Be a Part of It

“The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years. In fact, it was on the last day of the 430^th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land. On this night the Lord kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.” (Exodus 12:40-42)

 

The Israelites were being guided by God. And I know we are guided by Him everyday but He was right there walking with them as they were able to turn their backs on Egypt. He was a pillar of smoke and fire leading the way. He most definitely had their attention. However, further into the story, they showed their human impatience and any moment they did not feel God’s presence they turned away and became disparate. (Exodus 32:4-5)  We have to learn that even on days when we may not feel God is near He is still guiding us and we need to continue to walk toward Him.

 

Today, I cannot see a pillar of smoke or fire in front of me. I hear a lot of angry people. I see a country tearing apart at the political seam. I watch as people become more angry, more disenfranchised, and more desperate for help. I am awed as people are either opening their arms to our new government or turning their backs. But here is the thing: people are paying attention now. People are listening. People are watching to see what comes next. Some people are waiting for their hope to arrive and some are using their hands and feet to realize their own future. It’s like we are all sitting at the bottom of the summit, regardless of our position, waiting to see what will happen. There is a loud rumble in the crowd as both sides lash out at each other. But look, we are all right here together.

 

We are all right here together. We are sharing this small place in space and time in history. We are all a part of it. And “it” is life. And regardless of where you sit on the political bench God is here. No matter if you rich or poor, black or white, employed or unemployed, sheltered or homeless, married or single, the perfect citizen or the hardened criminal God is here. When everything else in the world is distracting us, bringing us hope, and demonstrating pain, God is here. The true opportunity of changing the future comes from what God has given each of us. He has given us the ability to make the world around us and as more people step up to that call we will see more communities helped, more people fed, more children with shoes and school supplies, more abused women in shelters, more help for drug addicts changing their lives, and more opportunities to show the world the hope and joy that we are given by God. So go and be a part of it. Figure out what you can do and do it. Don’t wait for someone else to take care of your neighbor. Don’t think you are not good enough. Be a part of it and you will be filled with the hope that you are looking for.

 

“God blesses those who are poor and realized their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called he children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the kingdom of God is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3-10)

Ready to Rest

“There is a special rest still waiting for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)

 

A friend from California asked me about this cold weather we have getting in Iowa. Coincidentally, my husband and I were talking this morning about how it was only four degrees out but we are so used to the cold that it doesn’t feel so bad anymore. And even more weird, since the weather has been so bitter, is that all I have wanted to do is go for a bike ride. As we drive by the trails daily I look to see if they have been cleared. On the warmer days (25 degrees or more) I stare out the window at the mess on the roads and know I would still just slip and slide. I am restless.

 

In about two weeks there is a ride in the country called BRR (Bike Ride to Ripey). I have only done it once and it was brutally cold and long. I am all ready for it this year though. I have face masks to block the wind and “Hotties” for my hands and feet (thank you Sally). I haven’t been able to bike this winter but I have been working out so my only fears are the wind and the temperature. I am determined to do something and get out to somewhere.  Between juggling family, sports, work, kid’s schoolwork and my own homework I feel a stirring in me to do something crazy. Right now, the craziest thing I can think of, that I have time for, is a bike ride in this arctic winter we have been experiencing.

 

With the busyness of life pounding down on us some people may think that I just need to rest or take a nap. But I have found rest comes in many different forms. Some days relaxing means reading a book or taking a nap. Other days rest is defined by taking the kids for a hike around the lake or going for a long bike ride. I have learned that rest is really whatever brings you peace and whatever refreshes you. Rest could be a mission trip that brings a smile to a child’s face or helping a friend through a tough time. Relaxing could be playing board games with friend and/or family or sitting on a beach watching the sun set. Refreshment could come from a cool swim on a hot day or from volunteering to clean up neighborhoods in the inner-city. In the craziness of life I think we may all be surprised of what will bring us relief from the chaos. It’s often not what we don’t do but what we do.

 

“In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (Romans 12:6-8)

I Made Her Cry

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

 

It’s hard to see someone who is usually on the move lying in a hospital bed but that is exactly what my sister has been doing since Sunday. She tells me how friends have come in and try to hide their shock but when she looks at them she see their concern, which makes her tear up, then they tear up, then everyone is crying. Me, I have been a very good girl….until last night. I have saved my tears for when I am away from her because I don’t want her upset or thinking that my tears aren’t tears of joy and thanksgiving. But last night we were talking about something and a little water escaped my well trained eyes and then she started telling me I can’t get upset.

 

I think about all the stupid things I stress out about and I feel miserable about it. Although I don’t want to discount my trials and my problems because they were struggles for me, they still were nothing compared to the battle so many people have to endure to get back on their feet or, if you live in countries of war, famine, or genocide, the fight to simply live. Things aren’t where I want them to be in my life but I am blessed. My sister has a challenging road ahead of her but she has this amazing attitude and determination to get through it and I admire her greatly.

 

Lots of times, with my reoccurring dilemmas, I tend to think it’s pointless and not even try, which is hilarious considering how many things I had to work hard to achieve! Are there things in your life that you have given up on? Are there things that you feel are hopeless? I haven’t crushed all the snakes at my heel but I know it can be done. God gives us everything we need to accomplish this and if we aren’t meant totally smash it, He will give us the strength to endure.

 

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and stars you set in place—what a mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them! Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:3-5)

Couch Cushion

“Since we have been united with him in death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:5-6)

 

I have to thank biblestudypodcasts.org for helping me find a verse for this morning. There is nothing like having an idea of what to write, knowing that there are verses, but not knowing where to find them. Biblestudypodcasts.org  is an excellent podcast that dives deeper into God’s Word, helping people understand the nature of God and how to apply Biblical principles to our lives today. Besides, what is so amazing is that I am visiting on a topic today that the host, Toby, has been speaking about for a while now: sin. So, it’s all good.

 

I have discovered something really neat about my couch. See, we don’t have a well placed table in our living room for me to be able to sit here and work and have my coffee close by. One night I decided to try an experiment. The cushions of this couch are not connected to each other. I had myself on one of the cushions and texts books piled up on the other. So, I thought I would try to put my coffee on a closed text book and see what happens. The cup, I believed I used a commuter mug for safety reasons, balanced quite easily. I did a tiny little wiggle on my side of the couch to see if the coffee reacted and there was nothing. So, I did a little bounce; nothing. Then I kind of hopped up and down in my seat (must have looked interesting) and still nothing. I can do all kinds of things in this seat and my coffee will stay right in place on the other cushion. I ended that evening quite proud of myself and felt like I was getting away with something sneaky.

 

But our lives cannot work the same way. There are times when we may feel like we have two different cushions we live on: the world and church. However, we don’t. We can’t bounce back and forth between worldly things and godly things. We have to understand that everything around us is God’s sanctuary and that the people are His church. The expectations that He has do not go into effect only when we are in the doors of a church building. We have to learn to comfortable in our faith skin and realize how full life is and that, choosing to walk this path, doesn’t mean you will or will not enjoy life as much as the next person. However, it does mean that you will be able to find joy and hope in everything. It means that you will never walk alone. It means that you know the end of the story and the author of Creation.

 

Stop trying to make two different worlds go together. Balancing coffee on a text book is a lot easier than trying to balance two different worlds within one person. Turn to God and let Him guide you and you will find your balance.

 

“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.  So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under freedom of God’s grace.” (Romans 6:12-14)

We are the Circus

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

 

We saw the Cirque de la Symphonie on New Years Eve. It was an amazing night and a neat way to introduce a different genre of music to our kids. The music was beautiful, the acrobatics were shockingly amazing, and the talent was breath taking. I was torn between watching the faces of my family as new things flashed across the stage and watching the stage itself. How incredible that so much talent can be displayed in one night and on one stage.

 

Two women, in two completely different songs, demonstrated a strength and flexibility that had the crowd “oohing” and “awing” in sync. The juggler was amazing and my youngest happened to mention, at the exact moment I thought it, that it looked like that funny little clown had three arms whenever he was juggling because he moved so quickly. Another guy came out and had a hollow 3-D box that he twirled that may not sound too exiting but it had the effect of a laser show and I couldn’t keep my eyes off the box as it whirled around the guy. The “strongman” act was a true demonstration of strength as these two guys showcased a level of discipline and strength I have never seen before. And let’s not forget the music: it was fabulous! The Des Moines Symphony really out did themselves. Our youngest was quite impressed that they remembered to play a StarWars song for him. They also had a 13-year old come out and play a song on the piano and he will a rising star; I am sure of it. It was a night of beautiful talent and I am glad that we decided to go.

 

God gives everyone different abilities. If all the people in the Cirque de la Symphonie did the same thing, equally talented in exactly the same talents, the show would have sucked (honestly). We are the circus, my friends. God has given us beautiful talents and abilities and when we work together we can produce amazing things through our differences. Some of us are good at juggling, some of us are able to contort ourselves to make things work, some our strength and ability to work on teams gets mighty mountains of ministry moving, and still, some of us are that star that will move people and show them the beauty of life. We are the circus….we are the church and it’s time, everyday, to get the show on the road. Pray about what God is asking you to do and fix your eyes on it now. He’ll walk you through it and see you safely to the other side.

 

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and  strength belong to God forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 7:12)

A Page from a Book

“All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 1:25)

 

This is an excerpt from the Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

 

“With tiny wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, took his first nap on a bed of straw.  Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood and Roman-occupied Palestine, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused in Joseph’s woodworking shop. As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on his work.  At every step he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of his influence.  Finally, falsely accused and tried, he was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands.  And he died—spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride.  Jesus, the God-man, gave his life completely so that all might live.

 

At God’s appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst into the world scene. Then everyone will know that Jesus is Lord of the universe!  Those who love me him will rejoice, greeting their Savior with hearts overflowing into songs of praise. But his enemies will be filled with fear.  Allied with Satan, the enemies of Christ will marshal their legions against Christ and his armies.  But who can withstand God’s wrath?  Christ will win the battle and reign victorious forever! Jesus, the humble suffering servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge.”

 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (Revelation 1:8)

 

Reference:

 

(2004). Life application study bible: New living translation. Pg 2165, para 1-2. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, IL

The Stare

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

 

The wise men, or magi, were looking for the new King they didn’t talk about how they would be filled or blessed by the experience. These wise men didn’t go looking for social interaction or networking. The magi didn’t go for the treats or the Bible study. The wise men simply wanted to worship the new King: Jesus. This entire journey was for Jesus. The gifts were for Jesus. The worship was about Jesus. With this thought in mind I have wanted to be sure that when I am in service that I am not focused on how the words are making me feel but how the words lift up and praise our Savior and our King.

 

With this in mind, focusing on Jesus, yesterday during service I was trying my best to put everything into practice but something in me kept wanted to focus on how the praise music moved me or the words of the sermon touched me. So, then I would rewind my brain and remind myself that this wasn’t about me it’s about Him. On that note my thoughts took me to a book that I read where a very gifted child could see colors radiating out of people as they praised and worshipped. The color-thing, for some reason, made me think of CareBears™ and their ever-so powerful CareBears™ stare. When ever there was an enemy their little tummies would light up and they would shoot light at them and win the fight. Well, God isn’t our enemy put something in me imagined our songs of praise radiating beams of light from everyone and the light was going straight to the cross that hangs at the head of our sanctuary and the more we made our focus about God the more powerful the beams were. Then I really wanted to give everything I had in my praise because I wanted our lights to be so bright and so pleasing to God.

 

I realize this is a very odd story and, silly enough, it is also a very true tale of the different paths my brain took yesterday. You know, Christmas is supposed to be this special time of year when we are in remembrance of this beautiful gift that God gave us 2000 years ago that He had promised 2700 years ago (Micah 2:5). But the rub is it’s hard for me to go through this season because I am excited about Jesus nearly every day of the year. Consequently, this Christmas I have felt like something is wrong with me because I am not moved anymore than usual today, however, I qualify that by sharing that I feel moved everyday and new in His mercy and blessings everyday.  So, I am going to put on my “stare” today and focus on our glorious Savior as much as I can and pray, that even though there are days when I wallow too long, that I can show Him how much I love Him and how very thankful I am for eternity.

 

“I will exalt you, my God and King,  and praise your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1)

Read for Ice

“But you know we are destined for such troubles.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3b)

 

I will be the first to admit that I am taking the above verse entirely out of context. Although I find the words humorous this morning as we sit and wait for a possible ice storm. It’s incredible how shocked or annoyed we can seem when we live in a state where there is almost a 100% chance that it will snow, which also means there could be ice, bad roads, school delays and closings, and accidents and people forget how they got through it the year before.

 

In Iowa there are going to be some sort of large storm in almost any season you can find. In your faith you are going to have great trials and troubles. Everyone’s struggles are different. Some people’s trials will very evident. Other’s, you may not even realize there is some sort of internal struggle. As Christians this becomes even more evident as we are now enemies of the world and since the world is alive and kicking we are always at war.

 

So, arm yourselves with the tools the God has given you. Everything we need to know and do to make it in this world has been handed to us by God through His Word. We are not completely helpless and when we know that we will have troubles we need to not be shocked when they come. I don’t like the storm that is coming today but I know it’s on its way and even if I didn’t know it was coming I know it is a possibility because of where I live so I am ready to switch gears at any moment. Be ready. Live armed. Take care. Have hope. He will walk you through anything you are going through and He will see you safely Home.

 

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)

 

*Note: a good pastor once said there are a lot of “Christian streekers” out there. They put on the helmet of salvation and nothing else! Please wear more than a hat as you walk this earth!   

It’s Neat Being a Girl

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31: 29-30)

 

I used to hate being a girl. I have no sense of fashion and not one ounce of artistic ability when it comes to my hair. I hate to shop for clothes I know I will not like once I bring them home but yet I hate everything in my closet. I should take out stock in razors and wax. I would rather walk around in boxers and flip-flops than skirts and high heels. I truly hate “that little friend” that comes once a month that disturbs my mental stability and emotional control. After breastfeeding, and some extra boxes of cookies, my breasts are not what they were in high school and the bra that would help “elevate” the best costs more than a mortgage payment. I do not like it when my husband brings me flowers and he better not waste the little money we have on jewelry that I will, more than likely, loose. I am not a “Better Homes and Gardens” homemaker but I can cook really well; however,  I don’t usually feel like it. I make the best cookies when no one is looking and I put too much on my schedule and complain about it later. If the kids lose a button I tell them to deal with it, do I look like I can sew? I am not the Proverbs 31 woman. However, over the last couple of years I have found that being a girl isn’t all the bad I have always thought it was.

 

Actually, I have learned to think it’s pretty neat being a girl. Through the women in my life I have learned to love more, trust more, and hope more than I would have ever imagined. Through the ladies that surround me I have prayed, cried, laughed, and complained all in a matter of seconds. I have seen unimaginable beauty and incomparable strength. I have experienced the joy of being a very normal woman and the shock of knowing that I was also made very different and very special.

 

Girls get to talk about chocolate, kids, husbands (no man-bashing please), work, school, car pools, sports, wine, waxing, pedicures, facials, massages, trips, date nights, silly moments, chocolate (yeah, I put in there twice), and so much more. I never would have imagined so much could fit into one person and when we throw a group of us together watch out for laughter, tears, and hysterics. God has made each of us in a way that we can nurture each other and learn from each other all at the same time. We do not try to fix our girlfriends but we have coffee with them as they show us what is broken. We laugh at ourselves and we pray together. We bear Christ’s witness to each other and sometimes we carry each other on that journey.

 

What an amazing thing God made when He made us women! We are strong and soft, fierce and gentle, hard and loving. Throw in some compulsive behaviors, an iPod, a couple chocolates, a facial, pretty toes, and you have what I have become: a girl…and I’ll just trust that God knows what He is doing.  

 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

Filling Up on God

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26)

 

I volunteered to teach on Wednesday nights this year knowing that teaching is not a strong point for me, at least I don’t think so. But I love the Wednesday night program and I knew they needed leaders so here I am. I work with 5^th and 6^th graders, which is an interesting age. Some of the boys come in there pretending not to care about anything and some of the girls try really hard not to show their excitement because they actually enjoy it. I come in some nights dreading what’s ahead because trying to incorporate The Purpose Driven Life (current church study) into teaching points has been harder than we thought. If I am going to be honest I actually dread most nights because I don’t feel like I reach the kids; I feel like I do more shushing than teaching. But in the last couple weeks something has changed.

 

It started two weeks ago when I wasn’t even teaching. I had the night off to watch my daughter’s program and so my teaching partner took over and had the kids do a skit. That seemed to work so well that we did another one last week. That skit was awful! But the kids seemed to like the idea of skits so we tried it one more time last night. The kids were so great! We drew for parts, I had copies of the skit printed off for them, and they knew exactly where to make it funny. I was thoroughly impressed and so proud of them both during class and as they performed for the other classes.  I know we can’t do skits every week because not all the kids want to but I have all kinds of ideas running through my head for a future skit that I think would be amazing!

 

For the first time, in a long time, I really do feel some excitement for teaching. I know it may sound awful that I would teach and dread it at the same time but no matter how scared I am to teach I always leave each session touched and moved by the kids; it’s a weird cycle. But I wouldn’t be experiencing any of these things if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone. I don’t think most people realize how happy I would be to hide behind this computer for anything and everything I do but God has other plans. I thank God this morning for laying things on me that I didn’t want and for pushing me when I wanted to stay. I thank Jesus for trusting me with these kids and for giving what we need to reach them. Once again I am reminded of how blessed I am and what a great family of faith I am a part of. God is good and I feel filled.

 

“So be careful how you live. Don’t be like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-20)