Ungovernable or Assaulted?
I read an article by a commentator who says she believes that Americans have become "ungovernable" because we are too focused on ourselves and our greed. I reacted to the article when I read it because, although I think greed is a factor in many lives, it is not something I struggle with personally.
After carefully examining my reaction, the word "assault" came to mind. An assault is defined as a violent physical or verbal attack. We all know cases where an assault was carried off with terrible consequences and, therefore, we know threats are real and need to be taken seriously.
There is also a nuance of the word which means an apparently violent attempt to do hurt to another without actually doing the hurt threatened (as by lifting the fist in a threatening manner.) To illustrate this kind of threat, let me relay an experience that happened to our family recently at Disneyland, which as you know markets itself as the happiest place on earth.
Our family was enjoying Disneyland in early December with our son Kent's family. One night, we took over a couple of tables in the wharf area of California Adventure to have dinner. After spreading out to retrieve different kinds of food, we gathered to sit down and eat together.
While we were busy getting organized, two young men sat down in vacant chairs at the end of our table. When Kent got up to help our grandson, Ethan, who is three years old, with his food, the two men made direct eye contact with him. Then, with the knowledge that they had Kent's full attention, they began to hold hands, nuzzle and kiss each other.
Needless to say, we were all caught off guard by their blatant behavior. After an interchange where we suggested they find another table (because we were here first - so to speak), they glared at us and would not budge. Faced with a no-win situation, we quickly decided to remove ourselves to another table nearby. However, even after we moved, and probably because we chose to move, they continued to glare at us, calling us narrow-minded because of our lack of tolerance.
And then growing even more angry, one said that he had been an employee of Disney and that he knew how to get us thrown out of the park. To show he meant business, he called over a park employee, complained about our behavior, and asked the employee to report the incident to security.
Much to our amazement that the situation could escalate to this degree, two security guards showed up at the scene. One, a lower level employee, simply attempted to hear each side of the story while the other decked out, more intimidating guard, stood about 25 feet away monitoring the situation. As it turned out, the threat to have us removed from the park did not materialize, but the assault upon our values and the intended threat lingers to this day.
So, why am I part of a growing resistance to a morally bankrupt liberal agenda? Because I have been personally threatened by two men who desired to hurt our family and who, upon even more reflection, apparently targeted us for this very purpose. It is a shocking but true reminder once again that we will not remain untouched as Christian conservatives. We may even be assaulted in the most innocent of situations.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I've been thinking about beauty...
Beauty: Something that Excites the Senses
Christmas is a season of beauty for me. With the name Holly, I have a particular interest in a season that exalts beauty. Beauty is the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses. A close relative to beauty is the word LOVELINESS, which even gives pleasure in speaking it aloud. Something is beautiful to us then when it excites aesthetic pleasure.
My thoughts about beauty, as with any subject, eventually lead me back to the foundation and clarity of God's Word. And so, in honor of the loveliness of the holidays, here are some very tangible ways I can say that beauty excites my senses:
Beauty speaks.
Beauty expresses itself clearly through godly character -
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)
Beauty invites.
Beauty requests an RSVP to the opportunity of a lifetime -
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says in Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
Beauty nourishes.
Beauty gives and gives, sacrifically, even to the point of excess -
And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:8-10 (ESV)
Beauty comforts.
Beauty encourages and strengthens as it soothes, relieves and heals -
To grant to those who mourn in Zion -
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
Beauty inspires.
Beauty finds its origin in God's attributes and dwells in His presence -
Spendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 (ESV)
Beauty is transcendent.
Beauty exists beyond our reality and ability to comprehend -
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)
Beauty draws us to God!
Beauty entices and arouses hopes and desires -
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)
Beauty is not only pleasing to my mind, soul and senses, but even more importantly, it will remain for all eternity - grand, fruitful, lasting and strong - because God instituted it and maintains it. That excites me!
Christmas is a season of beauty for me. With the name Holly, I have a particular interest in a season that exalts beauty. Beauty is the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses. A close relative to beauty is the word LOVELINESS, which even gives pleasure in speaking it aloud. Something is beautiful to us then when it excites aesthetic pleasure.
My thoughts about beauty, as with any subject, eventually lead me back to the foundation and clarity of God's Word. And so, in honor of the loveliness of the holidays, here are some very tangible ways I can say that beauty excites my senses:
Beauty speaks.
Beauty expresses itself clearly through godly character -
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)
Beauty invites.
Beauty requests an RSVP to the opportunity of a lifetime -
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says in Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
Beauty nourishes.
Beauty gives and gives, sacrifically, even to the point of excess -
And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:8-10 (ESV)
Beauty comforts.
Beauty encourages and strengthens as it soothes, relieves and heals -
To grant to those who mourn in Zion -
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
Beauty inspires.
Beauty finds its origin in God's attributes and dwells in His presence -
Spendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 (ESV)
Beauty is transcendent.
Beauty exists beyond our reality and ability to comprehend -
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)
Beauty draws us to God!
Beauty entices and arouses hopes and desires -
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)
Beauty is not only pleasing to my mind, soul and senses, but even more importantly, it will remain for all eternity - grand, fruitful, lasting and strong - because God instituted it and maintains it. That excites me!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
I've been thinking about time...
Remember to Carpe the Diem!
Gather ye rosebuds while you may,
Old time is still a-flying,
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.
-Robert Herrick
Carpe diem is a descriptive term used for literature that urges readers to live for the moment. It originates from the Latin phrase "seize the day," used by Horace. This seize-the-day concept is exemplified by the familiar stanza from Robert Herrick's "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" which I quoted above.
The same idea can be found in a rich passage of Scripture found in Ephesians 5:15 & 16 which says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
The phrase, "making the best use of" is very engaging. The translation from the Greek language can mean to "redeem" or "purchase." With this thought in mind, we as Christians are to take advantage of every opportunity to do good. And, because wisdom regarding the pathway to holiness is not immediately clear to us in our culture today, we must stop and reflect upon God's Word with a sincere desire to discern His holy will.
The apostle Paul goes on to add in verse 17, "Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is." Paul understands that God has supplied everything we need to know about living a godly life in the general guidelines that we find scattered all throughout His Word.
Recently, I found that I had gotten a little rusty handling the "sword of the Word." I realized once again that the ability to research, remind and refresh ourselves from His Word is a wonderful gift from God. Thank goodness His Word is stable and consistent so that I always have a plumb line to return to for processing the pressing needs in my life.
Especially during this time of thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to formally thank God for His wonderful provision and praise Him for the loving-kindness that creates in Him the desire to love and guide us, His fragile sons and daughters!
O Lord, help us to remember to carpe the diem!
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom," Psalm 90:12.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I've been thinking about windows...
Windows to God!
During one of my SoulWork groups, we had come to the point of consecrating three-minute testimonies for the glory of God. I routinely have women formally share their stories one after another with no comments in between. Then, we all stand, with the women holding their papers in their hands, and offer their work up as a sweet sacrifice to God for His use. This is certainly the most precious part of the SoulWork experience for me and I would guess for them, too.
Recently, one of the women in this same group suggested a new title for the whole experience - Windows to God! I've been thinking about her suggestion and I am excited about the ripple effect of this thought moving out from our sequestered meeting room.
I have used the metaphor that God is the picture and our lives are the frame for many years. But, as we sat and listened recently, it was apparent that these women's lives are indeed windows to God. He most assuredly uses the lives of individuals to reveal Himself and the work that He performs in the world. That particular day we were all gasping at the beauty and the clarity of the windows of vision that we experienced!
What is a window?
An opening - a chance or opportunity
especially in a wall - a barrier
for admission of light - to illuminate or enlighten spiritually
What specifically is a vision window?
It is when the barrier comes down for a few moments and we have the unique opportunity to get an actual glimpse of God up close and personal.
What was the immediate result of our experience?
We huddled in the corner, joined hands and jumped up and down together for joy! After all, when you get a chance to embrace an opportunity like this, you have no choice but to give it a big hug!
During one of my SoulWork groups, we had come to the point of consecrating three-minute testimonies for the glory of God. I routinely have women formally share their stories one after another with no comments in between. Then, we all stand, with the women holding their papers in their hands, and offer their work up as a sweet sacrifice to God for His use. This is certainly the most precious part of the SoulWork experience for me and I would guess for them, too.
Recently, one of the women in this same group suggested a new title for the whole experience - Windows to God! I've been thinking about her suggestion and I am excited about the ripple effect of this thought moving out from our sequestered meeting room.
I have used the metaphor that God is the picture and our lives are the frame for many years. But, as we sat and listened recently, it was apparent that these women's lives are indeed windows to God. He most assuredly uses the lives of individuals to reveal Himself and the work that He performs in the world. That particular day we were all gasping at the beauty and the clarity of the windows of vision that we experienced!
What is a window?
An opening - a chance or opportunity
especially in a wall - a barrier
for admission of light - to illuminate or enlighten spiritually
What specifically is a vision window?
It is when the barrier comes down for a few moments and we have the unique opportunity to get an actual glimpse of God up close and personal.
What was the immediate result of our experience?
We huddled in the corner, joined hands and jumped up and down together for joy! After all, when you get a chance to embrace an opportunity like this, you have no choice but to give it a big hug!
Monday, October 5, 2009
I've been thinking about resiliency...
Post-Traumatic Growth Syndrome
Resiliency: the ability to rebound quickly from a crisis or trauma.
Resilient people are like trees buffeted by the wind. They bend but don't break under pressure. They see negative events as an opportunity to better themselves or become better people. This phenomenon is known as post-traumatic growth syndrome!
Post-traumatic growth syndrome or PTGS is possible because people call on their inner resources and recruit outside resources to keep moving forward. For the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible promises that when we practice certain character qualities, we will never fall (2 Peter 1:10)!
Scripture encourages us to supplement our faith "with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).
It is amazing that God has granted believers His precious and great promises. It is through these promises that we become partakers of His divine nature. We never become God, but amazingly we share in His nature as we become increasingly like Him.
A lifelong pattern of growth in Christlike character is possible and is the key to a fruitful life. Even secular researchers agree. "Generally people who are active in a religious faith tend to get through difficult times better," says Al Siebert, Ph.D., author of The Resiliency Advantage.
A Duke University study concluded that people with serious medical conditions who had strong religious convictions and participated in religious activities were less likely to be waylaid by depression. When these patients did become depressed, the depression lifted sooner than it did for less religious people.
In the emotional back draft of misfortune or change, I can chose to cultivate character qualities that are in harmony with God's own moral character. These qualities reflect the desires of my transformed heart - a heart made visible by re-framing my current situation in the most positive terms possible and navigating it for the glory of God.
Resiliency: the ability to rebound quickly from a crisis or trauma.
Resilient people are like trees buffeted by the wind. They bend but don't break under pressure. They see negative events as an opportunity to better themselves or become better people. This phenomenon is known as post-traumatic growth syndrome!
Post-traumatic growth syndrome or PTGS is possible because people call on their inner resources and recruit outside resources to keep moving forward. For the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible promises that when we practice certain character qualities, we will never fall (2 Peter 1:10)!
Scripture encourages us to supplement our faith "with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).
It is amazing that God has granted believers His precious and great promises. It is through these promises that we become partakers of His divine nature. We never become God, but amazingly we share in His nature as we become increasingly like Him.
A lifelong pattern of growth in Christlike character is possible and is the key to a fruitful life. Even secular researchers agree. "Generally people who are active in a religious faith tend to get through difficult times better," says Al Siebert, Ph.D., author of The Resiliency Advantage.
A Duke University study concluded that people with serious medical conditions who had strong religious convictions and participated in religious activities were less likely to be waylaid by depression. When these patients did become depressed, the depression lifted sooner than it did for less religious people.
In the emotional back draft of misfortune or change, I can chose to cultivate character qualities that are in harmony with God's own moral character. These qualities reflect the desires of my transformed heart - a heart made visible by re-framing my current situation in the most positive terms possible and navigating it for the glory of God.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I've been thinking about listening...
The Undeniable Healing Power of Deep Listening
In 1985, the average American had three people in whom to confide matters that were important to them. By 2004, that number had dropped to two confidants with as many as 25% of Americans having no one in whom to confide.
Confiding is natural in a close relationship - the kind of relationship that provides a safety net when dealing with the confusing affairs of life. The mechanism that encourages confiding is the practice of listening. Unfortunately, most of us are woefully inadequate in the practice of listening - at least the kind of listening that incorporates a narrowing of focus directed solely to the person in front of us. Because we do not listen, we often miss the undeniable healing power of this simple but deeply complex and subtle process.
You may feel like I do. I think I am fairly skilled at asking good questions. I am not so gifted at sitting back and keeping silent! But isn't deep listening really allowing space for more possible factors to enter the equation?
What factors might contribute to the healing process God has designed for the person in front of me? Teacher and author, Karen Mains, shares some thoughts about how deep listening actually contributes good things to both the speaker and the listener by:
In 1985, the average American had three people in whom to confide matters that were important to them. By 2004, that number had dropped to two confidants with as many as 25% of Americans having no one in whom to confide.
Confiding is natural in a close relationship - the kind of relationship that provides a safety net when dealing with the confusing affairs of life. The mechanism that encourages confiding is the practice of listening. Unfortunately, most of us are woefully inadequate in the practice of listening - at least the kind of listening that incorporates a narrowing of focus directed solely to the person in front of us. Because we do not listen, we often miss the undeniable healing power of this simple but deeply complex and subtle process.
You may feel like I do. I think I am fairly skilled at asking good questions. I am not so gifted at sitting back and keeping silent! But isn't deep listening really allowing space for more possible factors to enter the equation?
What factors might contribute to the healing process God has designed for the person in front of me? Teacher and author, Karen Mains, shares some thoughts about how deep listening actually contributes good things to both the speaker and the listener by:
- providing an opportunity where an individual can be fully heard;
- strengthening the hearer's ability to listen on three levels - to the speaker, to the inner nudges of the Holy Spirit and to inner reactions;
- understanding there is wisdom, given by God to each person involved, which is best accessed by prayerful listening;
- creating space for the Holy Spirit to do the work of leading an individual to truth;
- encouraging unceasing silent prayer in the hearer;
- allowing for the uncomfortable reality that it is okay to allow issues to go unresolved, pain to come forth without being hushed or patted away or hurried;
- reinforcing the fact that it is okay for there to be no closure during time together
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I've been thinking about ministry...
Impossible - Difficult - Done!
Many years ago, Hudson Taylor, the evangelical missionary of the China Inland Mission, described the challenge of ministry in twelve simple words.
First it is impossible,
Then it is difficult,
Then it is done!
Why is vital Christian ministry impossible to do? Because a human being cannot change another human being's heart. God alone accomplishes it through us only when we collaborate with Him.
Jesus' instruction is clear in John 6:28-29. When He was asked, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." Stripped of all my self-effort, I am reminded that my role is that of an extremely interested observer. My task? Listen with all my might, be ready to move at the impulse of His urging, then stand back and watch Him do the work.
IMPOSSIBLE
Hudson Taylor's twelve words describe the very thing which makes the Christian calling so incredibly exciting. We are entirely dependent upon God's empowering presence with us, and strangely, only if it is humanly IMPOSSIBLE are we called - or given a vocation - to do it.
God is kind to give us a vocation - a strong feeling that we are suitable for a particular career or occupation, as a directional arrow. But, even with this confidence in God's calling jingling in our pocket, we are reminded that we cannot accomplish the impossible without partnering with Him in our service to others.
DIFFICULT
Notice that the second line includes the word DIFFICULT. I have been around long enough to realize that accomplishing something good is not easy. Most of the time my assignment is to trudge along, obediently putting one foot in front of the other, for exceptionally long periods of time. The phrase, "the common begin, the uncommon finish" comes to mind.
Reminder to self: Don't be surprised that anything you undertake for God will be far more difficult than you ever imagined.
DONE
And then, the exciting and fulfilling conclusion in the third line - DONE! I love the exclamation point that shouts out triumph and victory are possible because God accomplishes ALL that He sets out to do. My joy is complete when I realize the Lord has used me, once again, in the unique way He created, fashioned and fitted me for ministry.
Looking back, I marvel! What seemed so insurmountable and impossible, the thing that stretched my patience to the limit because it was so difficult, is now DONE and we are off on another adventure!
Many years ago, Hudson Taylor, the evangelical missionary of the China Inland Mission, described the challenge of ministry in twelve simple words.
First it is impossible,
Then it is difficult,
Then it is done!
Why is vital Christian ministry impossible to do? Because a human being cannot change another human being's heart. God alone accomplishes it through us only when we collaborate with Him.
Jesus' instruction is clear in John 6:28-29. When He was asked, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." Stripped of all my self-effort, I am reminded that my role is that of an extremely interested observer. My task? Listen with all my might, be ready to move at the impulse of His urging, then stand back and watch Him do the work.
IMPOSSIBLE
Hudson Taylor's twelve words describe the very thing which makes the Christian calling so incredibly exciting. We are entirely dependent upon God's empowering presence with us, and strangely, only if it is humanly IMPOSSIBLE are we called - or given a vocation - to do it.
God is kind to give us a vocation - a strong feeling that we are suitable for a particular career or occupation, as a directional arrow. But, even with this confidence in God's calling jingling in our pocket, we are reminded that we cannot accomplish the impossible without partnering with Him in our service to others.
DIFFICULT
Notice that the second line includes the word DIFFICULT. I have been around long enough to realize that accomplishing something good is not easy. Most of the time my assignment is to trudge along, obediently putting one foot in front of the other, for exceptionally long periods of time. The phrase, "the common begin, the uncommon finish" comes to mind.
Reminder to self: Don't be surprised that anything you undertake for God will be far more difficult than you ever imagined.
DONE
And then, the exciting and fulfilling conclusion in the third line - DONE! I love the exclamation point that shouts out triumph and victory are possible because God accomplishes ALL that He sets out to do. My joy is complete when I realize the Lord has used me, once again, in the unique way He created, fashioned and fitted me for ministry.
Looking back, I marvel! What seemed so insurmountable and impossible, the thing that stretched my patience to the limit because it was so difficult, is now DONE and we are off on another adventure!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I've been thinking about spirituality...
The World of the Spirit and SQ
Most everyone knows that IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, which is a measure of our ability to perceive the relatively obvious, physical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction intellectually.
Michael Guillen, Ph.D., theoretical physicist, former science correspondent for ABC News, and author of the book, Can a Smart Person Believe in God?, advances the theory that we also have a measurable SQ or Spiritual Quotient. He says that the SQ is that ineffable, instinctive aptitude which is a measure of our ability to perceive the subtler, nonphysical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction spiritually.
Michael believes that all through our lives IQ and SQ vie for preeminence. We are influenced to raise one over the other as two competing worldviews collide. Where IQ teaches life has rhyme and reason; SQ teaches it has purpose and meaning. Where IQ teaches that seeing is believing; SQ teaches that believing is seeing. And the battle for our minds and our faith rages on.
The secret to managing both IQ and SQ is to bring them into balance. Michael calls this his Third Law of Stereoscopic Faith. This Third Law states: Wisdom, love, and humility are the end results of stereoscopic faith - the culmination of a synergistic process by which, in becoming smarter, we become more spiritual, and in becoming more spiritual, we become smarter.
On the practical side, according to science: godliness - or SQ - is good for us, demonstrably good, both mentally and physically. Compared to the average population, high SQ people appear to:
Most everyone knows that IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, which is a measure of our ability to perceive the relatively obvious, physical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction intellectually.
Michael Guillen, Ph.D., theoretical physicist, former science correspondent for ABC News, and author of the book, Can a Smart Person Believe in God?, advances the theory that we also have a measurable SQ or Spiritual Quotient. He says that the SQ is that ineffable, instinctive aptitude which is a measure of our ability to perceive the subtler, nonphysical aspects of reality; to solve problems and acquire conviction spiritually.
Michael believes that all through our lives IQ and SQ vie for preeminence. We are influenced to raise one over the other as two competing worldviews collide. Where IQ teaches life has rhyme and reason; SQ teaches it has purpose and meaning. Where IQ teaches that seeing is believing; SQ teaches that believing is seeing. And the battle for our minds and our faith rages on.
The secret to managing both IQ and SQ is to bring them into balance. Michael calls this his Third Law of Stereoscopic Faith. This Third Law states: Wisdom, love, and humility are the end results of stereoscopic faith - the culmination of a synergistic process by which, in becoming smarter, we become more spiritual, and in becoming more spiritual, we become smarter.
On the practical side, according to science: godliness - or SQ - is good for us, demonstrably good, both mentally and physically. Compared to the average population, high SQ people appear to:
- heal faster from illness and injury;
- recover more easily from alcohol and substance abuse;
- cope better with stress, trauma, and emotional loss;
- be less likely to suffer from depression; and
- be more likely to feel happy and optimistic.
In many ways, our SQ is shaping up to be more important than even our IQ. Our devoutness to God appears to be a fairly reliable predictor of how well we'll do not just in school or the job market, but in life as a whole, which ultimately is what matters most.
Once again these thoughts moved my mind to a passage in Proverbs that promises these things to an individual who embraces God's Word and His definition of a life of spirituality.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:1-10 (ESV)
Michael provides an SQ Test of 20 questions at the end of his book and then instructions on how to calculate your SQ: Spiritual Genius; Very Spiritual; Spiritual; Marginally Spiritual, Secular. I won't tell you how I scored but suffice it to say, I certainly can appreciate the power of the SQ!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I've been thinking about rainbows...
Unspeakably Eloquent Laws of Light that Produce Rainbows
Anyone who knows me knows that I love rainbows. I sang about them in my childhood and I have used the theme of rainbows in the story of my spiritual pilgrimage. Recently, I picked up more helpful information about rainbows in a book by Michael Guillen called, Can a Smart Person Believe in God?
In a side note, Michael Guillen has agreed to be the speaker at Phoenix Seminary's Vision of Faith Banquet in 2010. As a former ABC news science correspondent, a theoretical physicist and best-selling author, I believe he will bring a much-needed perspective to the Valley of the Sun.
Michael says that anyone can look at a rainbow and ooh and aah at its beautiful colors. But, he says, I can look at a rainbow and appreciate it at a much deeper level, all because my scientific education has clued me in on the unspeakably eloquent laws of light that explain how a rainbow's colors are produced.
Michael provides these additional facts about rainbows:
1) Rainbows appear at the end of rainstorms because it is then you have two prerequisites for making them: 1) water droplets suspended in the sky and 2) sunlight.
2) A rainbow is created when sunlight enters millions upon millions of water droplets, bounces off their back surfaces, and upon exiting fans out in different colors and different directions-like kids at recess fanning out onto the playground. (Technically speaking, that sequence of events is called refraction, reflection, and dispersion.)
3) A rainbow's visible colors are always arrayed in the same order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Beyond the red and violet are invisible colors called infrared and ultraviolet, respectively.
4) The best way to see a rainbow is to turn your back to the sun and raise your eyes to an angle of forty-two degrees with respect to the sun's angle above the horizon.
5) Rainbows are actually circular. They appear to be arches (i.e., half-circles) only because their bottom halves are cut off by the ground you stand upon. If you wish to see them in their full circular glory, as I have on many occasions, you need to view them from high above the ground, such as onboard an airplane.
I am now much more fully informed about rainbows. When I board a plane, I plan on sitting in the window seat. You never know, I might have the occasion to see the full circular glory of a rainbow! At least I know to be watching!
Anyone who knows me knows that I love rainbows. I sang about them in my childhood and I have used the theme of rainbows in the story of my spiritual pilgrimage. Recently, I picked up more helpful information about rainbows in a book by Michael Guillen called, Can a Smart Person Believe in God?
In a side note, Michael Guillen has agreed to be the speaker at Phoenix Seminary's Vision of Faith Banquet in 2010. As a former ABC news science correspondent, a theoretical physicist and best-selling author, I believe he will bring a much-needed perspective to the Valley of the Sun.
Michael says that anyone can look at a rainbow and ooh and aah at its beautiful colors. But, he says, I can look at a rainbow and appreciate it at a much deeper level, all because my scientific education has clued me in on the unspeakably eloquent laws of light that explain how a rainbow's colors are produced.
Michael provides these additional facts about rainbows:
1) Rainbows appear at the end of rainstorms because it is then you have two prerequisites for making them: 1) water droplets suspended in the sky and 2) sunlight.
2) A rainbow is created when sunlight enters millions upon millions of water droplets, bounces off their back surfaces, and upon exiting fans out in different colors and different directions-like kids at recess fanning out onto the playground. (Technically speaking, that sequence of events is called refraction, reflection, and dispersion.)
3) A rainbow's visible colors are always arrayed in the same order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Beyond the red and violet are invisible colors called infrared and ultraviolet, respectively.
4) The best way to see a rainbow is to turn your back to the sun and raise your eyes to an angle of forty-two degrees with respect to the sun's angle above the horizon.
5) Rainbows are actually circular. They appear to be arches (i.e., half-circles) only because their bottom halves are cut off by the ground you stand upon. If you wish to see them in their full circular glory, as I have on many occasions, you need to view them from high above the ground, such as onboard an airplane.
I am now much more fully informed about rainbows. When I board a plane, I plan on sitting in the window seat. You never know, I might have the occasion to see the full circular glory of a rainbow! At least I know to be watching!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
I've been thinking about aesthetics...
Over the Moon in Aptos, California
I was surprised by joy this morning! Once again an unexpected aesthetic experience was downloaded into my memory database.
Before sunrise I awoke to my bedroom flooded with intense moonlight. Curiosity drew me out onto the terrace where I saw a stunning sight. A huge lustrous full moon, hung low on the horizon, was throwing down moonbeans on Monterey Bay so powerfully that the entire inlet in front of our condo was a sparkling shimmering mass of tremulous movement.
Mesmerized by the loveliness of it all, appreciation welled up in my soul for the gift and then, quite naturally, for the Giver of the gift. The moon, a natural satellite of the earth, is only visible because of reflected light from the sun. In Psalm 136, we read that God, in demonstrating His everlasting lovingkindness, created the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night. He created this breathtaking display of splendor for me to delight in.
I added this new experience to others already etched on my soul. There was the time I walked home alone in softly falling snow after an afternoon movie. And, the time I watched a fairyland of fireflies from the upstairs window of my parent's Iowa home. And, the time I was entranced by orange and red leaves falling like rain in Arlington Cemetery. All of these memories have delighted my aesthetic senses and aroused a tremendous sense of wonderment and deep appreciation.
Who is this that grows like the dawn,
As beautiful as the full moon,
As pure as the sun,
As awesome as an army with banners?
Song of Solomon 6:10 (NASB)
Oh Lord, keep my eyes open and my soul ready to receive all that you have for me to appreciate in this beautiful world of Yours!
I was surprised by joy this morning! Once again an unexpected aesthetic experience was downloaded into my memory database.
Before sunrise I awoke to my bedroom flooded with intense moonlight. Curiosity drew me out onto the terrace where I saw a stunning sight. A huge lustrous full moon, hung low on the horizon, was throwing down moonbeans on Monterey Bay so powerfully that the entire inlet in front of our condo was a sparkling shimmering mass of tremulous movement.
Mesmerized by the loveliness of it all, appreciation welled up in my soul for the gift and then, quite naturally, for the Giver of the gift. The moon, a natural satellite of the earth, is only visible because of reflected light from the sun. In Psalm 136, we read that God, in demonstrating His everlasting lovingkindness, created the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night. He created this breathtaking display of splendor for me to delight in.
I added this new experience to others already etched on my soul. There was the time I walked home alone in softly falling snow after an afternoon movie. And, the time I watched a fairyland of fireflies from the upstairs window of my parent's Iowa home. And, the time I was entranced by orange and red leaves falling like rain in Arlington Cemetery. All of these memories have delighted my aesthetic senses and aroused a tremendous sense of wonderment and deep appreciation.
Who is this that grows like the dawn,
As beautiful as the full moon,
As pure as the sun,
As awesome as an army with banners?
Song of Solomon 6:10 (NASB)
Oh Lord, keep my eyes open and my soul ready to receive all that you have for me to appreciate in this beautiful world of Yours!
Monday, June 22, 2009
I've been thinking about romance...
The Lover's Hermitage
Darryl and I just celebrated our 39th anniversary. You have heard this one before - but I cannot believe I have been married for 39 years! What happened to that little 18 year old girl standing in an apartment in Van Nuys, California, green off the Iowa farm?
Well, she invested an inordinate amount of time and energy in creating a home - a kind of hermitage - for her husband over those years. In fact, although a well-kept physical home is extremely comforting and relaxing, an emotional home is vitally more important. A hermitage, as Webster defines it, is a secluded residence, a private retreat or hideaway. Creating an emotional hermitage for a husband is a terrific metaphor for the most romantic kind of homemaking.
A few years ago I ran across a beautiful poem by Mike Mason describing his relationship with his new wife. You see, Mike did not plan on ever marrying, but God directed him along a different path and he fell in love. When Mike married, he raised the bar of romantic married love by putting pen to paper. Here is what he wrote:
Love, you are my hermitage, my dwelling forever.
Just as a happy bachelor may aspire to be a hermit,
So as your husband do I dream of being more married.
Your body in a path leading through a golden wood;
Your love is a clearing in the center of the forest.
Here I have built my home, here in you alone.
With you I know a solitude deeper than my own.
One table, one rocking chair by the hearth of you -
And in your face a window brighter than the sky!
Are not your arms a shelter made of all my longings?
How gladly shall I spend my life in the cool still hush of you!
Your words are quieter than my thoughts.
Your moods are the shade beneath dancing poplars.
When you smile I'm warmed like earth in the sun.
Your laugh is the brook at my doorstep.
Gentler are you than breath, much stranger than death.
Just to touch your hair is more peaceful than sleep.
Where else could I die but in your brown eyes?
Surely all my wandering finds its end in you.
Love, you are my hermitage, my dwelling forever.
The challenge of this poem is focusing on what kind of a person do I need to be to warrant this type of breathtaking tribute? I want to be my best romantic self.
Darryl and I just celebrated our 39th anniversary. You have heard this one before - but I cannot believe I have been married for 39 years! What happened to that little 18 year old girl standing in an apartment in Van Nuys, California, green off the Iowa farm?
Well, she invested an inordinate amount of time and energy in creating a home - a kind of hermitage - for her husband over those years. In fact, although a well-kept physical home is extremely comforting and relaxing, an emotional home is vitally more important. A hermitage, as Webster defines it, is a secluded residence, a private retreat or hideaway. Creating an emotional hermitage for a husband is a terrific metaphor for the most romantic kind of homemaking.
A few years ago I ran across a beautiful poem by Mike Mason describing his relationship with his new wife. You see, Mike did not plan on ever marrying, but God directed him along a different path and he fell in love. When Mike married, he raised the bar of romantic married love by putting pen to paper. Here is what he wrote:
Love, you are my hermitage, my dwelling forever.
Just as a happy bachelor may aspire to be a hermit,
So as your husband do I dream of being more married.
Your body in a path leading through a golden wood;
Your love is a clearing in the center of the forest.
Here I have built my home, here in you alone.
With you I know a solitude deeper than my own.
One table, one rocking chair by the hearth of you -
And in your face a window brighter than the sky!
Are not your arms a shelter made of all my longings?
How gladly shall I spend my life in the cool still hush of you!
Your words are quieter than my thoughts.
Your moods are the shade beneath dancing poplars.
When you smile I'm warmed like earth in the sun.
Your laugh is the brook at my doorstep.
Gentler are you than breath, much stranger than death.
Just to touch your hair is more peaceful than sleep.
Where else could I die but in your brown eyes?
Surely all my wandering finds its end in you.
Love, you are my hermitage, my dwelling forever.
The challenge of this poem is focusing on what kind of a person do I need to be to warrant this type of breathtaking tribute? I want to be my best romantic self.
Friday, June 12, 2009
I've been thinking about brainstorming...
Brainstorming is Loads of Fun!
Simple, fun and effective, you can brainstorm alone or with a group.
1) State your question. It can be about any decision you want to make. For instance, "How can I solve the problem of...?"
2) Pop out as many ideas as possible, as fast as you can. Include any and all weird ones. Remember, most new ideas sound ridiculous at first. Write down every idea as it comes.
3) No criticism or comment about any of the ideas is allowed. Being critical inhibits the imagination and crushes creative thinking. The goal here is to quiet your inner critic when it sneers, "That won't work," or "What a silly idea," or "That's already been done." The point is to postpone judgment in order to let ideas flow freely.
4) Generate as many ideas as possible.
5) When you've exhausted all possible ideas, sit back and look them over. Take some time to turn them around, combine, adapt, rearrange and play with them. Even the silly ones will contain the germ of a good idea. Have fun with the process. Laugh and play with it; humor triggers creativity.
6) Choose the best ideas to make your decision.
The benefits of brainstorming are enormous. Use it in your work or in your personal life. You'll find it not only helps you to live, think and work more effectively, as well as make better, smarter decisions, but it is also just plain fun!
Simple, fun and effective, you can brainstorm alone or with a group.
1) State your question. It can be about any decision you want to make. For instance, "How can I solve the problem of...?"
2) Pop out as many ideas as possible, as fast as you can. Include any and all weird ones. Remember, most new ideas sound ridiculous at first. Write down every idea as it comes.
3) No criticism or comment about any of the ideas is allowed. Being critical inhibits the imagination and crushes creative thinking. The goal here is to quiet your inner critic when it sneers, "That won't work," or "What a silly idea," or "That's already been done." The point is to postpone judgment in order to let ideas flow freely.
4) Generate as many ideas as possible.
5) When you've exhausted all possible ideas, sit back and look them over. Take some time to turn them around, combine, adapt, rearrange and play with them. Even the silly ones will contain the germ of a good idea. Have fun with the process. Laugh and play with it; humor triggers creativity.
6) Choose the best ideas to make your decision.
The benefits of brainstorming are enormous. Use it in your work or in your personal life. You'll find it not only helps you to live, think and work more effectively, as well as make better, smarter decisions, but it is also just plain fun!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I've been thinking about strength...
To be in their Midst is to Touch an Aspect of the Eternal
On a recent visit to Santa Cruz, California, I was walking the Redwood Grove Nature Trail at the spectacular Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The redwoods along this 0.8 mile trail are as large and as beautiful as any along the California coast.
The trail guide was full of interesting facts about these amazing trees. I learned that the scientific name for the Coast Redwood is Sequoia sempervirens. Sempervirens means ever-living because these trees have amazing survival adaptions which make them seem eternal.
In addition to being the world's tallest trees, often reaching 300 feet, they repel fire and disease. Most fires cannot penetrate redwood bark which is 7 to 12 inches thick, fibrous and heat resistant. Even if an intense fire burns through the bark and eventually hollows out the tree, the tree will continue to live and slowly heal the fire scar if sufficient living tissue remains undamaged.
A common sight in the Coast Redwood forest are large numbers of circular groups of trees called cathedrals. The trail guide explained that a redwood can sprout new trees from its roots on all sides. It is the only conifer or cone bearing tree to do so. These young trees eventually mature encircling the parent tree.
I learned that as the roots of the cathedral trees mature, they spread out, mingle and fuse together, which helps them to withstand strong winds. I couldn't help but think about the incredible picture of strength that emerges as these trees intertwine and grow together!
Nature once again provides a living illustration of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verses 10-12, which says, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The Coast Redwoods are a powerful reminder that it is wise to STAND together and BAND together. Even when strong winds blow, there is safety in numbers!
On a recent visit to Santa Cruz, California, I was walking the Redwood Grove Nature Trail at the spectacular Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The redwoods along this 0.8 mile trail are as large and as beautiful as any along the California coast.
The trail guide was full of interesting facts about these amazing trees. I learned that the scientific name for the Coast Redwood is Sequoia sempervirens. Sempervirens means ever-living because these trees have amazing survival adaptions which make them seem eternal.
In addition to being the world's tallest trees, often reaching 300 feet, they repel fire and disease. Most fires cannot penetrate redwood bark which is 7 to 12 inches thick, fibrous and heat resistant. Even if an intense fire burns through the bark and eventually hollows out the tree, the tree will continue to live and slowly heal the fire scar if sufficient living tissue remains undamaged.
A common sight in the Coast Redwood forest are large numbers of circular groups of trees called cathedrals. The trail guide explained that a redwood can sprout new trees from its roots on all sides. It is the only conifer or cone bearing tree to do so. These young trees eventually mature encircling the parent tree.
I learned that as the roots of the cathedral trees mature, they spread out, mingle and fuse together, which helps them to withstand strong winds. I couldn't help but think about the incredible picture of strength that emerges as these trees intertwine and grow together!
Nature once again provides a living illustration of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verses 10-12, which says, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The Coast Redwoods are a powerful reminder that it is wise to STAND together and BAND together. Even when strong winds blow, there is safety in numbers!
Friday, May 15, 2009
I've been thinking about motherhood...
Some of the Best Mothers I know are not Mothers at All!
I have been well loved over the years by many good women and I am thankful for the countless ways I have been blessed. However, I have become sensitized to the fact that some of the women who have loved me the best are not the women who most of us would expect to have "motherhood maturity."
I am speaking of women in my life without children of their own who have turned their loving nurturing toward me and expressed it meaningfully. What would we do without these women who selflessly serve us without expecting much in return in the natural sense of things?
I found a piece of art in a downtown Scottsdale store window that captured my interest. It is a brass faucet with glass spilling down like water into a small pool. The brass faucet is not visibly connected to anything. It is just a faucet spilling forth...
There is no connection to an earthly source so I automatically make a connection that there is an invisible source of water flowing through this faucet. For me, this piece of art is a picture of the outflowing of love from a life that is plugged into the amazing resources of God.
These same resources are available to all women no matter what our circumstances. What a wonderful - hopeful - satisfying picture of a life well lived because of the possibilities available to us as God's daughters. Today, I rejoice in being a woman who has the joy of knowing and experiencing this truth!
Because tomorrow is my birthday and I am turning 60, I have the privilege of once again reviewing and assessing my life. As I do, one of the things I MUST do is acknowledge the generous love of my friends who are not physical mothers but mothers none-the-less. This is a tribute to you Jacque, Mary Jane and Cindy. You come immediately to mind when I think of being well-loved. I am so very thankful for you all.
I have been well loved over the years by many good women and I am thankful for the countless ways I have been blessed. However, I have become sensitized to the fact that some of the women who have loved me the best are not the women who most of us would expect to have "motherhood maturity."
I am speaking of women in my life without children of their own who have turned their loving nurturing toward me and expressed it meaningfully. What would we do without these women who selflessly serve us without expecting much in return in the natural sense of things?
I found a piece of art in a downtown Scottsdale store window that captured my interest. It is a brass faucet with glass spilling down like water into a small pool. The brass faucet is not visibly connected to anything. It is just a faucet spilling forth...
There is no connection to an earthly source so I automatically make a connection that there is an invisible source of water flowing through this faucet. For me, this piece of art is a picture of the outflowing of love from a life that is plugged into the amazing resources of God.
These same resources are available to all women no matter what our circumstances. What a wonderful - hopeful - satisfying picture of a life well lived because of the possibilities available to us as God's daughters. Today, I rejoice in being a woman who has the joy of knowing and experiencing this truth!
Because tomorrow is my birthday and I am turning 60, I have the privilege of once again reviewing and assessing my life. As I do, one of the things I MUST do is acknowledge the generous love of my friends who are not physical mothers but mothers none-the-less. This is a tribute to you Jacque, Mary Jane and Cindy. You come immediately to mind when I think of being well-loved. I am so very thankful for you all.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I've been thinking about excellence...
Excellence is Like an Impressionist Painting with Millions of Dots
Pointillism is the practice of applying small dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together. I viewed the work of a pointillist artist in an art gallery in Sedona a few years ago. I could not help but be enthralled with the amount of patience involved in working with this artistic style. Stepping back from the painting, I did see a beautifully blended picture.
Pointillism is the practice of applying small dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together. I viewed the work of a pointillist artist in an art gallery in Sedona a few years ago. I could not help but be enthralled with the amount of patience involved in working with this artistic style. Stepping back from the painting, I did see a beautifully blended picture.
Speaking of dots, Dara Torres says, "Sure, a dot is a dot. What's the big deal? But, if you care enough to make each dot the exact right size and the exact right color in the exact right place, something amazing occurs."
Dara ought to know since she is the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics. Her philosophy is that swimming is about having the mental discipline to get every detail right, every single day.
In the book entitled Champions: The Making of Olympic Swimmers, Daniel Chambliss wrote, "If you swim sloppily 364 days a year, nothing great is going to happen on the day of the next big meet, no matter how excited you get... These little things matter not so much because of their physical impact but because psychologically they separate the champion from everyone else... Most swimmers choose every day not to do the little things. They choose, in effect, not to win... In some sense, everyone 'could" win in the Olympic Games, but 'could" doesn't count. The gold is reserved for those who do."
I like the way the metaphor of the dots helps me understand that when I give something my best effort each and every day, then I can be assured that the finished product will be my most excellent work. Colossians 3:23 even reminds me who I am to please. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men. Whew! No guessing, no wondering, no anxiety. Just peace and rest with no regrets!
I've been thinking about energy...
Doling Out the Energy in Precise Doses!
As God's daughter, shouldn't I have "lots of juice" too? I have the unique privilege of replenishing my energy supply from the pool of His vitality as often as I desire. Scripture tells me this is so in Psalm 73:26, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the STRENGTH of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)
I wonder if the reason I have limited energy is to remind me to come back to Him?
Energy is power efficiently exerted. The study of energy and how it works itself out through a human body is fascinating to me. I have long been a student of my own energy supply. That is why I like a month-at-a-glance calender. I can better anticipate the energy ebbs and flows throughout the days ahead and manage my life more responsibly.
A good synonym for energy is strength. Having studied my energy flow, it is apparent to me that I do not have an unending supply of strength. It is so easy to become physically and emotionally exhausted. Therefore, how I use or conserve my strength is a matter of stewardship.
Olympic swimmer, Dara Torres, shares an interesting concept about energy in her book, Age is Just a Number. "One of the most important skills for a competitive swimmer is the ability to dole out energy in very precise doses. To win in the finals of a race at a big meet like the Olympic Trials, Olympic Games, or World Championships, you have to burn up enough speed in the preliminaries to make it to the semifinals, and enough speed in the semifinals to make the finals, but all the while conserving juice."
I like her metaphor of "juice" to describe energy. I remember a character in a movie once being described as having "lots of juice" and sure enough, when we were introduced to that character later in the story, he was fascinating.As God's daughter, shouldn't I have "lots of juice" too? I have the unique privilege of replenishing my energy supply from the pool of His vitality as often as I desire. Scripture tells me this is so in Psalm 73:26, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the STRENGTH of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)
I wonder if the reason I have limited energy is to remind me to come back to Him?
Monday, April 27, 2009
I've been thinking about left field...
I May be in Left Field but I am Still in the Game!
Lenore Wolke of Wayne, New Jersey says when a mother is raising her children, "it is like she is a softball coach. She runs the game and makes sure they get to all the bases they have to and they get there safely." Then their sons get married and the mother gets positioned in the outfield. "The son is at bat, his wife is on first base, his job is at second base and his wife's family is on third base... Mothers of sons are out in "left field" waiting for the ball to come their way."
Grace Thatcher of Yorba Linda, California follows the five good mother-in-law rules:
1. Let go. Don't interfere in the couple's decisions.
2. Be independent. Have interests that don't include your children.
3. Be flexible. There is more than one way to make potato salad.
4. Cultivate a cordial relationship with the other parents.
5. Claim your boundaries. Avoid family conflicts unrelated to you. Don't give money you don't have and don't babysit when you don't want to.
Can a mother-in-law be positively involved and initiating without being intrusive? I have been pondering my "left field" role now for quite a while. Although it does seem to be extremely tricky and sometimes my best option is to simply remain quiet at a distance, I do believe there are a few things I can do that are appreciated.
1. Take a gentle pulse on every family member when we are together for the purpose of prayer and encouragement.
2. Give gifts of affirmation of character. I keep a list of character qualities close by to remind me what to be watching for:
Love: meeting the needs of others sacrificially
Joy: exuberance that overflows when we are at peace with God
Peace: tranquility that comes from confidence in God
Patience: willingness to allow time to grow
Kindness: outworking of love
Goodness: holiness that is unconsciously at work
Faithfulness: loyal commitment
Gentleness: showing tender consideration for the feelings of another
Self-Control: ability to direct energies wisely
Calmness: inner peace allowing a quiet response to a stressful situation without fear
Courage: strength to resist opposition, danger or hardship without giving up hope
Gratefulness: sincere appreciation for anything received from others
Persistence: tenacity to persist in a course or goal until it is finished or achieved
3. Support endeavors with presence and resources - enthusiastically.
4. Respect the need to "process" and don't rush in with counsel without being asked, but be prepared with something wise just in case an opportunity arises.
5. Creatively offer "fun" opportunities without conditions or expectations.
So even though I've been assigned a place in the outfield where I sometimes feel out of the action, I can still play my position with grace and once in a while, God willing, a ball may still come my way!
Lenore Wolke of Wayne, New Jersey says when a mother is raising her children, "it is like she is a softball coach. She runs the game and makes sure they get to all the bases they have to and they get there safely." Then their sons get married and the mother gets positioned in the outfield. "The son is at bat, his wife is on first base, his job is at second base and his wife's family is on third base... Mothers of sons are out in "left field" waiting for the ball to come their way."
Grace Thatcher of Yorba Linda, California follows the five good mother-in-law rules:
1. Let go. Don't interfere in the couple's decisions.
2. Be independent. Have interests that don't include your children.
3. Be flexible. There is more than one way to make potato salad.
4. Cultivate a cordial relationship with the other parents.
5. Claim your boundaries. Avoid family conflicts unrelated to you. Don't give money you don't have and don't babysit when you don't want to.
Can a mother-in-law be positively involved and initiating without being intrusive? I have been pondering my "left field" role now for quite a while. Although it does seem to be extremely tricky and sometimes my best option is to simply remain quiet at a distance, I do believe there are a few things I can do that are appreciated.
1. Take a gentle pulse on every family member when we are together for the purpose of prayer and encouragement.
2. Give gifts of affirmation of character. I keep a list of character qualities close by to remind me what to be watching for:
Love: meeting the needs of others sacrificially
Joy: exuberance that overflows when we are at peace with God
Peace: tranquility that comes from confidence in God
Patience: willingness to allow time to grow
Kindness: outworking of love
Goodness: holiness that is unconsciously at work
Faithfulness: loyal commitment
Gentleness: showing tender consideration for the feelings of another
Self-Control: ability to direct energies wisely
Calmness: inner peace allowing a quiet response to a stressful situation without fear
Courage: strength to resist opposition, danger or hardship without giving up hope
Gratefulness: sincere appreciation for anything received from others
Persistence: tenacity to persist in a course or goal until it is finished or achieved
3. Support endeavors with presence and resources - enthusiastically.
4. Respect the need to "process" and don't rush in with counsel without being asked, but be prepared with something wise just in case an opportunity arises.
5. Creatively offer "fun" opportunities without conditions or expectations.
So even though I've been assigned a place in the outfield where I sometimes feel out of the action, I can still play my position with grace and once in a while, God willing, a ball may still come my way!
Monday, April 13, 2009
I've been thinking about waiting...
You Cannot Process Past Where You Are
To process something is to submit to a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result. Processing things that have happened to me means I put action on hold for the purpose of waiting on God for His perspectives. Processing and the need for it makes sense to me but waiting on God for often imperceptible degrees of change in thinking is a challenge.
Have you noticed that God does not work according to our time frames? Waiting requires patience. Waiting rooms, waiting lists, waiting games. Waiting is a part of life. Waiting feels like treading water, marching in place, feeling chained to wearisome or monotonous routines that eventually reveal cracks in our core character.
"One method of waiting means patience, hope, contentment, assurance that God will redeem His promises and make the heart strong; the other method of waiting is fretfulness, impatience, distrust, and complaining - and that kind of waiting wears out the soul." - Joseph Parker
They key to allowing a healthy process to unfold in my life is waiting while remaining expectant about the process itself, remaining hopeful of a favorable change or outcome, remaining in readiness to move out when the next step in the process appears. This kind of waiting does not wear out my soul but profits my soul.
Oh, guard my soul and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Psalm 25:20-21
O Lord, help me to wait expectantly and to submit to the process you have ordained for me to follow in understanding the events of my life. Encourage me with the knowledge that as long as I remain faithfully focused on You, you will make the necessary changes in my processing to allow me to reach the full potential of profit for my soul. You alone supply the insight I need, Lord. I will wait on You. Amen.
To process something is to submit to a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result. Processing things that have happened to me means I put action on hold for the purpose of waiting on God for His perspectives. Processing and the need for it makes sense to me but waiting on God for often imperceptible degrees of change in thinking is a challenge.
Have you noticed that God does not work according to our time frames? Waiting requires patience. Waiting rooms, waiting lists, waiting games. Waiting is a part of life. Waiting feels like treading water, marching in place, feeling chained to wearisome or monotonous routines that eventually reveal cracks in our core character.
"One method of waiting means patience, hope, contentment, assurance that God will redeem His promises and make the heart strong; the other method of waiting is fretfulness, impatience, distrust, and complaining - and that kind of waiting wears out the soul." - Joseph Parker
They key to allowing a healthy process to unfold in my life is waiting while remaining expectant about the process itself, remaining hopeful of a favorable change or outcome, remaining in readiness to move out when the next step in the process appears. This kind of waiting does not wear out my soul but profits my soul.
Oh, guard my soul and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Psalm 25:20-21
O Lord, help me to wait expectantly and to submit to the process you have ordained for me to follow in understanding the events of my life. Encourage me with the knowledge that as long as I remain faithfully focused on You, you will make the necessary changes in my processing to allow me to reach the full potential of profit for my soul. You alone supply the insight I need, Lord. I will wait on You. Amen.
Monday, March 9, 2009
I've been thinking about FEAR...
A Storm of Fear
The opposite of life isn't death. The opposite of life is fear.
FEAR - that noxious stimulant that attacks our naked emotional nerve endings. That painful agitation in the presence of danger that sometimes attacks quietly by tucking itself away in the deepest corners of our hearts or attacks violently and openly, causing an extremely dramatic "storm of fear" smack dab in the messy middle of our lives.
One individual described a "storm of fear" this way:
The sun, moon and stars run away to hide. The world becomes dark and threatening. The wind whips crazily and the sky begins to fall. The earth moves off its axis and the laws of gravity cease to function. Wild erratic thoughts reach up like supercharged vines climbing for sunshine that cannot be found.
What am I to do with this kind of fear? Do I let it propel me toward a path of discouragement and depression? Many have chosen to dwell in depression's dark wood and they have known its inexplicable agony.
When William Styron, author of Darkness Visible and a survivor of deep depression, chose to return from the abyss, he described it as not unlike the ascent of the poet, trudging upward and upward out of hell's black depths and at last emerging into "the shining world."
We, as Christians, are empowered by the Spirit of God to choose the right path - a peaceful path where we are restored to serenity and joy by a loving, patient, ever-present God.
The opposite of life isn't death. The opposite of life is fear.
FEAR - that noxious stimulant that attacks our naked emotional nerve endings. That painful agitation in the presence of danger that sometimes attacks quietly by tucking itself away in the deepest corners of our hearts or attacks violently and openly, causing an extremely dramatic "storm of fear" smack dab in the messy middle of our lives.
One individual described a "storm of fear" this way:
The sun, moon and stars run away to hide. The world becomes dark and threatening. The wind whips crazily and the sky begins to fall. The earth moves off its axis and the laws of gravity cease to function. Wild erratic thoughts reach up like supercharged vines climbing for sunshine that cannot be found.
What am I to do with this kind of fear? Do I let it propel me toward a path of discouragement and depression? Many have chosen to dwell in depression's dark wood and they have known its inexplicable agony.
In the middle of the journey of our life
I found myself in a dark wood,
For I had lost the right path.
When William Styron, author of Darkness Visible and a survivor of deep depression, chose to return from the abyss, he described it as not unlike the ascent of the poet, trudging upward and upward out of hell's black depths and at last emerging into "the shining world."
We, as Christians, are empowered by the Spirit of God to choose the right path - a peaceful path where we are restored to serenity and joy by a loving, patient, ever-present God.
And so we came forth, and once again beheld the stars.
- Dante
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I've been thinking about grace...
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
The yoke was a wooden frame used to harness two animals together in such a way that the maximum pulling power of each could be exerted. By choosing the metaphor of a yoke, Jesus is acknowledging that a yoke, in fact, does exist when we come into relationship with Him. In Jesus' day it was understood that "taking up one's yoke" was used of studying with a rabbi. Jesus is clearly instructing us to "take my yoke upon you" meaning I am to become His student and make it my lifelong task is to "learn from Him."
One practical application of this metaphor is the concept that the stronger, more experienced animal would always get the "heavy" end of the pulling. In this sense Jesus' yoke is light because He always takes the "heavy" end. The yoke Jesus' places on us, that is, His teachings, are the "light" end not simply because He requires LESS but because He gives MORE.
He assures me of rest and peace as a child of His Kingdom and He has provided the very present help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit surges through my life, constantly bathing me in "unforced rhythms of grace." The Message version adds this beautiful phrase to the text to help me understand more perfectly the blessing of bearing the "light" end of the yoke.
Here is how this phrase can be broken down:
unforced - produced with no effort, exertion or pressure
rhythms - a movement or fluctuation marked by regular recurrence
grace - God's disposition to act with kindness or clemency toward me
When I read these words, I relax and take a deep breath. I choose once again to shed the laborious self-effort that keeps creeping into my walk with God and embrace the never-ending supply of grace flowing from the Father to me, over me, through me.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
The yoke was a wooden frame used to harness two animals together in such a way that the maximum pulling power of each could be exerted. By choosing the metaphor of a yoke, Jesus is acknowledging that a yoke, in fact, does exist when we come into relationship with Him. In Jesus' day it was understood that "taking up one's yoke" was used of studying with a rabbi. Jesus is clearly instructing us to "take my yoke upon you" meaning I am to become His student and make it my lifelong task is to "learn from Him."
One practical application of this metaphor is the concept that the stronger, more experienced animal would always get the "heavy" end of the pulling. In this sense Jesus' yoke is light because He always takes the "heavy" end. The yoke Jesus' places on us, that is, His teachings, are the "light" end not simply because He requires LESS but because He gives MORE.
He assures me of rest and peace as a child of His Kingdom and He has provided the very present help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit surges through my life, constantly bathing me in "unforced rhythms of grace." The Message version adds this beautiful phrase to the text to help me understand more perfectly the blessing of bearing the "light" end of the yoke.
Here is how this phrase can be broken down:
unforced - produced with no effort, exertion or pressure
rhythms - a movement or fluctuation marked by regular recurrence
grace - God's disposition to act with kindness or clemency toward me
When I read these words, I relax and take a deep breath. I choose once again to shed the laborious self-effort that keeps creeping into my walk with God and embrace the never-ending supply of grace flowing from the Father to me, over me, through me.
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