Hold On

According to the Free Dictionary of Idioms, "hold on" means "to be patient" as in: "Everything will work out alright. Hold on."
It can also mean "to wait for someone or something".  As in, "hold on while I get the napkins" Or on the phone, "hold on while I get her for you".


How may times have I been in conversation, whether it's on the phone or otherwise, only to be stopped by an attempted interruption of one of my children.  They get that finger held up to say "wait a minute" and "hold on to that thought"

It can also mean "Don't let go!!"
Little Miss was out on the monkey bars recently.  She decided she couldn't make it all the way across and in a panic she started screaming for help.  As I ran out to get her, I was yelling to her "Hold on".  I honestly meant it rather impatiently - as in "I'm coming. Relax" When I got there, instead of grabbing her, I stood there and looked at her.  I took in her long arms - her fingers that were straining as they bore the full weight of her body.  I noticed how straight and calm her body was as she held herself in place. And I smiled as I mentally measured the distance between her toes and the ground.  Her eyes grew huge and her panic returned. "Mom!" she blurted, "help me down!" I replied "Honey, let go. I'm right here.  You won't hurt yourself. I promise"

I began to think about all the things I hold on to - my home, my traditions. Fear, disappointment, wrongdoing. What do we choose to hold on to? Why do we hold on? One of my favorite Twila Paris songs says:

"we can hold on to sorrow, hold on to pain
hold on to anger when there is nothing to be gained
we can hold to a thread at the end of a rope
but when we hold on to Jesus we are holding on to hope"

I also know that sometimes we need to hold on.  I've recently been listening to Rachael Lampa's song "Beauty's Just a Word" It is a beautiful ballad and the lyrics say something like "hanging by the thread end of a rope, you find hope."  Jesus Christ holds every answer; all the peace and fulfillment we are looking for.  There is a bigger picture and a brighter tomorrow than this "momentary struggle"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXZ3bwoH5H0

In speaking on spiritual tenacity, Oswald Chambers wrote "Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off." He goes on to say "the greatest fear a man has is not that he will be damned, but that Jesus Christ will be worsted, that the things He stood for - love and justice and forgiveness and kindness - will not win out in the end... Then comes the call to spiritual tenacity, not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately on the certainty that God is not going to be worsted." (You can read the entire encouragement in My Utmost for His Highest, the February 22 reading.)

Trust in the Lord. Wait patiently for Him.

Hope of all the blood-bought throng

It's the title, isn't it?  They're lyrics!!

It's from a song we used to sing - "Maranatha, Maranatha! Hope of all the blood bought throng... Maranatha, Maranatha! Is the theme of this our song.  Coming soon! the Savior whom we long to see... Maranatha chimes keep ringing melody."

We sang it at a place ~ Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference.  It means "the Lord is coming soon".  I grew up going to this place each summer.  My dad went there as a child.  My uncle committed himself into the ministry in the dunes of Maranatha.

What is this place? Where is this place?              


and...

So much of my childhood - my memories - is tied up with this place.  So many fun and happy times.  

Jan waving in the door of our cottage. circa 1985

We were so silly there.  Laughing. Always laughing!!  Playing tricks on one another. We ate well and enjoyed good conversations with good friends.  We made new friends - and saw them again, year after year.  But mostly I remember this wood plaque that was attached to the pulpit in the tabernacle.  It said "Let go and Let God"

Let go!

Let God!!

What issue, situation, or circumstance am I still trying to manage, to funnel, to control? I've become sick with fear and anxiety.  I've let these problems become my focus.  I remember one of my parents' pastors saying that when a problem becomes all we think about - all we talk about - all we want to ponder.  It's time to completely take our eyes off of it and put our eyes on the Savior.  Think about and talk about the Lord Jesus Christ until He is all we want to ponder.  Then, when we do get back to looking at our problem, we can see it through the lens of our Lord.

Let go!

Let God!!

What is He wanting to do in my life, in this situation, in the lives of those affected.  He will be glorified, and I hope my heart and mind is able to respond in such a way that this life, my life, glorifies Him as well. 

"Coming soon, the Savior, whom we long to see..."

What will my life say when He returns? What sort of legacy will I have left? It starts now.  

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3

I broke the window

When I was growing up we had a playhouse.  My dad built this playhouse the spring of 1977 - this thing was perfect.  Candy cane striped paint.  A window box full of flowers.  Green carpet with a "full kitchen" and a table.  There were even screened in windows that would open.  We even had a peeked, shingled roof.  It was perfect.


One summer Sunday morning, I was playing outside - which was not a very good choice in my Sunday go-to-meeting clothes completely with pipi longstocking braids.  But! There I was - saving the known world in my backyard.  As circumstances would dictate, to escape the clutches of the evil-doer, I needed to climb out the window of the playhouse, i.e. evil lair.  So I removed the screen and pushed the window open.  As soon as I climbed through the window, it broke into a hundred pieces in the grass on the ground.

I ended up surrounded by glass in the grass - in my bare feet -

I was terrified to call for my dad because I knew I'd be in trouble for disobeying - but in desperation, I sent my little sister to "go get dad".  I had decided it would be better to be face the wrath of dad (and possibly mom) then to cut my foot or worse.  I looked up to see him coming down the hill - and he was coming fast.  He came running - as if the only thought on his mind was to get to me as fast as he could.  He scooped me up in his arms and carried me to safety.  "Are you hurt?" as he checked me everywhere for pieces of glass stuck in me.

Once he knew I was sufficiently safe ~ he gave me this huge bear hug and said "get in the car. It's time for church"  That was it.  No disapproving look even.  I don't even know when he went back to clean up the glass.  They never spoke of it again.  But remember standing there dumbfounded.  Relief overwhelmed me.  In that moment he became my rescuer, my hero.

That is JUST how God is - and that is how we are.  We don't turn to Him when we've messed up because we're afraid of His reaction.  But He is just ready to scoop us up and carry us through it.  He wants us to call out to Him.  I've needed this reminder.  God is our rescuer, our Savior.

Old Encouragement

Recently I was cleaning out my email and I came across one titled "meant to encourage but I do go on".  I had sent it to my younger sister.  I don't know what was going on in her life at the time, but the contents make a good post for today ~


When Scott and I were house shopping, we encountered a vicious dog at one of the homes.  I had just taken in the back yard, and glanced up at the blue sky above us when he came trotting over to us - sights set on three year old Hannah while I held the toddler Micah.  I stopped in my tracks and fear gripped my heart. He growled while showing all his teeth in a mouth dripping with foam.
My heart raced - I knew if we ran he would run after us.  We turned and walked calmly back towards the car.  Scott had picked up Hannah, but the dog was not backing down.  All the while his menacing presence made me want to scream out in fear. When we started to put the kids in the car - it started to bark at us.  I wondered if a neighbor would hear the commotion and come to help. As the minutes dragged on, the dog didn't tire - and yet it never lunged at us either. Not once did that dog try to take a bite. Scott had already figured this out -  this barking maniac was menacing, but he didn't seem to put his money where his mouth was. :) Scott decided the only way to deal with him was lunge toward him and see if he would cower in fear.
He puffed himself up - put his arms out and growled back at the dog while taking a huge leap in his direction. This behavior was more than the panicked dog had planned for.  He recoiled, darted and ran away.  All that bravado without any of the bite.

We have an enemy. He seeks to divert us from the course set by God. "A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance."  Our enemy cannot destroy us, but he will work hard to distract us. It seems he most likes to startle us when we have just closed our eyes and turned our chins up to enjoy the "blue sky".  Without warning he jumps around the corner and terrifies us with his rabid barking. We stop in our tracks and fear grips us.  But this enemy is all bravado. No matter how good he is at barking, "he has already been rendered impotent. One full-on victorious leap by the people of God will send him running."

I am studying about the devils attempts to distract us this week and much of my language today comes out of what God is doing in my heart tonight.  Just never let him allow you to think for a moment that God is not faithfully executing His perfect plan.

Thanks be to God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him Who loved us.

Thanks be to God Who gives us the victory though our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved [sister], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

YOU are a victorious overcomer, completely capable by God's Spirit to stand against the attacks of the enemy.  Trust the Lord!!  He will deliver you from this already beaten foe!!

If ever I was waxing eloquent, it was that day!! Oh my!! But isn't it true -  Put on the armor of God that you may be able to stand, (and somewhere, it continues) having done all to stand.

When life is routine

I'm not funny lately.
I'm not deep.
The kids aren't even particularly interesting.
I hoped maybe someone at church would give us some material ~
        but, we're all so normal

maybe someone funny will drop by the house and give me something to talk about

In the meantime, I'll tell you what I have been thinking about - prayer in one accord.  I've been thinking about the first few chapters of Acts and that it says repeatedly: they continued in "one accord" in prayer and supplication.  I've been thinking that I would like to know that unity of the Spirit.
There you have it!

Trust

I washed my last load of laundry today.  I don't have any more detergent and no money to buy any.  I felt a nudge ~ "You don't have have because you don't ask" So I asked right there.  "Lord, will you provide us with detergent to clean my family's clothes.  Either the money to buy some ourselves or with the detergent itself."

I gave the kids the last of the cereal today.  {Sigh} and a little fear for tomorrow.  Again, I felt the nudge ~ "You don't have because you don't ask"  Ok - I take a determined face and say out loud "Lord, you see our need. I know You'll meet it in your time."

This constant place of not really knowing.  not being able to do it myself.  not me.  How do you pick yourself up by your own bootstraps when you don't have any boots? Oh, I've got big plans! We'll have more piano lessons - but it's summer and they keep canceling on me.
We'll have a garage sale.  I'll keep you posted on that.

I am thinking - have I asked in faith? do I believe? Yes, I believe. I believe God can... but I'm not sure that He will. Truthfully, I don't know when that happened.  I've even heard people say that before, and I felt upset with them.  My entire life I trusted God with so much I never even thought something wouldn't happen.  Like a child asking her dad to blow the tire up on her bike or to get her a new pair of tennis shoes.  I have forgotten that I'm cherished to Him.

I'm not strong enough to hold on here.

And I've forgotten to let go.

The way I see it, we all like to think of ourselves as the heroes in the Bible - we fancy ourselves as brave and wise as Joseph or as humble and upstanding as Ruth.  It's a real blow when we realize we're more like the widow of Zarephath.  You know the one - Elijah asks her for a piece of bread, she replies something like "I don't have any bread.  I'm about to bake my last bit of flour so my son and I can eat it and then die."

Elijah must have thought "what?! who did you send me to, God?"

This is what I realized.  The Bible has so many personal stories.  God could have simply told us the generalities.  Here is what happened and when.  But instead He took the time to give us glimpses into many lives - many stories - many families.  You know what that means? that translates like this: God is interested in the individual's life.  God sees the big picture, but He is also looking at the sparrow, the flower, the lamb.  I don't know what will happen tomorrow.  We'll have breakfast in the morning and there are clean clothes in our closets.

God answers prayer
God answers prayer
God answers prayer
He's so good to me

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

the wealth in every mine

He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills

the sun and stars that shine

Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell

He is my Father so they're mine as well

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

I know that He will care for me

                      ~ John W. Peterson

Psalm 50:9-15
"I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
for every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fulness are mine.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."

I offer my sacrifice of thanksgiving.  It's meager.  I pray He is pleased with it.  We trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Pure Love

Love is patient and kind

Love does not envy or boast

It is not arrogant or rude

It does not insist on its own way

It is not irritable or resentful

It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth

Love bears all things

believes all things

hopes all things

endures all things

Love never ends.

I had the great privilege of attending a wedding early this summer.  I've known the bride since we were teenagers.  And I've watched her life unfold as we became adults.  She has had many of the joys and sorrows we all have, except one thing. The thing. The dream she's had and desired since she was a girl.  This thing she's wanted her entire life ~ a mate.  Not just any man would do.  She had standards, not the least of which was someone who had a living, abiding relationship with her Lord and Savior.  A man's man.  Her own hero.

This summer she married him.  They were both so happy.  There was pure joy ~ something I haven't witnessed in a long time.  The kind of joy that gives you a glimpse of what every moment will be like when we are in His presence.

I don't know the groom really.  Only what I've been told ~ and what I observed.  He loves her.  Chachi loves Joanie.  You know what I'm saying? It's evident and real.  I am so happy for both of them. For the family they have formed. For the life they have to live.

My friend, the bride - she never lost her faith in God.  In her years, as each of her friends were married.  As her sister and brother married and had children of their own.  She made a choice not to wallow.  She trusted Him fully with her hopes and dreams.  She lived her days - honest with herself, her family and her Lord.  The focus was never really about herself, but always about her God.  If she could honor and serve God with her life ~ if she could bless those around her and further the Kingdom of God ~ she counted it a day well lived.  There's more of that coming for her, for this family.

It's a beautiful thing to have witnessed this union.  May God the Father bless them with years of joy and peace as they continue their abiding relationship with Him and as they honor Him with their lives.

a flicker

As long as I've dreamt about having children, I've pictured four.  Four little beauties who laugh and play.  Four little tricksters who hide behind the door, giving their place away with giggles, but still jump out to yell "BOO!" Four big hearts who love God and look out for their neighbor.
We have that.                    Almost

We have 3.

It's been dark here recently.  It's been cold and uncertain.  We haven't had any security for tomorrow except a very real promise from the Savior that our needs will be met. Not a stone, but bread.
His eye is on the sparrow, right? "so I know He watches me," so the saying goes.

Suddenly, in December, everything changed.  There was a flicker.  A flicker of better days ahead.  A reminder that God knows our dreams and desires. How could we manage? God would provide. This changes everything! and all of us were excited.

We're gonna have a baby.

It's Christmas.  It's a New Year.  and by the end of the year, we would have another child in the house. A fourth little trickster... little beauty .... little life.

It's April now.  There will be no baby.  No little life on this earth.  When we lost the baby, I think I lost my hope with it.  No flicker, only a taunt.  Like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey.  A tease. There is no money. There is no forward motion.

It seems that whatever we've longed for in recent months (and those months have turned into years before I was ready), has not come to pass.  It's as if every dream has turned to empty crypts - dark and dank.  As if to imply their only reality was death.

We're back to cold uncertainty.


Hard as it seems
Standing in dreams
Where is the dreamer now?
Wonder if I wanted to try
Would I remember how?
I don't know the way to go from here,
But I know that I have made my choice.
And this is where I stand until He moves on
And I will listen to his voice

This is the faith:
Patience to wait
when there is nothing clear.
Nothing to see.
Still we believe Jesus is very near.
I cannot imagine what's to come,
But I've already made my choice.
And this is where I stand until he moves me on,
And I will listen to his voice.

Couldn't it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to love the dreams that He has dreamed for me?

Can't imagine what the future holds
but I've already made my choice.
And this is where I stand until He moves me on
And I will listen to his voice

~ Twila Paris



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLKQ41QjdMA

Empty belly life
Rotten, smelly life

It's a hard knock life

Once a day don't you wanna throw the towel in
It's easier than puttin' up a fight

Random Normalcy

We've had some random excitement this weekend that includes a sleepover at Grandma's house and a couple birthday parties.  I had the privilege of spending the day at the Destination Imagination Tournament in Aurora.  Micah's team did a wonderful job!

It was 65 and sunny on Sunday so Batman and the girl-wonder played in the yard the entire afternoon.  They got the fantastic idea to go across the street and fill their buckets with rocks ???? Doesn't that sound fun to you?
Today is a day I'm celebrating the mundane and normal.  It has been a breath of fresh air!

one, two, three, four let us find an open door

I am so ready for my husband to find a consistent job! I am ready for my kids to have healthy food to eat.  I am ready for things to be a little different - a little better.

that is all

Another post on LOVE

If I sing but don't have love, I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice
A hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue, convince a crowd, but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say

So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived
How You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love

If I give to a needy soul but don't have love, then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me



http://youtu.be/b-2dKOfbC9c

When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains

"If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy
but don't love
I'm nothing but the squeaking of a rusty gate
If I speak God's Word with power
Revealing all of His mysteries and making everything as plain as day
And if I have faith to say to a mountain "Jump" and it jumps
But I don't love, I am nothing
If I give all I own to the poor
Or even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr
But I don't love, I've gone no where
So
No matter what I say
No matter what I believe
No matter what I do
I'm bankrupt without love"

Let my life be the proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived
How You died
Love is sacrifice
Let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love

The Dreams I Dream For You

You taste the tears

You're lost in sorrow

You see your yesterdays

But I see tomorrow

You see the darkness

I see the spark

You know your failures

I know your heart

The dreams I dream for you are deeper than the ones you're clinging to

More precious than the finest thing you knew

Truer than the treasure you pursue

Let the old dreams die like stars that fade from your view

Take the cup I offer and drink deeply of the dreams I dream for you

http://youtu.be/8-w_Car6634

When do you think King Saul's son Jonathan knew he would not become the next king? When was that moment that it hit him? that sudden, sinking revelation...

Have you wondered what Daniel's life was like before he was taken captive? Did they live in fear of the utter destruction? or were they living their lives in ignorant bliss?

Or perhaps the most poignant example of all: what sort of fearful - or even hateful - thoughts ran through Joseph's head as he was carted off to Egypt? When did he decide he would not hold on to his anger toward his brothers? Very unlike his Uncle Esau who nursed his bitterness ~ Joseph nursed his relationship with his Creator.

We read these passages and the story is over in a matter of verses.  I think sometimes we forget the months and years of suffering, fear and doubt that threatened to overtake these men.  At any point they could have chosen to forget God.  How different things would have turned out - for all of us - had they made different choices!  No matter how long the relief seems to be coming - No matter how tiresome this road seems to be - No matter how backwards this life seems to be ... our great God loves us.  He wants good and wonderful things for us.  And this life isn't all there is! It's hard to let our dreams die.  Very few of us turn out like Daniel or Joseph with positions of power, respect and position; some of us may turn out like Jonathan, in death.  But I would like to turn out like each of them - in humble submission to the road the Lord has laid out.  Understanding that each day brings new mercies and strength.  Searching for God's goodness and truth.  To bring glory to the God of my fathers, my Creator, my Savior.

"Let the old dreams die - like stars that fade from your view. And drink deeply from the dreams I dream for you."

Life can be lumpy

We like to have breakfast food for dinner sometimes. Pancakes are so, so yummy! - not to mention, quick and easy on a busy evening! Usually we put applesauce on top of them and then drizzle with pure Ohio maple syrup.  In season we'll drop some blueberries into the batter.  As for meat - crumbled sausage or bacon - my mouth waters as it cooks.  Usually each one of the kids wanders into the kitchen to fawn over the stove (and not too subtly hoping for a little piece off the serving plate).  Then when it's all served, and the syrup rolls into the meat ... not one complaint! Everyone's eating and asking for more!!
You might find it silly that this is considered a good dinner in our home.  I'm not a great cook.  Even after all this time, I often apologize for what's set before my family at the table.  Even such a simple meal as pancakes and bacon can be messed up, as I recently found out.  There are 2 things that I do when making pancakes you aren't supposed to do.  The first thing is, out of habit, I smash the pancake with the turner after I flip it.  Apparently pancakes are much fluffier if you don't do that.  The second thing I do, I like to stir the batter until it's smooth.  But according to the box, the lumps cook out and the batter cooks better when it's stirred less.

Our life has been, well, pretty lumpy lately.  A few nights ago I set out to make our beloved pancake dinner.  Only, we didn't have any meat.  Nor did we have multi-grain mix - it was an off brand, bleached flour box.  We didn't have applesauce; we didn't even have butter.  I used old margarine packs I'd taken home from restaurants over the years.  We didn't even have real maple syrup.  I had to use karo syrup.  I am someone who talks about my life easily, and I don't mean it as a complaint.  It's just how life is; this is what's happening.  But I'm finding, the lumpier things get - and the longer it's left lumpy - the more I feel like complaining.  That night especially, I felt like complaining. I was telling God how frustrated I am that I can't even give my children and husband a decent meal.  In the middle of my pity-party, for some reason, I read the side of the box - the "tips" for making better pancakes.  I read "Leave batter slightly lumpy. The lumps come out in the baking. Less stirring makes for a more tender pancake."

Silence.

The thought struck me ~  I am wishing God would stir the lumps out of the batter and make us smooth.

But maybe God's plan is different - what if I'm not listening.  Maybe it's time to put us on the griddle and let the heat cook out the lumps.

Only, ... I'm afraid of the heat.
And yet,
The longer I'm in the bowl, the stiffer I'm becoming.  I want to be a tender pancake.

"Cast your care upon the Lord and He will sustain you" Psalm 55:22
"Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may lift you up in due time." I Peter 5:6

the Kindergarten Chapel - a Tribute to Mrs. Edenfield

This was KR chapel in the '10-'11 school year.  We are grateful for Mrs. Edenfield and her time at VCA.  We pray God's hand of blessing and guidance on the entire family as they move on to something new and exciting!

Burglars Beware

No secret is safe.
 No hidden treasure can remain hidden.
Rocks have been overturned and crevices have been sealed.

We are stealth...

My Princess

This is my daughter.  My sweet girl. My first child - the oldest.

This girl brings joy everywhere she goes.  She laughs easily and encourages others to laugh.  She is so capable - able to learn and willing to try scary things.  She's expressive and talented.  I am so proud of her.  I'm proud to be her mom. It is an absolute privilege to have raised her!

She also has something I will never have.
This is her friend.

I have friends - a few absolutely great ones to be sure! But these two have been friends since they were babies - literally.  I sometimes wonder if my girl was even out of diapers when they had their first sleepover.  They understand one another.  They give each other the benefit of the doubt. It's like they have this silent understanding that they will always be friends with one another, no matter what.

I praise God for such a precious gift.  I pray that God will give her friends who love Him and that they will help each other stand for what is right.  Even Clark Kent had Lois Lane to encourage him - then there's Daniel; he had his gaggle of friends - and Naomi had Ruth.  It's a great truth that a strand of three chords is not easily broken. - and this is my heart's desire for all my kids.  Not only that, but that my children will be that kind of friend to someone else.  That they would be the one others can turn to in crisis, spiritual or otherwise.  That their voices would be the voice of reason, peace and integrity.  to have that! ~> There is a special gift!!

We are better people because this girl has entered our lives.  God is good to me and I love her with all my heart!!

Prayer

I heard a wonderful commentary on prayer today.  It was actually a sobering realization - that perhaps the American church is rather lukewarm - that perhaps we don't really believe that God can or will do what He says He can and will do.  I've always noticed that mid-week prayer meetings were some of the most poorly attended services at church, and many churches, including my own, do not have regular, organized prayer times any more.

But if we believe that prayer is our wonderful privilege and right as a child of God, what could keep us from Him?!  Charles Spurgeon said in his book Morning by Morning,  "Prayer is the struggling speech of the believing infant, the war cry of the fighting believer, and the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in the arms of Jesus. It is the breath, the password, the comfort, the strength, and the privilege of a Christian."
Isn't that beautiful? You know, many times, our situations are not changed by our petition. But at the same time and just as equally often, our situations are changed and wonderfully so! Prayer is actually about God, and every time we pray, we have the opportunity to see God move on our behalf and for His glory.  It's amazing!

This year, 2013, the Moody Church has started a prayer blog to direct purposeful prayer, in unity. It's called "Pray with Me".  Here is the link: http://www.moodychurch.org/news/category/pray-with-me/.

What would this world, this country, this community ... my home ... look like if we prayed together? prayed in unity? prayed with understanding?

I mentioned hearing a great sermon at the top of this blog post.  It was Erwin Lutzer speaking at last year's Founder's Week at Moody.  The theme for that week was "the Hope Within Us". Dr. Lutzer's message is specifically entitled "Jesus at the Door".  In the sermon he purports that the church of Laodecia was self-deceived. In verse 17 of chapter 3, God says they are "not realizing", which Lutzer says means they were "blind to their true reality". Jesus says, you "know not that you are wretched and beggarly and ... blind".  He concludes that Jesus' perception of the church is totally different than ours.  Take a little time to listen to this sermon.  Wouldn't it be horrible if Christ said of our church that He feels squeezed out of our church and is on the outside knocking? Oh! no!! let's be humble and sincere. Let's return to our first love.  Here is the link to January 30 Today in the Word: http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_programtoday.aspx?id=35654

New Bone

I love this commercial.  The first time I saw it - I thought it was the sweetest thing I'd seen.  And then I thought this dog has it right ~ this is exactly how I am supposed to behave.  How I'm supposed to look after my fellow man.




Isn't that great?! Admit it - you shed a tear, didn't you! Brought a smile to your lips? It gave you an "awwww" at the very least...


We say at my church "faith that unleashes love will change the world." Works with this commercial, right? (it's a pun; get it???) ~ but honestly, I've always struggled with the word "unleash".  I'm a connotation person.  "To unleash" connotes a bad thing ~ unleash the lions / unleash the bad girl / unleash the can of whoop (does that even work? ... well, you get the idea)  I think that's why the phrase has FINALLY started to resonate with me.  It is completely contrary to what we think.  Let love loose ~ let go of the reins ~ it's chomping at the bit...
My family has always said "be kind to everyone because everyone's having a hard time".  It's true that if we give people the benefit of the doubt - the proverbial "turn the other cheek" - that sort of kindness flies in the face of modern society.  We are too worried about our personal rights being trampled - I mean, that lady just crossed into my lane and cut me off! she didn't even use her blinker! how could she!!
But Jesus was right when he said "love your neighbor as yourself" and I hope that's how we are found ~ that we would love others as Christ loved us.
Oh my goodness! And there is the key - a reflection ~> to reflect Christ's love.  This is the only way.  We could not love like this without His love showered on us first.  That His love and mercy working inside me makes it possible for me to care for and love and forgive someone else - it's amazing!! I wish I was this shining light that was so bright people would see only Jesus Christ and it would be an astounding thing to see!!

In children's worship on Sunday mornings we sing this song - Your love is deep. Your love is high. Your love is long. Your love is wide. Your love is deeper than my view of grace; higher than this worldly place; longer than this road I travel; wider than the gap You filled. Your love is deep. Your love is high. Your love is long. Your love is wide.