Mommie Dearest,
In less than a week, thirteen years will have passed since you flew away home so suddenly. That's 156 months, imagine that...thirteen springs, thirteen summers, thirteen autumns, thirteen winters. Or, to put it another way, it's been 676 weeks. I've counted the days, too...4,745...since I last spoke to you. I think I'll be forever blue.
But, how could I blame you...there's no place like home, and you really are finally home, safe in the Father's house. But, left behind, I've had 113,880 hours to miss you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Everyone said, "it gets better with time..." but who are they fooling when I've spent 6,832,800 minutes without you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Sometimes, I just burst into tears for no apparent reason. I miss the sound of your voice, always so cheery. I miss hearing you say, "Hi, Honey! What's new?" I guess I'll be forever blue.
What's it like up there? Can you see me? Can you hear me? I just wish you could give me a clue. I guess I'll be forever blue.
But, wait...I forgot to tell you...in the mornings, upstairs in my study, I pretend you are there, too. I have your favorite Bible, and when I touch it, hold it, read it, I feel closer to you. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
I love to read the verses you've marked and the notes that came straight from your heart. I get a sense of your nearness, whenever I realize that I've marked the same ones, too. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
It's hard to explain, but I'm so very happy, too. I just miss my mama, and that's you! But, maybe I won't be forever blue...maybe just until I get home, too. Leave the light on for me.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
danger: ice ahead
For the last couple of days, our region has been gripped in a true 'wintry mix.' With temperatures chasing each other back and forth over the freezing line, it has been wise to bundle up when you venture outside. Rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain and wind have paraded about, but after all, it is winter on the southern plains.
Early this morning I was awakened by the click, click, clicking from the icy pellets that the wind was driving onto every window pane. Not an irritating sound, to be sure, just startling at first. As I lay in my warm and cozy bed, I began to let my mind free fall...I was reminded of all the dear people who must be outdoors in this kind of weather, some by their chosen profession and others due to circumstances. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, it would be better to be somewhere safe and warm. I thought about the effect of the ice on the roads for the morning commute. The icy layer covering the roads is dangerous. And that is the thought that brought me here!
Isn't it strange that ice can both relieve and torment? An icepack applied to the head during a raging headache brings comfort. (just trust me on that) Ice often brings relief for muscle pain, and what is a summer day without a refreshing iced beverage, even if it's only water. On the other hand, too much ice causes damage, often that damage is non-reversible. For example, a fresh roast can be preserved for future use by wrapping it appropriately and putting it in the freezer, but if it isn't wrapped carefully or if it remains in the freezer for too long it becomes freezer-burned and useless.
Additionally, farmers have learned to save a crop by using ice. When a frost alert is issued, it is not uncommon, particularly in citrus groves, to spray the trees with water that rapidly freezes as the temperature drops. Ironically, the ice covering the fruit actually protects it whereas the frost would do permanent damage to the entire crop. The ice actually saves the fruit. But, what if the ice didn't melt? What would happen if it remained? Then the crop would be lost. There's a delicate balance involved.
An that got me to thinking...
Sometimes, when we suffer a great emotional injury, we apply 'ice' to protect the bruised heart. At first, it has a calming effect on the nerves and we are relieved of the pain. But, I wonder what happens when we don't let the broken heart mend...when we just keeping 'icing' it to dull the pain and put it in the back of our mind somewhere. Perhaps that soothing layer of ice that was initially applied to dull the senses will simply keep our heart in a frozen state. Wouldn't it be better to comfort ourselves, at first, but only as a quick-fix? Just long enough to run to the Father and cry, "I'm hurt. Help me please. Help me forgive and mend the relationship. I don't want to feel this way anymore." That's my goal now. I don't want to stand before my Savior and hear Him ask, "Why did you let this matter go for so long? Where was forgiveness in all this? Had you forgotten the measure with which you have been forgiven?"
We are often tempted to ask God, "Why?" I think I am beginning to understand how He feels about that. I know one thing now: I don't ever want Him to ask me 'why' I did this or that or, worse yet, why I didn't.
Keep your heart free from pain by applying the healing balm of forgiveness to the person who has caused the injury. Let it go...the ice you apply to the hurt will only soothe the pain momentarily. Just something to think about...
Early this morning I was awakened by the click, click, clicking from the icy pellets that the wind was driving onto every window pane. Not an irritating sound, to be sure, just startling at first. As I lay in my warm and cozy bed, I began to let my mind free fall...I was reminded of all the dear people who must be outdoors in this kind of weather, some by their chosen profession and others due to circumstances. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, it would be better to be somewhere safe and warm. I thought about the effect of the ice on the roads for the morning commute. The icy layer covering the roads is dangerous. And that is the thought that brought me here!
Isn't it strange that ice can both relieve and torment? An icepack applied to the head during a raging headache brings comfort. (just trust me on that) Ice often brings relief for muscle pain, and what is a summer day without a refreshing iced beverage, even if it's only water. On the other hand, too much ice causes damage, often that damage is non-reversible. For example, a fresh roast can be preserved for future use by wrapping it appropriately and putting it in the freezer, but if it isn't wrapped carefully or if it remains in the freezer for too long it becomes freezer-burned and useless.
Additionally, farmers have learned to save a crop by using ice. When a frost alert is issued, it is not uncommon, particularly in citrus groves, to spray the trees with water that rapidly freezes as the temperature drops. Ironically, the ice covering the fruit actually protects it whereas the frost would do permanent damage to the entire crop. The ice actually saves the fruit. But, what if the ice didn't melt? What would happen if it remained? Then the crop would be lost. There's a delicate balance involved.
An that got me to thinking...
Sometimes, when we suffer a great emotional injury, we apply 'ice' to protect the bruised heart. At first, it has a calming effect on the nerves and we are relieved of the pain. But, I wonder what happens when we don't let the broken heart mend...when we just keeping 'icing' it to dull the pain and put it in the back of our mind somewhere. Perhaps that soothing layer of ice that was initially applied to dull the senses will simply keep our heart in a frozen state. Wouldn't it be better to comfort ourselves, at first, but only as a quick-fix? Just long enough to run to the Father and cry, "I'm hurt. Help me please. Help me forgive and mend the relationship. I don't want to feel this way anymore." That's my goal now. I don't want to stand before my Savior and hear Him ask, "Why did you let this matter go for so long? Where was forgiveness in all this? Had you forgotten the measure with which you have been forgiven?"
We are often tempted to ask God, "Why?" I think I am beginning to understand how He feels about that. I know one thing now: I don't ever want Him to ask me 'why' I did this or that or, worse yet, why I didn't.
Keep your heart free from pain by applying the healing balm of forgiveness to the person who has caused the injury. Let it go...the ice you apply to the hurt will only soothe the pain momentarily. Just something to think about...
Monday, January 7, 2013
i know my rights!
Most Americans are familiar with the term, "Miranda Rights." The U.S. Supreme Court decided the case to protect our Fifth Amendment rights. Though probably not personally acquainted with the procedure, most of us have heard at least the beginning of it from movies and television.
You have the right to remain silent; (point one of six)
Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law;
You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation;
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you;
You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop;
You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop.
And that got me to thinking: There's a profound spiritual revelation contained here.
When the enemy of our souls comes at us, we should instantly seize our rights! "You have the right to remain SILENT." That means that before you even open your mouth to say, "Oh, poor me...how could this day get any worse...why me?...etc., etc., etc., stop! and think about the reality of those thoughts and words. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. I'll admit that it is hard to think fast, but we must stay one step ahead and remain confident that whatever is happening did not surprise our heavenly Father. He has everything under control. As the psalmist often wrote, "Selah," (which means "pause and calmly think of that")
If we don't resist the temptation to blurt out something stupid, then what follows next actually makes sense.
"Anything you say can be used against you..." Boy, do we ever know what that means! The enemy takes off and runs with it and uses our own words against us. And all the while we are trying the patience of the one Who loves us most. He's waiting, with mercy and grace, for us to grow up. Let's not disappoint Him.
"You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation." That's simple enough. God's Word is the definitive law in our lives here. When we take the time to consult His Word, we are reassured that He is for us and not against us. And, when we allow Him to, He will be present with us in the midst of the trial, no matter how severe it may seem.
"If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you." That's a fact. While we absolutely cannot afford an attorney who is capable of standing before the enemy in our behalf, one has already been appointed for us. His name is Jesus. He was, and is, and evermore shall be, our advocate and friend. Pause and calmly think of that!
"You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop." Did you catch that? The instant we refuse to speak on our own, the attack (interrogation) must stop! Why waste precious time trying to figure out who you can blame, when all you need to do is be silent and let Jesus plead your case.
"You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop." Don't waste a single moment. Call on the name of Jesus. He will be swiftly at your side, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against Him. Without Him, we will face one loss after another. There will be no peace in our lives. Happiness and joy will elude us. All we have to do is to stop trying to handle everything on our own. He wants us to lean on Him when we are attacked. He wants us to live a blessed life that will enable us to be a blessing to many others. We have obtained great mercy at the throne of grace and all of our wrongdoing has been wiped away...no charge. All because we owed a debt we could not pay...and Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. He has already thought of everything. When we submit ourselves to His wise counsel, we win...we always win. Now that is cause for celebration!
You have the right to remain silent; (point one of six)
Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law;
You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation;
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you;
You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop;
You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop.
And that got me to thinking: There's a profound spiritual revelation contained here.
When the enemy of our souls comes at us, we should instantly seize our rights! "You have the right to remain SILENT." That means that before you even open your mouth to say, "Oh, poor me...how could this day get any worse...why me?...etc., etc., etc., stop! and think about the reality of those thoughts and words. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. I'll admit that it is hard to think fast, but we must stay one step ahead and remain confident that whatever is happening did not surprise our heavenly Father. He has everything under control. As the psalmist often wrote, "Selah," (which means "pause and calmly think of that")
If we don't resist the temptation to blurt out something stupid, then what follows next actually makes sense.
"Anything you say can be used against you..." Boy, do we ever know what that means! The enemy takes off and runs with it and uses our own words against us. And all the while we are trying the patience of the one Who loves us most. He's waiting, with mercy and grace, for us to grow up. Let's not disappoint Him.
"You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation." That's simple enough. God's Word is the definitive law in our lives here. When we take the time to consult His Word, we are reassured that He is for us and not against us. And, when we allow Him to, He will be present with us in the midst of the trial, no matter how severe it may seem.
"If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you." That's a fact. While we absolutely cannot afford an attorney who is capable of standing before the enemy in our behalf, one has already been appointed for us. His name is Jesus. He was, and is, and evermore shall be, our advocate and friend. Pause and calmly think of that!
"You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop." Did you catch that? The instant we refuse to speak on our own, the attack (interrogation) must stop! Why waste precious time trying to figure out who you can blame, when all you need to do is be silent and let Jesus plead your case.
"You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop." Don't waste a single moment. Call on the name of Jesus. He will be swiftly at your side, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against Him. Without Him, we will face one loss after another. There will be no peace in our lives. Happiness and joy will elude us. All we have to do is to stop trying to handle everything on our own. He wants us to lean on Him when we are attacked. He wants us to live a blessed life that will enable us to be a blessing to many others. We have obtained great mercy at the throne of grace and all of our wrongdoing has been wiped away...no charge. All because we owed a debt we could not pay...and Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. He has already thought of everything. When we submit ourselves to His wise counsel, we win...we always win. Now that is cause for celebration!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
taking time to make time
Today I'm wondering about the importance of mission-work in our lives. After all, our dedication to others is a pretty good indicator of our own spiritual condition, most of the time. I realize that not everyone 'ministers' with a pure heart, but I think that most of us do. We want to do the best we can with our time here. We want to "serve the Lord with gladness." And as Jesus, himself, pointed out, we live out our devotion to Him and His glorious kingdom by serving others!
But, it sadly seems that the handful of true devotees is dwindling. Day-by-day, the need grows greater, and day-by-day our resolve shrinks a little more. "I'm just so busy," we lament. "I have so much to do at work." "I can't seem to get anything done when I am home, finally." "I just can't spare the time." We want to do good, but the enemy finds a hundred and one reasons why we should wait...ticktock...'you can do that later; after all, you've got your own worries'...ticktock...'let someone else do it this time; you've done enough'...ticktock...time keeps slipping away. Somehow, we must return to the basic building block of our faith: love one another. We simply must take time to make time!
We may not be able to do everything, but each of us can do something. And 'something' in God's hands, done with a pure heart, turns into an example of His extravagant love for us.
I have always marveled at the fact that the followers of Christ were told to begin their work in Jerusalem, their home: they were eager to get out there and tell the world, but it was necessary for them to learn the truth about themselves: if you can't or won't begin at home with those who are nearest and dearest to you, then your witness, no matter how grand, is flawed and empty. If those who know us best cannot determine a difference in our lives, because of our commitment to Jesus Christ, then we have a credibility problem.
We must begin at home. It's so easy to talk-the-talk at church, but do we walk-the-walk when we return to our homes and workplaces? I'm not suggesting that we are perfect and don't make mistakes or fall short. Of course, we do. But, I have learned that my family loves me no matter what happens. They know how much the Lord in my life means to me, and they know that my desire is to walk out my faith, every day, by doing the little things that might make a difference.
Our first and most important mission field is the home and family. These institutions were ordained of God. Now is the time to wake up! Now is the time to minister to those closet to us. You may only be able to do a little: but if you take the time to make time, it will be much!
But, it sadly seems that the handful of true devotees is dwindling. Day-by-day, the need grows greater, and day-by-day our resolve shrinks a little more. "I'm just so busy," we lament. "I have so much to do at work." "I can't seem to get anything done when I am home, finally." "I just can't spare the time." We want to do good, but the enemy finds a hundred and one reasons why we should wait...ticktock...'you can do that later; after all, you've got your own worries'...ticktock...'let someone else do it this time; you've done enough'...ticktock...time keeps slipping away. Somehow, we must return to the basic building block of our faith: love one another. We simply must take time to make time!
We may not be able to do everything, but each of us can do something. And 'something' in God's hands, done with a pure heart, turns into an example of His extravagant love for us.
I have always marveled at the fact that the followers of Christ were told to begin their work in Jerusalem, their home: they were eager to get out there and tell the world, but it was necessary for them to learn the truth about themselves: if you can't or won't begin at home with those who are nearest and dearest to you, then your witness, no matter how grand, is flawed and empty. If those who know us best cannot determine a difference in our lives, because of our commitment to Jesus Christ, then we have a credibility problem.
We must begin at home. It's so easy to talk-the-talk at church, but do we walk-the-walk when we return to our homes and workplaces? I'm not suggesting that we are perfect and don't make mistakes or fall short. Of course, we do. But, I have learned that my family loves me no matter what happens. They know how much the Lord in my life means to me, and they know that my desire is to walk out my faith, every day, by doing the little things that might make a difference.
Our first and most important mission field is the home and family. These institutions were ordained of God. Now is the time to wake up! Now is the time to minister to those closet to us. You may only be able to do a little: but if you take the time to make time, it will be much!
Monday, October 29, 2012
i'm adopted, and i'm okay
Recently I mentioned my maternal grandfather in a post (bring a torch) and since then I have been thinking about him quite a bit. Grandpa Robert was adopted. My great grandparents were childless, but they didn't accept that. They chose to be parents...through adoption. I am so grateful that they made that decision; I wouldn't be here otherwise!
He passed away when I was only four, so I never heard from him his own feelings on the subject. I have the honor of possessing that cherished document, however, and I have read it more than once. His adoption 'papers' are now more than one hundred years old, and must be handled with care, for they represent not only him, but my mother, myself, my children, my grandchildren, and that one precious great grand! It's certain that none of us would be here at all if he had not first been adopted.
Dropped off at a Montana state orphanage when he was barely four years old, he knew nothing of where he came from. His adopting parents knew nothing of his past; and they would have ignored it anyway. Their desire to bring him into their lives forever outweighed any knowledge of where he'd come from. It simply didn't matter. He belonged to them now. He was a Colton.
I'm actually adopted, too. I have a heavenly Father and when he saw my miserable condition, it did not matter to Him where I'd been or what I'd done; He only knew that His desire to bring me into His dear family was greater than the sum of any knowledge of my past!
Consider Paul's message in Romans 8:14-17.
" 14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, 'Abba, Father.'
16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Can it be any plainer?
To complete the adoption process, there are legal fees that must be paid. My debt was stamped PAID-IN-FULL the very instant that Jesus breathed the words..."It is finished." That was hundreds of years before I was even born. All that was left for me to do was accept His generous offer, and when the time came, I did exactly that. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, too, the debt was paid.
It simply doesn't matter where you're from or what you've done; His love is greater, always was...always is...always will be! And since we are sons now, we are joint-heirs with Jesus! Think about all that means! It truly overwhelms me at times. Jesus was there first. He knows first-hand what pleases the Father, and unlike some human siblings, He's not jealous of us. Instead, He shares what He knows that we might learn quickly: (Matthew 8:44-45a)
" 44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..."
That, my friends, is a clause from our adoption papers! If you want everyone to know who your Father is, then show it! Be like Jesus, who was the first-born of many! Yes, I'm adopted, and I'm okay with that!
He passed away when I was only four, so I never heard from him his own feelings on the subject. I have the honor of possessing that cherished document, however, and I have read it more than once. His adoption 'papers' are now more than one hundred years old, and must be handled with care, for they represent not only him, but my mother, myself, my children, my grandchildren, and that one precious great grand! It's certain that none of us would be here at all if he had not first been adopted.
Dropped off at a Montana state orphanage when he was barely four years old, he knew nothing of where he came from. His adopting parents knew nothing of his past; and they would have ignored it anyway. Their desire to bring him into their lives forever outweighed any knowledge of where he'd come from. It simply didn't matter. He belonged to them now. He was a Colton.
I'm actually adopted, too. I have a heavenly Father and when he saw my miserable condition, it did not matter to Him where I'd been or what I'd done; He only knew that His desire to bring me into His dear family was greater than the sum of any knowledge of my past!
Consider Paul's message in Romans 8:14-17.
" 14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, 'Abba, Father.'
16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Can it be any plainer?
To complete the adoption process, there are legal fees that must be paid. My debt was stamped PAID-IN-FULL the very instant that Jesus breathed the words..."It is finished." That was hundreds of years before I was even born. All that was left for me to do was accept His generous offer, and when the time came, I did exactly that. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, too, the debt was paid.
It simply doesn't matter where you're from or what you've done; His love is greater, always was...always is...always will be! And since we are sons now, we are joint-heirs with Jesus! Think about all that means! It truly overwhelms me at times. Jesus was there first. He knows first-hand what pleases the Father, and unlike some human siblings, He's not jealous of us. Instead, He shares what He knows that we might learn quickly: (Matthew 8:44-45a)
" 44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..."
That, my friends, is a clause from our adoption papers! If you want everyone to know who your Father is, then show it! Be like Jesus, who was the first-born of many! Yes, I'm adopted, and I'm okay with that!
Friday, October 26, 2012
bring a torch
I really don't remember my maternal grandfather; he passed away when I was only four years old. There remain a few pictures of him, but one of my favorites is the one where he is holding me on his lap and we are both laughing. I don't recall the moment or what was so funny to us, but I like that we are happy. As I got older, I would ask my mom about him. Being his only child, she was absolutely the apple of his eye, and she enjoyed sharing her memories. At one point, for no particular reason, she shared that his favorite Christmas carol was, "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella." Now granted, this is not a song that we hear very often. Even if they are familiar with the title, most people couldn't tell you the first line. In a nutshell, the little girl is told to bring a torch and to the stable swiftly run...to see the beautiful baby in the manger.
This French carol was written over four-hundred-fifty years ago, but I like it, probably because my grandfather liked it, but nevertheless. Manheim Steamroller has produced a beautiful instrumental version, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents a beautiful 'performance,' as well. I digress.
For the time being, I am concentrating on the torch. Torches were used for light. The best way to illumine a stable (probably more of a cave) in those days was by the light of a torch. Much more efficient than a small lantern, a torch could throw light into every nook. And a little bit of light goes a long way to clarify things!
Steve and Annie Chapman performed her song, "The Secret Place," decades ago. You might remember it:
"My heart is like a house; one day I let the Savior in. There are many rooms where we would visit now and then. But, then one day He saw that door; I knew the day had come to soon. I said, "Jesus, I'm not ready for us to visit in that room." But, He handed me the key, tears of love on His face. He said, "I want to make you clean; let me go in that secret place." So we opened up and door and the two of us walked in. I was so ashamed; His light revealed my hidden sin..."
As you can imagine, there is a beautiful conclusion...only when there is enough LIGHT on the subject, can we truly see things as they are, including our own hearts. We store up little hurts and injuries and shove them in the corners where we don't have to deal with them, but after all, the heart is not much different from any container; if it is being filled with one thing, there isn't much room for anything else. Somewhere, sometime, we were sadly misinformed. We somehow got the idea that everything was about us! Jesus taught me many years ago that it wasn't about ME! In fact, the only 'me' that I know of is in Messiah! It's about Him! Our lives present a wonderful opportunity for Him to live again. His very nature becomes who we are. (Note to self: it's time to re-read "New Creation Realities," by E.W. Kenyon.) Christ lived to die...for us. He was resurrected from the grave to live again. He rose to heaven to release His Spirit to find a permanent home in our hearts...it's all about Him.
Maybe it's time to bring a torch and run to our hearts and look in every corner. Sweeping widely, allow the light to touch everything there. Take a good look around. Toss out everything that is contrary to Christ and His message. That's the only way to make room for more of Him! Take 'me' out of the center and put Him back on the throne. Only then will there be enough light to shine on someone's darkest hour, bringing hope and the love of God that He "shed abroad in our hearts."
Bring a torch...and SHINE ON!
This French carol was written over four-hundred-fifty years ago, but I like it, probably because my grandfather liked it, but nevertheless. Manheim Steamroller has produced a beautiful instrumental version, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents a beautiful 'performance,' as well. I digress.
For the time being, I am concentrating on the torch. Torches were used for light. The best way to illumine a stable (probably more of a cave) in those days was by the light of a torch. Much more efficient than a small lantern, a torch could throw light into every nook. And a little bit of light goes a long way to clarify things!
Steve and Annie Chapman performed her song, "The Secret Place," decades ago. You might remember it:
"My heart is like a house; one day I let the Savior in. There are many rooms where we would visit now and then. But, then one day He saw that door; I knew the day had come to soon. I said, "Jesus, I'm not ready for us to visit in that room." But, He handed me the key, tears of love on His face. He said, "I want to make you clean; let me go in that secret place." So we opened up and door and the two of us walked in. I was so ashamed; His light revealed my hidden sin..."
As you can imagine, there is a beautiful conclusion...only when there is enough LIGHT on the subject, can we truly see things as they are, including our own hearts. We store up little hurts and injuries and shove them in the corners where we don't have to deal with them, but after all, the heart is not much different from any container; if it is being filled with one thing, there isn't much room for anything else. Somewhere, sometime, we were sadly misinformed. We somehow got the idea that everything was about us! Jesus taught me many years ago that it wasn't about ME! In fact, the only 'me' that I know of is in Messiah! It's about Him! Our lives present a wonderful opportunity for Him to live again. His very nature becomes who we are. (Note to self: it's time to re-read "New Creation Realities," by E.W. Kenyon.) Christ lived to die...for us. He was resurrected from the grave to live again. He rose to heaven to release His Spirit to find a permanent home in our hearts...it's all about Him.
Maybe it's time to bring a torch and run to our hearts and look in every corner. Sweeping widely, allow the light to touch everything there. Take a good look around. Toss out everything that is contrary to Christ and His message. That's the only way to make room for more of Him! Take 'me' out of the center and put Him back on the throne. Only then will there be enough light to shine on someone's darkest hour, bringing hope and the love of God that He "shed abroad in our hearts."
Bring a torch...and SHINE ON!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
learning to count...again
Most parents try to help their children get a head-start, of sorts, on the basics...they teach them to recite the alphabet and are extremely proud to proclaim, "He can count to ten now." I'll be honest; I did that, too. At least until I became a teacher myself. Then I learned the awful truth: "one, two, three, four," is worth nothing at all as mere words. You must be able to associate a value with the 'word.' Alas, let the 're-teaching' begin.
Recently, I have been learning to count all over again, associating value with each word. It all started when I was reading what James had to say about difficult times and how, as God's children, we are to handle them. Just about everyone is familiar with the opening remarks of his epistle..."My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Now that's an eye-opening way to begin a letter! But, we must remember the times that James lived in. If you think Christians are hated around the world today, you are right...but when James was proclaiming his alliance with Christ, it was a death sentence. It would have been much easier to throw up your hands and say, "this is SO NOT WORTH IT!" and go back to dancing in the groves with the pagans. And there's the kicker...every one who knew Christ, walked with Him, talked with Him...knew that it WAS worth all the tribulation and fiery trials that came with the friendship. WOW! Pause and think of that...we are friends with God!
Let's face it: we're just not any good when it comes to trial and tribulation in our lives. We'd much rather have a rosy morning when we wake up each day. But, as Lynn Anderson sang, "I beg your pardon! I never promised you a rose garden!" In fact, quite the opposite. I seem to recall the time when Jesus issued a sincere warning, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: BUT be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) And we all know a little something about that tribulation He spoke of. Often, our favorite response to trying situations (often beyond our control) is, "Why me?" (By the way, if you've never watched "Last Holiday" with Queen Latifah, you should! Georgia Byrd knows something about, "Why me?")
Most likely, our response turns into a lament, "What am I doing wrong?" The answer to that may be more apparent than you first thought. Let's take another look at what James had to say, only this time, let's look at it from a different angle. The Message Bible puts it this way: (James 1:2-8)
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help and not be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."
So, here I am, waking up every morning to so much pain that I wonder if I will be able to get out of bed at all. One! Thank you, dear Father, for such a comfortable bed to rest in. Two! Thank you for the promise that you'd never leave me or forsake me. Three! Thank you for teaching me that I must not 'forget to remember' those around me who are suffering. Four! Thank you for renewing my spirit, charging me with fresh physical strength, calm emotions, and a quiet heart!
Yes, I'm learning that everyone is going through something! Everyone needs hope and reassurance in these troubling times. I'm learning to count...to count on Jesus!
As Isaiah said, so very long ago," "Here am I; send me." (Is. 6:8) Or, as Doc Holiday might have said, "I'm your huckleberry!" Yes, Lord, you can count on me.
Recently, I have been learning to count all over again, associating value with each word. It all started when I was reading what James had to say about difficult times and how, as God's children, we are to handle them. Just about everyone is familiar with the opening remarks of his epistle..."My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Now that's an eye-opening way to begin a letter! But, we must remember the times that James lived in. If you think Christians are hated around the world today, you are right...but when James was proclaiming his alliance with Christ, it was a death sentence. It would have been much easier to throw up your hands and say, "this is SO NOT WORTH IT!" and go back to dancing in the groves with the pagans. And there's the kicker...every one who knew Christ, walked with Him, talked with Him...knew that it WAS worth all the tribulation and fiery trials that came with the friendship. WOW! Pause and think of that...we are friends with God!
Let's face it: we're just not any good when it comes to trial and tribulation in our lives. We'd much rather have a rosy morning when we wake up each day. But, as Lynn Anderson sang, "I beg your pardon! I never promised you a rose garden!" In fact, quite the opposite. I seem to recall the time when Jesus issued a sincere warning, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: BUT be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) And we all know a little something about that tribulation He spoke of. Often, our favorite response to trying situations (often beyond our control) is, "Why me?" (By the way, if you've never watched "Last Holiday" with Queen Latifah, you should! Georgia Byrd knows something about, "Why me?")
Most likely, our response turns into a lament, "What am I doing wrong?" The answer to that may be more apparent than you first thought. Let's take another look at what James had to say, only this time, let's look at it from a different angle. The Message Bible puts it this way: (James 1:2-8)
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help and not be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."
So, here I am, waking up every morning to so much pain that I wonder if I will be able to get out of bed at all. One! Thank you, dear Father, for such a comfortable bed to rest in. Two! Thank you for the promise that you'd never leave me or forsake me. Three! Thank you for teaching me that I must not 'forget to remember' those around me who are suffering. Four! Thank you for renewing my spirit, charging me with fresh physical strength, calm emotions, and a quiet heart!
Yes, I'm learning that everyone is going through something! Everyone needs hope and reassurance in these troubling times. I'm learning to count...to count on Jesus!
As Isaiah said, so very long ago," "Here am I; send me." (Is. 6:8) Or, as Doc Holiday might have said, "I'm your huckleberry!" Yes, Lord, you can count on me.
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