Mar 29, 2013

Where Were You Good Friday?

 
                                                       Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
 
Oh were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble
Tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

 Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross?
Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble
Tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble
Tremble
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Well, were you there when the stone was rolled away?
Ohh, sometimes it causes me to tremble
Tremble
I will never sing this song without sobs in my throat, tears running a river down my face.
I do not deserve what my Lord did for me... and I tremble. 
Thank you Jesus.

Mar 28, 2013

The Command Of Maundy Thursday... Love


 Today... Maundy Thursday. When Jesus met with His disciples for the last meal, the last supper, passover.
A night heavy with grief to come. Grief that only Jesus understood. A night filled with Jesus love, betrayal by a follower, others would scatter, deny and cry out, in fear and grief.

Through the cross Jesus exhibited perfect love, confidence, humility, a path to follow. 
Forgiveness - forever.

 Perfect Love, Forgiveness, by going to the cross, for us. He, who was without sin, paid our sin. We celebrate this everyday, but this week we remember what it took for Jesus to do this.

In Matthew Jesus shared, "My soul is crushed with grief, to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me." speaking to James and John.
He prays, 
"My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine."
Read these words with awe... of the One who paid our price. He knew it would be horrific, both in pain and in separation from God. God would not be able to look on the sin of the world, that would be placed on His Son's shoulders.

Jesus had confidence in His Fathers will. He prays, "My Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, Your will be done."  
Jesus knew that He was given all authority and would soon return to the Father.
 
Jesus bowed in humility at the Disciples feet, as He washed them. John 13:4-5 "So He (Jesus) got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him."
 
John chapters 13 though 17 are red inked with Christ's words to us... a path to follow.
 In those chapters, shortly before His death Jesus explains... Jesus is The Way, to the Father (14), the promise of the Holy Spirit (14), Jesus is the True Vine (15), the worlds hatred of us, because of Him (15), the work of the Holy Spirit (16)  
"And this is the way to have eternal life-to know You, the only True God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth. I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave me to do. Now Father, bring Me into the glory we shared before the world began." (17:3-5)

The end of Jesus prayer in John 17:25-26, "O Righteous Father, the world doesn't know You, but I do; and these disciples know you sent Me. I have revealed You to them, and I will continue to do so. Then Your love for Me will be in them, and I will be in them."

Maundy... Latin for command. Today is a day we are given a command.

In John 13 Jesus says, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

We need not suffer as the disciples. We can read the Word, enjoy the Holy Spirit and live in the light of it!
Have you read the scriptures this Holy Week?
Read God's word.... His Pure, Precious, Holy, Clear, Perfect Word. Drink it deep into your heart and see Him with fresh eyes this Easter...

and follow His commands... to love one another.
If we do not do this... does the love of the Father truly live in us?

Mar 26, 2013

You Must Be Emptied To Be Filled...

Holy Week is here. 
The emptying and the filling begins.
We see what God accomplished for us, through His son.
We must empty ourselves... of us, in order to be filled with God. 
We must become humble.
Christ emptied Himself for me, for you, for all... 
on a cross. 
How do we respond, reflect, fill ourselves? 
Do we empty ourselves of our will... in exchange for His?

May Christ be the only One who fills us.
The only One who satisfies our soul.
Let us remember, though He made man in the image of God... His creatures are nothing like the Creator.
Only He is God, whose name should be reserved for reverence. Yahweh, Truth, The Alpha and Omega.

Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 
 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
 
 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name, 
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 
 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

May we acknowledge the truth of salvation today, this week.
The One who came, so we could have life, everlasting.
Prepare our hearts... for the King. 

Glory to God in the highest, the Everlasting, the Holy One, the Righteous One, the Trinity... 
the true definition of Love.

Mar 21, 2013

The Story Of Ellen And Rebecca... World Down Syndrome Day


Emanuel Ringelblum wrote of a “Psychosis Of Fear” in relation to the Jew in Nazi Germany:
“It is the imaginary perils, [the] supposed observation by the neighbor, porter, manager, or passer-by in the street, that constitute the main danger, because the Jew… gives himself away by looking around in every direction to see if anyone is watching him, by the nervous expression on his face, by the frightened look of a hunted animal, smelling danger of some kind everywhere.”
This was the life of the Jew living through Hitler’s war on Europe. Fear was the word on their lips, morning till night, then the desperate hours of restless sleep. Listening for sounds, of imagined German soldiers, others... flesh and blood soldiers. Fear was the constant shadow of the Jew.
I went to hear a story. A story about a smiling, 90 yr old beauty named Ellen. Bright, well spoken. A wise sage.
 I listened to her story. The one, now gray haired, bent shoulders, who lived through the Holocaust in Germany. Born in Berlin to a Jewish mother from Poland. Her father a German Christian. Both highly educated, her mother a Professor of Economics. Papa, a lawyer and part of the Reichstag (German Parliament).
This woman had a presence about her. Her education, remarkable... speaking multiple languages, having been an interpreter in Europe, before and after the war.
She witnessed atrocities too awful to utter, yet she did. A baby lost, too young for this world. A husband lost, too young in years… yet, there was a joy, a peace that could not be stripped of her soul. She told us she was a Messianic Jew, a person who accepts Christ as the Messiah.
I am reading The Zookeepers Wife. The true story of a family living in Poland during Hitler’s time of horror. I see similarities, not identical, yet the same fear.
As I read, I began to hear Ellen’s voice in my head and I feel fear pounding in my heart.  I see her face in Antonina, the Zookeepers wife. The fear, the truth of horror that caught like wildfire in those evil days. Lapping at you from every corner, not knowing when it would turn in your direction… when you would be consumed by the inferno.
Ellen knew fear… as Emanuel Ringelblum wrote of. The Nazi’s used it to separate, control and crush any who did not fit their chosen Aryan race.
After the war Ellen moved to the states with her American soldier husband. They had 7 children, lost their next one, too early.
There was the struggle of faith. She had none, saw no need. And then… Ellen described how she came to believe in this Jesus, that her husband told her about. She told God, “Show yourself to me!” She was a proud woman. She had been through much and survived.  She would not be easily swayed.
And then.
She remembered a day, during the war. She was walking down the street, half Jew, half Christian that she was. The Jewish part, buried, hidden, so as not to betray her.
She saw a Jewish man sweeping dirt. The bright yellow star on his arm, showing his Jewishness to all. Like a leper. She carried a loaf of bread under her arm. She knew the man received 250 calories of food a day. This was one quarter what a Christian received. He and his family were starving to death. As she walked by she thought of sharing her bread, but she was afraid. Fear. Afraid of being caught helping a Jew, like her.  She would be killed for it.
She felt ashamed. In that moment of remembering, she felt God’s presence. She believed His Word that day, of sending His only Son to earth to die, for her. He loved her that much. That day everything changed as her heart recognized Christ as the Messiah.
She had faith… Then Rebecca was born, and she knew fear again.
A different fear. A fear she had always dreaded, “to have a child that was mentally retarded,” were her words back then. Words were harsh, hurtful, denying the child of value. How hard to parent then, without support from community. Without understanding the value these children held.
She remembered The Medical Encyclopedia described children with Down Syndrome as Mongoloid and went on to say, “These little idiots are best put into an institution before you get attached to them.” Her husband read this, slammed the book shut, threw it across the room and later, into the trash. He said, “She is our little girl and we will keep her!”
I hesitate to write these ugly words. I know they are hurtful, but this is not my story.
Ellen struggled, with emotion, anger at God, who allowed this to happen. She wondered if she was capable of the task ahead. Fear. She cried out to God, to help her love, nurture and advocate for this baby.
She became an advocate, for life. She found calling in The Right To Life Movement, recognizing that all life was precious.
Another holocaust, on the most innocent.
Life ending before a first breath is taken, because they are different, not what we consider perfect. Numbers for terminations of pregnancies with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome are about 67% in the U.S.  Some reports have been as high as 92% worldwide. Many woman choose not to test, knowing they will not terminate. My heart thanks these women, these couples. I do not judge them, as I only imagine the road they travel. I simply offer them my heart and hands in any way I can serve them. I am humbled and I thank them for their trust and courage, in something bigger than themselves.
This story is not about numbers though, it is about life.
The life of Rebecca. Rebecca with the joyful laugh. She engaged easily in conversation and told me how she felt. She smiled as she talked about wanting chocolate chip cookies. She had sat through her mom’s presentation, not complaining, but waiting quietly. She was now voicing her feelings that it was time to go home. She told me she was getting cranky and wanted a nap.
Walking into the parking lot, I watched Ellen and Rebecca hold hands. Ellen told me they go everywhere together. The bond between them is undeniable.
I asked Rebecca how old she was. She quickly said she was 42. Ellen said, “Rebecca, remember you just had a birthday, you are 43.”  Something in that moment triggered Rebecca’s thoughts. She became focused on the words, Down Syndrome. Neither of us had voiced those words.
She excitedly asked her mom to pronounce the words. She began to repeat them. I watched her tongue and mouth move to pronounce exactly as her mom did. 
However, instead of saying, “I have Down Syndrome", she said, “I am Down Syndrome.”
A feeling of sadness shot through me. I watched her elderly mama take Rebecca’s face gently in her hands, look into her eyes and say, "Rebecca, you have Down Syndrome, you are NOT Down Syndrome.” She smiled and stroked her face.
I became undone. Fear has no hold on this woman. She is thankful for her dear, sweet Rebecca. Her confidant, her friend, her partner in crime. They are a walking witness of love, acceptance, transformation.
I will never forget this moment I witnessed. I see a woman who understands the value of human life. She walked where Hitler’s army mopped the streets with the blood of those who were different. Because they were different, they would die. They had no value. They were seen as weak, sick, insubstantial, dim, inferior, not normal.
Who gets dibs on ”normal?”  We humans, have the same value, given by the same God who created us. We are precious in His sight… because Jesus loves the little children of the world.
We will be accountable for our actions.
The story I went to hear, was not what I heard. It was deeper, complex, riddled with pain, loss and also love. So much love. Love so perfect that it could only be from God.
May we celebrate our children today. The gift, the blessing, the wonder that they are. They are all God's masterpiece and we are His servants. May we serve and protect these babies and children well.

Mark 10:14 “When Jesus saw this He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."
 Fear not dear ones... Joshua 1:9 tells us, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."





Mar 19, 2013

The Fine Art Of Bullying...


 We boarded the sky link at DFW airport. It had been a long day of travel for my husband and I. We headed to the back of the car, leaned against the window, dropped our heavy bags.
I looked up to see a young woman; early 20’s step in the door. She turned her back to me. She was brightly dressed in cropped pants that showed interesting tattoos on the back of both ankles. Her neck had a long tattoo, there were a few others. Her lobes had multiple earrings. She was listening to her iPod.
She paid no attention to us. She bothered no one.
If I sound vague to her tattoos and adornments it is because I was. It isn’t something I stare at. She wasn’t bothering me. She didn’t smell. She wasn’t rude. She was appropriate in behavior.
I glanced to my left and was surprised at what I witnessed.  A woman, making a face, while pointing her bright red fingernail at this young woman. Pointing. She poked her husband and he agreed, at least in facial gesture that he too, was disgusted. My mouth fell open. I was appalled at their behavior.  I don’t expect this from adults.
The young woman didn’t see them, but I did and possibly others. They were bullies and it was ugly.  It was rude, impolite, shameless, and insulting.
They continued mumbling, in their displeasure. I did not like these people.
My mind was thinking… Lady, you have got to be kidding me. You have no reason to make fun of someone else. Did you look in the mirror before you left the house today? You look like a washed up 1980’s cocktail waitress from Atlantic City.
Long, bleach blonde ponytail pulled to one side with a pink bow. High heels and tight pink pants… Walmart called, they want their Poly and Ester back. Did I mention she was 65 if a day?
These thoughts permeated my mind in seconds. I didn’t have to work at this. It’s evidently a gift. I looked around. Was someone judging me, for judging her, for judging the first her?
This is getting weird. And did I just bully her in my mind? Am I as bad as them?
What if the girl with the tattoos smelled? Would I judge her then? What if she acted weird, by my standards? Would I judge her then?
Tattoos don’t bother me, it’s a personal choice. My son has a tattoo. I hope he doesn’t cover his body with them, but if he did would I still love him? Would I judge him or bully him? Would I call him names because he has an earring, or two? No, a thousand times no, and if you did, I would hurt you.
Bullying is so common we sometimes don’t recognize it in ourselves. We feel superior; we use our strength, our influence to intimidate others.
Judging is even easier. We form a bias, a personal opinion. We draw conclusions, sometimes without reason.  It’s not our concern; we don’t know all the facts. It’s usually none of our business.
I still don’t like this couple. I believe they were dead wrong. If they had made a scene, I would have stepped in. I will always step in when I see someone being picked on. I despise the bully mentality.
Many years ago, one of my kids was being bullied. A mean kid, trying to intimidate another kid. My kid. This child had a reputation for bullying. I found myself in the company of said child for a few short seconds, alone. Yes, I am that good.
I looked said child in the eye and said, “Child, this behavior will stop, now. “ The child looked at me, tears welling up and shook head. It ended that day. Could it have gone another way? Sure. I took my chances and it worked.
I would do the same for your child.
I learned recently that people who get involved in situations, sometimes dangerous situations, those who are willing to take risks… they see themselves as people who can make a difference. They see the outcome as positive. It never occurs to them that they will not succeed.
One example they used was a woman who witnessed a truck accident one morning on her way to work. The truck was on fire, lots of smoke and flames. It had just happened and she knew she was the first one on the scene. She ran to that truck and pulled the unconscious man out. She saved his life, single handedly. She makes me proud.
Would I have done that? I hope so. Shouldn’t I know so?
I recognized bullying and judging that day in the airport. I also recognized things about myself I did not like. I wasn’t so different than the finger-pointing woman.
I hope I would pull someone out of a burning building or vehicle, I also hope I would stand up for my fellow man and woman when I see them being treated wrongly.
I believe we are called to that, no matter the color of skin, the clothing we wear, or if our hair is a bad shade of bottle blonde.
God loves them as much as He loves me. Let’s let the fine art of bullying die and practice the fine art of gentleness, kindness and mercy.






I Wish You Sunshine To The Heart....

Typeverything.com
‘Think’ by Thomas Braestrup.
In The Knowledge Of The Holy, by Tozer, I read...
"That God can be known by the soul in tender personal experience while remaining infinitely aloof from the curious eyes of reason, constitutes a paradox best described as..."
"Darkness to the intellect
But sunshine to the heart."
Frederick W. Faber

Oh my, those are words of Godly wisdom... that man struggles with. 
Let us not forget GOD...
Is not to be compared in any way to mortal man.
God... omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, perfect, true, lovely, without sin, powerful beyond what man can imagine, faithful Father.

He wants us to know Him as Tozer and Faber shared.
Do not seek wisdom from man to understand GOD.
Think outside the box.
God has never been there.
 Trust in something so much bigger than you.

"For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight. 
As it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness."
1 Corinthians 3:19

Do not be fooled by worldly wisdom today. It is foolishness.
Instead, seek faith.

"Darkness to the intellect, But sunshine to the heart."



Mar 18, 2013

The Knowledge Of The Holy...

A.W. Tozer wrote this book in 1961, the year I was born. 
He was concerned with the, "loss of majesty from the popular religious mind. The church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God and has substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshiping men."

He went on to describe our loss of religious awe and recognition of the divine Presence.
"The words, "Be still and know that I am God," mean next to nothing to the self-confident, bustling worshiper."

 1961 was many years ago, before I would make my decision for Christ and the many ways I would disappoint and disrespect Him.

I am guilty of these things Tozer wrote of.
I am self-confident to a fault and bustling is what I do best.
Yet I claim this Psalm,
"Be still and know that I am God."


I'll be spending some time digging deep in this book.

Mar 14, 2013

What's In Your Suitcase?

I watched a TEDTalk recently that gave me pause. Most TEDTalks do that... let's face it, these people are at the top of the food chain. I might be able to run faster or punch harder, but they have brains the size of footballs. They will beat me.
Not sure what they will beat me at, maybe grabbing the last french fry. I thought of that as I read a post from a friend on Facebook, who encouraged others to not apologize to her when complaining and whining. I think we should all apologize for that, but she was referring to the person thinking their problems couldn't compare with my friend's.
This friend walks a gut wrenching path with a beautiful daughter who has complicated special needs. She has become an advocate for parents around the country. A voice of reason, a sounding board, a safe place to crash.
Her point is this, we all have disappointments, disasters, griefs... don't apologize because your situation may seem insignificant in comparison to another person's. Share your pain and burden, trusting that person will pull you close, hug you hard and offer a prayer up to God.

It made me think of the gifts we carry around with us. Some come from pain and grief while others come from personalities and character traits we are born with.
This reminded me of the TEDTalk I watched.
This brilliant Wall Street lawyer shared her childhood passion to be a journalist. She loved to read and write. She was pushed in another direction.
Her words were focused on introverts vs extroverts. She is an introvert, but was constantly forced into the world of extroverts from an early age. The message she heard growing up, over and over, was this...
Introverts should become extroverts, because that is better. 
Like it was a choice. 
We sell that message to our children, our mates, each other.
We do. Do we realize it?
I didn't.
My daughter leans more to the introvert side. She will tell you that. She is bright, deep, sensitive, thoughtful, generous, fun and... can be quiet.
She is not me.
I make her tired sometimes.
She told me this... I was shocked.
Slack jawed.
Then I saw her. Maybe for the first time.
I am so grateful she understands who she is and owns it.. doesn't make excuses for it.
She is perfect.

She also loves extroverts, but she needs to go away from them, from time to time.

We all bring things to this party called life... or un-party if you are really an introvert.
Each of us carry a suitcase through life. It holds value, gifts, lessons, treasures, blessings. We must open this suitcase and share these with each other.

If you are an introvert you can teach me things I may not understand. Solitude. Quiet. Creativity. Good listening skills, Focused attention. Ability to form deep relationships easily. These gifts come easier to an introvert, who is also humble and quiet about their accomplishments.

The extrovert is energized by others. Easily makes small talk with strangers. They tend to think as they speak... which can lead to trouble. I know this first hand. They are the life of the party.

Truth is we need both, and one does not trump the other. The suitcase overflows when we combine our gifts.
Let's share our gifts, our burdens, our lessons, with one another. In deep admiration and respect we have much to learn from each other. Don't make excuses or apologies for who you are. Learn to bless others with all the character traits and gifts God gave you.

And if you are like me... a little extroverted, take a breath from time to time. We might hear something we have not heard before... another person's voice. :)


Mar 12, 2013

To Be Glad Of Life...


To be glad of life,
 because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars; 
to be satisfied with your possessions, but not contented with yourself until you have made the best of them... to think seldom of your enemies, 
often of your friends, and every day of Christ; and to spend as much time as you can,
 with body and with spirit in God's out-of-doors -
 these are little guideposts on the footpath to peace.

Henry Van Dyke

I pray you will be glad of life today, recognizing no matter your circumstance, God is with You.

Mar 9, 2013

Happy Saturday... From Your Flight Deck

theniftyfifties:

Audrey Hepburn publicity photo for ‘Funny Face, 1957.

i wear this exact outfit all of the time
Happy Saturday!
I am not really jumping for joy right now.
I am waiting, maybe jumping a little... As in out of my skin.

Early to the airport sometimes gets you late out of the gate.
At least I was first in line, to hear the sad story of sick flight attendant, on call gal driving now up from Miami. Poor girl.

I offered to hand out coke, coffee and smart remarks.
I didn't even require pay.

I would do it for free and even smile.
I got a tiny chuckle...
After an eye brow raise.

The best was the gent next to me, repeating the scenarios of how to get to Palm Springs, and will he 
miss dinner or not.
He retained his jolly demeanor, in spite of the fact that his plans may take a 180.
   He ran every scenario to his wife, and those in hearing distance, 6 ways to Sunday and back. 
       I found myself joining in with possible plans, suggestions... inside I was screaming, "Dale, stop!"
                                                             This guy was no rookie. 

My head is starting to hurt.

Some days, flying is a bit like chasing toddlers. You end up exhausted, with snot on your shirt... lying in a chair, wondering what happened.
While never leaving the house, or airport.

My friend is now teaming up with others, 
also heading to Palm Springs. I think I see the beginning of a revolution.
He actually suggested to the representative on the phone that they hold the plane if there is more 
than two of them.
I love that attitude. That's a "Can Do" attitude. 
We need more of that people!

Each person in the very long, very slow line waited patiently to approach the lone gate agent. I witnessed cheerful, respectful, kind people. The same was returned to each person.
No one started out their day hoping to be sick, delay a plane, cause interruptions in others lives.
Life happens, and the only thing we can do is react.
What will that look like?
What will we offer to another as we pass shoulders, share an exchange, a smile, a courtesy?

One of my blessings was my seat mate.
A brilliant, gifted woman, who is making a difference in countless lives across the world.
Raising monies for the forgotten, the ones left behind, without education if not for the organization she gives many hours to.

Life is good.
I had a beautiful week with my sweet mom.
The sun is shining, the entertainment was free this morning and I'm headed to the Big D.
I'm going on 4 hours sleep... A nap is
in my future as well as the hubster and puppy waiting on the other end..

You better believe I am jumping for joy.





Mar 7, 2013

Carry On... Seeking Forgiveness With Brothers And Sisters

Yesterday's post was about turning the other cheek, trusting your brother, coming to your aid.
What if...
 You brother is the one who lets you down?
The one who knows better,
but doesn't do right.
Your brother... In Christ.

 We have responsibility to one another, to those watching.
If we call ourselves sons of God, but act as sons on darkness... We cause stumbling, confusion, the evil one is satisfied... in ugly, hideous sin, that reeks of him
and sometimes creeps out of us.

 If this is the place we find ourselves today...
as believers we are called to go to our brother, or sister, make peace with them.
Tell them of our hurt.
Wait for a response.
Do not attack.

Ask for forgiveness, for the hurts, bruises we have caused.
Perhaps... They are babes in the faith,

without mentoring, leadership.
Sometimes eyes do not see, damage done to another.

This is a dangerous place.
 Pride steps in, demanding it's own way.
We should protect and love, but we don't.
Sometimes we... let down, hurt, destroy relationships, God has brought together.

If you are the mature brother, sister in this relationship,
Encourage another's faith by showing grace... and humility.
Recognize the times we were foolish, prideful and were blind.

Let go.
Forgive.
Submit it to God.

Trust God to see you through, in grace.
 Jesus told us in Matthew 18:15...
 "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person
listens and confesses it, you have won that person back."

Jesus word's continue, reminding us to be steadfast in encouraging our brother in truth.
We are to submit to one another in brotherly love.

If you are the one in error, search your ways, seek guidance and trust your brother or sister.
Seek forgiveness that others will recognize, as from God.
 Form a habit this year... of trusting God. From the first minute He calls.
Go with Him. Carry on the good work He has started.
Be His weapon, His peacemaker, His warrior.
Whatever He calls you to, know that He will be with you.

Carry On.

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Mar 6, 2013

Love Your Enemies...


It's easy to love the lovely.
The ones who side with us, share our views, our beliefs.

What about those who hate us?
Hate... because of religious, socioeconomic or cultural differences.

When we get hurt,
 we lash out, putting up gloved hands, to protect ourselves... To fight back.
Jesus showed us another way.

He said to turn the other cheek, to give your tunic, to go the extra mile.
Matthew 5:44
"But I tell you: Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

PRAY?
Yes
PRAY

Micah 6:8
"He has shown you O man what is good, and what does The Lord require of you?
To act justly, to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God."

Let's seek another way, the way Jesus showed us
Pray
Become un-offended today.
Seek justice in Jesus name.
Protect those in need. 
Look out for your brother and sister.
Don't worry about yourself.
If we practice this...
Our brother will come to our aid.

Pray 

In the meantime, turn the other cheek,
trusting in God's presence for every need in your life.
Humble yourself.
Let others see we take no offense.
In this way...
We will show Christ's love, in a way that will surprise
even ourselves.






















Mar 4, 2013

In The Words Of Captain Jack Sparrow...

Aye, aye Captain Jack.           
The truth of those words, hit me this weekend. 
There will be things in life we perceive as problems. 
The problem is usually our attitude... 
The gift is found in the problem, as we look back, witness the change that comes from rearranged attitudes.

In the span of 24 hours I spent time with a man, a veterinarian who though he cared for animals, neglected himself.
He owned it, felt unworthy of another chance. The chance was given... grace and mercy are lovely gifts.
The recipient of a double lung transplant, given new breath. 
New dreams are the overflow. He is dreaming of fish he will catch from his backyard as he watches the morning sun rise over vast waters, giving thanks to the God who saved him. His breath though gentle, speaks volumes of his faith, in a God who is Healer, Protector, Glorious Giver of Life.
A miracle God provides through gifted, trained human hands.

Twelve hours later...
I watch my son and teammates run, like fluid motion, strong and determined. Lean, muscular bodies, trained by thousands of hours over pavement and path, as lungs open, breathe deeply of oxygen, to find numbers that defy most of our imaginations to run 800 meters, 1500 meters.
I see a boy, now a man, strong in body... who refused to quit when it got hard.
 Training as a college athlete I do not have to experience, to see the blessing.
 I am a witness to the gift.
A miracle the human body can achieve, through God's gifts.

  A contrast these men are.
One, breathless to walk across a room, as his morning began.
The other, with breath that takes him 20 miles on a Sunday morning run, before his day starts. 

They have more in common than meets the eye. The beauty, the grace, the gift... from God, who loves and adores them.
They share an attitude of trust, gratefulness and faith in a God, who gives oxygen as the need arises.
They seek to run the race God has placed in front of them, different, yet the same glory is desired for their God. 
A miracle as I look at them.

Paul spoke of the race before us in Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, let us run with endurance 
the race which is set before us."

This is the race set before these men. The same race is ours. What do we do with it, when the problems arise, when the breath leaves us.. gasping for air?
Will we recognize the strength lies in our attitude... towards the Father?