"If we really believe that God has reserved people for himself from every tribe, language, people and nation and has commissioned us to go and look for them, then they aren't just some people out there, they are kinfolk that are lost. But the Father has set his love on them and has allowed us the privilege of being in on the search and rescue mission. So, to make Christ's kingdom visible we who already trust Christ must show up, believing that we have lost relatives all over the world." Tim Barton, Sr
Today is Mother's Day. My youngest child is sick and so am I. I was saddened to see her sad. Then she seemed to bounce back fairly quick and I feel even worse then earlier! Maybe she's better because I was able to use my "mommy superpower" to make her better. You know the one - when you can kiss or snuggle with a kid and it seems to make everything better! After laying in bed with me for 30 minutes she seemed to perk up and get close to her normal self again, though periodically through the day she would fuss again.
I thought about family, how we all want them to be there for us in good times and bad. How we can be sad when they are gone. How we can feel lost even when they are in the same room with us. Mother's Day and other holidays remind us that we are human. Things don't always go the way we hope. Since the fall we are constantly bombarded by disappointments from others and ourselves. Life can be overwhelmingly difficult at times. It can be frustrating. We must keep in mind what we are here on this earth for. As I laid in bed I thought of my future when this world is over. As a Christian, no matter what happens on earth I can focus on the joy that awaits - the end of illness, suffering, disappointments, sin, shame, tears, etc. It can often be frustrating waiting for that time to come!
Then I was reminded of this quote from the presbyterian church of america's 50 days of prayer guide. This particular quote came from Tim Barton, Sr - a pastor in Utah. It is easy to get caught up in our lives and the struggles we are going through. It can be hard enough going through each day living how we believe God wants us to when we are facing difficult circumstances. We can forget about those around us who aren't just struggling, but haven't yet learned of God's forgiveness and love. Our family isn't just those in the home we were raised with and those we live with now. Somehow, we need to take the time to go out where we are and find our long lost family members and bring them home. Sometimes we'll be called to leave our current city and travel to another part of the world to share what we know, to love the stranger, the fatherless, the widow, the sick...If our kids or loved ones are sick we long to help them. We want to ease their suffering. We will try many different remedies to help them. Family is more then flesh and blood. Some of us know what it is like to belong in a family because we were treated with the concern and love that God designed families for. Others of us only know what a family should be like because we know what a family should not be like.
There are people out there, lost and hurting - confused and sick - blind and dying. They are a part of the family. We must look past our shortcomings and successes and go look for the lost sheep like the shepherd. We are called to help others, to love others, to be Jesus to them even if it hurts...
(Edited: A few months after this post I spent 4 months in a domestic violence shelter. My definition of family has gotten smaller and broader at the same time.)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Yikes....
....
I keep running out of time to come back and add to other posts - and make new ones.
I've got to get better on that - just so there isn't another unfinished task hanging over my head...I know I don't have many readers so at least no one is really seeing my inability to come here often!
I have so many thoughts and entries I could write I'm know not sure which to post first when I do have time...but for now - sleepytime. The thoughtful posts will have to wait. I haven't forgotten - just sidetracked!
I keep running out of time to come back and add to other posts - and make new ones.
I've got to get better on that - just so there isn't another unfinished task hanging over my head...I know I don't have many readers so at least no one is really seeing my inability to come here often!
I have so many thoughts and entries I could write I'm know not sure which to post first when I do have time...but for now - sleepytime. The thoughtful posts will have to wait. I haven't forgotten - just sidetracked!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A Call to Kindness...
Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Mother Teresa
We know the reputation of Mother Teresa was one of love, kindness and graciousness to those around her. It is definitely a worthy goal to strive for.
How can we even hope to get there?
We know we can't achieve perfection. In countless ways, every day, we fail to measure up to God's standard of perfection. God's kindness in creating us, sustaining us and redeeming us from our failures are undeserved. Yet He still desires us and He calls us to follow Him.
We know it goes so far beyond kindness, but for us it is a good starting place to dealing with our selfish and prideful attitudes. God is working to transform us and our hearts are the battlegrounds.
Every day, in all our relationships, we are called to demonstrate to others the kindness God wants us to show them. NOT because we want something from them or because we think they like us or they've proved to be worthy of our response - but because they too were created by God and it is OUR responsibility to live bringing honor to God in a way that stirs something beautiful in those relationships.
Speaking kindly - even to those who have hurt you, even those who are hurting you now - is one of God's tool to break the hearts of stone and call them to greater understanding of their own need for companionship (with God ultimately) but also the need for true friends while we live here and now. Relationships can be a tricky and painful mess. There is much damage that can be done, much confusion, sadness and doubt. Yet when God is in the relationship there begins to be a small reflection of what heaven must be like. There is a deep bond created between people who can be loving and kind at all times - even when they need to confront each other on an issue. Dignity and worth are still maintained...a deep trust the other person still has your best interest at heart grows and flourishes and love becomes more powerful then any hurts or failures. You know true love when you are able to feel it even in the moments you are being challenged by a friend. All that grows out of a godly kindness.
True kindness is apparent - you can see it in the person's face, eyes and smile. You know when they are being genuine and you can't help but be affected by it. Harsh words tear down a relationship. They are like a poison that slowly kills from within. Kind words and deeds rebuild and heal many wounds. Our kindness to others can only be a small reflection of God's kindness to us. Each moment we have a choice. God created us to be in a relationship with Him and with the humans around us. To live and work as a community of people we need to get to know each other on a level that we can understand their needs and desires. We encourage one another, help each other in difficult times, protect each other and persevere together. In doing so we learn more about God, each other and ourselves then we can any other way.
We can never repay the debt He freed us from. Yet each day we can do our best to point others towards Him so they too can know the freedom from despair over the mess our lives are. This takes going through each moment of our day with a purpose in mind: letting our actions and speech reflect God's kindness - HOW can we build each other up - EVEN in those moments when we see someone doing things differently then we want or think they should do? HOW can we encourage them when they are weary, strengthen them when they are weak or confused and help protect them from the enemy's attacks when we are shaking our heads in disgust at the ways we see them messing up. God's kindness (which when full-blown grows to compassion. mercy and grace) comes to the person in their need and kindly says, "I am here to grieve with you as long as it takes, give you what you need even when I disagree, love you even when it hurts me --- all because God would have me do nothing less."
Yes, we are still in a battle. We fail all the time, every day. We hurt people without thinking - sometimes without realizing it. We know until our life ends we won't always triumph...and it can be discouraging until we remember we are freed from needing to strive for perfection. All we need to remember is God never gives up on us - He gives grace to us when we mess up and gives us grace to extend to others when they mess up. So we move on ---looking for opportunities to bear one another's burdens, speaking kindly to all, looking upon the outcast with love, and smiling, knowing we have a power within us that can break all the shackles that are seeking to paralyze us. One kind word is all it takes to save a person's life who could be standing on the brink of eternal destruction. We've all been there at one time or another. God has given us enormous capability to bring His life-changing kindness to a lost, hurting world. When we stay focused on Him we are better equipped to communicate God's kindness in a believable, even tangible way. Pray God will bring more awareness of the attitudes in your heart that keep you from living kindness in your relationships. God promises when we seek Him with all our heart we will find Him!!
We know the reputation of Mother Teresa was one of love, kindness and graciousness to those around her. It is definitely a worthy goal to strive for.
How can we even hope to get there?
We know we can't achieve perfection. In countless ways, every day, we fail to measure up to God's standard of perfection. God's kindness in creating us, sustaining us and redeeming us from our failures are undeserved. Yet He still desires us and He calls us to follow Him.
We know it goes so far beyond kindness, but for us it is a good starting place to dealing with our selfish and prideful attitudes. God is working to transform us and our hearts are the battlegrounds.
Every day, in all our relationships, we are called to demonstrate to others the kindness God wants us to show them. NOT because we want something from them or because we think they like us or they've proved to be worthy of our response - but because they too were created by God and it is OUR responsibility to live bringing honor to God in a way that stirs something beautiful in those relationships.
Speaking kindly - even to those who have hurt you, even those who are hurting you now - is one of God's tool to break the hearts of stone and call them to greater understanding of their own need for companionship (with God ultimately) but also the need for true friends while we live here and now. Relationships can be a tricky and painful mess. There is much damage that can be done, much confusion, sadness and doubt. Yet when God is in the relationship there begins to be a small reflection of what heaven must be like. There is a deep bond created between people who can be loving and kind at all times - even when they need to confront each other on an issue. Dignity and worth are still maintained...a deep trust the other person still has your best interest at heart grows and flourishes and love becomes more powerful then any hurts or failures. You know true love when you are able to feel it even in the moments you are being challenged by a friend. All that grows out of a godly kindness.
True kindness is apparent - you can see it in the person's face, eyes and smile. You know when they are being genuine and you can't help but be affected by it. Harsh words tear down a relationship. They are like a poison that slowly kills from within. Kind words and deeds rebuild and heal many wounds. Our kindness to others can only be a small reflection of God's kindness to us. Each moment we have a choice. God created us to be in a relationship with Him and with the humans around us. To live and work as a community of people we need to get to know each other on a level that we can understand their needs and desires. We encourage one another, help each other in difficult times, protect each other and persevere together. In doing so we learn more about God, each other and ourselves then we can any other way.
We can never repay the debt He freed us from. Yet each day we can do our best to point others towards Him so they too can know the freedom from despair over the mess our lives are. This takes going through each moment of our day with a purpose in mind: letting our actions and speech reflect God's kindness - HOW can we build each other up - EVEN in those moments when we see someone doing things differently then we want or think they should do? HOW can we encourage them when they are weary, strengthen them when they are weak or confused and help protect them from the enemy's attacks when we are shaking our heads in disgust at the ways we see them messing up. God's kindness (which when full-blown grows to compassion. mercy and grace) comes to the person in their need and kindly says, "I am here to grieve with you as long as it takes, give you what you need even when I disagree, love you even when it hurts me --- all because God would have me do nothing less."
Yes, we are still in a battle. We fail all the time, every day. We hurt people without thinking - sometimes without realizing it. We know until our life ends we won't always triumph...and it can be discouraging until we remember we are freed from needing to strive for perfection. All we need to remember is God never gives up on us - He gives grace to us when we mess up and gives us grace to extend to others when they mess up. So we move on ---looking for opportunities to bear one another's burdens, speaking kindly to all, looking upon the outcast with love, and smiling, knowing we have a power within us that can break all the shackles that are seeking to paralyze us. One kind word is all it takes to save a person's life who could be standing on the brink of eternal destruction. We've all been there at one time or another. God has given us enormous capability to bring His life-changing kindness to a lost, hurting world. When we stay focused on Him we are better equipped to communicate God's kindness in a believable, even tangible way. Pray God will bring more awareness of the attitudes in your heart that keep you from living kindness in your relationships. God promises when we seek Him with all our heart we will find Him!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Dreams - Renewed in God
Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. (Pastor) Dale E. Turner
Are dreams renewable?
Do we really believe that?
I think we'd all agree dreams are important to us. Dreams can get us through terrible ordeals. Dreams seem bigger then ourselves and our limitations. All of us have dreams. They are given to us for a reason. I'm not talking about all dreams - not the strange nonsense ones that sometimes come when sleeping. Yet some dreams while sleeping and dreams/goals/visions conceived while awake are placed on our hearts by God. What we do with them and how we view them are important.
Do dreams define who we are?
No, but the pursuit of them can define us. We can set good dreams but pursue them in unhealthy ways. We may achieve what we want but in the process leave behind hurting people who will have to pick up the pieces trying to understand what went wrong. A caring person looks at their dreams - and the dreams of those around them - and tries to make progress on their dreams without crashing other's dreams, and even at times tries to find a way to motivate others along the realization of their dreams -either by stopping progress of their dreams to help another or trying to juggle both at the same time.
Do we put our hope in our dreams?
NO! Dreams are a stepping stone to something greater - either a new/improved relationship, awareness of self-discovery, contribution to society, etc. Realizing dreams does result in some type of new beauty. Something has changed in a positive way - there is a triumph that is recognizable. Yet neither the pursuit nor the dream is something we should hope in. We can pursue our dreams in a healthy, Biblical manner and still not see them realized. We can know our dreams are appropriate Christian desires and find others trample over them. We can achieve some of our dreams and be more deeply affected by sadness that it wasn't really what we were looking for. It didn't fit the need we were so sure it would. Because dreams often become idols of being puffed up in ourselves - not achieving a goal in order to praise God that He allowed us all the necessary pieces to go after it and succeed. The hope isn't the dream or the pursuit of the dream. It's the One who gave us the dream.
It is really only in that context that dreams can be renewable. Dreams are often crushed by outside forces: illnesses, finances, people. Illnesses and finances are very real struggles that can make us question why. Yet when others have let us down the pain can be unbearable. All of these things bring the temptation to let dreams die. If everything seems against us --dreams feel like a chain weighing us down - saying here I am just out of your reach...what are you going to do about it??
We realize that sometimes just because a dream is a good dream isn't one we need to spend time fighting for. We decide another dream is more important to follow. Sometimes we regroup and attack the same dream - and succeed! We can say dreams teach us about the human spirit - and there is truth in that because dreams exist to teach us about ourselves...Ultimately what we have to learn about ourselves is that God is the One who leads us, grows us and sustains us. Apart from Him all our dreams would fail whether we acknowledge it or not and our lives would collapse in shambles.
At the current moment my dreams are in the re-evaluating phase. Renewing...What is going to be important to me? How am I going to go forward? I don't know what my dreams are going to look like. I don't know who will help me realize them. I know who holds my dreams. I know who holds me in those moments I feel hopeless. He is taking my broken dreams and reshaping them into something I've yet to comprehend. Something I can't see. Though the result is not yet realized I know His love is not holding back. He gives us dreams, so we can see what He is going to do. One day - we'll be amazed at what He made. The pain we knew will be a distant shadow - The dreams that went unrealized will be forgotten. The presence of dreams fulfilled will shine brilliantly and beautifully in the light of the Son - an everlasting testimony of grace and mercy.
Are dreams renewable?
Do we really believe that?
I think we'd all agree dreams are important to us. Dreams can get us through terrible ordeals. Dreams seem bigger then ourselves and our limitations. All of us have dreams. They are given to us for a reason. I'm not talking about all dreams - not the strange nonsense ones that sometimes come when sleeping. Yet some dreams while sleeping and dreams/goals/visions conceived while awake are placed on our hearts by God. What we do with them and how we view them are important.
Do dreams define who we are?
No, but the pursuit of them can define us. We can set good dreams but pursue them in unhealthy ways. We may achieve what we want but in the process leave behind hurting people who will have to pick up the pieces trying to understand what went wrong. A caring person looks at their dreams - and the dreams of those around them - and tries to make progress on their dreams without crashing other's dreams, and even at times tries to find a way to motivate others along the realization of their dreams -either by stopping progress of their dreams to help another or trying to juggle both at the same time.
Do we put our hope in our dreams?
NO! Dreams are a stepping stone to something greater - either a new/improved relationship, awareness of self-discovery, contribution to society, etc. Realizing dreams does result in some type of new beauty. Something has changed in a positive way - there is a triumph that is recognizable. Yet neither the pursuit nor the dream is something we should hope in. We can pursue our dreams in a healthy, Biblical manner and still not see them realized. We can know our dreams are appropriate Christian desires and find others trample over them. We can achieve some of our dreams and be more deeply affected by sadness that it wasn't really what we were looking for. It didn't fit the need we were so sure it would. Because dreams often become idols of being puffed up in ourselves - not achieving a goal in order to praise God that He allowed us all the necessary pieces to go after it and succeed. The hope isn't the dream or the pursuit of the dream. It's the One who gave us the dream.
It is really only in that context that dreams can be renewable. Dreams are often crushed by outside forces: illnesses, finances, people. Illnesses and finances are very real struggles that can make us question why. Yet when others have let us down the pain can be unbearable. All of these things bring the temptation to let dreams die. If everything seems against us --dreams feel like a chain weighing us down - saying here I am just out of your reach...what are you going to do about it??
We realize that sometimes just because a dream is a good dream isn't one we need to spend time fighting for. We decide another dream is more important to follow. Sometimes we regroup and attack the same dream - and succeed! We can say dreams teach us about the human spirit - and there is truth in that because dreams exist to teach us about ourselves...Ultimately what we have to learn about ourselves is that God is the One who leads us, grows us and sustains us. Apart from Him all our dreams would fail whether we acknowledge it or not and our lives would collapse in shambles.
At the current moment my dreams are in the re-evaluating phase. Renewing...What is going to be important to me? How am I going to go forward? I don't know what my dreams are going to look like. I don't know who will help me realize them. I know who holds my dreams. I know who holds me in those moments I feel hopeless. He is taking my broken dreams and reshaping them into something I've yet to comprehend. Something I can't see. Though the result is not yet realized I know His love is not holding back. He gives us dreams, so we can see what He is going to do. One day - we'll be amazed at what He made. The pain we knew will be a distant shadow - The dreams that went unrealized will be forgotten. The presence of dreams fulfilled will shine brilliantly and beautifully in the light of the Son - an everlasting testimony of grace and mercy.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Proverbs
I should take the time to go hunt down the handout from the Sunday School class on Proverbs so if anyone stumbles onto this post (which seems unlikely with no one knowing about my blog) they can benefit from the excellent teaching on the books of the Bible we're going through at church.
Maybe I'll do that later on this week when it's not already late and I'm tired...
Quote for the day:
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13
I've often heard the "fake it until you make it" quote from people who know that it is hard to act happy when you aren't but in time acting like you are happy can make you happy. This Bible verse is actually talking about the opposite. It is talking about a person who is already living with the joy God brings into lives...When the heart is joyful it spills out of the person. You can't really hide deep joy. People can be happy and have it not be noticeable at times...but joy - that is a much deeper state of being. Filled with contentment, filled with appreciation for blessings, filled with admiration of beauty, filled with love of others...these things can't be hidden. The persons face will show a true delight in the situations and environments they are in.
People love to be around those people!!
I felt yukky this weekend and didn't sleep well so I'm getting tired...I'm going to finish adding to this post tomorrow...
Maybe I'll do that later on this week when it's not already late and I'm tired...
Quote for the day:
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13
I've often heard the "fake it until you make it" quote from people who know that it is hard to act happy when you aren't but in time acting like you are happy can make you happy. This Bible verse is actually talking about the opposite. It is talking about a person who is already living with the joy God brings into lives...When the heart is joyful it spills out of the person. You can't really hide deep joy. People can be happy and have it not be noticeable at times...but joy - that is a much deeper state of being. Filled with contentment, filled with appreciation for blessings, filled with admiration of beauty, filled with love of others...these things can't be hidden. The persons face will show a true delight in the situations and environments they are in.
People love to be around those people!!
I felt yukky this weekend and didn't sleep well so I'm getting tired...I'm going to finish adding to this post tomorrow...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A late Easter Poem
Splinters by PumpkinsMomma April 11th, 2010 (just finished writing it!)
She sinks to the floor with tears in her eyes
A splinter of pain pierces her heart
While the demons inside rip her apart
She waits for her inevitable demise
Is there anyone who'll search for her?
Will anyone love the unworthy one?
Is there anyone who'll save her?
Or will she become undone?
Time passes on and the splinter recedes
She's knows it's still there
Yet it less freely bleeds
A glimmer of hope grows in the air.
New strength carries her through a new day
Until under darkness the thief takes it away.
Fresh splinters prick her skin
Working their way ever deeper within
With relentless precision they damage every good place
Until the only survivor is utter disgrace.
Is there anyone who'll reach out to her?
Will anyone love the repulsive one?
Is there anyone who'll comfort her?
Or will she stay undone?
As the nail's driven in a splinter is formed
Tears for her suffering fall to the earth
From death comes rebirth -
a woman transformed
a woman of worth
Her body is frail and her wounds are still present
Yet when her splinters attack she is not shaken
Freed from the effects of unyielding torment
She is never forsaken
Out of His love flows her strength and power
She was saved from her dark hour
Tears and blood for her suffering fall to the earth
From death comes rebirth -
a woman transformed
a woman of worth
Her body is frail and her wounds are still present
Yet when her splinters attack she is not shaken
Freed from the effects of unyielding torment
She is never forsaken
Out of His love flows her strength and power
She was saved from her dark hour
Time passes on and the splinters recede
She's knows they're still there
Yet they less freely bleed
Love echoes grace into the air --
You're no longer undone
You're my beautiful one.
She sinks to the floor with tears in her eyes
A splinter of pain pierces her heart
While the demons inside rip her apart
She waits for her inevitable demise
Is there anyone who'll search for her?
Will anyone love the unworthy one?
Is there anyone who'll save her?
Or will she become undone?
Time passes on and the splinter recedes
She's knows it's still there
Yet it less freely bleeds
A glimmer of hope grows in the air.
New strength carries her through a new day
Until under darkness the thief takes it away.
Fresh splinters prick her skin
Working their way ever deeper within
With relentless precision they damage every good place
Until the only survivor is utter disgrace.
Is there anyone who'll reach out to her?
Will anyone love the repulsive one?
Is there anyone who'll comfort her?
Or will she stay undone?
As the nail's driven in a splinter is formed
Tears for her suffering fall to the earth
From death comes rebirth -
a woman transformed
a woman of worth
Her body is frail and her wounds are still present
Yet when her splinters attack she is not shaken
Freed from the effects of unyielding torment
She is never forsaken
Out of His love flows her strength and power
She was saved from her dark hour
Tears and blood for her suffering fall to the earth
From death comes rebirth -
a woman transformed
a woman of worth
Her body is frail and her wounds are still present
Yet when her splinters attack she is not shaken
Freed from the effects of unyielding torment
She is never forsaken
Out of His love flows her strength and power
She was saved from her dark hour
Time passes on and the splinters recede
She's knows they're still there
Yet they less freely bleed
Love echoes grace into the air --
You're no longer undone
You're my beautiful one.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Busy! Quick Entry....
So, I've written a lot of things in my journal but haven't had time to post them yet. I will back date them when I do just in case you wonder when I originally wrote them :)
In the meantime I will post this poem I wrote on the 23rd - as I was continuing to contemplate my post from March 20th. Here it is....
Power - March 23rd, 2010
What events that lie behind us do not last
Their power has diminished
For the past has passed
What events that lie before us are not yet sure
Their existence is fragile
Only what occurs is of the future
Power lies in this current day
As each moment presents a choice
Crying out in a loud voice
Desperate to steal your life away.
Cling to the cross for your power
Truth breaks the chains that strip you bare
Freedom can be found in your dark hour
When on your knees you fall in prayer.
by PumpkinsMomma
In the meantime I will post this poem I wrote on the 23rd - as I was continuing to contemplate my post from March 20th. Here it is....
Power - March 23rd, 2010
What events that lie behind us do not last
Their power has diminished
For the past has passed
What events that lie before us are not yet sure
Their existence is fragile
Only what occurs is of the future
Power lies in this current day
As each moment presents a choice
Crying out in a loud voice
Desperate to steal your life away.
Cling to the cross for your power
Truth breaks the chains that strip you bare
Freedom can be found in your dark hour
When on your knees you fall in prayer.
by PumpkinsMomma
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Impossible Part 2
Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Francis of Assissi
More to come soon......
Francis of Assissi
More to come soon......
Friday, March 26, 2010
Impossible
The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke
Today's questions: Does truth exist apart from Christianity - meaning do we own the market on truth? Is there really such a thing as the secular world? Don't we all have areas of our life we try to keep God from? When it comes to the worlds assumptions and views of life somehow our faith still comes into play. We may temporarily adopt views of the world that are not Biblical. We often know when something doesn't seem right, we just don't have the answer as to what it could be. Somehow our faith is still there - working it out - trying to wrestle with it. Sometimes we try to ignore the answer when we realize it probably isn't what we want to hear. But God says we all have the truth made known to us.
All of us humans were created in His image. In some way we reflect a part of Him. So no, we don't have to be a Christian to be able to recognize and speak truth, even if we don't recognize it as HIS truth. Think about this quote above. Arthur Clarke is famous for his sci fi stories. Most sci fi writers aren't known for great faith. Wikipedia attributes his view on religion (ANY religion) as not favorable.
Yet his quote is true (mostly - not sure if I would say only). We push our bodies and minds to the limits - and once we achieve them we realize what we thought was impossible was not. Technology and other modern inventions, scientific breakthroughs, human feats of extreme endurance...all these things happen because someone somewhere thought something was impossible and decided to try anyways. We know from countless stories from others - and some of our own lives too - that even failure doesn't mean something is impossible. Failure turns to triumph through perseverance.
Matthew 19:24-26
| And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. |
| When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? |
| But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. |
Truth can come from unlikely places. God designed us to show it to each other. We need to take the time to evaluate what we see and hear so we can recognize the truth. And when we see truth we should take it to heart and rejoice in it. God gave us a desire to continually grow and learn and have truth revealed to us in new ways. One of those ways is by attempting the impossible and overcoming it. We should be careful to realize that He is the one who gave us those desires and grants us the successes or not. Though we are able to learn and attempt new things, they do not come ultimately from us.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Break....
Taking a break for a couple days. Just need some time to pray about specific situations instead of spending time blogging about quotes. Back soon.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Power
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is a classic reminder to the Christian that GOD is the one who accomplishes all things. It is somewhat a mystery. God loves us despite us being selfish, unworthy people. God saves us so we will be with Him forever. While we wait for that day, God brings us through life in such a way that we are constantly making choices for or against Him. Those choices affect our day to day life.
The past does have influence over us - power to hurt and power to keep us locked up in prisons...but not really. We get stuck there because we overlook the truth. We don't see or believe or focus on the fact that WE choose to dwell on things that have hurt. There is a FINE line between dealing with pain from past events without unhealthily (is that a word?) crossing over into nursing grudges, pity parties and other unforgiving behavior. Getting stuck in WHY did this happen only prolongs the pain and makes it grow
The future also has influence over us - yet in theory if anything was going to have power over us the future should have much less power then the past. These are things that haven't happened yet. (So why are we worrying about it?) One of my closest non-Christian friends in college stated it this way - It all comes to a lack of trust that whatever is out there providing good things for us will run out of good things to provide - or that we will fall out of favor so not deserve those good things anymore. We are a skeptical people! That's just those who've had fairly good experiences in life...Then think of those who have had an overwhelming amount of negative past experiences - to them the future seems bleak and hopeless - filled with doubt that there will ever be positive events and relationships that could heal the wounds, meet needs and provide any amount of security. None of us are immune to doubt or worry. Fear takes hold and grows and changes the way people relate to each other. The ability to easily trust is cast aside because we are so certain the future will be filled with hurt and pain that we can't see how we should respond or are so paralyzed we can't motivate ourselves to accomplish it.
That is where the power within can break through.
If pain and fear were people they would be twins, both apprearing with a towering, muscular physique. They dwarf everything around him. Their strength and power is harmful and frightening. A scowl on their face lets you know there is no mercy to be found.
How do we escape their grasp?
We are called to move forward - keeping our eyes on Jesus - not always looking behind at the events that have transpired or dwelling on uncertain things of the future. Such a perspective seems impossible to do.
Both the past and the future are tiny matters when viewed with the knowledge that God holds all things in his hands. He shaped us lovingly. He keeps death from us as long as he wishes. He provides blessings for us. And when those rough times come He is still there for us and still loves us and continues working in our lives. When we look to Him the giants become smaller. We are better able to relate to each other in positive ways. We can more easily forgive others when they have hurt us. Life is less scary when we don't allow those things to weigh us down. When we feel pain or fear creep up and realize we are looking ahead or behind we need to stop and reorient ourselves to looking up to God. When we ask for His help getting through the rough times His power and strength is able to work through us the things we wouldn't normally be able to do on our own. The knowledge of His power is a comforting thing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is a classic reminder to the Christian that GOD is the one who accomplishes all things. It is somewhat a mystery. God loves us despite us being selfish, unworthy people. God saves us so we will be with Him forever. While we wait for that day, God brings us through life in such a way that we are constantly making choices for or against Him. Those choices affect our day to day life.
The past does have influence over us - power to hurt and power to keep us locked up in prisons...but not really. We get stuck there because we overlook the truth. We don't see or believe or focus on the fact that WE choose to dwell on things that have hurt. There is a FINE line between dealing with pain from past events without unhealthily (is that a word?) crossing over into nursing grudges, pity parties and other unforgiving behavior. Getting stuck in WHY did this happen only prolongs the pain and makes it grow
The future also has influence over us - yet in theory if anything was going to have power over us the future should have much less power then the past. These are things that haven't happened yet. (So why are we worrying about it?) One of my closest non-Christian friends in college stated it this way - It all comes to a lack of trust that whatever is out there providing good things for us will run out of good things to provide - or that we will fall out of favor so not deserve those good things anymore. We are a skeptical people! That's just those who've had fairly good experiences in life...Then think of those who have had an overwhelming amount of negative past experiences - to them the future seems bleak and hopeless - filled with doubt that there will ever be positive events and relationships that could heal the wounds, meet needs and provide any amount of security. None of us are immune to doubt or worry. Fear takes hold and grows and changes the way people relate to each other. The ability to easily trust is cast aside because we are so certain the future will be filled with hurt and pain that we can't see how we should respond or are so paralyzed we can't motivate ourselves to accomplish it.
That is where the power within can break through.
If pain and fear were people they would be twins, both apprearing with a towering, muscular physique. They dwarf everything around him. Their strength and power is harmful and frightening. A scowl on their face lets you know there is no mercy to be found.
How do we escape their grasp?
We are called to move forward - keeping our eyes on Jesus - not always looking behind at the events that have transpired or dwelling on uncertain things of the future. Such a perspective seems impossible to do.
Both the past and the future are tiny matters when viewed with the knowledge that God holds all things in his hands. He shaped us lovingly. He keeps death from us as long as he wishes. He provides blessings for us. And when those rough times come He is still there for us and still loves us and continues working in our lives. When we look to Him the giants become smaller. We are better able to relate to each other in positive ways. We can more easily forgive others when they have hurt us. Life is less scary when we don't allow those things to weigh us down. When we feel pain or fear creep up and realize we are looking ahead or behind we need to stop and reorient ourselves to looking up to God. When we ask for His help getting through the rough times His power and strength is able to work through us the things we wouldn't normally be able to do on our own. The knowledge of His power is a comforting thing.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Influences
Life is full of people who will make you laugh, cry, smile until your face hurts, and so happy that you think you'll burst. But the ones who leave their footprints on your soul are the ones who keep your life going.
Natalie Bernot
Google only came up with pages and pages of quotes by this lady with no mention of information about her...the other references were to a high school athlete. So no background here to help me understand this lady's life. But with this quote the context probably doesn't matte all that much....
This quote really strikes me. It sends me back down memory lane - thinking of those times in my life when I'm genuinely laughed or smiled until my face hurt (those times are few and far between - usually just faint glimmers of hope in a sea of pain and difficulty. There is an exception of a couple ladies who have had this gift of being able to always relate to me in the way I needed at any given moment. It was truly amazing to experience that and I hope I will again in the future.)
I can definitely recall countless people who've brought tears to my eyes and times when I've thought those tears would never stop and I'd drown in them.
There have been those hopeful moments like graduation, marriage and my children's birth when I could literally feel my heart swell with joy.
I am sure we all could look back and see the peaks and valleys, highs and lows, triumphs and struggles. Our experiences are filled with love and hate, joy and loss, trust and fear. Those struggles are affected by the people in our lives, both uplifting influences and detrimental at times. People come and go in our lives like actors on a stage. We see them for a time and then they are gone. Sometimes they reappear, sometimes they are lost forever. Moving around from place to place - changes for various reasons. It is sad to see some strong friendships fade due to time and distance - even more so if sad circumstances pull friends apart. Regardless of the reason, letting go of something special is hard to do when it's meant so much to us. We want to hold on and cling to not just the memories, but the people.
Because we know to the core of our soul that we need companionship. We need love and hope and acceptance. We need those kind words when the walls are caving in and we are struggling to breathe. We need to know when we mess up we are still loved and not alone.
I have been blessed to have known a few people in my life who have left their footprints on me. One unlikely person taught me at a young age that anyone can be that person in your life. A couple others have reinforced many of the things that man taught me. In my life, the ones who left a mark where the ones that not only said but acted in a way to dispel any doubt that I am ok just the way I am...there is nothing that could make them not love me. They supported me with kindness and gentleness when I was afraid. They sometimes firmly but tenderly pushed a little when I needed it...all while still communicating unconditional love and confident patience that in times of conflict I would eventually reach that better place we hoped for. Those are the ones that didn't just make me feel like I was a better person, they made me BE a better person. In the moments when doubt was seeking total control, fear was overwhelming and pain was closer than my shadow, they communicated the very heart of God Himself to me and helped give me more courage, strength and will to fight.
We could surely make a difference in many lives dealing with all the pain going on in the world if we committed ourselves to do the hard and unselfish things - even when it hurts us. A willingness to die to self out of love for another who's struggling, hurting, crying out is the heart of what God did for us - the heart of what He wants us to do for others. We come in contact with many hurting people each day. May we all open our eyes to those around us and put aside our desires to be the one in their lives to leave a footprint on their soul.
Natalie Bernot
Google only came up with pages and pages of quotes by this lady with no mention of information about her...the other references were to a high school athlete. So no background here to help me understand this lady's life. But with this quote the context probably doesn't matte all that much....
This quote really strikes me. It sends me back down memory lane - thinking of those times in my life when I'm genuinely laughed or smiled until my face hurt (those times are few and far between - usually just faint glimmers of hope in a sea of pain and difficulty. There is an exception of a couple ladies who have had this gift of being able to always relate to me in the way I needed at any given moment. It was truly amazing to experience that and I hope I will again in the future.)
I can definitely recall countless people who've brought tears to my eyes and times when I've thought those tears would never stop and I'd drown in them.
There have been those hopeful moments like graduation, marriage and my children's birth when I could literally feel my heart swell with joy.
I am sure we all could look back and see the peaks and valleys, highs and lows, triumphs and struggles. Our experiences are filled with love and hate, joy and loss, trust and fear. Those struggles are affected by the people in our lives, both uplifting influences and detrimental at times. People come and go in our lives like actors on a stage. We see them for a time and then they are gone. Sometimes they reappear, sometimes they are lost forever. Moving around from place to place - changes for various reasons. It is sad to see some strong friendships fade due to time and distance - even more so if sad circumstances pull friends apart. Regardless of the reason, letting go of something special is hard to do when it's meant so much to us. We want to hold on and cling to not just the memories, but the people.
Because we know to the core of our soul that we need companionship. We need love and hope and acceptance. We need those kind words when the walls are caving in and we are struggling to breathe. We need to know when we mess up we are still loved and not alone.
I have been blessed to have known a few people in my life who have left their footprints on me. One unlikely person taught me at a young age that anyone can be that person in your life. A couple others have reinforced many of the things that man taught me. In my life, the ones who left a mark where the ones that not only said but acted in a way to dispel any doubt that I am ok just the way I am...there is nothing that could make them not love me. They supported me with kindness and gentleness when I was afraid. They sometimes firmly but tenderly pushed a little when I needed it...all while still communicating unconditional love and confident patience that in times of conflict I would eventually reach that better place we hoped for. Those are the ones that didn't just make me feel like I was a better person, they made me BE a better person. In the moments when doubt was seeking total control, fear was overwhelming and pain was closer than my shadow, they communicated the very heart of God Himself to me and helped give me more courage, strength and will to fight.
We could surely make a difference in many lives dealing with all the pain going on in the world if we committed ourselves to do the hard and unselfish things - even when it hurts us. A willingness to die to self out of love for another who's struggling, hurting, crying out is the heart of what God did for us - the heart of what He wants us to do for others. We come in contact with many hurting people each day. May we all open our eyes to those around us and put aside our desires to be the one in their lives to leave a footprint on their soul.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Freedom
When we move as God's hand guides us, safely under His wings, we will soar to new places and heights.
Sheryl Lynn Hill
(I discovered she is an author of a book celebrating the relationship between a mother and daughter and is currently working on another book.)
How else can it be stated but that trusting in God is an exercise of faith. There are countless times and ways God blesses His people. Is it dependent on our actions and trust in Him? Nope. In some ways that is a comfort - we don't have to DO things to earn blessings from Him...Yet it can also be a source of frustration - at times we may wonder if He REALLY loves us then why did the thing we most not want to happen still occur? Life is a journey - a roller coaster of ups and downs. We can't figure out the mind of God - why He decides to provide what we desire OR why He decides not to.
I'm sure I'm not alone in having times when I think I know what He wants from me but I don't understand WHY. Is it true that if we follow His guidance we are safe? Exactly what type of safety?
The quick answer to this is in some way when we follow God we are safe from discipline and from some types of pain. But not in all ways across the board. We live in a world of sin and are affected by others actions, not just our own. We may do everything right in a situation but due to others can be deeply wounded...and sometimes even be in a position of insecurity. Yet as God's children we do have a promise of future safety. Jesus lived a perfect life out of love and obedience to the Father. He endured great pain, shame (in the eyes of others) and felt the separation / alienation of the most important relationship to Him. His safety was taken away from HIM - so that WE can be forgiven our sins, be restored to companionship and grasp assurance of eternal safety. Do we always feel safe? Nope...Does it change the fact that God is powerful and as I said before holds onto us even when we can't hold onto Him? Nope. Nothing gets in His way!
So......How do we view the minor things / the major things that happen each day? The strong feelings they stir in us?
Yes, there is a real sense in when we are truly trusting in God - that those minor and major events don't harm us as much. There is a protection around us. Like the Psalmist says - Thou O Lord are a shield about me, you're my glory, the lifter of my head.
HE gets us through the rough days. He gives us courage and strength to keep going. Knowing that God loves us enough to move us beyond our fears, pain and confusion does show us new discoveries about ourselves, about others, about Him...We do reach new heights and places.
Sheryl's reference to wings and soaring in the quote reminds me of the Bible passage in Isaiah (Ch 40:30-31) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We all have times we are discouraged, tired, even about to give up. God presence is a comfort in those times. We wait for Him to guide us. We speak when we need to, be silent when we need to, stop or move when we need to. Is it always going to happen that we feel safe or know what we should do? No - sometimes there is so much in the way it's hard to discern truth. Is it still there? Yes. Eventually if we keep looking and waiting - We'll find it. Waiting is hard - but the blessings that come from it teach us, grow us and indeed give us strength. Imagine such a trust and faith and hope that all trouble seem to fade away - they become so light that you can fly and leave them behind! It is a beautiful picture of freedom....one that we only know in part here, but one day will know the full effect of what we've been granted. It's almost exciting enough to make it hard to wait :) - I BET it will be worth it!
(Back later to edit)
Sheryl Lynn Hill
(I discovered she is an author of a book celebrating the relationship between a mother and daughter and is currently working on another book.)
How else can it be stated but that trusting in God is an exercise of faith. There are countless times and ways God blesses His people. Is it dependent on our actions and trust in Him? Nope. In some ways that is a comfort - we don't have to DO things to earn blessings from Him...Yet it can also be a source of frustration - at times we may wonder if He REALLY loves us then why did the thing we most not want to happen still occur? Life is a journey - a roller coaster of ups and downs. We can't figure out the mind of God - why He decides to provide what we desire OR why He decides not to.
I'm sure I'm not alone in having times when I think I know what He wants from me but I don't understand WHY. Is it true that if we follow His guidance we are safe? Exactly what type of safety?
The quick answer to this is in some way when we follow God we are safe from discipline and from some types of pain. But not in all ways across the board. We live in a world of sin and are affected by others actions, not just our own. We may do everything right in a situation but due to others can be deeply wounded...and sometimes even be in a position of insecurity. Yet as God's children we do have a promise of future safety. Jesus lived a perfect life out of love and obedience to the Father. He endured great pain, shame (in the eyes of others) and felt the separation / alienation of the most important relationship to Him. His safety was taken away from HIM - so that WE can be forgiven our sins, be restored to companionship and grasp assurance of eternal safety. Do we always feel safe? Nope...Does it change the fact that God is powerful and as I said before holds onto us even when we can't hold onto Him? Nope. Nothing gets in His way!
So......How do we view the minor things / the major things that happen each day? The strong feelings they stir in us?
Yes, there is a real sense in when we are truly trusting in God - that those minor and major events don't harm us as much. There is a protection around us. Like the Psalmist says - Thou O Lord are a shield about me, you're my glory, the lifter of my head.
HE gets us through the rough days. He gives us courage and strength to keep going. Knowing that God loves us enough to move us beyond our fears, pain and confusion does show us new discoveries about ourselves, about others, about Him...We do reach new heights and places.
Sheryl's reference to wings and soaring in the quote reminds me of the Bible passage in Isaiah (Ch 40:30-31) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We all have times we are discouraged, tired, even about to give up. God presence is a comfort in those times. We wait for Him to guide us. We speak when we need to, be silent when we need to, stop or move when we need to. Is it always going to happen that we feel safe or know what we should do? No - sometimes there is so much in the way it's hard to discern truth. Is it still there? Yes. Eventually if we keep looking and waiting - We'll find it. Waiting is hard - but the blessings that come from it teach us, grow us and indeed give us strength. Imagine such a trust and faith and hope that all trouble seem to fade away - they become so light that you can fly and leave them behind! It is a beautiful picture of freedom....one that we only know in part here, but one day will know the full effect of what we've been granted. It's almost exciting enough to make it hard to wait :) - I BET it will be worth it!
(Back later to edit)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Simplicity is Rarely Achievable
While our hearts are pure, our lives are happy and our peace is sure.
William Winter
I'm totally drawing a blank on thoughts for this one. I googled this guy and don't know who he is - he could be a 16th century naval officer, 20th century writer or currently living lawyer or football player.
So in trying to guess the intent of his thoughts he seems to be saying that if we are without sin we will be happy and peaceful. Maybe I'm currently too pessimistic but that doesn't seem possible for more then a few minutes to hours (to be pure - not the happy peaceful part). Seriously, I can't get through one day without sinning in thought word or deed. I assume I'm not the only one.
Can we be happy and peaceful when we aren't pure? Well, that's an interesting spiritual struggle. God has saved us from our sins so I think it is possible to be relieved that we won't have eternal consequences for our bad decisions and to experience some level of peace and even happiness. Yet as His children we should also be discontent to continue in inappropriate behavior, so we should still feel dissatisfaction with our sin when we know we aren't pure of heart.
What about when our hearts are pure in a circumstance and others have been the ones to hurt us - can we still be happy and peaceful? (Thinking of Job in the Bible and other experiences friends and I have been through) I think it IS possible, though it's very hard. It takes a lot of work to maintain an attitude of peace and happiness during difficulties. When others let us down or treat us in ways we believe God doesn't want us to be treated there is a tension between how to view the events and how to respond (whether to be silent or not).
So in general I'm not too fond of this guys quote. We should be striving to have a pure heart. We should be asking God to give us peace and happiness but it isn't as simple as this guy makes it out to be...and it sorta seems like trying to work ourselves to the security that only God grants - and that security doesn't depend on whether we are pure or not. If that was the case none of us would EVER know happiness or peace. Anyone else have thoughts on this quote?
William Winter
I'm totally drawing a blank on thoughts for this one. I googled this guy and don't know who he is - he could be a 16th century naval officer, 20th century writer or currently living lawyer or football player.
So in trying to guess the intent of his thoughts he seems to be saying that if we are without sin we will be happy and peaceful. Maybe I'm currently too pessimistic but that doesn't seem possible for more then a few minutes to hours (to be pure - not the happy peaceful part). Seriously, I can't get through one day without sinning in thought word or deed. I assume I'm not the only one.
Can we be happy and peaceful when we aren't pure? Well, that's an interesting spiritual struggle. God has saved us from our sins so I think it is possible to be relieved that we won't have eternal consequences for our bad decisions and to experience some level of peace and even happiness. Yet as His children we should also be discontent to continue in inappropriate behavior, so we should still feel dissatisfaction with our sin when we know we aren't pure of heart.
What about when our hearts are pure in a circumstance and others have been the ones to hurt us - can we still be happy and peaceful? (Thinking of Job in the Bible and other experiences friends and I have been through) I think it IS possible, though it's very hard. It takes a lot of work to maintain an attitude of peace and happiness during difficulties. When others let us down or treat us in ways we believe God doesn't want us to be treated there is a tension between how to view the events and how to respond (whether to be silent or not).
So in general I'm not too fond of this guys quote. We should be striving to have a pure heart. We should be asking God to give us peace and happiness but it isn't as simple as this guy makes it out to be...and it sorta seems like trying to work ourselves to the security that only God grants - and that security doesn't depend on whether we are pure or not. If that was the case none of us would EVER know happiness or peace. Anyone else have thoughts on this quote?
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