips back to the hospital for painful tests (babies have tiny veins) and he eventually was allowed to stop getting the twice-a-day shots. He still has one kidney that is mostly non-functional, but the other one seems to be healthy.
At 6 months, our little guy looks to be the picture of health and a different baby from the tiny, pale one in September. We look to the day that our Lord God will receive glory for a total restoration. Along the way, Jeremy’s song describes what else we want for this handsome little dude—Lord, in addition to giving him a new kidney, “Give Him Your Heart.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Blue Danube
The office was a sadly comedic place this afternoon. You know the winter has been t-o-o-o-o-o-o-o long when colds or sinus issues or runny noses or coughs or sneezes, or whatever come back around a second or third time.
There are five of us that work together in our program and share a 3-room office suite. That reads fancier than it is. Don’t picture an elegant, city high-rise with high-end furnishings. Nevertheless, it is a nice office of three rooms in a row—front to back. We also have a small stockroom which we share with the computer tech next door. The back office is mine—the only one with the blessing of very large windows which offer much light and a wonderful view of the various seasons as they change. However, the advantage of the great view is offset by a lack of heat in that room. Brrrrrr. Regularly, I wear a coat, a blanket, and occasionally gloves if I’m working at the computer for any extended period.
Back to this afternoon—one of our five was out sick today. I knew her health was going downhill pretty quickly yesterday. She didn’t feel very well in the morning; was worse by lunch; and decided to go home a couple of hours later.
This afternoon, as I shivered in my office seeking to finish up the day’s work, I heard an orchestra or maybe a choir coming from the middle room. Cough-cough-cough-cough, sneeze, sniffle sniffle—sniffle sniffle, cough-cough-cough-cough, sneeze, sniffle sniffle—sniffle sniffle. I began to hear the Blue Danube Waltz played on noses and mouths.
I checked the clock. It and the beautiful music both indicated that it was time to go home!
There are five of us that work together in our program and share a 3-room office suite. That reads fancier than it is. Don’t picture an elegant, city high-rise with high-end furnishings. Nevertheless, it is a nice office of three rooms in a row—front to back. We also have a small stockroom which we share with the computer tech next door. The back office is mine—the only one with the blessing of very large windows which offer much light and a wonderful view of the various seasons as they change. However, the advantage of the great view is offset by a lack of heat in that room. Brrrrrr. Regularly, I wear a coat, a blanket, and occasionally gloves if I’m working at the computer for any extended period.
Back to this afternoon—one of our five was out sick today. I knew her health was going downhill pretty quickly yesterday. She didn’t feel very well in the morning; was worse by lunch; and decided to go home a couple of hours later.
This afternoon, as I shivered in my office seeking to finish up the day’s work, I heard an orchestra or maybe a choir coming from the middle room. Cough-cough-cough-cough, sneeze, sniffle sniffle—sniffle sniffle, cough-cough-cough-cough, sneeze, sniffle sniffle—sniffle sniffle. I began to hear the Blue Danube Waltz played on noses and mouths.
I checked the clock. It and the beautiful music both indicated that it was time to go home!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Foreshadowing
Something I look for when I read or watch a movie is foreshadowing. Occasionally, the author or director is blatantly obvious with it—everyone knows what is going to happen. For example, yesterday evening, we were watching Princess Diaries 2-Royal Engagement (for the umpteenth time). This is not a deep, thought-provoking work of art but does illustrate my point. At her engagement garden party, Princess Mia and her nemesis Nicholas argue as they circle a beautiful royal fountain. The camera follows them around the fountain as they get closer and closer to the water. It’s evident—the observer knows what is about to happen. Sure enough—plop—both in the water.
However, some foreshadowing is not obvious and is easily missed. It generally takes multiple times through the book or film to pick up on such hints or clues. I don’t mind watching some movies or shows a second or third time (good thing with all the re-runs), because often I pick up on words, actions, expressions, or nuances that I missed the first time around and thus pick up on the obscure foreshadowing.
I experienced this in Sunday School yesterday as we watched the movie of the book of John, Chapter 11 (we were in John 6 last week, but I jumped over some chapters to get to the death and resurrection portion on Easter). I am beginning to believe that I, too, am a visual learner like the young adults I teach.
Anyway, back to the foreshadowing with Lazarus—verse 34, "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.” Verse 38-39, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said.” Verse 44, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
I had not seen that before—the tomb with a large stone across the entrance. The stone moved. A dead man resurrected to life. Strips of linen from a formerly dead man. A burial cloth for a dead man’s head. Where have we heard those? A foreshadowing! A large group of people witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, but did they know it was a foreshadowing? Of course not!
Wait, there’s more. Verse 49, “Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, " You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." “One man die for the people!” Did he know he was speaking a great foreshadowing? No! He thought he was expressing an evil desire for his listeners to take action to rid themselves of this looming threat to their status quo.
In case we might be a little slow, John explains that this very powerful as well as momentous statement was prophetic. Verses 51-52 “…he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.” It would seem that John only recognized that significance years later when, through the Holy Spirit, he wrote down the portion of scripture we are now studying. Prior to the crucifixion, John would have had no way of knowing it was prophetic or a foreshadowing.
None of us can see what is ahead, so we have little idea about the importance of events around us. Some of those events are hugely important visual aids to help us understand God’s plan; some are just random occurrences. The only way to differentiate between the two is to stay as plugged in as possible to the source of all wisdom (as was Jesus, our role model).
Of this I’m sure. Reading the scriptures once will not teach us deep truths. It is in reading and re-reading that our minds and hearts can open to understand more of what God is saying to us personally and collectively. Then, perhaps the foreshadowings will emerge.
I have to say that I didn’t see Julie Andrews’ character's fate coming. If there was any foreshadowing of that in either of the two movies, I missed it!
♫“Genovia, Genovia. . .”
However, some foreshadowing is not obvious and is easily missed. It generally takes multiple times through the book or film to pick up on such hints or clues. I don’t mind watching some movies or shows a second or third time (good thing with all the re-runs), because often I pick up on words, actions, expressions, or nuances that I missed the first time around and thus pick up on the obscure foreshadowing.
I experienced this in Sunday School yesterday as we watched the movie of the book of John, Chapter 11 (we were in John 6 last week, but I jumped over some chapters to get to the death and resurrection portion on Easter). I am beginning to believe that I, too, am a visual learner like the young adults I teach.
Anyway, back to the foreshadowing with Lazarus—verse 34, "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.” Verse 38-39, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said.” Verse 44, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
I had not seen that before—the tomb with a large stone across the entrance. The stone moved. A dead man resurrected to life. Strips of linen from a formerly dead man. A burial cloth for a dead man’s head. Where have we heard those? A foreshadowing! A large group of people witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, but did they know it was a foreshadowing? Of course not!
Wait, there’s more. Verse 49, “Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, " You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." “One man die for the people!” Did he know he was speaking a great foreshadowing? No! He thought he was expressing an evil desire for his listeners to take action to rid themselves of this looming threat to their status quo.
In case we might be a little slow, John explains that this very powerful as well as momentous statement was prophetic. Verses 51-52 “…he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.” It would seem that John only recognized that significance years later when, through the Holy Spirit, he wrote down the portion of scripture we are now studying. Prior to the crucifixion, John would have had no way of knowing it was prophetic or a foreshadowing.
None of us can see what is ahead, so we have little idea about the importance of events around us. Some of those events are hugely important visual aids to help us understand God’s plan; some are just random occurrences. The only way to differentiate between the two is to stay as plugged in as possible to the source of all wisdom (as was Jesus, our role model).
Of this I’m sure. Reading the scriptures once will not teach us deep truths. It is in reading and re-reading that our minds and hearts can open to understand more of what God is saying to us personally and collectively. Then, perhaps the foreshadowings will emerge.
I have to say that I didn’t see Julie Andrews’ character's fate coming. If there was any foreshadowing of that in either of the two movies, I missed it!
♫“Genovia, Genovia. . .”
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