christian living, faith walk, God first, impatience, resilience
Like a beaver out to win a logging competition, I attacked my shrubs with a vengeance. My tool of choice, a Hedge trimmer. The two-foot bar of steel teeth whirring back and forth, open cut, open cut; devouring anything caught between the sharp blades, making quick work of the pruning task. I told myself all the branches hanging over the driveway had to go. Although I encourage the natural growth pattern of plants and allow them to find their own shape, even this felt out of control. I pointed the Hedge trimmer to line up with the planter’s edge and turned the power on. It was a drastic move that gave a severe outcome. With a blur of blades, task complete, and the shrub no longer hung over the driveway. Perhaps I enjoy power tools a little too much.
Choices and consequences. A moment of haste, and well….
The now exposed undergrowth was dull and leafless. I wasn’t really going for the midwinter brown, bare-branched look. The indiscriminate Hedge trimmer removed all the greenery. In my haste to get caught up on yard work, my efforts looked choppy and extreme.
Quick, yes, but….
All the things I know to be true about caring for and tending to plants flash across my mind as I stare at the result of my impatient choice. There is a way to prune a shrub that doesn’t leave such scars on the exterior but-it takes more time.
What I know and what I do, don’t always align…
I’ve seen the skillful touch of a master gardener finding individual branches and clipping below the surface, leaving healthy plant life on the exterior. In my humanity and haste, I get frustrated and impatient. Instead of following the lessons of the master gardener, who gently prunes with a snip here and a snip there, I want radical change yesterday, so I end up creating a naked bush, begging for a do-over or at least a different gardener.
For tools, any tool will do, right?
So maybe the Hedge trimmer wasn’t the right tool for this job. The raw evidence of a job done in haste revealed my impatience. I assure myself that the plant will sprout new leaves and cover my rash decision, but hindsight reminds me, I could have chosen a different tool.
Bigger isn’t always better…
My garage is full of tools of varying sizes and purposes. Shovels, rakes, power trimmers, leaf blowers, edgers, loppers and pole saws. My favorite, the hand pruner is small, maybe 7 inches total. It has a sharp curved blade that cuts clean through small branches.
Precision is priceless…
I also know the Master Gardener for being precise. His aim is sure. He doesn’t lay bare everything in my life all at once. In His mercy and grace, He tends to my soul with finesse. He does not use a hedge trimmer on my wayward growth patterns. He carefully, thoughtfully because he knows, and loves me – reaches into the shrub that is my life and snips a little here and trims a little there. Taking his time to nurture and encourage new growth patterns in me.
Patience is a virtue, but I’m in too much of a hurry…
I need to learn it anew, Lord. Slow my pace. Teach me to believe your methods are for my good and your glory. Challenge me to trust your wisdom and the tools of your choosing.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
faith walk, God first, Prayer, relationships, Ressurrection, spirituality
It was early–the sun wasn’t up. But I was ready. Styled like a first century woman, I wore a long pull over dress tied with a fabric sash, sandals and a long head covering. The retreat location, off the coast of California, resembled the Mediterranean hills surrounding Jerusalem. My character was mourning the loss of the most influential person she had ever known. He saw right through her, knew her story, healed her with redemption and love. This Mary I portrayed heard him teach with wisdom, heal with words, and feed multitudes from a boy’s lunch. She served and supported his travel and teaching. Listening and learning, all while serving and seeing. He spoke of repentance and a kingdom to come–The kingdom of Messiah spoken of by the prophets. This is who she knew him to be.
Like all Jews, Mary celebrated Passover. Individually and collectively, remembering how the blood of the lamb, brushed on the doorposts of their homes, had spared them from the angel of death before their ancestors fled Egypt. This teacher/Jesus she followed was honored with shouts of Hosanna as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds shouted: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David. Hosanna in the highest.” Longing to be freed from Roman oppression, they didn’t realize he was their sacrificial lamb. That it would be His blood that would save them once for all. They wanted a physical King in their here and now.
From shouting Hosanna; to give us Barabbas, just days later. Jesus didn’t meet their expectations.
At our island retreat, the students had learned all these details. Hearing of Jesus’ betrayal, beating and cross bearing. The trek to Golgotha. The gruesome crucifixion. Hideous Roman crosses. Thieves. Forgiveness. Pain and anguish. Nail-pierced hands. It is finished. Then Silence.
The students had gone off to bed solemnly. The next morning, the outdoor arena filled with tired high school campers wrapped in sleeping bags and jackets–awakened early and asked to make their way to the small amphitheater. No breakfast and no insight about what would happen next.
In our outdoor theatre, the other woman and I waited just out of sight. The youth leader started reading the account of Jesus’ Resurrection, sharing from the different Gospels what happened after the horror of the crucifixion. Gambling for garments. His body removed. A burial place offered. His body prepared. Sabbath requirements quickening. More weeping and sorrow. His body entombed. Expectations unfulfilled. A long night and silent Saturday.
As he read “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James went to the tomb to check on the body”, my fellow scene-mate and I ran into the arena calling out, “He is not there. He has risen.” The dust rising as we moved our feet and carried our skirts. Emotion overwhelmed me as I ran. Imagining all she had seen and experienced.
From within the crowd of huddled students, several male counselors-also cast members-stood up, responding to us with disbelief–a harsh contrast to the women’s exhilaration. However, one, portraying Peter, jumped from his place, climbed over students, running past me and out of sight, saying he had to see this revelation for himself.
At the week’s beginning, Jesus was the celebrated Messiah. Friday, they crucified him as a liar. Saturday’s despair and disbelief contrast with Sunday’s victorious discovery–A Risen Lord and Savior. Truth met even those who doubted His appearances to them.
Truth also meets us where we are and sets us free.
As I pondered the experience of the Mary I was portraying, I realized she didn’t know who was standing before her-at first. The filter of grief lifted as He called her name. “Mary.” I am Alive. Whole. Not yet ascended. His teaching and truth affirmed in an instant. She knew his voice. Hope restored. Faith bolstered. Prophecy fulfilled. What a gift His appearance and His resurrection. From death to life. Forever.
I may have portrayed Mary Magdalene, but I can identify with each of the ones who encountered Jesus: Healed. Fed. Amazed. Mother. Sibling. Pharisee. Doubter. Betrayer. Thief. Soldier. Sleepy students. Peter said let me see for myself. Like Mary, I don’t always realize who is standing before me. In my weak ways, I forget what it means to encounter the living Christ.
Lord, may every day’s resurrection celebration remind me anew all that I am because of you:
Unblemished–because of your blood sacrifice. 1 Peter 1:18-21
Sealed–I cannot be ripped from your love. Ephesians 1: 13-14
Worthy–because Your Holy Father sees me through the filter of You, Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:12-14
I wonder, have you encountered him? Have you seen Him? Do you know the truth of his resurrection, and do you believe? He came that we might experience the depth of his Grace, the powerful salvation of our souls by the protective blood of the lamb. Prophecy fulfilled. Life, breath and days in his hands forever more.
May we like Mary, run and tell others what we know to be true–He is Risen.
Hallelujah, what a Savior.
faith walk, God first, perseverance, spirituality
I sat at my new desk and the first thing he said to me was, “Take out a pen and paper. I want to see that you are taking notes. This is how I want you to do the following tasks.” Intimidating? You bet. Fear of forgetting? Absolutely. I didn’t want to do it wrong in front of him or the others in the office. I wanted to impress my new boss by remembering the things I needed to do.
So how does one commit to memory the important things in life? I used to have all my friends’ and family’s phone numbers memorized. Probably because I had to write them down. Birthdays and Anniversaries. The digital age has changed that practice of remembering. Copy and paste doesn’t do much to help my memory. I spent many childhood Sunday mornings looking up verses in the Bible, as my teacher called them out. I had to have the books of the Old and New testaments memorized to accomplish the task. If I was quick, sometimes I got a prize–I could flip pages fast for chocolate! Result? Books of the Bible memorized.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 ESV What a verse. I never want to forget all He has done for me.
So, how do we remember something, anything? Repetition. My almost 3-year-old granddaughter knows this very well. She learns everything right now through repetition. Oh, to learn again like a toddler. I must repeat it to remember. Say it again and again. Sing it again and again. Write it again and again. Tell someone again and again. I remember by repeating.
Are you training someone new at work? You get this. You might be the one getting trained. You get it. Moms with kids. You get this, too. Teaching and training feels never ending. Coaching someone toward a goal? They need repetition. New years headlines are full of articles telling us how to start a new habit. You guessed it – repetition.
In the Old Testament, God told the Israelites how to remember. He was the ultimate coach, teacher, mentor and parent. Deuteronomy 6:6-9,12 says, “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates… then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
These are actions of repetition – the same thing written or told many ways, talked about in many places often and over again. Just like God was telling the Israelites to repeat what He had done – sparing their lives in Egypt and parting the waters of the sea, his challenge was to remember and repeat his mights deeds.
Lord, keep me humble, so I never stop telling of your wonders and ways. May I never grow out of remembering and repeating all you are and everything you have done.
I want to remember, ponder and meditate on the things of the Lord. I’ll be writing this Psalm out and reciting it for a while. Repeat to remember.
christian living, faith walk, God first, perseverance, Prayer, spirituality, Uncategorized
It was stunning. Right out of a magazine-redone with impeccable attention to detail. Backing up to a green space and public park, the mid-century modern home had the right balance of warm wood and airy simplicity. It was a recent trip to visit our Pacific Northwest kids, that my husband, Darrell and I went to a neighborhood open house. It’s always fun to dream what it might be like to live near any of our kids since none of the live within driving distance. Dreams are fool proof. They don’t cost a dime and are full of grand adventures, even if they never happen. This summer however, we are enjoying a bit of the dream by temporarily being “near” our kids.
We worked on many details, to make the “be near summer” happen. As new grandparents, we wanted the chance to be just across town Papa and Gaga; to see our granddaughter and kids regularly–as if we really lived near. It’s been a gift, but not something that happened on a whim. “Being near” meant being out of our own community for a while. To do that, we had to think through far more details than we would’ve for a typical vacation. I made lists for us, and I checked them off. I researched places for a longer stay, flights for my husbands work schedule and started making all the arrangements -months ago. Planning. Investigating. Deciding. Doing.
Some have teased me I missed my calling as a Travel Agent. I enjoy the challenge of pulling lots of details together. Ironically, I don’t use that same energy on everything I do, even other things I value. I wonder if you can you relate? Is there something you value in words but struggle to show that value with actions? What would it take to apply some “summer plan energy” to other important items on your list?
I observed several in my family complete their master’s level of education. I learned one doesn’t simply wake up saying, “I want my Master’s Degree this week” and place an Amazon order. There is no Prime delivery for education. No short cuts and lots of hard work, with determination, to reach the goal.
So why do I approach my personal time with God (an activity I say that I value) as if it was something I could check off my list via rush order? I’ll repeat this to myself: there is no Amazon delivery that gives me a shortcut to time with Jesus. In order to “check the box” of time with my Savior, I need to plan for it like I do a family adventure. If I want to “be near” to God, like I wanted to “be near” my kids, I have to make space, prepare and follow through.
What does making space and preparing look like?
- Cozy place to sit? Check.
- Favorite beverage? Check.
- Supplies? Bible, pen, headphones, paper, instrumental music selection. Check.
- Time blocked off on my calendar? Check.
- Willing heart and determination to stick to the plan? Check.
I’m looking at this list and I’m thinking how many other things I do this for but NOT always my time with Jesus. It frustrates me to acknowledge this. Even when I write it into a calendar slot, if I’m not paying careful attention, other things fill the space meant for relationship building with the God of the universe.The enemy loves to keep us away from this relationship building time. I can’t comprehend missing a flight for a family adventure or departing a day later than planned. I wouldn’t arbitrarily miss a coffee date with a friend. So why, oh why don’t I guard my time with God Almighty, who wants to have a relationship with me? If this is you too, take heart.
I’ve been working on this. Something I have tried recently–and by gosh it is helping. Don’t laugh, even though my husband does on occasion. I put bulky headphones on when I want to tune out the world and tune into Jesus. I do. Why bulky headphones? Why not just earbuds? Good question–glad you asked!
- For one: they take more effort. That goes back to my intentionality.
- Two: they remind anyone near me I am unavailable for random conversation. (this may or may not work with littles, roommates or in coffee shops, but it’s worth a test drive. Susanna Wesley, mother to famed brothers John and Charles Wesley, literally sat with her white apron thrown up over her head and face to show to her brood that she was not available while under the apron. She and Jesus were having a very important meeting–a VIM!)
- Three–classical or instrumental music is something I can play as background that helps me tune other things out. Your music choice might be different or not at all.
- Four – nothing on my list is “required”. You have a hotline to Jesus anytime, you need him, you just talk to him anywhere, anytime. This list is for that intentional relationship building time. To get the most out of it, we put thought into it ahead of time.
Okay–here we go! ACTION PLAN time. Let’s make our VIM (very important meeting) happen!
Not only am I going to schedule my VIM with J.E.S.U.S. but I am also going to guard it and pray about guarding it. I’m going to skip lesser things to make it happen. I’m going to communicate to those in my household that this time is uninterrupted. Even blocking it off on my physical and digital calendar. Note–we aren’t talking hours here. Being consistent with 15 minute chunks surprises even me, how much easier it is to keep making it happen.
An author/coach I respect insists that some of her best ideas make it onto paper or into her laptop, in dedicated 15 minute time slots. Don’t underestimate a well-planned, 15 minutes. Put it on the calendar, pick the best of your cozy spaces–this might be your favorite chair, the patio, your car or even the closet. Then don your headphones, get paper, pen, Bible, favorite beverage and go!
- First, pray that your time would honor God and grow your faith, which will also grow your desire to keep meeting him.
- Read a passage one or two times through. Don’t know where to start? Try the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It tells about Jesus life.
- Ask a few questions about who, what, when, where, how, and why. If you can’t answer them from within that passage, it’s okay!
- Write the answers you can and anything else that stands out.
- End your time with another prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness to meet you where you are.
- Check, check and check. Now do it again tomorrow. 15 minutes. Let’s do this!
Go “be near” God, get cozy. Talk to him and read his Word back to him. Allow him to show you He is near to you, always.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 ESV
faith walk, forgotten, God first, life experience, perseverance, Prayer, spirituality
I love a good story. Don’t you? Adventure, mystery, fantasy, historic fiction, memoir – all gripping styles of storytelling. Some of my favorites drop you into the middle of the action, and the writer goes back to fill in distinct details, paint landscapes with words and describe characters in colorful text.
However, our own stories happen in real time, with details we’d like to leave out. We don’t get to choose the action or the characters. I may love part of my story, but on those harder than hard days, I want to switch characters and be written into a more pleasant tale…the one with the fairytale ending.
As I learn from reading one of my favorite books, which recounts tales of heroism, crisis, and redemption, my story isn’t over until the last punctuation of the last sentence, of the last chapter is penned. I am not a one chapter book and neither are you. There is a new one coming. You may not get to choose the characters or circumstances, in fact, you might loathe that chapter and love the next, but another chapter will be written.
Life is unpredictable, but you and I always get to choose how we respond to scenarios life writes us into. If you are happy in your current chapter – I’m celebrating with you. If you are struggling with the plot line you wish was over, hang in there.You are not alone. Know that you are seen, known and loved. Jesus understands all the struggles. He can relate because he lived them. His love is real and so is the rejoicing ahead when the chapter you love is penned.
The saying says, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, I say, “Don’t judge a life by one chapter.” Redemption can be your next chapter. Hope is real. The book that is you, can encourage others to press on, look up, rest, trust, persevere and cling to hope.
I love a good story and I can’t wait to see how your next chapters are written.
christian living, faith walk, God first, parenting, Prayer, relationships, spirituality
I love this question. This says you want to live a life focused on things that matter to God. That is an outstanding goal. When I was a young mom, I thought doing life would come more naturally, or at least easier. Go ahead, laugh with me or at me. As you’ve already guessed, it’s harder than it looks. We all have people in our life that come to mind as the ones who “have it all together”? I can visualize a few immediately. Life seems to fall in place for them. I can also tell you that on closer inspection and a few candid conversations, the ones who “look like they have it all together” don’t. Not a slam, just a reality check. Few are as put together as their appearance suggests. Nothing in life is effortless. Let that encourage you to keep God tenaciously at the center of your life, no matter how it looks to others. Here are some suggested how-to’s from my experience:
Pray. Praying is talking to God. Good communication is foundational to any relationship and needed for successful spiritual growth. Whether you are just getting acquainted with him or you have known him for years, he wants to hear what is on your heart. Praying intimidates some people because they think there is a formula they need to follow, or certain words to use. The most important words are the ones that come from deep inside you. It doesn’t matter how they come out. Maybe you’ve heard people start their prayers with: “Dear Lord”, “O God” or “Heavenly Father”. Whether you prefer to say any of these does not matter so much as just starting the conversation. This can take place inside your head. It does not have to be audible, but saying things out loud helps keep me from distraction. I encourage you to pray out loud when you can. Even write out what is on your heart: what burdens or concerns you. These all count as prayers—conversations with God, telling him what you think about, worry about, want to do differently, and most important how you want to know him better.
Read the Bible. One of the best ways to know God is to spend time in his Word. This is easier now than ever before. Our schedules might be crazier, but the resources available to us are vast. Bible apps exist that will read scripture to you when you can’t. We are really without excuse for knowing more about God. This is not a guilt trip, but a fact. We have incredible technology available: we can google anything, we can play music in any style we choose, books read aloud by the author, YouTube videos, podcasts, social media and websites all share information. The greatest challenge is in choosing knowledge over entertainment. There are times I’d much rather binge watch/listen to a favorite author for entertainment, not my own spiritual enrichment. Part of the challenge is in what I choose to let in. My choices are endless, so how do I choose the best? The answer to that will differ for each of us, but it’s a good question to ponder.
Listen. How does one listen to the God of the universe? In my very animated brain, I quickly picture a cartoon of a loud booming voice rolling out of the thunderous clouds and me trying to stay upright in the wake of that powerful voice. It is mighty for sure, and God is the Almighty. He can blast truth to us, but does he? More likely his is a still, small voice that requires me to get still and quiet to hear. Getting quiet in today’s techno culture isn’t always easy. All things online and more social media videos than one can watch in a lifetime, not to mention spouses, children, co-workers, bosses, customers, teachers all calling for our listening ears. All relationships require us to be active listeners. This means I’m not thinking of what to say next as the other’s words spill out, but I am focused on their words alone. Ouch. Just writing out that defining phrase causes me guilt. I can so easily get focused on what I think I should say next that I stop listening. It is a skill that needs constant practice to develop. Our relationship with God isn’t just us asking him for wisdom, knowledge and peace but also listening for truth, conviction and encouragement. Listen. He speaks through his Word, the Bible, he speaks to us when we take the time to stay quiet before him. It’s hard to listen when we are impatient or in a hurry. Listening is a worthwhile practice. One I continually need to improve.
Build One Another Up. If I have someone who has agreed to check in on me, I’m more likely to stick to a goal. Accountability isn’t about inducing guilt, but motivating me to work on my goals and growth markers. Whether I’m getting my physical self in better shape or tuning up my mental/spiritual growth, having someone alongside to encourage me is a key element to success.
Keeping God in the center of your life gives significant benefits for the effort. When we take the time to pray, read the Bible, listen, and live with accountability, God’s word promises us tangible things like peace, hope, self-control, love, patience, and kindness. It is a joyous journey to get acquainted with the God who created you. He loves you so much. He knows you, sees you and longs to converse with you. May this be the year you lean into him in conversational prayer, meet him in his word, get quiet and listen for his still small voice, while you encourage others to do the same. We grow best when we build one another up.
