RE: Solution 2013

I know I have seen the word resolution often. Since I am not very good at keeping them, I often do not make many, if any. Every "New Year" seems to bring the desire to make things different/better this year than the last. Well, by this age then EVERYTHING should be just grand! However, should be is not reality. For some reason, shoulda, coulda, woulda comes to mind.

Every year, I think I'll stop doing things last minute. Most days find me doing just that. I have coupons that will expire on a certain date. IF I find them in time, I am usually using them the day they expire OR kicking myself for not finding them in time and/or misplacing them in a place I KNEW I would not forget....but did.

Today, New Years Day 2013, I looked at the word resolution and saw RE solution. Kind of like a memo format....and the following came to mind:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: You
From: God
Date: 1/1/2013 (and every other day)
RE: Solution

Stop trying so hard. I've got this. Surrender. My solution to your problem may not look the way you want or think it should be. Trust me. I never said life would be easy. I promise it will be worth it. YOU are worth it. Open your eyes, your ears and your heart to creation and the people around you. Seek me and you will find me. I will be your resolution and solution for today and all the days to come.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter what your past years have brought, what your new year holds.....even what your next few minutes hold, trust that you are where you need to be for now and that you will not be there alone. I have to admit, I do not always like where I am.....sometimes I don't even like (love, yes, like? sometimes not so much) the people around me. Yikes, that was slightly more honest than I intended.

The world does more than a fair share of kicking when we already feel down. Don't kick yourself if your resolution doesn't last more than a day. The next day is another chance to try again.  

I looked up "solution" on www.biblegateway.com and didn't find it until I checked the Message version. I post the following as a reminder to myself as well because I have had a hard time explaining why "the law" (Old Testament) and "Jesus" (New Testament) were two different solutions to the same problem.

 

Hebrews 10 (MSG)

The Sacrifice of Jesus

10 ^1-10 The old plan was only a hint of the good things in the new plan. Since that old “law plan” wasn’t complete in itself, it couldn’t complete those who followed it. No matter how many sacrifices were offered year after year, they never added up to a complete solution. If they had, the worshipers would have gone merrily on their way, no longer dragged down by their sins. But instead of removing awareness of sin, when those animal sacrifices were repeated over and over they actually heightened awareness and guilt. The plain fact is that bull and goat blood can’t get rid of sin. That is what is meant by this prophecy, put in the mouth of Christ:

You don’t want sacrifices and offerings year after year;
    you’ve prepared a body for me for a sacrifice.
It’s not fragrance and smoke from the altar
    that whet your appetite.
So I said, “I’m here to do it your way, O God,
    the way it’s described in your Book.”

When he said, “You don’t want sacrifices and offerings,” he was referring to practices according to the old plan. When he added, “I’m here to do it your way,” he set aside the first in order to enact the new plan—God’s way—by which we are made fit for God by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Yikes. I knew it had been awhile since I wrote last. I didn't realize it had been as long as it has! I have lots of ideas, but lack motivation. ;(

Things at our house remain more hectic than I'd like. We seem to be fighting more battles than I'd like. Honestly, I'd rather not have battles to fight....but they certainly keep life interesting.

There were SO many political ads with the recent elections: written, phone calls and TV.  It seems the elections brought out a little of the best and some of the worst in all of us. Talking about politics, especially with someone that doesn't have the same view can be uncomfortable. Now we hopefully heal the rifts and move in the direction we need to move. So many people got involved with elections, conventions, etc. May we not get so comfortable that we get apathetic.

Matthew 5:11-12 (The Message)“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

We seem to live in an age where we expect to be comfortable. Feel some pain? There's a pill for that. Need to have a conversation that may not go as you like? Avoid it. We even call some of our blankies comforters. We might think this is a somewhat recent phenomenon.

However, in Exodus, we read about Moses. Moses was born a Hebrew. The Pharaoh had ordered baby Hebrew boys to be killed. Moses was placed into a basket by his mother and set afloat in a river. The Pharaoh's daughter found Moses, took him home and raised him as her own. Moses had a pretty comfortable life as Pharaoh's grandson. Moses still connected with "his" people though. His people became slaves in Egypt. They didn't like it. They wanted out.

(Sometimes we are offered the opportunity to leave our comfort zone)

God provided opportunities for them to leave. When they finally left, life wasn't exactly what they thought it would be. They wanted to go back....even if it meant remaining as slaves.

(Seeking comfort can give us unrealistic expectations and we want to go back to what we know because it is familiar. That doesn't mean it's better)

After wandering in the dessert for 40 years, they finally got to their promised land.

(Sometimes a period of being uncomfortable leads to comfortable)

Where's your promised land? Are you on your way there? What's standing in your way? Is it worth the effort? Enough ?s?  ;)

It seems we're living in a world that is becoming pretty comfortable with the status quo. It seems we're living in a world that even the current status quo is sliding in the wrong direction. It seems rather gradual until you look back and notice how far we've slipped. TV, music, movies, books.

As time and the world march on, being a Christian is going to continue becoming more uncomfortable. There will be people that will not agree with the way we try to live our lives. That does not mean we should give up. It means we need to try and fight even harder. We may never reach the point of being comfortable with this. We are not promised comfortable, but we are promised comfort.

 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT) ³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵ For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶ Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. ⁷ We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

In the world we live in, I don't know how we live without that comfort.

Do you want fries with that?

Our family currently goes out to fast food restaurants WAY too often. It is not uncommon in our world of up-sizing that we are asked, "Do you want fries with that?"

The past few weeks at church we have been hearing about sharing our faith. Sometimes this is a scary thought....especially if you are not sure how it will be received by the other person. We discussed just asking someone if they're "saved" or if they know where he/she would go if somehow this evening they didn't make it up the next day (or died, but it seems we never like to discuss that). I really don't feel comfortable just asking or discussing with someone when it isn't even the topic of discussion.

I would like to think that if somebody asked me, I could tell them where my hope lies. I would like to think that I am living my life so that someone might be curious enough to ask where my peace comes from when my circumstances are all but peaceful.

I would like my ability to ask someone about their faith as easy as it is to ask, "Do you want fries with that?" at a drive through window. I would like to be able to see a need in someone's life and be willing to ask them, "Do you want Jesus with that?" Maybe not literally ask them in those words, but take the pressure off to free me up to be willing to share how saying "yes!" to that question has helped me sort out things in my own life.

God doesn't want us going through this on our own. He brings people across our path (or to our drive-up window if you'd like to continue the analogy) that are somewhere along the path of their own faith journey. You might not get to be the person that gets to deliver the order and see it all the way through to someone accepting Jesus as their Savior. However, would you be willing to ask the question though and see where it leads?

John 18:4-5 (NIV)  4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.“I am he,” Jesus said. 

Acts 13:38-39 (NIV) 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Watch Out!.....On Our Best Behavior?

Matthew 24:3-5 (NIV)
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 

There is a certain street in a nearby town where the speed limit is 35. It does not seem like it should be 35 so many people (myself included) may find themselves doing slightly (or a LOT) over the speed limit. I am somewhat familiar with the area. I know that there is often a police car somewhere in hiding along that road. Usually, I can remind myself and remember to slow down. Recently, a car going in the other direction was obviously going over 35. After checking my speedometer (just in case), I was thinking "bummer if they pass a cop". A few hundred yards later....there was a cop. I thought I wish I could warn the driver....tickets are expensive! The car passed. The blue/red lights went on. Busted.

Luke 21:7-9 (NIV)
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

Maybe it is just me, but did you ever notice that if there is an officer of the law around ..... or the thought of an officer of the law being somewhere in the vicinity, that you pay a little closer attention to make sure you are driving the right speed, using blinkers, etc.? Maybe it's not just driving. Maybe it's when you're in class at indoor recess and you know the teacher on duty may be lurking out in the hall and quick pop into your room to see what's up. Or we dress up to go before a judge.

We are usually on our best behavior around people we consider our authority figures. Why is that? Without the uniform and/or title, that person isn't much different than you or me. However, we benefit from having people in authority. When children are small, they need to be taught that their parents have authority. They will not like it, but they learn to respect it.

Recently, I have had some discussions in person and online regarding life, God, death, evolution, creation, God, absolute truth....and did I mention God? Some of the conversations have made me think about what I believe by hearing or reading what others believe. Honestly, sometimes it has gotten me to question my own faith or lack thereof. How do you explain faith to someone who has a hard time grasping that there could be someone bigger than us?  It is difficult to explain sometimes when what I believe is becoming less and less tolerated and more and more made fun of.

I was asked if I believe in God because of fear. I am not scared of death. I am scared of the actual dying part. Mostly because I don't know how or when. I am scared of not living my life to its full capacity because I let fear rule too many of my decisions. I think I would be more afraid if I thought I had to handle all THIS by myself.

I was asked how can I love a God that would let all these terrible things happen in the world. I've tried to think that out in some other posts: Under His Umbrella and What kind of loving God?

I was asked how I can believe in a God that would send people to hell. Right or wrong, I picture hell as eternity separated from God. Does God want that to happen? No. However, if we live our lives not wanting to be in a relationship with God, why would we want to spend eternity with Him? God honors that choice. Because we still have free will. He made us that way. You have a choice.

I don't mean to get all evangelistic on you. This may not be what you expected when you started to read. However, the cop car and subsequent pull over reminded me. I wanted to warn the driver. That was just over a ticket.

When I started writing this, it was EARLY September 11. I didn't really think about a connection. However, those people that were on a flight, heading to work, doing their jobs, etc. did not plan on not making it home that day. It was just an ordinary day, right? Just like today. We never know what tomorrow holds.....or even the next few minutes or hours. This puts my life a little more in perspective. Some of the things that seem huge to me today, probably won't be by next year or maybe even tomorrow.

In the end, on this side of heaven....none of us truly have all the answers.....maybe not any of the answers you may be seeking. I just ask that you leave your heart open to the possibility that you are loved here, now and forever by those who know you and by Him who wants you to know Him better.

Matthew 28:17-19 (NIV) 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Letting Go of the American Dream?

Are we letting go of the American Dream?

Things are not always what they seem.

Lately, everyone seems to have some kind of scheme.

People are mad at rich CEOs.

Maybe I am too, I suppose.

People talk of the 99 percent.

Before we earn, the money’s been spent.

People try to find answers inside of a glass.

What happened to the “middle” class?

People who make little, but will spend it all

To see some highly-paid people play with a ball.

People look up to those who have fame,

Go to their concerts chanting their name.

People try to have faith in our government.

They tax us enough, but the money’s all spent.

Is this what our grandparents envisioned when they got off the boat?

They had some shoes and maybe a coat.

They left their countries to get a new start.

If we want recovery, we’ll all play a part.

Will we move into the future or be stuck in the past?

This leaves one more question that needs to be asked:

Who’s living the American Dream?

kl 7-12-12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I apologize if I sound all gloom and doom. I usually try to avoid political discussions. The parties are so far apart on so many issues I don't know if agreement is possible. So we stand still....and wait while the campaigning continues. Does any president really get anything done that last year in office? They're busy trying to get re-elected!

I thought of the above when I was looking at ticket prices for a concert or a game. Events are billed as "family-friendly", but the cost is too high for average earning families to afford. While the people we pay to see, are earning millions. I'm beyond thinking that life will be "fair", but it just seemed ridiculous at the time.....who am I kidding? It still does.

I'm praying that there is an actual American Dream to be dreamed of for our future generations. If we don't change something, we will just keep going in circles....and accomplish little if anything..