Remember some of the OT characters who got in a heap of trouble because they didn't ask God what they should do BEFORE they made a decision? Have you ever done that?
God gave us brains to think with, and if we've had any moral training at all, we can often decide between GOOD and EVIL. It's the problem with GOOD and BEST that throws us. It may sometimes be a problem with finding a GOD-way instead of believing everyone else who just know they have a WORD for us.
I'm back in Proverbs again --- and 3:6-7 is so familiar, but I don't always do it:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean NOT on your own understanding (or your friends'); in ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Key words:
---Trust: lean hard on God; know that He knows BEST
---LEAN NOT on your own understanding; we DON'T always know BEST
---In ALL WAYS...not just huge things like Should we become missionaries? --- but even small things like: Should I make this purchase right now?
---Acknowledge Him: Recognize He's involved; He cares; He knows you and me and He knows exactly what we need right now
---HE WILL direct our paths: A promise we can take to the bank!
How does this work for YOU? Let me know!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
ALIVE!
What is it that you do that makes you feel most alive? One of my favorite things is having a friend or two who will read scripture and then have conversations with me about it. The Word becomes alive as we put ourselves in the stories. Imagine yourself:
---in the boat when the storm comes up and Jesus is asleep. What would you say to Him?
---with the family as Jesus approached Lazarus' tomb and told them to remove the stone, and Martha protested that it would be too smelly after 4 days. Would you agree with her or Him?
---in the garden as Jesus is agonizing in prayer, weeping, crying out (loudly) to His Father, asking for some other way to bring us salvation. How would you feel?
When I am tempted to start putting Jesus in a box...just reading the stories of His time on earth shatters every box, especially the religious ones. Jesus was FREEDOM personified. Jesus was LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. Jesus was JOY and PEACE walking around Palestine. I want to be with that kind of Person all the time.
---in the boat when the storm comes up and Jesus is asleep. What would you say to Him?
---with the family as Jesus approached Lazarus' tomb and told them to remove the stone, and Martha protested that it would be too smelly after 4 days. Would you agree with her or Him?
---in the garden as Jesus is agonizing in prayer, weeping, crying out (loudly) to His Father, asking for some other way to bring us salvation. How would you feel?
When I am tempted to start putting Jesus in a box...just reading the stories of His time on earth shatters every box, especially the religious ones. Jesus was FREEDOM personified. Jesus was LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. Jesus was JOY and PEACE walking around Palestine. I want to be with that kind of Person all the time.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Not as Sick as You Could Be!
Life is one big soap opera. I mean, what do those shows have over the day-to-day lives of many people? Maybe the reason some people watch them is that it minimizes their own twisted lives and provides a momentary escape. Now it's the UNREALITY REALITY shows!
I remember once years ago when we were pastoring a church and a woman came for prayer at the end of the service. She began to tell Marvin the names of two or three people she was really concerned about and their ailments or problems. He didn't even watch TV, but suddenly she said something that let him know she was wanting prayer for soap opera characters!
I'm seldom shocked by the life-stories people tell me. Once in awhile I've been a bit surprised at the extent to which we will go to avoid reality. I say "we" because I too struggle with telling myself the deep, real truths about my life, my fears and doubts, and my sins.
I've been thankful that my parents taught me to read the Scripture. I didn't always enjoy it as a teenager, but I have asked God to give me a hunger for it, and it has sustained me...strengthened me...taught me...corrected me...like a wonderful, loving Heavenly Parent would do. I've not arrived...but because of it, I'm not as sick as I could be!
What keeps you on the positive side of the fine line between sanity and insanity?
I remember once years ago when we were pastoring a church and a woman came for prayer at the end of the service. She began to tell Marvin the names of two or three people she was really concerned about and their ailments or problems. He didn't even watch TV, but suddenly she said something that let him know she was wanting prayer for soap opera characters!
I'm seldom shocked by the life-stories people tell me. Once in awhile I've been a bit surprised at the extent to which we will go to avoid reality. I say "we" because I too struggle with telling myself the deep, real truths about my life, my fears and doubts, and my sins.
I've been thankful that my parents taught me to read the Scripture. I didn't always enjoy it as a teenager, but I have asked God to give me a hunger for it, and it has sustained me...strengthened me...taught me...corrected me...like a wonderful, loving Heavenly Parent would do. I've not arrived...but because of it, I'm not as sick as I could be!
What keeps you on the positive side of the fine line between sanity and insanity?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Why I love WASHINGTON STATE
Besides the fact that it has amazing scenery, towering mountains, ice cold streams, and deep crater-formed lakes? When I was 5 years old we moved to Port Angeles, an amazing city on the Olympic Peninsula. PA has been a sanctuary for me over the years. Sometimes I get a motel room overlooking Puget Sound, and don't speak to people for the entire time I'm there...just spend time rejuvenating my mind and soul. The pull of that place fascinates me.Today I learned a bit of "why."
In Dr. Jim Wilder's series called Thrive, he talks about 5 things we need to thrive. The first is "a place to belong." Usually as little ones, we feel like we belong in a family. But honestly, I didn't feel that very much until I got older and knew my extended family better. Several aunts and uncles helped me feel like I belonged and that I was part of a bigger story, which included the Moores, Caulkins, Bagwells,and Garrisons to name a few.
But I feel like I belong in Port Angeles, and thus, WASHINGTON. That is the place I grew up; the place I rode my bike clear across town many times; the place I went to the same schools with the same people from grades 1 - 12; the place we went trick-or-treating; the place I had my first job (Public Library), and more.
The PLACE became pretty powerful in my life...because that's where I BELONGED.
I'm trying to learn how to "belong" better in relationships, so that I won't be so "stuck" in a place --- even a beautiful place like Washington!
In Dr. Jim Wilder's series called Thrive, he talks about 5 things we need to thrive. The first is "a place to belong." Usually as little ones, we feel like we belong in a family. But honestly, I didn't feel that very much until I got older and knew my extended family better. Several aunts and uncles helped me feel like I belonged and that I was part of a bigger story, which included the Moores, Caulkins, Bagwells,and Garrisons to name a few.
But I feel like I belong in Port Angeles, and thus, WASHINGTON. That is the place I grew up; the place I rode my bike clear across town many times; the place I went to the same schools with the same people from grades 1 - 12; the place we went trick-or-treating; the place I had my first job (Public Library), and more.
The PLACE became pretty powerful in my life...because that's where I BELONGED.
I'm trying to learn how to "belong" better in relationships, so that I won't be so "stuck" in a place --- even a beautiful place like Washington!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Past Isn't Past...
The Life Model: Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You says this: "The past isn't past until it's healed."
Some old hurts resurfaced in my life this week. These were things I knew weren't really healed, but glossed over...ignored as much as possible. The freshness of the pain surprised me, but I think it's because I've been working on so many other things...this is one of the left-overs.
I have believed that whenever possible I need to try to make amends, talk things out, endeavor to come to an understanding with people, and be able to move on from there. That is a huge challenge in this situation.
Time is what I need: time of solitude to talk to God and listen to His response.
Time to grieve the losses involved in the relationships.
Time to find my true heart around all the issues (writing about it helps me).
Time to feel the healing touch of God on the old wounds.
Thank You, Lord, for reminding me You're still not finished with me, and that I cannot fix anyone else.
Some old hurts resurfaced in my life this week. These were things I knew weren't really healed, but glossed over...ignored as much as possible. The freshness of the pain surprised me, but I think it's because I've been working on so many other things...this is one of the left-overs.
I have believed that whenever possible I need to try to make amends, talk things out, endeavor to come to an understanding with people, and be able to move on from there. That is a huge challenge in this situation.
Time is what I need: time of solitude to talk to God and listen to His response.
Time to grieve the losses involved in the relationships.
Time to find my true heart around all the issues (writing about it helps me).
Time to feel the healing touch of God on the old wounds.
Thank You, Lord, for reminding me You're still not finished with me, and that I cannot fix anyone else.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Grieving Along the Way
I've been feeling pretty "blah" since Sharon and Casey left for points East. I have done what I had to do, but my heart wasn't in it sometimes.
The past few days added to my stress as Marvin got an infection, and I was trying to get him into a doctor, get an antibiotic, and...well, you get the picture. This morning as I was racing around, trying to buy some medicated shampoo he uses, figure out why the meds had not been delivered and get that fixed, I was frustrated. Dennis, Just Like Home manager, helped to get things in order, and I left for work (a bit late).
I headed towards the freeway and started crying...I call it "throwing up" crying, which I learned is my grieving tool. I cried almost to Zillah (about 10 miles). I finally took a deep breath, and just felt a great peace.
After my mother passed away in 2006, I made a point to do the work of grieving. I allowed myself time every day to feel my sadness; sometimes it was accompanied by great memories. At other times it was a longing to hear her voice again. Daily I asked myself, "Do I need to cry today?" If not, I went on my way. If so, I took the time I needed.
Losses just kind of keep coming in life. I want to make a point to let myself be human, and release pain however I need to. Otherwise, I don't feel very healthy.
Are you a feeling-stuffer? How do you grieve? When have you dealt with extreme sadness in a healthy way? What are the unhealthy ways you cope? Do you have a friend you can talk to about it? If not, just reply to this post and we'll chat.
The past few days added to my stress as Marvin got an infection, and I was trying to get him into a doctor, get an antibiotic, and...well, you get the picture. This morning as I was racing around, trying to buy some medicated shampoo he uses, figure out why the meds had not been delivered and get that fixed, I was frustrated. Dennis, Just Like Home manager, helped to get things in order, and I left for work (a bit late).
I headed towards the freeway and started crying...I call it "throwing up" crying, which I learned is my grieving tool. I cried almost to Zillah (about 10 miles). I finally took a deep breath, and just felt a great peace.
After my mother passed away in 2006, I made a point to do the work of grieving. I allowed myself time every day to feel my sadness; sometimes it was accompanied by great memories. At other times it was a longing to hear her voice again. Daily I asked myself, "Do I need to cry today?" If not, I went on my way. If so, I took the time I needed.
Losses just kind of keep coming in life. I want to make a point to let myself be human, and release pain however I need to. Otherwise, I don't feel very healthy.
Are you a feeling-stuffer? How do you grieve? When have you dealt with extreme sadness in a healthy way? What are the unhealthy ways you cope? Do you have a friend you can talk to about it? If not, just reply to this post and we'll chat.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Joyful Art
What is "art" anyway? I remember taking Art Appreciation in college and spending time in art museums. It wasn't long before I realized that art is in the eye of the beholder.
Yesterday I had Marvin home for the afternoon. After a nap and SKYPE call to the grandkids in Atlanta, we decided to get out the sketch pad. He needed a bit of help getting things situated, but then he started drawing --- an "ugly duck," a pond with a tall tree by it, grass at the base of the tree. In the middle of that he wrote, "drugs." I asked "what's that about?" He just laughed and laughed...and I started laughing too---who knows what that meant? FInally he drew a very straight line to the edge of the paper and wrote: "the end."
I asked "what's that?" "It's the end." "The end of what?" I asked. "The paper," he laughed.
Our brains are such fascinating places. Marvin can't talk much...needs help with most things these days, but his sense of humor is somewhere there, and he can create his own "ART!"
Yesterday I had Marvin home for the afternoon. After a nap and SKYPE call to the grandkids in Atlanta, we decided to get out the sketch pad. He needed a bit of help getting things situated, but then he started drawing --- an "ugly duck," a pond with a tall tree by it, grass at the base of the tree. In the middle of that he wrote, "drugs." I asked "what's that about?" He just laughed and laughed...and I started laughing too---who knows what that meant? FInally he drew a very straight line to the edge of the paper and wrote: "the end."
I asked "what's that?" "It's the end." "The end of what?" I asked. "The paper," he laughed.
Our brains are such fascinating places. Marvin can't talk much...needs help with most things these days, but his sense of humor is somewhere there, and he can create his own "ART!"
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