What Love!

Jan23

John 3:16 – “For God loved the world in this way:[a] He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (HCSB)

Becoming a mother brought on a love that I never even imagined. Recent decades have given women the convenience of home pregnancy tests, but my test was done in the doctor’s office. I remember waiting anxiously for the results, then racing to my husband’s office almost before the nurse could finish saying “positive”. Remembering the excitement and joy of telling our parents and grandparents still brings a smile. I wore maternity tops over my microscopic bun, delighting as it grew to meager bump and onto massive bulge. I loved every kick and was amazed when a little foot could be seen pushing against my skin. I can’t describe the joy of holding that precious miracle for the first time or how “love” became an entirely new word for me at that moment. Our son had infantile asthma so there were times of sleeping in the crib with him to calm his fears under the croup tent, of sleeping on the floor beside his bed so we could hear him breathe, of holding him as medicated mist blew in his face. We prayed petitions, praises, and scripture daily as we watched him grow. I have loved seeing my little boy become a man and make his own home with the woman God created to be his wife. I would do anything to protect my son because I have loved him since his conception. God loved His Son from the beginning of time yet He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins. How can we ignore a love like that?

Waves of Fear

Jan18

Mark 4:37-38 – A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, “Teacher! Don’t You care that we’re going to die?” (HCSB)

Doug, my grandson’s dog, is afraid of the ocean because the waves seem to sneak up on him. He has been around long enough to know the waves are coming. He has been warned the waves are coming. Yet, he is always surprised when the waves actually come and then fear takes control. The disciples in Mark 4:37-38 found themselves to be much like Doug. They were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, a body of water renown for sudden flash storms causing giant waves, so they had been around long enough to know storms would come. In learning to navigate the waters, I’m sure they had been warned storms would come. Yet, they were surprised by this particular storm, surprised to the point of being terrified and felt Jesus wasn’t doing anything to rescue them. They were frightened, they had no control of the situation, and things were bad and getting worse. I imagine the frantic running around and shouting of questions such as “Why aren’t You doing something?” “Why don’t You care about me?” “Why are You sleeping while I’m suffering?” Sometimes I feel much like a small boat on turbulent waters. I have been around long enough to know trouble is coming. Jesus warned that trouble was coming (John 16:33). Yet, I am always caught by surprise and frightened when the waves of trouble are pounding. Like the disciples, I can become frantic when everything I do only emphasizes my lack of control. I cry out “Why aren’t You doing something?” as I am pounded by the consequences of someone else’s actions. Drowning in hurt and confusion, I ask “Why don’t You care about me?” In exasperation and anger I demand to know, “Why are You sleeping while I’m suffering?” And Jesus answers me the same way He answered the disciples, “Why are you afraid?” (v.40). Storms are not fun, but the same Jesus who controlled the storm for the disciples, has control of the storms in my life. He spoke and called a stormy sea to calm. I can call my stormy world to calm when I speak the name of Jesus.

I’m Not Sorry

Jan3

Luke 6:27-28 – But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those to hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:32 – Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful (HCSB) 

When our son Shay was a toddler, my brother would grab Shay’s head and give it several vigorous rubs, each rub adding fuel to Shay’s bonfire of resentment. No amount of begging had any impact on my brother until one night the rubbing came to an abrupt end when Shay bit him. My husband calmly took Shay’s hand, led him down the hall, gave him an age appropriate talk on how biting is not the correct response, and brought him back with the instruction, “Tell Chuck you’re sorry.” The immediate response was “I not.” My husband again took Shay’s hand (perhaps less calmly this time), led him down the hall, and gave him a more sternly worded talk on biting. Again, he stood Shay in front of my brother and gave the instruction “Tell Chuck you’re sorry.” Again the immediate response was a calm but definite “I not.” My husband tucked Shay under his arm and walked the hall at a speed coveted by Olympians for years to come. The biting talk was replaced with “When I tell you to do something, you don’t tell me you’re not!” A very adamant toddler voice answered “I not tell you I not. I NOT SORRY!” There have been people I wanted to retaliate against and would not be sorry for doing it, but Jesus told us to love our enemies, pray for our tormentors, and be merciful because God is merciful. I am called to remember that God loves that person and, because I love God, I need to show His love. Besides, adults aren’t allowed to bite.

Pushing Buttons

Dec28

Psalm 103:11-12 – For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

People’s buttons, elevator buttons, remote control buttons are all pushed to get a reaction. Pushing a button on a computer can cause total panic or pure relief. Often in life we wish for a do-over button, a button to push to refresh, a button to make things easier. The following blog post gives some thoughts for the buttons in our lives and what really makes a difference.

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Dirty Laundry, Leftovers, & All

Dec22

Ephesians 5:33 – To sum up, each of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband. (HCSB)

Ephesians 5:33 tells husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. When we said “I do” both my husband and I fully intended to unconditionally love, respect, and admire each other. I had great intentions of being the perfect wife, offering nothing but kind and encouraging words, perfectly prepared dinners every night, and a life of candlelit romance. Then the fairy tale bubble came in contact with the sharp pin of reality. Sometimes my words are less than kind and not at all encouraging. Occasionally dinner is a buffet of whatever the refrigerator has to offer. There have been times when candlelight was just a sign that the electricity was out. There have been easy times and difficult times, lean times and plush times, times of laughter and times of tears, times I wanted to hug his neck and times I wanted to wring his neck. There may have been a few times he thought I was less than a delight too. But, no matter what or when or how life came at us, we have stood together because we hold tight to our love and respect for each other. I do not belittle the man I promised to love, honor, and cherish and he declares his love in words and actions. Daily life can come with time devouring stresses and the excitement of doing laundry has waned, but I am so glad two clueless kids stood in front of family and friends and promised to love each other forever. To paraphrase Song of Solomon 2:16, my husband is mine and I am his, dirty laundry, leftovers, and all.lipstick

Accepting in Love

Dec17

Ephesians 4:2 – with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, (HCSB)

People say all kinds of things to the ones they love, but I never understood the concept of not saying “I’m sorry” to someone you love. There are people who promote the idea you would never purposely hurt the one you love so apologizing is unnecessary. Sometimes love is such a wonderful thing and the person you love is so absolutely perfect you cannot imagine either of you ever doing anything to feel sorry about. What more could you possibly need when you have this embodiment of perfection to love and who loves you back? When I walked so boldly and confidently down the aisle to meet my prince charming, I was 21 and he was 22. We were both so naïve while thinking we were so mature. I went from my parents’ house to my college dorm to a husband. I had never paid my own bills, worked a public job, or cooked a meal. Yet I felt totally confident to stand in front of a church filled with family and friends and make a vow to take care of this cute guy for the rest of my life, no matter what or when or how life came at us. Then he looked me in the eyes and made the same promises to me with no doubt of the bright and blissful future to come. Although we promised “in sickness and in health”, we were too young, healthy, and energized to ever imagine the possibility that one day we would be older, sick, and just plain weary. We would rent our newlywed home, make payments on our cars, and work just to make ends meet, but we promised to support each other forever. Now we look back and laugh at those two foolish people. That man at whom I looked with such awe is not so awesome when I’m picking up his dirty socks. He sometimes says the wrong thing (or nothing at all). He sometimes misses my hints (even though the clues were so obvious). He sometimes has bad breath (and other body odors). There are times when his radiant bride of the wedding day is not such a ray of sunshine either. Time has shown neither of us is perfect, and even though the days may not always be delightful, the years can be.

Look At Me

Dec14

Galatians 1:10 – For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. (HCSB)

My husband began to pastor his first church when our son was just a few months old. I had a Bible, a covered casserole dish and determination to be the best Baptist preacher’s wife ever and therefore took on the title in full confidence. I was unaware a lack of piano skills trumped covered casserole dish and quite possibly Bible. One particular female member was abundantly gifted with keen sight for my shortcomings. Apparently Mark 16:15 (And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation) was her life verse, but she stopped reading after the word “proclaim”. Thankfully, her proclamations only extended into her local world. Pointing out my many lapses and disappointments was her cross to bear and she bore it gladly. As If her actions didn’t make me frenzied enough, her favorite beginning to any conversation with me was, “Well, the LAST preacher’s wife” and I would be made aware of the paragon of sainthood who had preciously occupied my seat. James 1:2-4 says to consider it an opportunity for great joy when troubles come your way, but joy is pushed away when we are working to fit someone else’s measurement. Church became stressful torture for me trying to keep our son quiet – no worship, lots of worry. Serving became a burden and a chore – not pleasing to God or me and definitely not pleasing to my strict supervisor. My focus was shifting to pleasing someone other than God and my peace was disappearing like dandelion dust. I wish I could say I have repented of my people pleasing ways, but when my focus begins to shift I remember the words to the old hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus and the things of earth will grow strangely dim”. Jesus said, “And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.” (John 12:45 HCSB). I will change my way of looking at things by changing the things I’m looking at.

 

My List of Loves

Dec9

1 John 4:16 – And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in Him. (HCSB)

Love has become a common word tossed around much like a balloon at a child’s birthday party. I love all kinds of things. I love God. I love my husband, my son and his wife, my family, my friends. I love my grandkids. I love desserts and salty, crunchy food. I love to travel and to shop thrift stores. I love to read. I love the beach and flip flops. I love a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning. As I think about my long list of loves, I am overwhelmed at the love God has for me. Psalm 139 says God knows me and Jeremiah 1:5 tells me He not only knows me now but knew me before I was even in my mother’s womb. When He separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:14) He knew I would enjoy the activities of the day and the relaxation that comes with the night. When He made dry land appear and gathered the water into seas (Genesis 1:9) He knew I would find contentment and pleasure in walking on the beach and watching the waves. When He filled the earth with fruits, vegetables, and livestock (Genesis 1:12-24) He knew what would be my favorites. He knows when I sit down and when I get up so He knows how I love to snuggle under the covers on a chilly night and how little love I have for leaving those covers on a chilly morning. 1 John says God is love. Such a common word for such an amazing God!

Saddle Up Anyway

Dec3

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (HSCB)

Courage can mean different things to different people or different things in different situations. Courage is most often associated with physical heroics but we do things everyday that require courage. The late actor John Wayne is quoted as saying, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” I asked several people for personal examples of courage and answers ranged from asking someone on a date to skydiving. For me buying a house took great courage. I had wanted a house of my own for years but signing my name to that page with all the dollar signs gave me the shakes! In Acts 4 Peter and John are arrested because they were teaching the people and proclaiming resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as an example (4:2). After a night in jail, they were brought before the Jewish Council and someone made the mistake of asking Peter by what power had he healed the crippled man. Verse 8 says that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. Wow! I bet that was something to see! Peter has had moments of being intimidated but this isn’t one of them. To be certain they knew who provided the healing power, Peter gave Jesus’ name, title, and hometown, and, just in case there was still any confusion, describes the Jewish leaders’ treatment of Jesus. After lots of whispering, head shaking, and exasperated sighs (okay, that part isn’t in the scripture but you know it happened!), The Council commanded Peter and John to stop what they were doing (v.18); Peter said “Yeah, you wait for that” (my rewording of v. 19), and after more threats, they left the temple. Peter and John knew the potential consequences of their disobedience. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of Daniel 3 faced the consequence of their disobedience. Isaiah 7:9 says “unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.” They had resolved to trust God and do His will no matter the cost. God always gives us strength to do what He has commanded, but the strength may not be evident until we step out. Joshua 1:9 says to be strong and courageous because God is with us wherever we go. God knows that we need courage. Surfer Bethany Hamilton is quoted as saying, “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” I pray that the Lord will give me a courageous heart, a heart that will follow Him even when I am afraid, and that I will live the life of courage He planned for me. Billy Graham once said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Lord, You know the problems and situations I face daily. Help me to face it all bravely and to be someone who helps others be brave as well.

Thankful Thoughts

Nov21

Psalm 107:8 – Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for all humanity. (HCSB)

In honor of Thanksgiving Day my friends have issued the challenge to list 15 thankful thoughts. Even though I try not to limit my thanks, I will accept the challenge and attempt to create a manageable list.

  1. I am thankful for God’s love; thankful that He is merciful and forgiving; thankful that He sacrificed His son for me; thankful that He listens to my prayers and to the prayers others pray for my benefit.
  2. I am thankful for my husband and our 40+ years of marriage; thankful for the way he loves God, his family, and others.
  3. I am thankful for our son who shows his love for God and his family every day. I am so proud to be his mom! I am thankful for our daughter that he brought us by marriage.
  4. I am thankful for our two amazing grandchildren. They are both smart, funny, talented, and cute as can be! I love them both a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
  5. I am thankful for my extended family. They are a little fudgy – sweet, lots of nuts, and sometimes give me a stomach ache but they are mine and I love them.
  6. I am thankful for my two grandmothers. They both showed such strength and daily lived out the love of God. I understand things as an adult that I took for granted as a child and appreciate more every day the sacrifices they made.
  7. I am thankful for friends. Even though I can’t see them as much as I’d like, I know they are always there. I am thankful for social media sites that allow me to have “old” friends back in my life again.
  8. That clever, witty, and thought provoking Anonymous once said “A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” I am thankful that I live a safe and seemingly mundane life.
  9. I am thankful for people who have a working knowledge of contractions. “You’re” and “your” are NOT interchangeable!
  10. I am thankful for people who understand the humor in sarcasm. By the way, number 9 is not sarcasm. Seriously, people, contractions are not that difficult.
  11. I am thankful for my church and the relationships being built in my small group. I feel privileged to be a part of such a great family of believers.
  12. I am thankful that I have the means to go to the grocery store. I shop sales, use coupons, and may skip something on my list, but my family never skips a meal or goes to bed hungry.
  13. I am thankful I have a house that is warm in winter, cool in summer. I wish it was not such an avid collector of dust bunnies, but it is a nice house and I am thankful for it. I would be extremely thankful if it were located at the beach!
  14. I am thankful for ocean waves and mountain ranges; sunrises and sunsets, vivid colors and changing colors. I am thankful for the beauty God gave us to enjoy in the world He created.
  15. Joseph B. Wirthlin summed it all up with, “I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means.” Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful life.