I'm reading another book I've read before: The Divine Conspiracy: Discovering Our Hidden Life in God, by the late Dallas Willard. I was challenged yesterday to simply read the red-letters, the words of Jesus. I decided to start in the short book of Mark. I didn't get very far. I spent yesterday writing about "REPENT AND BELIEVE," and what it really means.
Today I went further into the first chapter. I got to the story of Jesus and a leper. The man had amazing faith to even approach Jesus, and he said, "If you are willing..." to which Jesus replied, "I am willing." Then Jesus TOUCHED A LEPER!
Unthinkable, unbelievable. Jesus just didn't follow those religious rules. Jesus would now be considered unclean. Take a minute and imagine what that would mean to His religious community.
But it's verse 44, just the first sentence, where I got stopped today. Jesus told the man, "DON'T TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS."
Huge crowds would soon begin following Jesus, and He would be hindered in His teaching ministry. It would be a struggle to go where He needed to go.
Is it possible some followers have taken these words of Jesus to heart?
"Don't tell anyone..." Is this why we never talk about Jesus, and how He can bring joy and freedom, peace and hope in this difficult world? I doubt it, because I'm not sure we remembered it was in there!
Reading the red-letter words of Jesus is going to be an amazing challenge!
Join me!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Rare Remote Wars
The following is an article that will appear in my Hint of Humor column soon. Wanted to share it with those who don't get our small town paper!
My friend shared this hilarious story with me, so I will pass it on: Our church choir in Post Falls always enjoyed taking holiday music to assisted-living facilities. The room in Hayden, Idaho, provided just enough space for the choir to stand in two rows between the fireplace and the audience of residents.
Special arrangements were made for two female patients. They were brought in separately on their adjustable recliners and placed side by side. They were a scant four feet away from the bass section, so it was difficult for the singers to ignore what happened.
The caregivers had inadvertently switched the remote controls and given the opposite buttons to each of the women. Somewhere after the "Halle" and before the "lujah," one resident decided to move the back of her chair up. To her amazement, the furniture stayed in the same position, so she pushed the "down" button a couple times instead. Getting no response, she proceeded to press the "up" and "down" in rapid succession. Still no change.
Meanwhile, the helpless lady in the recliner next to her was being flung backward and forward against her will. After nearly being thrown to the floor, she reached over to her neighbor's arm and latched onto the offending controls.
This angered the already frustrated resident, and a noisy tug of war ensued, complicated by more up and down thrashing. It only took a few moments for the responding aide to locate the problem. Through tears of suppressed laughter, the choir never stumbled.
Wonder what I will be like when I need constant care? Sure hope I keep my sense of humor about it all!
My friend shared this hilarious story with me, so I will pass it on: Our church choir in Post Falls always enjoyed taking holiday music to assisted-living facilities. The room in Hayden, Idaho, provided just enough space for the choir to stand in two rows between the fireplace and the audience of residents.
Special arrangements were made for two female patients. They were brought in separately on their adjustable recliners and placed side by side. They were a scant four feet away from the bass section, so it was difficult for the singers to ignore what happened.
The caregivers had inadvertently switched the remote controls and given the opposite buttons to each of the women. Somewhere after the "Halle" and before the "lujah," one resident decided to move the back of her chair up. To her amazement, the furniture stayed in the same position, so she pushed the "down" button a couple times instead. Getting no response, she proceeded to press the "up" and "down" in rapid succession. Still no change.
Meanwhile, the helpless lady in the recliner next to her was being flung backward and forward against her will. After nearly being thrown to the floor, she reached over to her neighbor's arm and latched onto the offending controls.
This angered the already frustrated resident, and a noisy tug of war ensued, complicated by more up and down thrashing. It only took a few moments for the responding aide to locate the problem. Through tears of suppressed laughter, the choir never stumbled.
Wonder what I will be like when I need constant care? Sure hope I keep my sense of humor about it all!
Friday, August 2, 2013
He's Crazy About Us
I'm almost finished with Souvenirs of Solitude by the late Brennan Manning. Because he was a recovery person, with a checkered family history, he wrote a lot about God as his real Father. His famous, Abba's Child, was one of the first.
In almost every writing, he reminds me that God is my Heavenly Father, and He's crazy about me. He wants to spend time with me. He wants to listen to my crazy meandering mind and words. He delights to be with me, and wants me to know that.
This concept is not easy for people who have attachment problems. Our insecurities nag us with the thought that others aren't particularly fond of hanging out with us. Sometimes we push people away to prove our point. Or we choose friendships/relationships with people who are unhealthy and who will leave no matter what.
I keep marveling that God wants to hang out with me! Does that tug at your heart too? He loves being with you and with me. What difference can that make in our lives today?
In almost every writing, he reminds me that God is my Heavenly Father, and He's crazy about me. He wants to spend time with me. He wants to listen to my crazy meandering mind and words. He delights to be with me, and wants me to know that.
This concept is not easy for people who have attachment problems. Our insecurities nag us with the thought that others aren't particularly fond of hanging out with us. Sometimes we push people away to prove our point. Or we choose friendships/relationships with people who are unhealthy and who will leave no matter what.
I keep marveling that God wants to hang out with me! Does that tug at your heart too? He loves being with you and with me. What difference can that make in our lives today?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Pay-back
I was raised a Co-dependent, subtly of course. I mean, who would say it out loud: "You are here to make me feel better about myself." And because I had a few attachment issues, I was not able to really know myself very well until later in my life. I did not have the ability to rush out and do things on my own; I was dependent on others for my own sense of worth. And then I went to a Co-Dependent's Anonymous meeting for the first time.
That first day a woman said, "I have a sign on my refrigerator that says, 'Don't should on yourself.'" I wrote that down. I wish I could say I immediately stopped shoulding on myself and others. It takes practice to make that kind of change.
I used to laugh at the saying, "God loves you and I have a wonderful plan for your life." But I must admit I was like that, thinking I knew what God wanted for other people, when I honestly wasn't quite sure about myself!
I don't think I should on myself as much, though I still do it to others sometimes...and hate it that I do! Because I know what I feel like when others should on me.
Other people know how I should feel about things that are happening in my life. Other folks know how I should react to my present reality.
It has been a good, humbling, difficult experience to be on this end of codependent craziness. I apologize to everyone I have ever shoulded on!
That first day a woman said, "I have a sign on my refrigerator that says, 'Don't should on yourself.'" I wrote that down. I wish I could say I immediately stopped shoulding on myself and others. It takes practice to make that kind of change.
I used to laugh at the saying, "God loves you and I have a wonderful plan for your life." But I must admit I was like that, thinking I knew what God wanted for other people, when I honestly wasn't quite sure about myself!
I don't think I should on myself as much, though I still do it to others sometimes...and hate it that I do! Because I know what I feel like when others should on me.
Other people know how I should feel about things that are happening in my life. Other folks know how I should react to my present reality.
It has been a good, humbling, difficult experience to be on this end of codependent craziness. I apologize to everyone I have ever shoulded on!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
A Lifetime
My super daughter has been cleaning up my office, shredding papers, and getting me organized. At first it was a bit hard for me to cope with - I didn't like the clutter, but somehow it was comforting to have piling up around me! I do like organization however!
We've shredded some of my journals and saved others. We've read old letters and looked at drawings Sharon did as a 3 year old. On to the next project.
I had started scanning slides into my extended hard drive...and Sharon and Ryan will work on this project in the next couple of days. These are a compilation of my father's slides and ours. I have no idea what is in there. And I'm pretty sure I will be tossing many, but it is a delight to look at these together with Sharon. It's like going backwards to another time and another place together.
My hope is to put stories, slides, and other memories together for my kids and grandkids. What memories we have, and I didn't even know I was creating this treasure trove!
We've shredded some of my journals and saved others. We've read old letters and looked at drawings Sharon did as a 3 year old. On to the next project.
I had started scanning slides into my extended hard drive...and Sharon and Ryan will work on this project in the next couple of days. These are a compilation of my father's slides and ours. I have no idea what is in there. And I'm pretty sure I will be tossing many, but it is a delight to look at these together with Sharon. It's like going backwards to another time and another place together.
 |
| At the beach |
 |
| Marvin and Friend |
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| Sharon loves her baby brother |
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Living a Day at a Time
Some time ago, when my life was even busier than it is today (really?)...I began to practice just doing what was in front of me for the moment. I had grown weary of worrying about tomorrow, because I figured out that what Jesus said was wise...I can't add one day to my life by worrying. What He didn't say was that I can shorten my life by worrying.
I've tried to practice not dealing too much with the next thing. Sometimes, to be honest, it has cost me some money, especially when caring for my husband. But my mind is clearer, more at peace, when I am not fretting.
I still do plan ahead if I'm going to travel by airplane. I'm always looking to get the best deal, with the connections and seats that I want. But there are other areas of my life where I try to go with the flow.
Employment is one. I have sometimes simply been at the right place at the right time, or known the right people. And although I have to interview, fill out paperwork, and all the rest, I haven't had to search long or hard for work. I am thankful for that. No, I am not and never will be, independently wealthy. I will probably always have to work, but more and more I feel like I get to work, because I like what I do.
And I'm thankful I can do what I feel called and gifted to do. I will not be working at a daycare, nor will I be doing programs at Parks and Recreation. I will leave that to younger people!
So, how do you get balance in your life--living one day at a time, while being aware of the future?
I've tried to practice not dealing too much with the next thing. Sometimes, to be honest, it has cost me some money, especially when caring for my husband. But my mind is clearer, more at peace, when I am not fretting.
I still do plan ahead if I'm going to travel by airplane. I'm always looking to get the best deal, with the connections and seats that I want. But there are other areas of my life where I try to go with the flow.
Employment is one. I have sometimes simply been at the right place at the right time, or known the right people. And although I have to interview, fill out paperwork, and all the rest, I haven't had to search long or hard for work. I am thankful for that. No, I am not and never will be, independently wealthy. I will probably always have to work, but more and more I feel like I get to work, because I like what I do.
And I'm thankful I can do what I feel called and gifted to do. I will not be working at a daycare, nor will I be doing programs at Parks and Recreation. I will leave that to younger people!
So, how do you get balance in your life--living one day at a time, while being aware of the future?
Monday, July 8, 2013
A Faithful God
I was troubled this morning when I awoke. Many things were on my mind, and so I did what I do: I started journaling. Most of my journal entries include things about the day or days before: things I wish I had not said...things that annoyed me...things I found delightful. When I have (excuse the graphic language) thrown up on the paper, I often write specifically to God. Today I wrote: "So Jesus, what do You want to tell me today?"
I opened the Bible to the place I was reading in the Gospel of John, and in 3 verses, God answered my question very clearly. I laughed out loud; what joy I felt to know that He knows me and wants to communicate with me this way!
You may think that's coincidence; you may not believe anything the Bible says; you might think I'm nuts. That's okay. I know He loves me and keeps wanting me to understand my life and what it means.
I opened the Bible to the place I was reading in the Gospel of John, and in 3 verses, God answered my question very clearly. I laughed out loud; what joy I felt to know that He knows me and wants to communicate with me this way!
You may think that's coincidence; you may not believe anything the Bible says; you might think I'm nuts. That's okay. I know He loves me and keeps wanting me to understand my life and what it means.
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