Thank you to all who have served in the past and are serving now.
Happy Memorial Day
Month: May 2010
A Rock With A View
This week, my hubby and I went hiking with 2 dear friends at a fabulous place in the lower Catskill mountains, Mohonk Mountain House. It’s one of the places that you really have to see to believe, a pristine lake atop a mountain surrounded by hundreds of acres of hiking trails.
this is the view we saw from SkyTop
Tony and Alan hiked the difficult path through the Labyrinth, Lemon Squeeze and the Crevice to reach Sky Top.
Dawn and I took a steep, but easier walking trail to the summit leaving us time to rest a bit along the cliff edge. Dawn was enthralled with the view, especially when she saw a hawk below her. “I’ve never seen a hawk from above before!”
Up on a pinnacle, we were given a tiny glimpse of what God sees all the time. From our normal vantage point, all we can see is the hawk’s underbelly. Our point of view is so limited, but God’s view from above is all-encompassing.
When we struggle to understand, it’s because we can only see what’s right around us. We are unable to see the bigger picture. When the ark finally rested on the mountains at Ararat, water still surrounded Noah and his loved ones. It was months before the water decreased and the mountaintops were visible, and weeks after that when Noah first sent out a raven, then a dove, to see if the water had receeded. Even after the dove returned with olive leaf proof, Noah waited. Even after he saw the dry surface of the ground with his own eyes, he waited. A month later, not just the surface, but the whole earth was dry, yet Noah waited. He waited to leave the ark until he heard from God.
When Tony & Alan scrambled through the crevice, they couldn’t see the summit. At times, they couldn’t see where to take the next step. But they had a trail map to guide them. When we are ark-bound, unable to see beyond our immediate circumstances, it may seem that there is no hope, no sure footing to stand on. But God’s promises are as sure a foundation as there is. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Ps. 18:2.
Mohonk’s gift shop sells a book, “A Rock With A View.” Surely, our Lord Himself is a Rock with a view.
How is your view today, my friend? Are you limited in what you can see? Can you trust that He who keeps the planets in motion keeps you in the palm of His hand?
Twitter Faith
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Last year, I got to observe first hand birds building a nest. From building the nest, to nuturing the babes, to the miracle of flight, I witnessed it all, right through my window on the world – my front door.
This year, the birds have decided to set up camp someplace else. Not that I’ve seen them. Nope, haven’t seen a thing. Wouldn’t even know they’re around. Except for one thing. I hear them. The tweeting, the cooing, the fluttering. Only this time, it’s behind a wall inside a chimney.
How do I know what they’re doing if I can’t see them?
Based on prior experience, I know. I don’t need to see them to know what they’re doing this year because of my experience last year. I have faith that what I’m hearing is what I’ve seen before.
God defines faith as substance of things hoped for, things NOT seen. But faith is not blind. It’s based upon evidence.
- We have previous, personal experiences where God revealed Himself to us. He gave us hope in dire times, peace in troublesome times, love in lonely times.
- We have the eye witness testimony of our friends, loved ones, fellow believers who have encountered His presence, provision, protection.
- Even with no prior experience, we can have faith based on the accounts of the saints (Hebrews 11) and others, and Jesus Himself speaks to us, encouraging us to “Remember the words I spoke to you…” John 15:20
The word “remember” appears 233 times in the Bible. Even though there are things that God forgets (thankfully!), we are instructed to remember the times that He was faithful to us and base our faith on His faithfulness. Repeatedly, we’re told He will never leave us or forsake us.
When we can’t see through the fog, we can believe the road is still there.
When we can’t see past the stones bombarding us, we can rely on the One who is the solid Rock.
When we can’t see what the future holds, we can trust the One who holds the future.
I’m not the only one who has faith that the birds, though unseen, are there, building away. My dog can’t see the birds, but she sure can hear them. Between the cooing, the fluttering, the tweeting, and the barking, it is a veritable cacophony of sounds, an orchestra from God.
Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark.
Beloved, is it dark where you are today?
Can you trust that He will bring you the dawn?
Wrinkled Ladies
Beyonce has nothing on Anita Renfro and us wrinkled ladies!!
I often lament my wrinkles. They started to reveal their ugly selves when I was in my 30’s. The only benefit to those additional creeping pounds from my 40’s is that my wrinkles smoothed out a bit. I heard somewhere that middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.
I often lament my wrinkles. They started to reveal their ugly selves when I was in my 30’s. The only benefit to those additional creeping pounds from my 40’s is that my wrinkles smoothed out a bit. I heard somewhere that middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.
My mother-in-law is 92 (don’t tell her I told you), but the woman has NO wrinkles. Really! And don’t tell me that worrying give you wrinkles. It’s her hobby. She’d win the gold if worrying was an Olympic event, yet her face is as smooth as it was 40 years ago. There oughta be a law!
I, on the other hand, am not a worrier, but have a lovely wrinkle collection! They say wrinkles are just “antique smiles.” Who knew I was an antique collector??
Someday though, I’ll be wrinkle-free!! Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Eph. 5:25-28
When I wash stuff, I create wrinkles, but when He does the cleansing, He removes them! Along with all our other imperfections. Can I hear an Amen?
On a weirdly similar theme, the winners of the book giveaway “Who Calls Me Beautiful?—Finding Our True Image in the Mirror of God” are Karen Lange from Write Now, Jeanette Levellie from Audience of One and Cecelia, Quiet Spirit from Following My King. You are each so special and encouraging to me. Thank you!
Mothers Day … Shmothers Day!
I confess. I have a love/hate relationship with Mother’s Day. For too many years, it represented struggle. Then I became a mom. Still some struggle to be sure, but at last I discovered what it meant to be a child of God – for in my love for my child, I got a glimpse of the unabashed, uncompromising, unconditional, unending love that my Father has for me.
Of course, comparing what I am to what I feel I ought to be (the Proverbs 31 model) leaves me feeling less than best.
This year, I found myself getting stressed out because I wanted to share a brilliant Mother’s Day message to encourage you, but just couldn’t get it together in time. I read a really great post over at my friend, Jody Hedlund, about being (or not being) a supermom. She’s a gifted homeschooling, writing, supermom of 5, but here’s a snippet of what she had to say:
- “When I really stop to think about all my friends, I realize each of them is a super-mom in their own unique way. We all have unique gifts and abilities. Each of us puts forth incredible amounts of effort and dedication to our talents.”
I wanted to write a post as good as hers.
But I didn’t.
And there’s this quote that I wanted to share:
- “Every good mother, sooner or later, must understand she is denied ownership; she is merely granted stewardship.” T.D.Jakes
Isn’t that a great quote? I wanted to write a whole essay on the truths contained there.
But I didn’t.
Then I received that email with a great message worth sharing.
And I did.
Too often, I find myself clinging to the memories of my failures. I measure myself against Solomon’s description, that excellent wife whose noble doings surpass all other women, and I am found wanting.
It’s just too easy for me to go jogging down that memory lane. The enemy of our souls would have us settle there in that discouragement. He’s a bully, an intimidator. Peter calls him a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. When I dwell in discouragement, I feel like a toy mouse batted around by a huge, hungry cat.
It’s then that I must flee the cat, dash to the Liontamer, and remember the truth – he is a ravenous lion, but one with his teeth knocked out! He is already a defeated foe. When James says to resist the devil and he will flee from you, he first says to humble yourself before the Lord. Only by recognizing who we are in Christ can we stand firm to resist the devil. Never can we do this in our own strength.
Just as the enemy used Scripture to tempt Jesus in the desert, He can do that to me with parts of Proverbs 31, that portrayal of a true “supermom”. But Scripture is balanced, even Proverbs 31. Here’s the comment I left after reading Jody’s supermom post:
- People who have called me a “supermom” are those who have seen just a sliver of who I really am, the outside busy part. You are so right when you say each mom has their own gifts and talents that others admire. Sadly, too often we see our failings and admire others’ gifts and talents as more valuable than our own. The only thing that really makes us super is the Maker who made us. Solomon sums it up best: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; BUT A WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED!”
It isn’t about what I accomplish or what I look like. It isn’t even about who I am. It’s about Who’s I am. Merely being a woman who fears the Lord is reason enough to be praised. Now instead of jogging down memory lane, I’m going to take up residence in lover’s lane with my Bridegroom.
Happy Mother’s Day! (part 1)
After struggling this week to put together a Mother’s Day post, I received an email from my sweet friend, Betsy containing the following message from Roy Lessin at Meet Me In The Meadow. So I’m totally stealing it (well, with permission) to share with you all.
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Continue On
A co-worker once asked if I could write something that would be an encouragement for mothers. The message “Continue On” was the result. It is based upon the example of my wife who has faithfully served the Lord in our home through the years.
A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.
At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. “Is it worth it?” she often wondered. “Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?”
It was during these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. “You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward…
Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love…
Your children are precious to Me, even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me…
You may never be in the public spotlight. But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.”
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. 3:23-24
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Happy Mother’s Day to you all, whether you’re a mom or have one. May you be blessed by knowing you are adopted into His family!
Be sure to check in tomorrow with the post I was going to write!
Life Without Limbs – Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic is a truly remarkable man. Born without arms and legs, he is an inspiration both in how he lives his life and how he captivates a huge audience of teens. I have written about him before. When you have a few extra minutes, be sure to watch the amazing videos I’ve linked below. I promise you will not be the same after watching them.
These are some of Nick’s quotes from his talk at Battle Cry in April:
– If you’ve prayed for a miracle and God doesn’t give you the miracle, you be a miracle for someone else.
– D.I.S. = when you “dis” someone, it’s not a good thing.
D = demon
I = inspired
S = suggestions
as in: DIScouragement, DISillusionment, DISpair, DISsatisfied…
– Put your faith, not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
– If He told you everything, you’d never be in a position to walk by faith.
– When the world says you’re not good enough, get a second opinion.
– When a mum wants her kids for dinner, she calls, “COME!” The kids say, “I’m coming…” Then repeat it over again 2 – 3 times. When God calls you, don’t say “I’m coming…” Say “Here I am!”
– How can you be Jesus’ hands and feet when you don’t have arms or legs?
Nick was so dynamic and powerful a speaker that I completely lost sight of his lack of limbs. Perched on a table, he shuffled back and forth as he spoke. When he was finished, the lights went off the table and on the next speaker. In the dark, he waited, and I watched, wondering how he’d get off that table. While all eyes (except mine) were on the next speaker, a man silently came up to the table, wrapped his arms around Nick’s torso, picked him up and carried him away like a sack of laundry with a head popping out. The humility of his being carried away like that spoke volumes to my breaking heart. This man had wowed the crowd. He was both hysterically funny and dramatically poignant, holding the audience completely enrapt. Yet in his weakness, he needed the help of another just to exit the stage. And it occurred to me that God wants us to be reduced to allow others to meet us in our weakness, and He will carry us. You can subscribe to his newsletter and read about his amazing ministry.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:7
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Here are some of the links to watch Nick yourself:
The Butterfly Circus movie (20 minutes – bring tissues!)
http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The%20Butterfly%20Circus/
Nick Vujicic – Greg Laurie Interview (21 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Cwx2UbTJA
No arms, No legs, No worries (9 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3LFBqvvW-M
Shows Nick swimming, cooking, grooming, daily activities
I Love Living Life. I Am Happy. (7 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY
Motivational clip of Nick speaking to youth
Nick Vujicic’ s Official Website
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
Battle Cry – Part 2 – The Word
Two weeks ago, I shared part 1 of my observations of the Battle Cry teen event. You can read what I shared about the worship experience here. Today, I want to share a few insights I gleaned from the teaching that was offered at Battle Cry.
During the opening message by Ron Luce, “Smitten With Love,” a waterfall thundered on the enormous video screens from floor to towering ceiling. The roaring water continually cascaded, its power inescapable. Encouraged to figuratively stick our toe in and immerse ourselves in the waterfall of His love, I felt drenched from head to toe.
The message that God is “wooing” us was a bit lost on the teens, but went straight to my woman’s heart. God wants to capture not just our attention, but to capture our heart with complete commitment to Him, no dating others! After courting, sweethearts get married and then they live together, not separately.
And after we say “I do” we are to dwell together, not have divided lives. Newlyweds completely reorient their lives, and as believers, we are to reorient ourselves completely to our Bridegroom. The Lord didn’t send a love note. He sent us Himself.
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Ron’s closing message, “Who You Gonna Listen To,” was one that resonated loudly with both the teens and me. Of the many voices that scream at us, you must choose to listen to love. When you listen to the wrong voices, your identity is stolen. Since this is the very topic of my book, I was hooked, especially by the videos that punctuated his message. One in particular showed a teen getting ready for school. He opened his dresser drawer to pull out some clothes. Then he rummaged in the bottom of the drawer and pulled out a handful of passports, each one with a different identity. One day he went to school as Mr. Smooth, another day it was Nervous Ned or Locker Room Loser or Dark Magic. But the last passport bore the name “Re-bourne Identity” (which happens to be one of my possible book titles!!!), and the audience boomed their applause.
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It was a totally awesome video, but I realized it stopped short of my topic, so I’ll be hunting for some videographers to make a sequel! You see, my book is about the identities that we assume after we are re-born. We are new creations in Christ, but often live defeated lives, not bearing our true identities: We are children of the King, joint heirs with Christ, ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven of which we are citizens. We are soldiers engaged in battle, athletes running a marathon, branches of the life-giving Vine. We are instruments fit for the Master’s use, His workmanship fearfully and wonderfully made, clay in the Potter’s hands. We are a vapor, sheep, salt and light. I could go on, but you get the idea.
The message summation is this – You must choose which voice to listen to. You must choose to listen to love. If you encountered God this weekend, then on Monday, BE the love encounter. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 You don’t need to love many, but love one and make a difference.
Stay tuned tomorrow. I have a few more morsels to share from Nick Vujicic. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
And if you haven’t yet left a comment regarding my book giveaway from last week, please be sure to so I know if you’re interested in the drawing. It’s an awesome book about “finding our true image in the mirror of God.” Contest ends Wednesday.