Wow, it's been awhile...again. Gets nicer outside and everything seems to get even busier than normal. Our son and I have been trying to help with the lawn the end of last year and so far this year. While it is kind of relaxing, it takes awhile. Went to school camp with our daughter for 3 days. I learned a lot from watching the kids and the counselors. They were VERY clear in their expectations and what would happen if they were not followed. Communication, communication, communication (similar to the location x 3 for real estate!). I feel I do great with writing (mostly because I have time to think it through), but not so well verbally.
I have to delve deeper into my avoidance of writing lately...even in my journal which I usually enjoy. My first thought is God's got something He wants to deal with me on....and I'm not sure I'm ready to deal with it yet. So I looked up "avoid" and "lazy" on biblegateway...and didn't really find what I was looking for....at first. Now, I'm reminded of the story of the talents in the Bible and lazy is mentioned.
Back then, a talent was money. The story is in Matthew 25:14-30 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:14-30;&version=31 and I just noticed at the end of that passage there is a note that a talent was worth more than a thousand dollars! There were 3 servants and each were given a varying amount of talents based on their ability. The 2 who got the most, used them wisely, invested and DOUBLED the amount given. The last 1 was fearful and buried the talent. When the master returned, each servant gave an account of what happened with the talents they had been given. The 2 servants got to keep the additional talents they had received. The last servant gave the master back the talent he'd been given. He was referred to as lazy, he ended up having to give it to the servant with the most talents...and was shown the door.
I don't know if it is just coincidence that the parable refers to "talents". I think this story works as a story on not wasting what we are given, whether it is money....or actual talents (physical and/or spiritual gifts). I have some work to do. How about you? Are we investing wisely...our money and our time? Are we available when God wants to meet us?
For me, this means getting back more into the (in my mind, dreaded -wrongfully so) routine and schedule that I know helps me use my time more effectively. Daily "to-do" lists so I don't forget things that I will otherwise spend twice as long trying to remember. Carrying this information with me and USING it. Making myself available when God wants to use me to bless someone else....regardless of what's in it for me.
When taken in context, Matthew 25 is 3 parables....all about when Jesus returns and us being ready. I'm working on it. Want to join me?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Carefree abandon
Luke 12:21-23 (The Message)
[ Steep Yourself in God-Reality ] He continued this subject with his disciples. "Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with a 10 month old girl. We started playing a game. I was holding her on my lap and she would fling herself backward into my other arm. Then we would laugh, sit her up and do it again...and again. She didn't know me well, but she was not afraid. She did not look back to see if I would catch her. She trusted, with carefree abandon, that I was there and would catch her and we could play some more.
I started thinking. I want to live that way. I want to remember that God is a God of love and laughter. I want to know that I do not need to be afraid or look back to know I'm safe. I want to have carefree abandon that I know God is there. I want to be able to trust that God is there to catch me when I fall backward. God is ready to keep playing.
What's keeping me from living that way? What's keeping you from living that way? Let's figure it out....and climb in Jesus' arms for a game of Catch Me.
1 Peter5:6-7 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
[ Steep Yourself in God-Reality ] He continued this subject with his disciples. "Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with a 10 month old girl. We started playing a game. I was holding her on my lap and she would fling herself backward into my other arm. Then we would laugh, sit her up and do it again...and again. She didn't know me well, but she was not afraid. She did not look back to see if I would catch her. She trusted, with carefree abandon, that I was there and would catch her and we could play some more.
I started thinking. I want to live that way. I want to remember that God is a God of love and laughter. I want to know that I do not need to be afraid or look back to know I'm safe. I want to have carefree abandon that I know God is there. I want to be able to trust that God is there to catch me when I fall backward. God is ready to keep playing.
What's keeping me from living that way? What's keeping you from living that way? Let's figure it out....and climb in Jesus' arms for a game of Catch Me.
1 Peter5:6-7 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Wounded, but Healed
Just wrote this for the devotional website http://daily.presbycan.ca/ , but thought I'd share here too...especially since it's been a little while since writing last. I was thinking about Good Friday and Easter and all that Jesus went through for us. Makes me realize I am not thankful enough!
Wounded, but Healed
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NIV)
Last year, I had surgery on my neck due to a disc pressing on my spinal cord. I was not looking forward to it for numerous reasons. I was scared of surgery. Not because I thought something would happen, just the fact of the unknown. How would I feel afterward? How long would it take to recover? I had things to do. This would be a crimp in MY plan(s).
I do not consider myself vain and did not really think about the wound or subsequent scar. I was told it would be on one of the lines of my neck and would not be that noticeable. Considering the work that needed to be done, it is a small scar that is healing and becoming less noticeable.
When I first took off my bandages, I was disappointed at how red it looked. It was more raised up then I thought it would be. For a long time, I would wear a small bandage over it. I was uncomfortable with the fact that people would notice and then I’d have to explain what had happened. As if the bandage wasn’t noticeable.
The Bible doesn’t mention a lot about scars. It mentions wounds quite a bit. I think of the wounds that Jesus suffered at the hands of his accusers. The whipping and beating that He took on our behalf. The long, painful walk He took bearing our cross. Hanging on the cross where he was wounded even more deeply. The scarlet blood that flowed from His wounds is blood that washed away our sins. The feeling of being forsaken. He was not concerned about His earthly body. He died once to bring healing and the chance of relationship to all.
Isaiah 53:4-5 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (NLT)
God, You know us better than we know ourselves. You know the wounds we have and have tried to hide. You know the wounds we may have inflicted on others. Thank you for your devotion to us through Jesus. Thank you for the freedom we can have through you. Thank you for the scars that can help us lead others to you. Amen
Wounded, but Healed
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NIV)
Last year, I had surgery on my neck due to a disc pressing on my spinal cord. I was not looking forward to it for numerous reasons. I was scared of surgery. Not because I thought something would happen, just the fact of the unknown. How would I feel afterward? How long would it take to recover? I had things to do. This would be a crimp in MY plan(s).
I do not consider myself vain and did not really think about the wound or subsequent scar. I was told it would be on one of the lines of my neck and would not be that noticeable. Considering the work that needed to be done, it is a small scar that is healing and becoming less noticeable.
When I first took off my bandages, I was disappointed at how red it looked. It was more raised up then I thought it would be. For a long time, I would wear a small bandage over it. I was uncomfortable with the fact that people would notice and then I’d have to explain what had happened. As if the bandage wasn’t noticeable.
The Bible doesn’t mention a lot about scars. It mentions wounds quite a bit. I think of the wounds that Jesus suffered at the hands of his accusers. The whipping and beating that He took on our behalf. The long, painful walk He took bearing our cross. Hanging on the cross where he was wounded even more deeply. The scarlet blood that flowed from His wounds is blood that washed away our sins. The feeling of being forsaken. He was not concerned about His earthly body. He died once to bring healing and the chance of relationship to all.
Isaiah 53:4-5 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (NLT)
God, You know us better than we know ourselves. You know the wounds we have and have tried to hide. You know the wounds we may have inflicted on others. Thank you for your devotion to us through Jesus. Thank you for the freedom we can have through you. Thank you for the scars that can help us lead others to you. Amen
Monday, March 16, 2009
A New Closet
Opened my blog to post the review of The Shack, and was struck by the verse from www.biblegateway.com So, an added bonus today (seems feast or famine when I write!)
The verse:
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”- Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
As Spring approaches...and in reality, I need to do it anyway, I've been cleaning out our closets. The kids have grown so some of their items are being handed down or handed over to Goodwill or Love Inc. I'm trying to follow the rule if you haven't worn it in x months, get rid of it. I finally had to admit that even if some styles come back in fashion...I didn't really like them that much the first time! ;)
This verse since it mentions "clothe" yourselves caught my eye. Then I read what I can clothe myself with. Wow! Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. How much different my day would be if I pull my clothes from THAT closet.
Right before that verse was listed all the things I could be rid of.
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:7-10 (NIV)
Those are not even worth recycling or handing down. Time for a NEW SELF and a better closet. Look out best dressed list! We've got a new wardrobe.
The verse:
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”- Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
As Spring approaches...and in reality, I need to do it anyway, I've been cleaning out our closets. The kids have grown so some of their items are being handed down or handed over to Goodwill or Love Inc. I'm trying to follow the rule if you haven't worn it in x months, get rid of it. I finally had to admit that even if some styles come back in fashion...I didn't really like them that much the first time! ;)
This verse since it mentions "clothe" yourselves caught my eye. Then I read what I can clothe myself with. Wow! Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. How much different my day would be if I pull my clothes from THAT closet.
Right before that verse was listed all the things I could be rid of.
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:7-10 (NIV)
Those are not even worth recycling or handing down. Time for a NEW SELF and a better closet. Look out best dressed list! We've got a new wardrobe.
My review of The Shack (novel)
A few friends had mentioned this book and it was also brought up on a discussion board for the radio station I listen to. Now that I've read the book, I posted there and just copied and pasted (to save some writing time...gotta LOVE technology!). Here is my take on The Shack:
I did finally read this book. It is one of few I actually argued with myself and put more thought into before reading (The Left Behind series was one of the others). I borrowed it from the library and there was still a lengthy waiting period, so I assume people are still reading or waiting to read this book.
Thank you to the person who posted the review. (http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001788.cfm) I read it prior and just read through it again. It does bring up some good points.
The reviews and who they are by, partially influenced me. A quote from Michael W. Smith is on the back. Eugene Peterson (translated/wrote The Message version of the Bible) compared it to Pilgrim's Progress. (sidenote: having just read a modern short version of Pilgrim's Progress, I would not compare the 2).
After I read the book, I also checked out the website. http://www.theshackbook.com/ It is stated clearly on the website and on the back of the book it is FICTION and it is stated to be a novel. I haven't even got to the forums (no time), but I'm sure they would be interesting.
There were some things (OK, a lot) that made me go Hmmmm and I would like to follow up on by checking in the Bible. I hope that is what others will do as well. The book dwelled on relationship more than "religion". It came across to me as VERY spiritual, almost new age, if I was more versed in what that was.
My one word of warning would be that somewhere I read it mentions it is great for new believers as well. I do not think I would go that far. My personal opinion would be read through the New Testament (at least) before attempting this book even as fiction.
Sometimes, I think we read to much into books. However, authors/writers have a responsibility to know that their words carry power, for good or evil. We, as readers, have a responsibility to seek out truth and apply it to our lives as we see fit.
One thing I have personally struggled with? How can I take time for ALL the fiction/self-help/fun reads and can't find more time to read the Bible? Hmmmm.
I did finally read this book. It is one of few I actually argued with myself and put more thought into before reading (The Left Behind series was one of the others). I borrowed it from the library and there was still a lengthy waiting period, so I assume people are still reading or waiting to read this book.
Thank you to the person who posted the review. (http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001788.cfm) I read it prior and just read through it again. It does bring up some good points.
The reviews and who they are by, partially influenced me. A quote from Michael W. Smith is on the back. Eugene Peterson (translated/wrote The Message version of the Bible) compared it to Pilgrim's Progress. (sidenote: having just read a modern short version of Pilgrim's Progress, I would not compare the 2).
After I read the book, I also checked out the website. http://www.theshackbook.com/ It is stated clearly on the website and on the back of the book it is FICTION and it is stated to be a novel. I haven't even got to the forums (no time), but I'm sure they would be interesting.
There were some things (OK, a lot) that made me go Hmmmm and I would like to follow up on by checking in the Bible. I hope that is what others will do as well. The book dwelled on relationship more than "religion". It came across to me as VERY spiritual, almost new age, if I was more versed in what that was.
My one word of warning would be that somewhere I read it mentions it is great for new believers as well. I do not think I would go that far. My personal opinion would be read through the New Testament (at least) before attempting this book even as fiction.
Sometimes, I think we read to much into books. However, authors/writers have a responsibility to know that their words carry power, for good or evil. We, as readers, have a responsibility to seek out truth and apply it to our lives as we see fit.
One thing I have personally struggled with? How can I take time for ALL the fiction/self-help/fun reads and can't find more time to read the Bible? Hmmmm.
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