Spring

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

I love spring! The trees are all blooming and the air is crisp, yet warmer and with the promise of longer days to come. I especially enjoy the trees that bloom in the spring. The vibrant colors brighten the neighborhood, the smell of flowers drifts toward my nose on a gentle breeze and the recently barren branches provide shade and beauty for all to see. I wish they could bloom all year.

Unfortunately, spring lasts but a short while. The blossoms are replaced by lush leaves and the smells of lilac and magnolia are a memory until next year. It's amazing how plants work. They bloom in the spring, grow dormant in the winter, and in between use water, light and soil to produce food. The cycle of life in a plant is amazing.

I have come to realize that my spiritual life has a similar cycle. I have periods of spring, when my faith blossoms and grows. I also have periods that feel dormant, when I know that God is there, but I don't feel like I'm bearing much fruit.

Sometimes I feel God's presence more than others. When I'm in a good season, God is right there next to me, from morning to night. Everything I do feels like worship. I love it. When I'm in a bit of a drought, I feel like God is there, but he's distant. I can't quite reach him. I strain and I reach, but I can't make contact.

During these periods of drought, I think I could learn a lot from the plants around us. See, when there's a drought, plants don't pick up their roots and move, they dig deeper, finding water in the deepest soil. Plants grow and turn to maximize their exposure to light. I think I need to do the same thing. See, when I go through a dry spell with my faith, I don't dig deeper, in fact I do the opposite. I take a week off of church. I don't make time to read my Bible that day. I fall asleep without prayer. Unlike a plant that turns toward the light, I pull myself away from the Son.

I think we need to remember that in a rough time, we need to dig deeper and reach for God with passion. We can't pull up our roots and assume that God will grow our faith. We need to take part in the process. Those times when it's hard to feel God's presence, we need to reach farther. Those are the times we need to bury ourselves in the Word. During the the dry spells we need to worship more, because our collective worship can pull us closer to God. In those dry spells, I rely on those around me to help me dig. Sometimes my husband gets me to church when I "don't feel like it." Other times, I am find God's presence in my small group, when someone lovingly reminds me of how much God loves me and of the plans he has made for me.

One little glimpse of God's plan for my life energizes me to draw closer to him. Suddenly the trivial tasks of the day, like making breakfast for the kids or going to work feel like worship again. I am so grateful to every person who has brought me back into God's presence. I am in awe of God's willingness to make my life a beautiful flower, despite all of my dry spells. God is good! All the time!

Heavenly Father,
You know how our hearts and minds work. We go through periods when our faith blossoms and periods when our faith lies dormant. Help us to seek you, even in the dry times. Help us to dig for you, Lord. Help us to sink in our roots and drink you in. Nurture us in our faith. Strengthen us Lord. Grow us.
Amen

Guidance

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

I work with children with a variety of disabilities. I have been blessed to see so many changes in young lives. Recently, I have worked with a child who is blind. She was not walking when we started to work together, so I was blessed to see her move from stationary, to crawling, standing, cruising, and finally taking her first steps. Throughout the process, she worked with a team of therapists, one of them specializing in vision therapy.

At one meeting, the vision therapist began to explain to the family what would be involved in the process of this child learning to walk independently. One of the important aspects was balance and guidance. As this child began to walk independently, it was important that she be able to grade where she was using her hands. She would run her hands along the wall gently, not necessarily to hold her up, but just to guide her along the safe path. The family needed to make sure not to move too many things around and to keep her path clear in those first few months, to provide a safe environment for her to walk.

At the time, I thought about how interesting my job is, and how inspired I was by watching the process of walking unfold for this child. It wasn't until a few months later that I made the connections between this little girl's struggle to walk an my struggle to live.

Sometimes, I cruise along in life, feeling like I can handle it all alone. Things feel good. I'm pretty sure I have it covered. Then I bump into something. If I have myself grounded in my faith, I'm okay. Even when I feel like there's no way I can stand, I can brace myself on God and somehow make it through. But in those times I have drifted from God, I fall so much faster. I lose my balance and lose my way. Like my patient's little hand on the wall, my faith in God guides me, even when I can't see him.

In Isaiah, God tells us that though we are blind, he will lead us safely through unfamiliar paths. It is such a blessing to know that he will lead us and not forsake us. On those days when I feel like I cannot put one foot in front of the other, God will guide me. On those days when I can't see the next step on the path, be will lead my feet. I only have to remain standing, and he will lead me home. If I can put one foot in front of the other, he will bring me to his peace.

Heavenly Father,

There are so many times when I cannot see the path in front of me. Lord, help me to walk in faith, rather than by my sight. Give me confidence in my steps and lead me safely to your arms.

Amen.

A Doubting Saint

John 20:24-25 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

I was recently listening to a sermon about the resurrection and Jesus' appearances to his disciples. I was distracted, when Thomas was referred to as St. Thomas. See, my whole life I had referred to this disciple as doubting Thomas. I knew he was a saint now, but I didn't really think of him that way. Somehow, I felt that his lack of faith in that one moment defined him for eternity.

I didn't see Thomas as God did. See, in God's eyes, our identity is not a combination of all the things we've done in our lives. We are not defined by our actions, but our faith. Until this point, I didn't really focus on the part of the story where Thomas' doubt is transformed into a simple but profound statement of faith, "My Lord and My God!" Thomas cried. Thomas realized that standing before him was the one he wanted to serve his whole life. Standing before him was the one God he had been searching for. Each morning, I should fall to my knees and call out this same creed, uttered not by a doubter, but a saint.

In God's eyes, we're all saints. It makes me happy to think that the labels that stick on me here on earth, will be replaced in heaven. I'll no longer be doubting, wayward, or unsuccessful. Instead I will be a saint, a child of God. In fact, the Bible says that we will even be given a new name, known only to God. All the labels and adjectives that are attached to our earthly name will be gone, replaced by a new, pristine and holy name.

I am so excited for the time that I will be a saint, a child of God, holy. It makes me want to act like that now. If God is eventually going to call me his child, I'd better start behaving. Why wait until eternity to live in his perfection when eternity can start today? I'm not saying I won't make mistakes, in fact, I'll probably make one even before you read this. What I am saying is that God will remember me as he sees me; his child, made perfect through his Son.

Heavenly Father,

I seldom feel like a saint here on earth. I have done so many things that were not in your plan. Looking at my life, a million imperfections glisten like freshly fallen snow in April. And yet, you don't see the imperfection, you see the saint you have made me to be. Lord, help me to be that saint. Give me the will, the words and the way to do your work here on earth. Draw me to you and help me to draw others to you as well. Pull me close. I love you.

Amen

Life-saving device

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I was driving in my car today, enjoying the sunshine after the long winter of grey. I wasn't thinking about my car's engine, battery or airbags at the time. That is, until I saw an accident by the side of the road.

Suddenly I was grateful for the safety mechanisms that I usually take for granted. I got to thinking about how my airbag could potentially save my life. It could keep me from suffering the ultimate consequence of poor or distracting driving.

That's not to say that I would walk away from an accident unscathed. I realize that, even with airbags, I could have broken bones, scrapes, bruises, any number of injuries. But ulitmately, wounds heal and life is precious.

Isn't that how it is with God? We drive around, taking him for granted, possibly even making poor reckless choices. We do things that could harm or even kill us. And yet Jesus, with intimate mercy, literally took the blow for us. He submitted himself to suffering and death that we might live.

That doesn't mean we'll walk away unscathed. Like a car accident, we may be bruised or broken, but we will have life and life eternal. Jesus literally inflates himself, wraps his arms around us and holds us close, despite our sin and pain. He preserves our eternal life. He paid the ultimate price so that we don't have to.

Jesus,

Thank you for caring so much about us that you were willing to come to earth to protect us from our sins. We often take you for granted, forgetting you are there until we need you. We become frustrated and upset when we are in the middle of a painful situation. We forget that you are lovingly wrapping your arms around us to keep us safe. Thank you for always being there.

Amen

Temptation

Romans 7:15
I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve decided that I am going to exercise. The execution looks different each time, but the conviction is the same. I will get up early, I will stay up late, I will start right after work, I will aim for three times a week… You get the idea.

Somehow, I always end up caving and sleeping in, having a snack, talking on the phone or anything else to avoid exercising. At some point, I acknowledge defeat and accept that I have failed once again, feeling weak and small.

I think this is a mild version of what Paul is talking about. We all have something that interferes with our relationship with God. We know what is right and what is wrong. We try to live a good life, forgive, think, “What would Jesus do?” But somehow, we find ourselves gossiping at church coffee hour. We don’t’ even make it out the door before we fall.

Paul reminds us that despite our sinful nature, Christ loves us. He died for us to free us from the power of sin. When we are tempted, we can call on Jesus to walk with us. He knows what it’s like. He’s lived through it. The difference is He was strong enough to resist. He’ll hold our hand and pick us up when we fall. Sometimes, we just need someone to brush us off and tell us to start fresh.

I remember struggling with my thesis in graduate school. I had written three pages and was stuck. I was sure I could get to page four if I just sat long enough. Finally, I went to bed. The next night, I sat down at the computer and thought, where was I going with this? I need to start again. So I erased the file and began typing.

Jesus gives us unlimited opportunities to start again. His grace means that we can have a clean slate. We just need to bring our sins and lay them at
his feet. Our repentance makes us ready, his grace makes us clean. Sometimes a fresh start is all you need.

Lord Jesus,
You have been here. You were tempted and stayed strong. I am weak, but you can make me strong. Wash me clean and give m a fresh start. Walk with me in my struggles. Hold m when I fall. I am sorry for my failures, but confident in your grace. Thank you for the gift of a fresh start.

Amen

Lost and Found

Matthew 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

I learn so much about my behavior from my kids. Two summers ago, we brought our girls to Six Flags. We were in the Wiggles World and had given my oldest the freedom to wait in line by herself for a ride. We watched her closely, she got on the ride, we relaxed a bit and waited with our younger daughter. The ride let out, and Maggie was not there. We panicked, found the staff and asked what to do next. They calmly asked what she was wearing, turned and pointed to a young girl, leaving a ride. It was Maggie. She had gotten on a different ride and we didn't see her. Unfortunately for her, we left our post and she couldn't find us either. Terrified, she called to us. When we were reunited, she was angry with us for losing her. A long lecture and the punishment of leaving the park resulted in her never repeating that drama.

I think I am a lot like that. See, I'll be walking along with God. We'll be pals. I call on him for help, he comes through, we're a team. Then, suddenly I get distracted. I decide that I know how to do my life better and I go about things my own way. "I can work out finances." or "Look how well I did at that!" I say. God leaves the picture. Inevitably, something goes wrong. I reach for God and he's gone. He's out of the picture. I can't find him no matter how hard I look.

I get angry and confused. I can't understand why he would leave me when I need him most. What I fail to acknowledge is that I left him, not the other way around. Like Maggie in Wiggles World, I had my own ideas, got lost and got angry. If I had stayed close by all along, I could have avoided the stress and confusion of being lost. Like a child, I ignore my role in the situation and blame God. Lonely, I cry out and accuse him.

Eventually, I find my way back, irate that I have been alone for so long. Suddenly, things seem clearer and life gets better. I get into my groove, count on him and feel better. I hardly even realize that I was the one who left and he is the one who brought me back. Luckily for me, he always seems to find me.

Heavenly Father,

I know I am your child, and that you want what is best for me. So often, I walk away, convinced I can figure things out on my own. Inevitably I mess things up. I get scared and confused. I get angry and cry out to you. Without fail, you bring me back to you. By your side, I can do anything. Thank you for your compassion and companionship. Keep me close to you.

Amen

Vernal Ponds

Song of Solomon 2:11-12 See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

I recently read an article in the Forest Preserve's newsletter about vernal ponds. In case you are unfamiliar with this amazing habitat (as I was), I will give you a brief synopsis. Vernal ponds are the big pools of water that appear in spring as the result of snow melting, rain falling and the water table rising. I have seen these frequently on my hikes and considered them a nuisance of spring. They prevent me from following the trail I am walking on, provide another reason my kids can't splash and all-around disrupt my lovely encounter with nature. What I didn't realize was how important and intricate they are.

See, in the vernal pond, a huge diversity of life emerges, protected by the fact that the ponds are inconsistent (predators have more trouble finding them). Some species of life can only begin in these quickly fading pools of water. In fact, the balance of life in the larger environment depends greatly on this small nuisance for me. I guess I will not become too upset when I next encounter a standing pool of water.

I think that in my everyday life, there are a lot of vernal ponds. See, I have many things I would love to see just "dry up and disappear." I have spiritual eyesores that I hope no one notices. I struggle through periods of doubt and confusion. I slowly begin to rely on myself to provide for my family, rather than trusting and acknowledging that God is the source of all good things. I wonder how God can allow pain and suffering and challenge him to come down and fix it all, to "prove himself" so to speak.

I want to avoid these tough spots. I want to live a faith filled life, with no struggle or pain. And yet, it is in these painful periods that I learn life's most important lessons. I learn about God's amazing compassion, when I see a friend who is struggling with a child's chronic illness call on God for strength. I see God's incredible forgiveness when I walk away from him, once again and he welcomes me back with open arms. I see God's endless mercy when I take credit for his deeds, and he blesses me just the same.

If I didn't have to face my own vernal ponds, ugly spiritual terrain, I wouldn't learn the beautiful spiritual truths that give me strength and courage in my faith. Just as in the forest preserves near my house, these vernal ponds are teeming with growth. I need to stand in awe and wonder, praising God for the his wisdom and diversity and trusting him to bring out new life once again.

Heavenly Father,

You have thought out every aspect of your creation, both physical and spiritual. You have given us beautiful spring blooms and stagnant vernal ponds. You have given us spiritual highs and lows. Through all of these things, you bring new life. Help us to recognize the growth and potential, rather then focusing on the external appearances. Bring us growth and new life.

Amen.

Gethsemane

Luke 22:41-44

He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

As a child, I remember standing in the small church I grew up in, looking behind the altar at an amazing painting of a peaceful Jesus, praying, leaning on a stone, with light surrounding his head and a pensive look on his face. I asked, "What is that picture about?" "It's Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane," was the response. I thought about how lucky it was for Jesus that he got to pray there. Obviously, it was a wonderful, peaceful place, and God was right there with him.

As I grew older, and was able to understand the story behind the painting, I began to realize that Jesus's time in the garden was not as peaceful as the painting portrayed it to be. He was pleading with God that he might be spared this suffering. He must have felt so alone. He knew that his best friends on earth were off sleeping and his greatest enemies were drawing nearer. He knew that great pain was ahead of him, for a crime he had never committed. And yet, he prayed, "not my will, but yours be done."

What makes me even more amazed is that Jesus was in this situation, not by his own doing, but by ours. I hate to see friends upset. When they have a small problem, I want to step in and fix it right up. But Jesus was pleading for the solution to a problem I caused. There is nothing I can do to fix it. Actually, he fixed it for me. I realize now what He did for me. It's amazing to think that in his love, God died for me. Aside from that he was afraid. He didn't use superhuman courage, but love. Love for you and love for me. I am full of gratitude for his willingness to do for me what I could never do.

The only appropriate response is to give him praise and live my life serving him and others. This Easter season let's remember the sacrifice and love present in Gethsemane that blessed night.

Holy Jesus,

You, in infinite love, faced fear and confusion. Rejected by your friends and hunted by your enemies, you prayed that things could be different. And yet, you walked into the hands of your accusers and died on the cross, not for your sins, but for mine. Thank you so much for you r love and mercy. Help me to live my life remembering your grace. Help me to show your love to others and praise you in all I do.

Amen

Opportunity

Colossians 4:5
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

I love getting to know people. My husband teases me because I talk to everyone. We can be in the parking lot at Target and I’ll see a van with bikes on top. The driver gets out the door and within seconds, I know where they’re headed and how long they plan on staying. That’s just how I am. At every opportunity I meet people.

Paul tells us that we need to take advantage of these opportunities. We are not supposed to isolate ourselves, associating only with other Christians. We are meant to meet, care for and minister to Christians and non Christians alike.

If we spend all of our time with other Christians, we’ll feel good, but we won’t be drawing others toward Christ. In the words of the classic song, This Little Light of Mine:
Hide it under a bushel…
No, I’m gonna let it shine!

We can hide our faith, or let it shine. We don’t have to bombard people with our faith, just glow consistently. I think in imagery and here’s what’s coming at me right now: two fires. One burns so hot, you can barely draw near. The other glows warmly, providing light and inviting others to draw in and feel its warmth. Which on will you sit by?

We burn too strongly when we share God’s word through judgment, hypocrisy and demands for faith. We glow warmly when we serve, give thanks and praise.

What opportunity lies ahead today, to allow you to burn gently, but consistently for Christ?

Lord God,
You provide us with so many opportunities to share your love. Help us to take advantage of those opportunities. Help us to burn for you, drawing others in, rather than pushing them away.

Amen

Faith

Mark 9:24
“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Each night, my daughters and I sit in their room and pray. First we tell God what we are grateful for that day. Then we ask God for help with something. I am used to the usual requests, “Help me fall asleep,” “Help me not hit,” “Help me reach things that are high (no joke, for almost two months we heard that one!) Then, one night, my oldest daughter stopped me in my tracks with “I need help believing in God.”
When I caught my breath, I was able to say, “That’s a really smart prayer. It’s not always easy to believe, sometimes we need help.” We had a great conversation, she went to sleep and I prayed for a long time.

Christianity calls us to do a very difficult thing. We are to believe in Jesus, who we cannot see and who lived two thousand years ago and who asks us to live in a way that is very different from our society’s norms. It sounds almost impossible, and it is. That is, it is impossible if we try to do it alone.

Jesus realized that his disciples would struggle with this, that’s why he sent the Holy Spirit to help them. The Holy Spirit can sense our struggles and calm our fears. The Spirit can give us words at just the right moment, and help us to stay quiet other times. The Spirit can affirm our belief in us when the winds of doubt blow through our mind. The spirit is there at every baptism, every funeral, every step of the way, if we only look.

Sometimes, I feel God’s presence more than others. I will admit that I have gone through many periods of doubt. “If God is real, why did that child die?” “If God is real, why do so many people have trouble having children?” “If God is real, why can’t we all respect each other?” These periods of doubt ultimately bring me closer to God. Somehow, the Spirit makes God’s presence known through a song on the radio, played at just the right time, the words of a friend, saying exactly what I need to hear, or the colors of a sunset as I drive home from an exhausting day at work. The presentation varied, but the presence is constant, God’s love is lasting and his arms are strong. He will pull me from the depths of doubt onto my foundation of faith, I just need to reach up and hold him.

Holy Spirit,
Your presence in my life is amazing. Without you, faith is impossible. Help me in the times I feel I can do it alone. Stand by me, so that when I fall, you can catch me. Enter my heart so that I can be your voice, helping others along their journey of faith, through your power.

Amen.

The Storm

Matthew 14: 25-33 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

When I was a little girl, I used to love to go out in the rain. I'd jump in puddles, catch raindrops on my tongue and dance with wild abandon, completely indifferent to the cold rain, wet hair or muddy shoes. Gentle rains were wonderful.

However, I was terrified of thunderstorms. I would wake up in the middle of the night, thunder rolling over the house. Then a loud crack and a flash of light would send me running to my mother's bed. I'd climb in, safe and secure, knowing that nothing could hurt me there.

Now I'm blessed to be on the other end of the storm. It's my bed that gets invaded and my arms that protect. I love it.

The disciples were in a storm, unprotected, on the water. I'm sure their confidence was as shaky as the boat they were clinging to. Then suddenly, Jesus appeared, walking on water nonetheless. I can't imagine what that felt like. Peter, in his typical impulsive manner, decided that he had to be a part of that. Boldly he challenged Jesus, "Let me come out there." He did it too, until he realized what was going on. Like a child riding a bike, who realizes that dad has let go, Peter fell. Luckily, Jesus was close at hand to pull him out.

I have been through many storms in my life. Sometimes I feel like Peter, unsure about my ability to stay afloat. But if I take a second, turn to Christ in faith, the storm seems to calm a bit and I remain afloat. I'm not saying my troubles go away, it's just that I find peace in the midst of them. Rather than sinking, I am able to peacefully move forward until I end up on solid ground.

Heavenly Father,

We brave so many storms in this life. Alone, they seem scary and impossible. Thank you for letting us crawl into your arms, like a child into her Mommy's bed. Safely help us until the storm passes. Help us to have faith in you despite the storms and trials of this life. Draw us near to you, that we may feel your peace.

Amen.

Strength

Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

When you were growing up, were you ever told that you could do anything, if you just tried hard enough? I think this is a very frustrating comment. I've mentioned before that I am athletically challenged. My mom enrolled me in all the right classes when I was a kid. She sent me to dance, gymnastics, swimming, tennis. The only one I had any success at was swimming.

For the rest of the classes, I tried, I just never succeeded. I tried. I really wanted to do well. Even to this day I have the desire. Recently a friend brought her Wii over and we tried to play tennis. By the end of the first game, her husband sweetly commented, "Maybe we should try different game." See, it's not that I don't try. It's just that I am not talented in that area.

That phrase, "you can do anything," is frustrating to me. I can't. I can't be Venus Williams. I just can't. However, the passage we are focusing on today says that we can indeed to all things through God. When I was younger, that frustrated me as much as my mom's admonition that if I practiced enough I could do anything. Somehow it felt that my failures were due to a lack of effort or a lack of faith, rather than a lack of talent.

As an adult, I understand what Paul is saying in a totally different way. See, I believe that Paul is encouraging us to stay firm on the path placed before us by God. For in our darkest hours, God will give us the strength to carry on.

I know that I am blessed in this life with family, friends, a job, a house and countless other blessings that I take for granted every day. However, there are days when I feel like I cannot handle all the responsibilities that come with these blessings. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get all my work done. There's not enough of me to go around. On those days I feel like I need an escape. I know that I can never be successful, so I should just quit. I want to crawl in bed and let it all slip away for just a few sweet minutes. I know that if anyone could see my weakness, they would know what a fraud I am.

But honestly, people don't see the weaknesses. They don't hear my inner thoughts and doubts, instead they see me somehow make it all work out. They see me balance work, family, friends and God carefully. They see the end result. Sure, I drop a few balls along the way, but they don't notice that. Instead they see me "getting it done."

A couple of people have even said, "I don't know how you do it." Usually, I push away the comment by drawing attention to my many mistakes. Today though, I realized, I do get it done. I also realized how I do it. I don't do it with great organizational skills, for those are sorely lacking in my life. Instead, know that God gives me strength and grants me the grace to do what is set before me.

I try to spend time with him every day. I pray, listen to worship music, read the Bible, whatever works that day. Ironically, on the days that are very busy or stressful, I've found that time with God is longer rather than shorter. I may spend a few more minutes in prayer. I may search his word a little longer, looking for the passage that I need to focus on today. God reaches out through his word, through music and through prayer to strengthen me. He helps me to do the work he has given me; to raise my family, help children learn to communicate, share his love and serve my neighbors. He doesn't mind the mistakes I make along the way, as long as I keep running forward and giving it my all. He will see me through. I just have to rely on him.

Heavenly Father,

You have said that when I call on Jesus, there is nothing I can't do. While I wish that meant that with Jesus' help, I can become an amazing artist or tennis player, I know that you are telling me that if I follow your path and call on your name, you will help me to do the work you have given me to do. Thank you. I need your help. Please, Lord, help me to focus my energy on you, help me discern what it is you want me to do and keep me on the path, so that I may serve you.

Amen.

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Occasionally I get asked what my favorite season is. Almost immediately I say fall. I love the vibrant colors, the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet, the smell of fires returning to fireplaces. I even begin to enjoy the days growing shorter. I love to return home at dusk, driving by homes with lights on, catching a glimpse of the daily routines of my neighbors. Fall is a great time of year.

But right now, it is spring outside and I have to say, spring comes in a close second as far as favories go. I love to watch the rivers that form in the gutters as the snow melts. I love to hear the water as it trickles down landing in an unseen world with a constant, quiet tinkle. I love to grow accustomed once again to being awoken by the songs of birds in the morning. I love to watch as God carefully creates explosions of colors as trees bloom and flowers open. I love the drama of spring.

I think I like these two seasons so much because during them, it is obvious that God loves beauty. He paints with a patient brush, slowly filing in the color on the trees, first a little, then a little more, until finally the lush green leaves glisten in the sun. Every year, I wonder at the fact that God could make a living thing that is able to grow and blossom and make its' own food in the spring, summer and fall, then withstand the harsh and bitter cold of winter, without so much as a coat. How does he do it? I can feel God's presence in the spring and I find that very comforting.

I know that we all have favorite seasons. But somehow, I think that God's brilliance is found in his variety. When we move into spring from winter, I appreciate the sun's warmth anew each year. But the crisp cool days of fall are so welcome after the hot humid summer months. The contrast increases my awareness.

Sometimes I wonder if God does this with blessings too. In the times when I am struggling, I get so frustrated with God. I want to scream at him to fix things. When things even out and feel okay again, I praise him for his grace and wisdom. Does he allow these contrasts to remind me he is there? In the hard times, I call on him. I feel his presence. When things are going well, I sometimes skate along, without noticing all he does for me everyday. Maybe I need those speed bumps to remind me who is in control.

Solomon says, "for everything there is a season." What season of life are you in now? Do you feel God's presence? I am going to try to rejoice in each season, good and bad, summer and winter, spring and fall, for in these seasons, God has made his presence known to me.

Heavenly Father,

You have blessed us with so many seasons. You give us birth, life and death; grief and joy, summer and fall. Thank you for bringing us near to you through our experiences. Help us to rejoice through these seasons. Help us find wonder in your workmanship, faith in your workmanship and peace in your beauty. Help us to find you in our everyday experiences, good and bad.

Amen

Trust

Philippians 3:9
For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

My daughter Britta has perfect faith in me. Each morning, before we go downstairs, she stands at the top of the stairs, reaches out and falls forward, confident that I will catch her. Each morning I catch her, she lays her head on my shoulder, and snuggling, we walk down the stairs to begin the day.

She has no reason to trust me, other than the fact that we have a relationship and she hasn't fallen yet. Britta has great faith in me and I love it. It feels great to stand below her, looking up at her, knowing she trusts me to keep her safe.

Paul says that God wants us to have this kind of faith in him. He wants us to reach out to him, arms wide and fall into his mercy. He wants us to trust him unconditionally, just as he loves us unconditionally.

The problem with this concept for me is that I don't want to put that kind of trust in God. When I am standing on my own two feet, I feel strong, the minute I begin to fall, I lose control and get scared. There is a saying that you have to take e a "leap of faith". I think that is the perfect illustration. It makes no sense to leave this solid ground to fall uncontrollably into God's hands. However, without that leap, we never get the change to rest in his arms, confident that he will carry us through this life and the next. We never get that snuggle as we go down the stairs.

I went through a period of time recently, where I was irritable with everyone in my house. I didn't have the patience to deal with the constant demands, arguing, requests for help, questions, etc. that come along with being in a family of five. So I snapped, I was sarcastic, I rolled my eyes and became frustrated. I felt awful. It wasn't working for me. I was struggling to maintain control, yet I was on a roller coaster of emotions.

I decided that rather than just spending time in prayer and devotional reading at night, I would begin the day thanking God for the gifts in my life and asking for his help in handling them. I acknowledge that without him, I am out of control. So each morning, I reach out to him and fall into his arms, knowing he will guide me through the day. He will help me maintain my patience. But even more than that, he will give me peace. That's the snuggle as we go down the stairs. And for that I am grateful.

I'd like to think that just as I enjoy the feeling of joy I feel at Britta's unconditional trust in me, God enjoys my trust in him. I think that as we develop our relationship with each other, that trust grows stronger and it is easier to take the leap. I hope that on the days that I take God's presence and mercy for granted, he rejoices in the fact that we are intimate.

Heavenly Father,

You want us to trust that you will care for us. Help us to reach out to you. Give us confidence as we fall into your arms each morning. Give us peace as we place our trust in you. Help us to do your will in this world so that others can know this peace as well.

Amen.

Worry

Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.

It is so easy to give thanks to God. I am grateful when he is good to me. Each night I thank him for the gift of my family and for his presence in my life. Each morning I thank him for the new day and for the opportunity to serve him in some way. I can do thanks.
I have trouble with supplication. Don’t get me wrong, I ask God for a lot. I just don’t give my worry to him. I ask him for help with finances and three seconds after I say amen, I begin to worry about work. I ask him to heal a friend and open my eyes worrying about his family. I can ask, I just can’t surrender.
Paul tells us not to worry about anything. How can we not worry? Life happens; we have to deal with it, right? But here’s what I think he’s saying: we have to think about life’s troubles, we have to address them, but we don’t have to worry about them. I can think about problems at work, I can problem solve, pray, and finally resolve, but I don’t have to let the problems control me. When I worry, I place all of my energy on them; I begin to put more importance on the problems than on God or the blessings in my life. Seldom do I find a solution through worry. If, instead, I pray and ask for guidance, my thoughts clear and opportunities present themselves.
Last year, I realized that I could no loner bring my girls to my friend’s house while I was at work. The bus would not pick up there for Maggie’s school. I researched different day cares and knew that we were going to have a hard time paying for them. I didn’t know anyone in our district who did home daycare. I was consumed with worry.
I decided the best thing to do was to calm down. I couldn’t think clearly, so I prayed for peace. Then I sarcastically suggest that if God had any ideas, he might let me know. Less than five minutes later, the phone rang and my mom had a great idea. A friend of ours needed work and could drive to our home and ca for the girls here. It has been a blessing.
I didn’t solve my problem through worry, I solved it through prayer. I guess I learned a few things through this process, God answers prayers, worry is counterproductive and God forgives sarcasm when you’re really stressed out.
The other part of this passage that rings true in my life is that when we are worried, thanking god for what we already have brings joy and peace in the midst of trouble. When we remember to thank God for blessings and surrender our worries to him, solutions arrive and our worries disappear.

Sovereign Lord,
We know that you have blessed us immensely on this earth and that our problems are opportunities to grow. Thank you for being present in our lives. Help us to focus on you and not on our worries. Help us also to remember that though you will hear our prayers, we need to be listening for the answers and putting in the effort to solve our problems. Grant us patience and persistence in difficult times.

Amen.

Miracles

John 20:30-31
Jesus did many other miracles before his followers that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you can believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then by believing, you can have life through his name.

Do you believe in miracles? It sounds like a question from a bad dating survey. However I struggle with this one.

See, I know it is a blessing to believe without seeing, but I am flawed. I need to see. I can’t be sure they’re real. Like Thomas, I have to feel and touch the reality of God. And yet, I still haven’t seen a miracle.

I’ve seen three children born into this world. I’ve seen a young girl dance in a wheelchair after she won a race. I’ve seen marriages heal and people get well. But are these miracles? I’m not sure.

Biblical miracles seem BIG. But then again, people expected them to be. Today, we don’t expect miracles. We dare not expect our insurance to cover our medical bills, much less a full blown, biblical healing. Today, if we saw a miracle, we’d explain it away with science.

Miracles to me are not to create faith, but to confirm it. No miracle will be big enough to make me believe, but a small miracle can remind me who God is.

It was not until my first child was born that I understood the miracle of life. So much can go wrong, and yet, there in my arms lay proof that God exists and loves us.

Today, we have so much more interfering with our ability to see and feel God. We search for meaning in a world that values a big house more than a big heart. A miracle today may not be that God parted the seas or healed the lame. A miracle today may be that we can feel God’s presence. We see it in the change of seasons. We feel it in our child’s hug. We hear it in a stranger’s kind words when we are discouraged. We need to look for the miracles and expect them to exist.


Dear Jesus,
You are so powerful and yet so compassionate. Your miracles made it clear that you were God’s Son. Yet today we doubt your ability to perform miracles. Help us to see the small miracles in our life and help us to pray confidently for the big miracles we know you can perform. Give us faith.
Amen.

Greatness

Exodus 33:20-23 (The Lord said to Moses) "But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see my greatness and live." The Lord continued, "Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen."

When I was in high school, I loved the TV show 21 Jump Street. In fact, I had a binder with pictures and articles about the show and the actors. I was obsessed. My all time favorite, of course, was Johnny Depp. But I had them all, Holly Robinson, Dustin Nguyen, Peter DeLouise, everyone. They all lived in a Trapper Keeper on my dresser

I don't need to tell you how excited I was when I heard that the WHOLE CAST of 21 Jump Street would be signing autographs at Marshall Fields on State Street in Chicago. I couldn't believe it. I could meet them all. I'd be close enough to touch them.

The day arrived and my sister and I waited six hours in the basement of Marshall Fields, well, not really the basement. It was the hot, croweded pedestrian tunnel from the EL that led to the basement of Marshall Fields. The whole time, I rehearsed over and over in my head how I would tell them how AMAZING they all were. But when I finally got to the front of the line, I froze. I was in awe and fell silent. I was in the presence of greatness.

I have often wished that God would show himself to me. I wished that he would prove beyond a doubt that he is real. I wished, like Moses did, that I could see his glory face to face. But now I think I understand why he sheilds his greatness.

See, I was in the presence of four human actors and fell silent. What would I do in the presence of God, who is so much bigger and greater than anything I can even imagine? It's a wonder that I can even talk to him. It's amazing that I can come to him in praise or with a humble request. I am so greatful that he does't let us see his glory face to face, because if he did, I think I'd run.

Instead, I cherish my time with him. The moments I spend in earnest prayer or heart-felt praise is some of the most important time in my day. If I were to fall silent, or freeze in awe, I would be missing my intimate, strengthening, peace-bringing time with my father. He is so wise to show us his glory indirectly.

But one day, I will see him face to face. I will fall to my knees, and worship him with a song I cannot even imagine. His greatness will overwhelm me and I will praise him with a new song. In the meantime, I try to remember that God, in his greatness, loves me in my tiny, imperfect life. He wants me to come before him, despite my insignificance. And so he sheilds his glory and gives me but a glimpse of his infinate majesty, because he loves me. And for that... I am grateful.

Infinate God,

You are so glorious, we cannot even fathom it. And yet, you seek a relationship with us. You put yourself on our level, even to the point of living on earth so that we could come to know you. You have given us glimpses of your glory. We want to see you face to face, but you know the time has not yet come. So we wait, with anticipation for the day we can fall before you with soungs of praise and thanksgiving.

Amen

God's Light

Matthew 5:16
In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I love winter in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The days are short and the snow is constant, but God has blessed that land with amazing beauty and light. See, when there is over a foot of snow on the ground, the white snow reflects every drop of sunshine until it pierces your eyes. I am in wonder at the foresight of God. An overcast day in the snow can be as bright as a sunny day at the beach.

We are called to be light in this dark world. We have been given the gift of God’s grace and love. It’s like a fire, burning inside of us. It starts small and grows until it cannot be contained. As our hearts burn for Jesus, His light is glowing in our lives. I don’t think it takes much of God’s light to change the world. Like the snow in the UP, God’s creation reflects his light.

How does our light shine in this dark world? When I was a child, we sang the song “It Only Takes a Spark.” I loved the image of one spark starting a beautiful fire for everyone to sit by, warmly singing songs. I believe that each small act of kindness, each compassionate word, each time we resist temptation shines God’s light brighter.

Our light should bring glory to God. Here, I think Mother Theresa. You know, helping the poor in Calcutta? She definitely glorified God with her good deeds. But me, how can my good works glorify God? Christians are called to live out our faith. Each time we make a moral choice, help the needy or show compassion, someone sees God’s loving hand. We can show his glory to one person at a time, one act at a time.

Heavenly Father,

You have given us your light. Help us to use it to show your love to the world. Help us to realize that each action, no matter how small reflects your glory. Thank you for your light in this world.

Amen

Providence

Esther 4:14
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?

This passage from Esther occurs immediately following a decree from the king that all the Jews be killed. Esther, a Jew, is queen and in a position of influence. However, to speak up is dangerous. What should she do? God clearly placed her in this position so she could speak up, but how can she take the risk?

I have often wondered what would happen to my voice if I were in a position of persecution. Would I bravely face my oppressors, showing God’s grace and glory, or would I cower in fear, praying for words, only to tuck them away unspoken?

I don’t know what I’d do in this position. I do know that God’s plans are hard to follow sometimes. He is not a puppet master, forcing us to do his will. However, he does provide guidance.

Events that see coincidental actually are intentional. God places people n our paths, problems in our lives d blessings in our surroundings for a reason, so w can learn, grow and do his will.

He broke my heart in high school when a certain boy broke up with me, only to have my future husband introduced to me through that same boy. Do I wish I could forgo that heartache? Not if it means I lose a chance the live in the joy he has prepared for me now. I will embrace his plans, trust his providence and examine my problems. For in those difficulties lies a great opportunity for growth.

Like Esther, I am in this place for a reason. God has plan. I must trust him and follow his will.

Wise and Loving Father,
You have had a plan for me since before I was born. In your wisdom, you have not given me all the answers right now. Grant me the confidence to trust your will for me and the courage to live out the life you have planned for me.
Amen

Silver and Gold

Matthew 19:26
Jesus said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

I have a hard time trusting Jesus here. Not that I don’t believe that everything he said was true, I do. I just can’t comprehend it. I know he made the world, created all life, imagined the stars and painted the rainbows. I know he healed the sick, walked on water and changed water to wine. So I don’t know why I can’t accept that he can heal my daughter’s cough.

I guess I imagine that Jesus’ power was greater when he was on earth than it is now. I mean he was here. He could touch things and BAM! Miracle. That makes sense. But praying to an unseen God, who doesn’t walk on earth anymore, and asking him for a miracle, seems silly. He’s not going to lay his hands on Britta and soothe her. Yet, maybe he will. All the miracles in the Bible were preceded by faith. Whoever asked for a miracle truly believed it would happen. Maybe that’s what I’m lacking, strong faith.

God can do anything. Think about it. If Jesus was powerful here on earth, how could he become less powerful in heaven? That just doesn’t make sense to me. He didn’t become less God when he ascended into heaven. When he returns, He will be in his full glory, which means more powerful. His powers are no longer limited by his human body. So when I pray, I can be confident of his ability to do what I ask.

I recently heard a saying that I am going to cling to. “Why pray for silver when God can give you gold?” Seriously, I am going to pray for GOLD! I may not get it, but that’s for God to decide. He knows the end of the story. He knows where we go from here. He knows what I need to learn for later. He is perfecting me through my experiences. When God does not seem to answer my prayers, it’s not because he can’t, he just didn’t. I’d be pretty selfish to assume that all my needs should be met as I see fit. Instead, I’ll pray for gold and ask God to help me accept silver.


Powerful God,

You are amazing. Your power is beyond my understanding. Thank you for all the prayers you have answered. Please help me to accept the answers you have sent. Help me see the beauty in silver. Help me to trust that your plan is great. You are amazing God!

Amen.

Name

2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive them their sins and restore their land.

Names are so important. When I was pregnant, I struggled over each child’s name. I wanted it to be strong, yet pretty, unique, yet classic. I wanted it to have meaning. I finally chose three beautiful names. Hopefully my girls will agree about that as they age.

What name we are called is important. As children, we were called so many names. The negative ones tore us down: loser, nerd, stupid, ugly, the list is long. Each repetition of a name strengthens our identification. Each time I was called a nerd, I became more ashamed of my love of books and learning. I longed to be popular, so that I wouldn’t be such an embarrassing nerd. Yet even the more positive names such as smart, pretty, strong and popular come with great pressure. Suddenly, the struggle to continue to live up to that name begins. It’s hard to be yourself when a small slip may result in a plummet from your social status. As adults, many of us still live under the names we were called at seven or at seventeen.

Luckily, God tells us that we are called by his name. He wants us to bear his identity. I grew up in a small town where everything you did reflected on your family. To do something great honored you and all who shared your name. Being called by God’s name is a blessing, but it is also a responsibility because now everything that we do reflects on God. Bing called a Christian should bring us great pride. However, for many people, the name Christian brings to min an angry, judgmental and hypocritical person. Does that reflect Jesus?

What characteristics are worthy of Jesus’ name? Paul lists them as the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. If w live with these qualities, we will bring honor to Jesus’ name. In my life, I pray for the strength to make everything I do reflect well on Jesus and his name.

Dear Jesus,
Your name is so powerful and precious, yet we often do things that fail to bring you glory. Help us to remember that as your children, all we do reflects on you. Help us to bring glory and honor to your name.

Amen.

Doubt

Matthew 17:20
"You don’t have enough faith," Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, move from here to there and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

Faith is such a powerful thing. To have faith in something implies that you feel confident of your belief. If I think someone will help me in a time of need that is a lot different than having faith some one will help me in a time of need. If I only think I can rely on them, I may hesitate before calling. I may wonder if it is worth my time or the risk of rejection. If I have faith, the phone call is made immediately.

I would like to think that I have a strong faith. I definitely pray, go to church, read the word and lots of the other precursors to faith. However, I occasionally, possibly even frequently entertain doubts about my faith. Is it absurd? Can God really care about every single one of us? Does it even make sense?

Usually, I pray trough these doubts, which makes no sense. “I’m not sure you’re there, so I’ll pray to you for guidance.” What kind of circular thinking is that? However, after a prayer like that, I get an answer. Sometimes it’s in the form of a song on the radio, sometimes in a message at church, sometimes in the twinkling leaves that flutter in the wind. Sometimes, the answer just appears in my head out of nowhere, a gentle, “Yes, I’m real.”

This process is amazing to me. My faith is actually strengthened by my doubt. In the midst of doubt, I call out to God, an act of faith. God in turn, responds, but I have to be ready to receive it, again, an act of faith. When the message comes, I embrace it, relieved, a confirmation of faith. See, faith is present through the whole cycle of doubt. In fact, I think that doubt is actually the first step to faith. Without doubt, my faith would be pointless. If I was certain, I wouldn’t need faith.

God rejoices in our faith, especially He gives us free will to believe in him or turn away. Luckily for us, he also sends the Holy Spirit to help us accept him into our hearts. We need not be ashamed of our doubt, but rather accept it, embrace it and pray our way through it, for without doubt, there cannot be faith.

Dear Lord,
When I doubt you, I feel lost, guilty and confused. However, you have given me the ability to believe in you despite my doubts. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who brings me confidence in your existence.

Amen.

Community

Acts 2:46-47
Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people.

I am amazed by the faithfulness and community present in the early church. They gathered together to worship, eat and socialize. They had a community I am jealous of. They cherished their time together.
In today’s church, we are almost the opposite. We are given an amazing gift, the opportunity to gather freely to worship our Lord. Yet it is often difficult to get to church on Sundays. When we get there, we focus on the argument we had before we left the house or we worry about how we’ll get everything done in time to be ready for the week. We don’t cherish our time together, we barely even focus on it.
I wish I were better able to leave the outside world behind and gather with other believers, focusing only on the precious word of God and cherishing our time together. I know it would make me a stronger Christian and a better person. I know I would feel less anxious when life crashes into me. I know I would feel less lonely when things feel out of control.
Jesus tells us not to focus on the things of this world. He encourages us instead to be rich in our love of God. We show our love of God be serving and being in fellowship with others.
I worry about finding time to get everything done and seldom find time for serving others. I don’t think it will fit into my schedule. I have, however, found time to serve occasionally. I especially enjoy working with PADS, a homeless shelter. I am amazed that during my time serving there, I am nurtured so much. Serving at PADS provides a new perspective on life. It helps me see that I am richly blessed in material things. It also allows me to see that those who have much less me in material goods are light years ahead of me spiritually.

I believe that we find God in fellowship with others. I am also sure that we find God in serving others. God wants us to live in toegether with other Christians. Our relationship with those around us provides a picture of God’s love for the world to see. God wants to be in fellowship with us, so we must be in fellowship with one another.

Heavenly Father,
You created us to live in fellowship with one another. You have taught us that our role on this earth is to love you and serve others. Help us take time to love others in the midst of our busy schedules, for we know that where two or more are gathered in your name, you are there also. Thank you for your presence with us.

Amen

Only God is Awesome

Psalm 89:7
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

I have the great joy of working with young children and their families. Almost inevitably, I learn as much from them as they do from me.

One of the first families I worked with had three boys. The older boys loved watching me work with their younger brother.

One day, Kenny, the middle child, told me a story. Half listening while I worked, I responded, "That's awesome, Kenny." He looked at me a while and then replied, "Actually, Miss Amanda, only God is awesome."

That was 12 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

I think we try to make God smaller than he is. We shrink him to a comfortable size that can fit into our realm of understanding. We try to put him in a box so that we can keep him the the right part of our lives. We forget that he is so great, so huge, so awesome that he can't be contained!

Another thing we do is to try to elevate earthly things to God's awesomeness. I frequently tell my kids that their drawings are awesome. Let's be honest. They are not. They are beautiful, sweet, precious, priceless. But awesome is bigger.

Awesome is God. When we call the latest movie, resaurant or car awesome, we are comparing them to the incomparable. Somehow, this belittles his greatness. No wonder we spend so much energy chasing money, fame and security. We have lost perspective on what is truly awesome.

When we give God, the honor he is due, when we recognize how truly awesome he is we will be able to look past our earthly concerns and focus on him, our Lord and Savior.


Awesome God,
You are truly great and we are inignificant in comparison. Help us to remember how great and wonderful you are. Help us to focus on you rather than the things of this world. We love you, Lord and Saviour.

Amen

God With Us

Leviticus 26:12
I will walk among you and I will be your God and you will be my people.

I think one of the most precious gifts we can give one another is our time. Given the opportunity, my girls would almost always rather spend time with me than do anything else. Being in each other’s presence is powerful. That’s why it I so amazing that God cam to earth to live with us and be one of us. He spent 33 years walking among us, feeling our emotions and learning what it is like to be human.

I kind of relate it to me visiting my daughters’ schools. I love to go volunteer because I get to see them learn, meet their friends, see their teachers teach, eat snack, whatever. I love it. I know cognitively what school is like, but I love to make the emotional connection. When I’m in the classroom, I know what it feels like during circle time or center time.

Volunteering at school is different than Jesus’ time on earth. When I go to school, I help out and observe. Jesus actually lived here. For me, that brings comfort. God loves me so much that he wants to know me. He sacrificed his heavenly home to spend time here, getting to know us.

I have worked with families of children for ten years. The first four I didn’t have children. I gave advice, problem solved and left feeling I had done a great job. Then I had children and had so much more to offer. I could give parents my personal experiences. I could have compassion for their sleepless nights and short patience. In short, I could understand. How nice it is that God understands us because he’s been here.

When I’m angry, I can pray, “Remember the temple, Jesus?” When I’m hurt, I cry, “Remember Judas?” When I’m joyful, I say, “Remember the wedding at Canna?”

God came here to live with us and know us. He came to show he cared. Now we can know him.



Lord Jesus,
Thank you for humbling yourself to walk among us. Thank you for feeling our emotions, learning our ways and spending time with us. Help us to give our time to others as you have to us.

Amen.

The World and Everything in It

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all who live in it.

I recently saw Will Smith interviewed on TV with his son. Somehow they began to talk about cleaning up and Will Smith said something I consider VERY wise. He explained how he told his son that Jayden's room really belonged to his father, who was letting Jayden borrow it. So in effect, Jayden had to take care of his room as if it was on loan.

I don't know about you, but I treat my friend's things with much more respect than I treat my own. If I borrow a sweater, it is folded neatly and put in my closet. No pile on a chair for that article of clothing. If I borrow a DVD, it stays in the case, on penalty of death, unlike the family DVDs piled next to the TV in our best impression of Pisa.

The psalmist reminds us that this earth, our family, our very bodies belong to God. They are on loan for a short time. We need to treat them with care. I don't know about you, but if I think of the annoying girl in class as God's precious child, temporarily on loan to the earth, I'll think twice before saying something rude. In the same way, if I consider myself God's pride and joy, I will hesitate to belittle myself and take care to treat my body with respect.

And so I wonder what this means for me today. If everything is God's, what do I need to change in what I do today? I can think of millions of tiny changes I need to make. When I look in the mirror, I need to see God's child, rather than the dark circles and extra pounds. When I get in the car, I need to consider those on the road with me brothers and sisters in Christ. When I reach for my wallet, I need to ask how spending this money will honor God. When I ask for a resolution to a problem, I need to treat the other person with respect.... The list is endless.

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. the world and all who live in it.... It's on loan. How will we treat it today?

Heavenly Father,

You have given us a wonderful home to live in. Yet like spoiled children, we forget that it is yours and treat it casually and with disrespect. Help us to remember today, that this is all yours, help us to treat it with love and respect. Thank you for your blessings in this life, help us to treat them as blessings.

Amen

What We Don't Do

James 4:17
Anyone then who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

I am a big time rule follower. If you tell me not to do something, I won’t do it. I don’t want to get caught doing something wrong. When I do get caught, I am mortified. I hope no one will ever find out.

That’s why this one note from the book of James worries me a little bit. See, James is telling us that not only are we accountable for what we do, but also what we don’t do. That’s rough.

I look at my life and there are places I could do things that I haven’t. There are relationships that are broken that could be healed. There are jobs to be done that I never find time for. There’s a call to teach God’s word that I still haven’t answered. Yet, no one would know these, except God (and now you).

I have trouble, however thinking of these as sins. When I think of sin, I think of murder, adultery, stealing, the BIG sins. I don’t think of the little things. And yet, if James is right, I’m wrong.

Lately, I’ve come to realize that sin is anything that draws us away from God. It interferes with the intimate relationship he desires with us. When I think of it that way, these small things are like bricks in a wall, stacking up one by one, separating me from my Father.

I gain a lot of insight about my heavenly relationships from my earthly relationships. So I’m going to use an earthly example of how things left undone can build a wall.

I have been married to my best friend for nine years. Those nine years have provided endless opportunities for mistakes and growth. One area I have been forced to grow in is conflict resolution. See, I avoid conflict at all costs. So early in our marriage, when a conflict would arise, I would shove it away, so that a fight would not happen. It looked something like this:

Wife: “Do you want to go out to eat tonight?”
Husband: “Actually I’m pretty tired.”
Wife: “Okay.”

Then I would spend the entire night sulking and angry. I’d stomp around the house, frustrated and hurt. A brick would be added to the wall between us. Each avoided argument would result in a brick being added to the wall, until it took amazing effort to break it down.

That’s how it is with God. Each time we ignore his call for us, we add a brick to the wall. Each time we see someone hurting and turn away, we add a brick. God wants us to be close, with no walls between us. Let’s strive to listen to God, both by not doing what is wrong and by doing what is right. Let’s break down that wall.

Heavenly Father,
We know that you call us to refrain from that which is bad and to do things that are good. Help us to stay close to you by following your call. Break down the walls that keep us from you. Pull us close to you so that we can be your hands and feet.
Amen.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

When I was a kid, I had a t-shirt that said, “I must be special, because God don’t make no junk.” Looking past the horrible grammar, this t-shirt is as profound as it is funny. Unfortunately the wisdom I had at eight years old is lost on me at 34.

Like many people, I have trouble seeing the beauty and brilliance in God’s design when it comes to me. I can look at the trees and see their beauty. I can look at the stars and see their brilliance. I can look at my children and see their innocence. I can look at myself and see only my flaws.

I forget that I am made just the way God intended. My gifts are his creation. My flaws are insignificant in his eyes. He has a plan for me. Each of my attributes was chosen with care and thoughtfulness, like a painter chooses his palette.

Unfortunately, I can’t see his finished product. I can’t accept his gifts with gratitude. Of course I’m grateful for the blessings in my life, my husband, children, job, etc. But I fail to be grateful for the individual attributes he chose to make me me.

I frequently say negative things about myself. A small mistake results in an, “I am so stupid.” A difficult situation is “entirely my fault.” My appearance is never quite good enough and my belongings are not new enough. I spend so much time focusing on what is not good enough for me, that I can’t praise God for what’s wonderful in my life.

I am going to praise God’s creation. I am going to recognize the beauty in myself. When I begin to focus on my flaws, I am going to remember that God don’t make no junk.



Creator God,

You have made us in your image. Of all your creations, we are the crowing glory. Help us to recognize your hand in our gifts and in our flaws. Help us to focus our attention on your plan for us, rather than our imperfections. In all we do, help us do it for your glory.

Amen.

Words

Matthew 15:11
It is not what a person puts into his mouth that makes him unclean. It is what comes out of his mouth that makes him unclean.

Sometimes, my mom’s words pop right out of my mouth without me even realizing it. Today, I was at my daughter’s school and I heard myself telling her classmate, “If what you are going to say is not nice, please don’t say it.” You know, “If you can’t say anything nice…”

That used to make me so mad as a kid. I mean really, sometimes there’s just nothing nice to say. But, as a parent, there is wisdom in these words. Often I think the speaker is damaged more by hurtful words than the recipient is. When I hear another person complaining, berating or criticizing, I don’t always look at who is being spoken about. I look at who is speaking. In my mind, someone who says nasty things lacks judgment and self control. That’s exactly what Jesus was saying in this passage. Jesus reminded his followers that he would rather see us live a good life, than see us follow a bunch of arbitrary rules.

Jesus calls us to take the high road. We need to live out our values. We cannot say we will love our neighbor as ourselves and turn around to talk about what a big mess his marriage is.

What we say and do reflects who God is to the world. If our words and actions show love and concern, we show that God cares. If we berate and belittle, we demonstrate that God does not have the power to change human hearts.

My four year old daughter, Nora, has an amazing ability to make everyone feel like a king or queen. She can walk up to a stranger and have them smiling in a matter of minutes. Her compliments range from “l like your shirt,” to “I just love you.” She’ll smile, give you a hug and say, “I’m glad I made you feel special, that’s one of my talents.” To me, this is a great example of someone whose words portray the love and joy inside of them.

Today, I am going to monitor my speech. I am going to keep toxic words away, and instead send out words of love and grace. My speech will be peppered with genuine concern and respect.

Dear Jesus,
You hold us to a higher standard. Help me to live a clean life. Help my word and actions to show your love to those around me. When I struggle, help make me clean.

Amen

All You Do

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I love road trips. I love to get in the car and drive. I love to see the landscape change by the hour. I love to dream of what will happen at our destination. When we finally get there, I feel fulfilled. We have travelled long and hard, now is the time for our reward. I love road trips, unless I’m travelling with the type of person who can’t wait to get there. They ride, the whole time complaining about the length of the trip. They push you to drive faster, stop less and take a shortcut. They can’t wait to get there. We’ll call them thereyetters.

What thereyetters don’t understand is that the drive is part of the trip. You can’t reach your destination without the journey. However, your attitude, once you reach your destination is colored by your attitude on the journey.

It’s much like that in life. We spend time in church, enjoying our time there. We worship, we pray, we go home. By Monday, it’s hard to remember what we’ve learned. Why is there such a disconnect between Sunday and Monday? Because we don’t do everything for the glory of God. Everything we do is meant to be worship. Everything we do is meant to show the world God’s grace. I try to glorify God in my work, my parenting and my friendships. My every action is meant to bring God glory. When others look at me, I want them to see the peace, conscience and joy that come only from knowing God.

Doing this, making everything about God makes my attitude in church better. It brings intensity to worship. It erases the disconnect between Sunday and Monday. Like the joy in the journey on my road trip, the worship in my daily activities colors my life. It makes me whole. I will do everything to glorify him. I will do everything to draw others to him. My life will be his canvas, I will be his song. Praise God in everything, he is good. All the time.


Glorious Lord,
You alone are able to give life. You have created this amazing world and everything in it. So often I take it for granted, just as I take you for granted. Help me to consciously glorify you in all I do and say. Make my life a life of praise, so that others see you in me.
Amen.

Refined by Fire

This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' " Zechariah 13:9

When I was a child, my mother brought me to a Renaissance Faire. While we were there, I watched a glass blower making paperweights and trinkets. He would take glass, heat it in the fire and shape it from an unidentifiable blob in to a beautiful and delicate flower, unicorn or teddy bear. I think the wonder of that process was lost on me at the time. But as an adult, I am amazed that a piece of glass, room temperature, bent or forced would crack, break or shatter into a million pieces. However, the glassblower, with gentle hands and burning fire, can tenderly shape the glass into a beautiful creation.

I think we all go through periods of fire. Luckily we, like the glassblower’s glass are not consumed or destroyed by the fire. Instead, we are molded into a new creation. Some of the most difficult times in my life have resulted in the most growth. God realizes that sometimes we need to be pushed to the limit to realize his amazing power.

I was literally refined by fire when I was in college. I was a sophomore, living in the dorms. Early one morning, I woke up to my roommate telling me the bed was on fire. When I finally realized what was going on, I got out of the building with only a burn on my knee.

Later, I realized that smoke detectors had been installed just that summer. Had this happened a year earlier, we wouldn’t have woken up. I wouldn’t be here today.

I realized then, that God had a plan for my life. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll guide me along the way. I am trying to live my life according to his plan. It sounds easy, but it’s a daily challenge. I can’t do it alone. I have to rely on God. Sometimes, when I feel like I’ve made the same mistake a million times, I remember that God has a plan. He kept me on this earth for a reason and he won’t bring me home until it’s done. He will equip me for my call, I just have to be ready.

Heavenly Father,
I know that you made me for a reason. Shape me and mold me into the person you dreamed of. I know that this life is not always easy. Help me to remember that your fire is meant to refine rather than consume. You have big plans for me. Give me the wisdom to rely on you.
Amen