Monday, August 30, 2010
Beauty all around us...
There's so much beauty all around us. As I write this post, I'm staring at some picturesque white lilies and some velvety red roses. And as I bite into varying shades of green broccoli, I'm blown away by the limitless detail found in such seemingly unimportant florets.
I sip from my glass of Merlot and observe purples mixed with burgundies and again, I am flabbergasted. I glance to my right to watch my tan Labrador, who accompanies me downstairs while the rest of my family is upstairs (Praise the Lord, I get a few minutes to myself); I can't help but observe her noteworthy traits as well. Her fur changes tones from her ears to the top of her head and then from her back to her neck. The tans darken and lighten to bring forth a palette of richness and depth.
It might sound like I'm overdoing it to be awed by flowers, broccoli, a common glass of Merlot, and my seven-year-old Labrador, named Nugget. But, the truth is, that if we don't stop to be moved by some of the simple things around us, we must question when we will pause to notice the bigger things in life. Will we ever quit moving between the maddening cycle of waking, eating, working, running errands, eating, and sleeping only to awake again and start all over?
Every single night, there is a host of starry wonderment above us, but we rarely step outside to gaze upon its majesty. Even recently when Mars lined up into visual perfection with our moon, how many people stopped what they were doing to notice its glory? It won't happen again for tens of thousands of years and even then, many people continued on with their movie rental and their dessert.
How often do we really stop to evaluate the miracle of the human body? Of our very own heart beat? Of the blood that flows and of the cells that divide? Of the brain waves that glide effortlessly along, doing their own thing so involuntarily? Do we credit each breath as a miracle, one given to us from God above?
Though these simplistic thoughts might seem irrelevant to our daily lives, they actually serve an important function towards drawing us into the holy realm of the Almighty. When we observe His creation around us and see that it is good, we are drawn closer to Him. When we gaze upon His beautiful works, we are drawn a little bit closer to the One who allows us to make these observations in the first place.
What we usually do is speed past the goodness and the beauty around us; we miss the artfulness of the colorful flowers, the varied vegetables, a beautiful glass of liquid standing still, or a dog lying at rest with the light hitting its fur like a choreographed dance. We miss the Creator who created it all. We deny the Creator the glory due His name when we speed past the awesomeness staring us in the face.
Though this idea still puzzles some readers, I want to challenge some of you to hang on for a moment longer. Think about what happens when you sit outside under the stars, when you stare upon their intensity and their massivity. If you believe in God, they make you think upon Him. Even if you don't credit a Creator, you think about what's beyond our world. It leads you to something bigger, to something beyond yourself. And that is a good thing.
The result of our slowing down which leads to deeper reflections is the very reason that we must slow down. We must rest our glance upon the simple things touching our path on a daily basis. We must revel in the delicate fragrance of the roses around us. We should enjoy the multifaceted flavors in the foods we eat.
Let's enjoy the soft touch of our pet as we embrace her soothing fur. Let's take time to adore the Creator of that beautiful sunrise and the sunset as well. Let's take a few moments to set our eyes upon the starry sky, held together by the Master Artist.
When these experiences draw us closer to the one who is THE ONE, we are transformed more closely into His image. We begin to look like Him and ultimately, we are changed. Let's slow down fellow believers. Let's observe His creation all around us. Let's worship the King together.
Often times, as I hum praise songs during the day, I invite my kids to sing with me. I remind them about the Scripture in the Psalms that talks about how if we do not praise the Lord, then the rocks will cry out to Him in our stead. We worship by singing and we are called into that place by thanking Him for His awesomeness all around us throughout the day.
I sip from my glass of Merlot and observe purples mixed with burgundies and again, I am flabbergasted. I glance to my right to watch my tan Labrador, who accompanies me downstairs while the rest of my family is upstairs (Praise the Lord, I get a few minutes to myself); I can't help but observe her noteworthy traits as well. Her fur changes tones from her ears to the top of her head and then from her back to her neck. The tans darken and lighten to bring forth a palette of richness and depth.
It might sound like I'm overdoing it to be awed by flowers, broccoli, a common glass of Merlot, and my seven-year-old Labrador, named Nugget. But, the truth is, that if we don't stop to be moved by some of the simple things around us, we must question when we will pause to notice the bigger things in life. Will we ever quit moving between the maddening cycle of waking, eating, working, running errands, eating, and sleeping only to awake again and start all over?
Every single night, there is a host of starry wonderment above us, but we rarely step outside to gaze upon its majesty. Even recently when Mars lined up into visual perfection with our moon, how many people stopped what they were doing to notice its glory? It won't happen again for tens of thousands of years and even then, many people continued on with their movie rental and their dessert.
How often do we really stop to evaluate the miracle of the human body? Of our very own heart beat? Of the blood that flows and of the cells that divide? Of the brain waves that glide effortlessly along, doing their own thing so involuntarily? Do we credit each breath as a miracle, one given to us from God above?
Though these simplistic thoughts might seem irrelevant to our daily lives, they actually serve an important function towards drawing us into the holy realm of the Almighty. When we observe His creation around us and see that it is good, we are drawn closer to Him. When we gaze upon His beautiful works, we are drawn a little bit closer to the One who allows us to make these observations in the first place.
What we usually do is speed past the goodness and the beauty around us; we miss the artfulness of the colorful flowers, the varied vegetables, a beautiful glass of liquid standing still, or a dog lying at rest with the light hitting its fur like a choreographed dance. We miss the Creator who created it all. We deny the Creator the glory due His name when we speed past the awesomeness staring us in the face.
Though this idea still puzzles some readers, I want to challenge some of you to hang on for a moment longer. Think about what happens when you sit outside under the stars, when you stare upon their intensity and their massivity. If you believe in God, they make you think upon Him. Even if you don't credit a Creator, you think about what's beyond our world. It leads you to something bigger, to something beyond yourself. And that is a good thing.
The result of our slowing down which leads to deeper reflections is the very reason that we must slow down. We must rest our glance upon the simple things touching our path on a daily basis. We must revel in the delicate fragrance of the roses around us. We should enjoy the multifaceted flavors in the foods we eat.
Let's enjoy the soft touch of our pet as we embrace her soothing fur. Let's take time to adore the Creator of that beautiful sunrise and the sunset as well. Let's take a few moments to set our eyes upon the starry sky, held together by the Master Artist.
When these experiences draw us closer to the one who is THE ONE, we are transformed more closely into His image. We begin to look like Him and ultimately, we are changed. Let's slow down fellow believers. Let's observe His creation all around us. Let's worship the King together.
Often times, as I hum praise songs during the day, I invite my kids to sing with me. I remind them about the Scripture in the Psalms that talks about how if we do not praise the Lord, then the rocks will cry out to Him in our stead. We worship by singing and we are called into that place by thanking Him for His awesomeness all around us throughout the day.
Labels: beauty, Christian, family, God, worship
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Adjusting to the New School Year
The school year is back into full swing. And let's face it, it's just flat out hard to adjust. What this looks like for most families is cranky kids with breakfast on the go while racing out the door with strong coffee in hand. It also means piles of papers: pink ones for the office, yellow copies for the teachers, and white ones for you. Be careful not to trip on the pile of backpacks filling the entryway. And can you believe they already have so much homework? So, in this moment of honesty, how's it going for your family?
We're actually doing relatively well. But, my brain is still on summer break. No matter how much coffee I drink, it stubbornly refuses to switch back over to the chaotic school routine. The grumpy zone is not a fun place to reside, but that's where we live these days. The kids are completely in shock. Let's face it, we're all tired, starving at the wrong times, and confused about what to wear. I have to remind my kids, "No, you can't wear those flip-flops...only the ones with the straps behind the ankle."
During this period of transition, it's easy to rely on our feelings instead of using self-control. For example, today we got home from school and my middle daughter burst into tears as if someone had died. The crisis: her sister had knocked over her fort from this morning. The response: total freak-a-matic blow-out. It took me by surprise because we'd just gotten home from school after chatting with her teacher, who shared how well she was doing. Though I'd thought her day was peachy-keen, there was more underneath the surface; this was the time when I needed to use my heart instead of my brain. I had to offer my daughter grace!
For my daughter, this meant simply holding her in my lap like a baby while she cried. I kissed and hugged her and told her it was going to be alright. Then, after a few minutes, she was fine. If I'd been using just my head to respond rationally to the situation, I likely would have disciplined her for the disrespectful over-reaction. But, I could tell in my heart that she was just needing some attention and love. Sometimes, our kids don't even realize why they're upset until we sit them down to talk. Then, they begin to open up.
After chatting, I realized she had cut her finger at school. She shared how upset she was that her finger had bled earlier. Even that didn't seem like a big deal to me, but what mattered was that it had bothered her. Because I invested three minutes to stop and listen, she felt cared for and subsequently settled down. And what a difference those 180 seconds made for the rest of the afternoon.
I'm glad I responded with kindness rather than with anger. But sometimes, I don't respond as well as I'd like to because I'm tired, hungry, and emotional as well. We all have those imperfect moments when we say things we'll regret later. So, here's a reminder to help you avoid those situations. Take a deep breath and show your kids some extra compassion and affection. Try to figure out what's bugging your kids deep down. And if they don't feel like shooting the breeze, just give them a hug and a kiss to show that you care.
For the next few weeks, let's allow our kids to make a few mistakes as they transition back to the school schedule. Let their rooms stay messy. Give them an extra snack before bed if they need one. Forgive them quickly if they go off the deep end for "no reason." And no matter how old your kids are, take the time to sit down, chill out, and listen to what's going on. If you need some extra coffee for yourself and a nap during the afternoon, go for it! And suppose you do lose it for a few moments, remember to give yourself some grace too because you're making a plethora of adjustments as well.
Share how the school year has started out for your family. We'd love to hear from you! :)
We're actually doing relatively well. But, my brain is still on summer break. No matter how much coffee I drink, it stubbornly refuses to switch back over to the chaotic school routine. The grumpy zone is not a fun place to reside, but that's where we live these days. The kids are completely in shock. Let's face it, we're all tired, starving at the wrong times, and confused about what to wear. I have to remind my kids, "No, you can't wear those flip-flops...only the ones with the straps behind the ankle."
During this period of transition, it's easy to rely on our feelings instead of using self-control. For example, today we got home from school and my middle daughter burst into tears as if someone had died. The crisis: her sister had knocked over her fort from this morning. The response: total freak-a-matic blow-out. It took me by surprise because we'd just gotten home from school after chatting with her teacher, who shared how well she was doing. Though I'd thought her day was peachy-keen, there was more underneath the surface; this was the time when I needed to use my heart instead of my brain. I had to offer my daughter grace!
For my daughter, this meant simply holding her in my lap like a baby while she cried. I kissed and hugged her and told her it was going to be alright. Then, after a few minutes, she was fine. If I'd been using just my head to respond rationally to the situation, I likely would have disciplined her for the disrespectful over-reaction. But, I could tell in my heart that she was just needing some attention and love. Sometimes, our kids don't even realize why they're upset until we sit them down to talk. Then, they begin to open up.
After chatting, I realized she had cut her finger at school. She shared how upset she was that her finger had bled earlier. Even that didn't seem like a big deal to me, but what mattered was that it had bothered her. Because I invested three minutes to stop and listen, she felt cared for and subsequently settled down. And what a difference those 180 seconds made for the rest of the afternoon.
I'm glad I responded with kindness rather than with anger. But sometimes, I don't respond as well as I'd like to because I'm tired, hungry, and emotional as well. We all have those imperfect moments when we say things we'll regret later. So, here's a reminder to help you avoid those situations. Take a deep breath and show your kids some extra compassion and affection. Try to figure out what's bugging your kids deep down. And if they don't feel like shooting the breeze, just give them a hug and a kiss to show that you care.
For the next few weeks, let's allow our kids to make a few mistakes as they transition back to the school schedule. Let their rooms stay messy. Give them an extra snack before bed if they need one. Forgive them quickly if they go off the deep end for "no reason." And no matter how old your kids are, take the time to sit down, chill out, and listen to what's going on. If you need some extra coffee for yourself and a nap during the afternoon, go for it! And suppose you do lose it for a few moments, remember to give yourself some grace too because you're making a plethora of adjustments as well.
Share how the school year has started out for your family. We'd love to hear from you! :)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Total Chaos
The thing about family life is that it's totally chaotic most of the time. I'll give you a taste of my last twenty-four hours. Full sink of dishes, like even when it's empty, it's still full. So much laundry that I can hardly find the detergent in my laundry room to wash all the towels, sheets, and clothes.
Turn twenty degrees to the left and you'll bump into my refrigerator. Total chaos...how do people keep all their bread loaves organized anyways? I end up with like ten bags, each containing the two end pieces. And another point of fridge contention is the way that apple juice and milk containers literally have some kind of mysterious drip system during the night. Even if we replace them every single day, they run out before the next morning. It's weird.
There are so many snacks and meals to prepare that I get tired just thinking of what I'm going to make the kids for breakfast and it's almost 10:20AM as I write this (poor kids are starving to death...gotta love summer). They're young and resilient though, so I'm sure they'll be fine. In fact, I'll just stretch it out a bit longer and serve them some brunch instead. :)
Take a visual of my morning. 5:50AM, my sweet husband tears off the pee-pee sheets from our daughter's bed while I take off her wet clothes. 6:30AM, I slither my way down to write for a little bit while my laptop hums quietly amidst the temporary silence.
Then, I gather the ingredients to make my hubby's breakfast and to pack his lunch. While sipping my medium roast sanity-saver (aka coffee), I glance through my family room where our area-rug is still drying due to a pee-pee accident from the night before. It's a good thing it's got a swirl pattern on it. Aren't solids the worst?
Chaos is so adventurous though; you've gotta love it. Stepping into the kitchen has never been so exciting; I look down to find a plethora of small shards of glass blanketing the tile floor. This was the result of the previous night as well, when one of my kids grabbed the salt jar against my will during dinner and subsequently dropped it all over the floor. I guess my sweeping job was a little sub-par, but it was late, so I can't really be blamed.
A few hours later, my youngest child floods our bathroom with toilet water. Thankfully, the soothing sound of rushing water was so anomalous that my ears shot up like a basset hound and I salvaged the situation before water flushed out into the family room. I can't fault this daughter for her enthusiasm; she's like an Olympic toilet flusher who thinks that somehow if she jiggles the handle faster and more fervently, the toilet will flush more effectively. You get the picture; it's total chaos.
If you're a parent, you can totally relate. I mean, I don't even have to describe my upstairs because you're like, "Stop, I get it. I can picture it." So, my question for you is this: "How do we survive this season of parenting chaos with any remnants of sanity by the end of the day?"
The answer is this: "Love your kids well." Even though I don't have time to read the ten best-selling parenting books collecting dust on my shelf, somehow I must be doing something right. My kids laugh a ton; they're all growing according to the doctor's charts. They're doing well academically and socially... and I'm having a ton of fun along the way. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm laughing or crying, but that could just be PMS.
I could give you something deeper than this little kernel of wisdom, but the truth is that I have to run and get my kids some breakfast before their stomachs cave in. Plus, my littlest is about to go potty again and knowing her... she's going to race into another flush-derby.
Share some of your funny parenting moments here. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Turn twenty degrees to the left and you'll bump into my refrigerator. Total chaos...how do people keep all their bread loaves organized anyways? I end up with like ten bags, each containing the two end pieces. And another point of fridge contention is the way that apple juice and milk containers literally have some kind of mysterious drip system during the night. Even if we replace them every single day, they run out before the next morning. It's weird.
There are so many snacks and meals to prepare that I get tired just thinking of what I'm going to make the kids for breakfast and it's almost 10:20AM as I write this (poor kids are starving to death...gotta love summer). They're young and resilient though, so I'm sure they'll be fine. In fact, I'll just stretch it out a bit longer and serve them some brunch instead. :)
Take a visual of my morning. 5:50AM, my sweet husband tears off the pee-pee sheets from our daughter's bed while I take off her wet clothes. 6:30AM, I slither my way down to write for a little bit while my laptop hums quietly amidst the temporary silence.
Then, I gather the ingredients to make my hubby's breakfast and to pack his lunch. While sipping my medium roast sanity-saver (aka coffee), I glance through my family room where our area-rug is still drying due to a pee-pee accident from the night before. It's a good thing it's got a swirl pattern on it. Aren't solids the worst?
Chaos is so adventurous though; you've gotta love it. Stepping into the kitchen has never been so exciting; I look down to find a plethora of small shards of glass blanketing the tile floor. This was the result of the previous night as well, when one of my kids grabbed the salt jar against my will during dinner and subsequently dropped it all over the floor. I guess my sweeping job was a little sub-par, but it was late, so I can't really be blamed.
A few hours later, my youngest child floods our bathroom with toilet water. Thankfully, the soothing sound of rushing water was so anomalous that my ears shot up like a basset hound and I salvaged the situation before water flushed out into the family room. I can't fault this daughter for her enthusiasm; she's like an Olympic toilet flusher who thinks that somehow if she jiggles the handle faster and more fervently, the toilet will flush more effectively. You get the picture; it's total chaos.
If you're a parent, you can totally relate. I mean, I don't even have to describe my upstairs because you're like, "Stop, I get it. I can picture it." So, my question for you is this: "How do we survive this season of parenting chaos with any remnants of sanity by the end of the day?"
The answer is this: "Love your kids well." Even though I don't have time to read the ten best-selling parenting books collecting dust on my shelf, somehow I must be doing something right. My kids laugh a ton; they're all growing according to the doctor's charts. They're doing well academically and socially... and I'm having a ton of fun along the way. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm laughing or crying, but that could just be PMS.
I could give you something deeper than this little kernel of wisdom, but the truth is that I have to run and get my kids some breakfast before their stomachs cave in. Plus, my littlest is about to go potty again and knowing her... she's going to race into another flush-derby.
Share some of your funny parenting moments here. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: chaos, family, kids, parents
Trusting Him...even more...
I feel like God is calling me to trust Him even more deeply than the day before. It's like this never-ending cycle, right? We begin to trust Him in one area of our lives and then He calls us further into the maze, to trust with stronger faith. If it's not your own issues, then it's something about your kids. Or maybe you've got some financial issues that are dragging you down.
Perhaps it's an ongoing battle with your spouse... because marriage seems to be a never-ending work in progress given by the Master as well. He's constantly shaping us into His service and His workmanship directly through the hands of our loved one. Will we trust God to make us more patient, less angry, more forgiving? Will we let that issue go, that's not really that big of a deal anyways?
The question we have to ask ourselves in all of these things is this: Is God faithful? If He is, then whatever we face, no matter how small or big, we know we can get through it. Do you believe it, daughter or son of the King? Do you really believe that God is faithful? Do you think He sees you during those quiet moments when no-one else can? I think He does.
Easier said than done though, right? That's usually where my struggle begins. I feel like God is faithful one day, but maybe not so much the next. I overcome a huge obstacle and then within days, I'm like: "Well God, how in the world are you going to help me with this next thing?" It's like I'm a child who has all my needs met... but constantly implores, "When's my next snack? I need one NOW...even though you just gave me one fifteen minutes ago!"
We know as parents that our kids' needs are always on the center of our minds. We readily intend to meet their next and most immediate need. But, sometimes their urgency makes us feel like they don't think we'll come through for them. When one of my kids comes running down the stairs yelling, "More chips pleaaaaaase..." you would think he or she had suffered from a severe form of starvation. The truth is, I'm constantly offering them food throughout the day; they could never feel starved in our family's home.
That's how God is with us as well. He meets our needs so abundantly. During His time on earth, Jesus said, "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). He goes on to say, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (v. 11). I mean, how can we waste even one second worrying about whether or not God is going to come through for us? He gave us His very own life!
He sacrificed everything for us. He heard the battle cry. He conquered the ugly grip of sin that enslaved us by nailing His own hands and ankles upon the cross. Sure...the Roman soldiers held the hammers, but don't you know His own power allowed the nails to dig into His flesh? In just one millisecond, He could have released the heavenly battalions and commanded the injustice to end. But He didn't. He hung on the cross so that you and I could be free.
When you feel like you can't really trust Jesus, picture a cross hanging in your own home. Would you get on it for someone else? And even if you would be willing to, have you been called to do that any time recently? Pretty sure your answer is "No." So the least you and I can do is this: trust our Savior...because He is trustworthy.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to hand our stresses over to God: "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6+7).
Maybe this post doesn't change anything for you. You're still strung out. That stressful situation still looms over you like a thundercloud. That bill still rests on your chaotic counter-top. Your kid still struggles with that same old issue. You still have to forgive your spouse for being grumpy this very morning.
But, here's the thing about Jesus. When you give Him a little, he takes it and multiplies it. So, start out small with three simple steps. First, take twenty seconds and talk to the Lord about it. Say, "God, this thing overwhelms me. Help!" Second, write down a few of the verses listed above on a sticky note and paste it somewhere to remind you of how He cares.
Third, lift your hands up to heaven as a symbol of how you're letting this stuff go. The issues that your family faces are outside of your control, but not outside of His. You can rest now because you are in good hands.
Perhaps it's an ongoing battle with your spouse... because marriage seems to be a never-ending work in progress given by the Master as well. He's constantly shaping us into His service and His workmanship directly through the hands of our loved one. Will we trust God to make us more patient, less angry, more forgiving? Will we let that issue go, that's not really that big of a deal anyways?
The question we have to ask ourselves in all of these things is this: Is God faithful? If He is, then whatever we face, no matter how small or big, we know we can get through it. Do you believe it, daughter or son of the King? Do you really believe that God is faithful? Do you think He sees you during those quiet moments when no-one else can? I think He does.
Easier said than done though, right? That's usually where my struggle begins. I feel like God is faithful one day, but maybe not so much the next. I overcome a huge obstacle and then within days, I'm like: "Well God, how in the world are you going to help me with this next thing?" It's like I'm a child who has all my needs met... but constantly implores, "When's my next snack? I need one NOW...even though you just gave me one fifteen minutes ago!"
We know as parents that our kids' needs are always on the center of our minds. We readily intend to meet their next and most immediate need. But, sometimes their urgency makes us feel like they don't think we'll come through for them. When one of my kids comes running down the stairs yelling, "More chips pleaaaaaase..." you would think he or she had suffered from a severe form of starvation. The truth is, I'm constantly offering them food throughout the day; they could never feel starved in our family's home.
That's how God is with us as well. He meets our needs so abundantly. During His time on earth, Jesus said, "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). He goes on to say, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (v. 11). I mean, how can we waste even one second worrying about whether or not God is going to come through for us? He gave us His very own life!
He sacrificed everything for us. He heard the battle cry. He conquered the ugly grip of sin that enslaved us by nailing His own hands and ankles upon the cross. Sure...the Roman soldiers held the hammers, but don't you know His own power allowed the nails to dig into His flesh? In just one millisecond, He could have released the heavenly battalions and commanded the injustice to end. But He didn't. He hung on the cross so that you and I could be free.
When you feel like you can't really trust Jesus, picture a cross hanging in your own home. Would you get on it for someone else? And even if you would be willing to, have you been called to do that any time recently? Pretty sure your answer is "No." So the least you and I can do is this: trust our Savior...because He is trustworthy.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to hand our stresses over to God: "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6+7).
Maybe this post doesn't change anything for you. You're still strung out. That stressful situation still looms over you like a thundercloud. That bill still rests on your chaotic counter-top. Your kid still struggles with that same old issue. You still have to forgive your spouse for being grumpy this very morning.
But, here's the thing about Jesus. When you give Him a little, he takes it and multiplies it. So, start out small with three simple steps. First, take twenty seconds and talk to the Lord about it. Say, "God, this thing overwhelms me. Help!" Second, write down a few of the verses listed above on a sticky note and paste it somewhere to remind you of how He cares.
Third, lift your hands up to heaven as a symbol of how you're letting this stuff go. The issues that your family faces are outside of your control, but not outside of His. You can rest now because you are in good hands.
Labels: Bible, faith, kids, parents, trust
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Storm Eventually Ends!
When you are in the midst of a storm, it seems like the sun will never shine again. Especially when it has been raining for a very long time. Your countenance changes entirely...your eyes no longer look up because you know the sun is not radiating its warmth any longer. Your ears cease to hear the birds chirping, for the thunder crowds out their beautiful singing. A chilled heaviness drags you down. Yet, at times, you lift your head a few degrees, in search of a sign of promise. You scan the skies for a rainbow.
Out in the distance, you think you see some red...maybe some orange, and even a little ray of yellow. But, you don't. Nothing but darkness and shadows fill the skies. Another week goes by and then a month, and then even a year. Still darkness. Still raining. Thunder is all that you hear pounding on your heart and upon your circumstances. But hope remains. You still pine for some green, some blue, and a bit of purple out in the distance. You wonder where God is and why He has refused to end the storm that entangles you. Your faith begins to waiver.
But you remain faithful. You question. You doubt. You become angry. But, you remain faithful. You listen for His still, small voice. Even a whisper would do. You search for His wisdom. You continue to glance for signs of His promises...but the rainbow still hides itself behind the clouds. It is still dreary. It is still raining. The wind howls and the birds' chorus is still muted.
One morning, you drop to your knees, yet again. The tears intermix with raindrops. Your eyes close and your heart begins to seek once more... and then... it happens. The rainbow appears! Your prayers of power command the storm away. The clouds flee. The thunder and lightning disappear. The bright colors and blinding light flood your heart. You ARE healed. God's glory fills you and satan's lies sprint away in terror. The birds ARE singing again. You look up and smile! You dance! You believe!
*********************************************************************
When God flexes His power, we are changed. We are restored. We are healed and renewed. Why do we have to wait for His perfect timing for this to happen? Why is one day different than another and one prayer more authoritative than the previous one? I'm not really sure. But, I know this...that God healed my heart from an intense season of depression and that I felt His physical presence come upon me when it happened.
We can question the Lord's will and His timing, but we shouldn't stay there too long. Instead, we should turn our hearts into an attitude of praise and adoration, knowing that He is always good. Knowing that He is always loving. Knowing that He will step in when it is His will and timing to do so. Knowing that He has perfected us and transformed us along the way.
If you are fretting today dear believer, don't lose heart. God is still the same today as He was yesterday. He is the one who created the whole earth and the universe beyond. He is the one who parted the Red Sea. He is the one who raised Lazarus from the dead and then raised Himself from the dead when sin was defeated once and for all on the cross at Calvary.
When you do lose sight of His power, remind yourself of the God He has been throughout history. He was faithful to Abraham. He restored Joseph from his brothers' betrayal. He gave hope to Esther and her people. He transformed Saul into Paul. He empowered simple fishermen to become the leaders of our mighty faith. And He has shown His faithfulness in your own life hundreds and thousands of times as well.
After you remind yourself of these redeemed people, set your eyes upon the hope that the Lord offers today. He will never leave you. He always hears your prayers. He loves you no matter what you have done. He offers rest when you are weary. He gives abundant life in this lifetime. He extends forgiveness and eternal life!
The storm will end! The rainbow will come! And you will be able to proclaim His goodness to others as a result. Share how God has brought hope during a dark circumstance or season in your life. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Out in the distance, you think you see some red...maybe some orange, and even a little ray of yellow. But, you don't. Nothing but darkness and shadows fill the skies. Another week goes by and then a month, and then even a year. Still darkness. Still raining. Thunder is all that you hear pounding on your heart and upon your circumstances. But hope remains. You still pine for some green, some blue, and a bit of purple out in the distance. You wonder where God is and why He has refused to end the storm that entangles you. Your faith begins to waiver.
But you remain faithful. You question. You doubt. You become angry. But, you remain faithful. You listen for His still, small voice. Even a whisper would do. You search for His wisdom. You continue to glance for signs of His promises...but the rainbow still hides itself behind the clouds. It is still dreary. It is still raining. The wind howls and the birds' chorus is still muted.
One morning, you drop to your knees, yet again. The tears intermix with raindrops. Your eyes close and your heart begins to seek once more... and then... it happens. The rainbow appears! Your prayers of power command the storm away. The clouds flee. The thunder and lightning disappear. The bright colors and blinding light flood your heart. You ARE healed. God's glory fills you and satan's lies sprint away in terror. The birds ARE singing again. You look up and smile! You dance! You believe!
*********************************************************************
When God flexes His power, we are changed. We are restored. We are healed and renewed. Why do we have to wait for His perfect timing for this to happen? Why is one day different than another and one prayer more authoritative than the previous one? I'm not really sure. But, I know this...that God healed my heart from an intense season of depression and that I felt His physical presence come upon me when it happened.
We can question the Lord's will and His timing, but we shouldn't stay there too long. Instead, we should turn our hearts into an attitude of praise and adoration, knowing that He is always good. Knowing that He is always loving. Knowing that He will step in when it is His will and timing to do so. Knowing that He has perfected us and transformed us along the way.
If you are fretting today dear believer, don't lose heart. God is still the same today as He was yesterday. He is the one who created the whole earth and the universe beyond. He is the one who parted the Red Sea. He is the one who raised Lazarus from the dead and then raised Himself from the dead when sin was defeated once and for all on the cross at Calvary.
When you do lose sight of His power, remind yourself of the God He has been throughout history. He was faithful to Abraham. He restored Joseph from his brothers' betrayal. He gave hope to Esther and her people. He transformed Saul into Paul. He empowered simple fishermen to become the leaders of our mighty faith. And He has shown His faithfulness in your own life hundreds and thousands of times as well.
After you remind yourself of these redeemed people, set your eyes upon the hope that the Lord offers today. He will never leave you. He always hears your prayers. He loves you no matter what you have done. He offers rest when you are weary. He gives abundant life in this lifetime. He extends forgiveness and eternal life!
The storm will end! The rainbow will come! And you will be able to proclaim His goodness to others as a result. Share how God has brought hope during a dark circumstance or season in your life. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: faith, healing, rainbows, rainstorm
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Be courageous! Be strong!
As I read through one of my favorite devotional books this morning, I was touched by some challenging words. They are from the August 3rd entry from "Streams in the Desert." The words begin with a verse from the Bible: "Be men (and women) of courage; be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
The entry goes on to quote Phillips Brooks: "Never pray for an easier life-- pray to be a stronger person! Never pray for tasks equal to your power-- pray for power equal to your tasks. Then doing your work will be no miracle-- you will be the miracle." So what does this look like on a practical level for you and me?
COURAGE:
It means delving into things that aren't necessarily comfortable. Helping the neighbor who has recently lost her husband by bringing meals and extra bedding for her guests. It also means going out of your way to spend time with her after the funeral is over and everyone else has left. Though it's difficult to interact with grieving hearts, it is very very brave.
It also means forgiving your spouse in front of you kids even when you feel like throwing out ten more cutting words in your defense. It takes courage to allow God's spirit to convict instead of tearing into that person who has hurt you. Sometimes a friend or a relative might cause you pain and you must respond in the same way: FORGIVE!
Maybe for you, it means staying at a job that you don't necessarily love because it's where God wants you at the moment. Or it could be the simple response of walking with the Lord even when you don't feel His touch or can't see His plan. Continue to read His word. Continue to trust His plan. That takes courage, friend!
STRENGTH:
Maybe you are called upon to help a co-worker move some heavy boxes. Go ahead... extend your strength for her, even though you'd rather be watching the baseball game instead. What about rearranging the family-room for your wife for the twelfth time this year, simply because it shows her that you care? Flex those biceps because you are strong!
And yet, it could be as simple as following up with a friend who has battled depression. You might feel tired of hearing about his problems and sorrows; but your strength gives him so much comfort while he simply tries to make it through each day.
Maybe you are called to be strong during these tough economic times. Strong to make the tough cut-backs. Strong to endure those two used cars sitting in your drive-way. Strong to do without... even though you'd rather buy those new shiny gadgets. Flex your power by putting your money into savings instead. Fix that item that's broken instead of replacing it; this way, you can extend a hand and help someone else who has much less.
Courage. Strength. These are essential to our Christian faith. But, many of us forfeit their presence in our lives because it's easier to avoid the work involved to develop them. We run. We hide. The result is that we are cowards and we are weak.
Let's step up to the plate fellow believers. Stand! Run! Soar into the challenges of today. When you are called upon to be courageous and to show your strength, be ready! No matter what the cost, you will reap the benefits of a pleased Savior. His smile will shine upon your life as you obey Him...especially when it's hard.
The entry goes on to quote Phillips Brooks: "Never pray for an easier life-- pray to be a stronger person! Never pray for tasks equal to your power-- pray for power equal to your tasks. Then doing your work will be no miracle-- you will be the miracle." So what does this look like on a practical level for you and me?
COURAGE:
It means delving into things that aren't necessarily comfortable. Helping the neighbor who has recently lost her husband by bringing meals and extra bedding for her guests. It also means going out of your way to spend time with her after the funeral is over and everyone else has left. Though it's difficult to interact with grieving hearts, it is very very brave.
It also means forgiving your spouse in front of you kids even when you feel like throwing out ten more cutting words in your defense. It takes courage to allow God's spirit to convict instead of tearing into that person who has hurt you. Sometimes a friend or a relative might cause you pain and you must respond in the same way: FORGIVE!
Maybe for you, it means staying at a job that you don't necessarily love because it's where God wants you at the moment. Or it could be the simple response of walking with the Lord even when you don't feel His touch or can't see His plan. Continue to read His word. Continue to trust His plan. That takes courage, friend!
STRENGTH:
Maybe you are called upon to help a co-worker move some heavy boxes. Go ahead... extend your strength for her, even though you'd rather be watching the baseball game instead. What about rearranging the family-room for your wife for the twelfth time this year, simply because it shows her that you care? Flex those biceps because you are strong!
And yet, it could be as simple as following up with a friend who has battled depression. You might feel tired of hearing about his problems and sorrows; but your strength gives him so much comfort while he simply tries to make it through each day.
Maybe you are called to be strong during these tough economic times. Strong to make the tough cut-backs. Strong to endure those two used cars sitting in your drive-way. Strong to do without... even though you'd rather buy those new shiny gadgets. Flex your power by putting your money into savings instead. Fix that item that's broken instead of replacing it; this way, you can extend a hand and help someone else who has much less.
Courage. Strength. These are essential to our Christian faith. But, many of us forfeit their presence in our lives because it's easier to avoid the work involved to develop them. We run. We hide. The result is that we are cowards and we are weak.
Let's step up to the plate fellow believers. Stand! Run! Soar into the challenges of today. When you are called upon to be courageous and to show your strength, be ready! No matter what the cost, you will reap the benefits of a pleased Savior. His smile will shine upon your life as you obey Him...especially when it's hard.
Labels: Bible, courage, faith, family, strength
