We're getting new carpet tomorrow! When we started the building project a year and a half ago, Jon told me when we were done we could get new carpet OR wait till Logan died. Since both have happened, it's now time. We will finish clearing the room today, and can't help thinking of Logan...what a great dog she was!! Lots of great memories.
We took communion at church this morning and while we were encouraged to be completely silent and reflective, which is fine, I kept thinking of His words "do this in remembrance of Me". You know when we gather for a funeral or visitation, there is a lot of remembering going on. What would it be like to remember Jesus after He was "gone" with others who knew Him firsthand? Can you imagine the stories? The joy He brought? The laughter of shared friendships? The overwhelming desire to love and treasure each other the way He had loved and treasured them? We need fresh eyes to see Him present and alive and the source of all.
Thought for the day
My attention has been arrested lately by God's answer when Moses asked, "Who shall I say has sent me?" God answers, "Say, 'I Am has sent me. I Am is His name.'" What a powerful name! He is eternal, forever past, forever future, all-powerful, all-knowing, creator of heavens and earth and life. He holds all of creation and time in His hand, yet when asked His name, He says simply, "I Am". Right here. Right now. In this moment and in this place. In the realization of every need, every joy, every heartache, every pain, every tear, every gift...."I Am". How can we feel alone? How can we feel abandoned? How can He not be everything we could ever need? It's been a kind of adventure to just pick an ordinary moment, stop, and realize "I Am" really is present. It is amazing. All is wonder. All is grace.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
What Was I Thinking
How long have I been blind? How could I not see this sooner? I've wasted years thinking that I need to find what You want me to do and be...the bigger plan for my life. I'm finding that You've been doing Your work all along without my awareness, and, unfortunately, without my enjoyment.
It is good to have you here. I have always been working in your life, bringing you to the life I have for you. Now it is time that you know it and cooperate with Me. Your life is no longer yours. It has belonged to Me for quite some time now, and that is why there are things that seem to go against your grain. You have failed to apply the truth that you have been crucified with Me and your life is no longer your own. You no longer have a right to your own preferences, plans, or personality. Your place is to be an empty vessel for Me to form, fill, and flow through.
Every moment comes to you from Me and is a gift, a grace of My love. Open your eyes to see the gift and your hands to receive the life and grace moment by moment. It is when you enter the moment, see My hand, receive My gift with thanksgiving and the miracle of My life in yours becomes a reality that bears fruit and results in joy. Learn to let everything I bring into your daily grind be an opportunity to see Me, thank Me, and commune with Me. Trust that each moment is the best of My sovereign plan and purpose for your life and My glory. Trust. Me.
Let go of your grip. I hold it all in My hand. Everything is grace and life as you receive it from Me. Let Me fill your life with Mine and just give thanks and rejoice. When things are hard, hold My hand, feel the nail prints, and see your name inscribed on My palm. Enter My rest and trust My love.
It is good to have you here. I have always been working in your life, bringing you to the life I have for you. Now it is time that you know it and cooperate with Me. Your life is no longer yours. It has belonged to Me for quite some time now, and that is why there are things that seem to go against your grain. You have failed to apply the truth that you have been crucified with Me and your life is no longer your own. You no longer have a right to your own preferences, plans, or personality. Your place is to be an empty vessel for Me to form, fill, and flow through.
Every moment comes to you from Me and is a gift, a grace of My love. Open your eyes to see the gift and your hands to receive the life and grace moment by moment. It is when you enter the moment, see My hand, receive My gift with thanksgiving and the miracle of My life in yours becomes a reality that bears fruit and results in joy. Learn to let everything I bring into your daily grind be an opportunity to see Me, thank Me, and commune with Me. Trust that each moment is the best of My sovereign plan and purpose for your life and My glory. Trust. Me.
Let go of your grip. I hold it all in My hand. Everything is grace and life as you receive it from Me. Let Me fill your life with Mine and just give thanks and rejoice. When things are hard, hold My hand, feel the nail prints, and see your name inscribed on My palm. Enter My rest and trust My love.
Friday, February 3, 2012
This Book, That Book
Hmmm. I've been rolling this around for a while now. Let's see if I can put it into words. If you know me well, you know that I love to read. And that I love to read books that challenge me, stretch me, lead me to God, and make me think.
What I've been thinking lately is that pursuing that sort of reading is a two-edged sword. I have been greatly encouraged and helped by SO many wonderful authors and books, but something is becoming more clear to me. God speaks to different people along different lines. If you are William Wilberforce or Abraham Lincoln the highest expression of your faith is to abolish slavery. A Dawson Trotman finds memorizing Scripture to be the bedrock of sustaining a walk with God. Mother Teresa finds God closest in giving herself away to the neediest she can find. The faith of Smith Wigglesworth finds expression in being an instrument of healing, while Joni Eareckson Tada extols the value of suffering with joy. Andrew Murray's works are often based on the truth of living in union with Christ. Ann Voskamp writes that giving thanks is the secret that undergirds all prayer and joy in this life. Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the happy Christian life in two words, surrender and trust. There are others whose entire focus is on worship and music as the gateway to His presence. Some minister to many through their powerful call to serious discipleship, while others use humor to show the face of God. E.M. Bounds brings all of life under the canopy of prayer at all times for all people. John Eldredge tells us to follow our heart in order to find our life, while others tell us we must lay our own plans and agendas aside in order to follow and obey God. Evangelism, tithing, fasting, church participation, and the list of topics and seeming contradictions goes on and on.
The truth is none of them are wrong, and each view has its followers. God has wired us each differently, making us each a unique individual. He, alone, knows our heart and how to reach it. He has made us each in His image, but how large and multi-faceted is His image? We will never know Him from every side, and He always has more of Himself to share with us. So, while reading all these things may be helpful and eye-opening, it can also pull us off track.
I am more convinced than ever that what is best is to focus simply on the Word of God and on Him, Himself. Spending time in His Word and in prayer with Him will open the "secret" that our own heart needs to see to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We may think that what we find is the key for everyone, but it probably isn't. It may well be helpful to some, but not one of us can stand in the place of God in someone else's life and tell them "here's what you need to do". That's His job, and if we will take time with Him He will be faithful to do it.
Because God is so multi-faceted it takes all of us to even begin to show the world Who He is. They will see in each of us only a small piece and part of the whole, but let us be true to Him in the way that He has led us. And let us allow each other to follow Christ as He has revealed Himself to us. There is much to learn while still living authentically as God's child and handiwork.
P.S. If I have given you a book to read, I still want you to read it. If it doesn't resonate with you, put it down till another time. God has much to show you.
What I've been thinking lately is that pursuing that sort of reading is a two-edged sword. I have been greatly encouraged and helped by SO many wonderful authors and books, but something is becoming more clear to me. God speaks to different people along different lines. If you are William Wilberforce or Abraham Lincoln the highest expression of your faith is to abolish slavery. A Dawson Trotman finds memorizing Scripture to be the bedrock of sustaining a walk with God. Mother Teresa finds God closest in giving herself away to the neediest she can find. The faith of Smith Wigglesworth finds expression in being an instrument of healing, while Joni Eareckson Tada extols the value of suffering with joy. Andrew Murray's works are often based on the truth of living in union with Christ. Ann Voskamp writes that giving thanks is the secret that undergirds all prayer and joy in this life. Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the happy Christian life in two words, surrender and trust. There are others whose entire focus is on worship and music as the gateway to His presence. Some minister to many through their powerful call to serious discipleship, while others use humor to show the face of God. E.M. Bounds brings all of life under the canopy of prayer at all times for all people. John Eldredge tells us to follow our heart in order to find our life, while others tell us we must lay our own plans and agendas aside in order to follow and obey God. Evangelism, tithing, fasting, church participation, and the list of topics and seeming contradictions goes on and on.
The truth is none of them are wrong, and each view has its followers. God has wired us each differently, making us each a unique individual. He, alone, knows our heart and how to reach it. He has made us each in His image, but how large and multi-faceted is His image? We will never know Him from every side, and He always has more of Himself to share with us. So, while reading all these things may be helpful and eye-opening, it can also pull us off track.
I am more convinced than ever that what is best is to focus simply on the Word of God and on Him, Himself. Spending time in His Word and in prayer with Him will open the "secret" that our own heart needs to see to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We may think that what we find is the key for everyone, but it probably isn't. It may well be helpful to some, but not one of us can stand in the place of God in someone else's life and tell them "here's what you need to do". That's His job, and if we will take time with Him He will be faithful to do it.
Because God is so multi-faceted it takes all of us to even begin to show the world Who He is. They will see in each of us only a small piece and part of the whole, but let us be true to Him in the way that He has led us. And let us allow each other to follow Christ as He has revealed Himself to us. There is much to learn while still living authentically as God's child and handiwork.
P.S. If I have given you a book to read, I still want you to read it. If it doesn't resonate with you, put it down till another time. God has much to show you.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Father, Caregiver, Babysitter
Babysitting!! So much fun! Greg and Megan were gone Friday morning till Saturday evening to Kansas City for her work, and we went to babysit with Oskar. It went really well. We all had a good time, and it was hard to tell who was more tired this morning, Oskar or us. He was happy to see his mommy and daddy last night, but had never fussed for us a bit. I just needed to get his food to him quickly enough when he got into his high chair :)
Just a couple of weeks ago we got to stay with Bria and Emmy while Kelli and Jon were in Iowa City for her surgery. Also a wonderful experience, though completely different. We got them to and from school, to a library activity, and Grandpa Jon and Daddy Jon took Bria to her very first art showing in a gallery in Davenport! How exciting for her!!!
It's soon time to have Tre and Tru overnight again...it's been a while. They were here last Saturday and just hung out, played computer, and played with the remote control truck while Jon, Tabbi, and I reorganized the basement. It's always fun to have them here!
It's hard to imagine sometimes that our "little girls" are now mommies, but it is SUCH a blessing to watch. We are so thankful to be a part of all three girls' lives. Megan just had a birthday and we have several others coming soon, so we're hoping to get everyone together for a meal maybe in Des Moines....still in the works.
Thought for the day
God is my Father (Caregiver, Babysitter), and He is the best. Trust me, He has His hands full. What I am most keenly aware of is that His mercies are new every morning. I am awed by His grace, provision, protection, and presence in our lives. We could go day to day, week to week, year to year without realizing how He has had His hand in our lives. I never want to do that. I don't know that I ever go on even a short road trip without realizing and appreciating that I returned home safely and that it could have been very different. It's the same with the kids and with Jon at work. Every time they arrive safely I remember that God's hand was in it. It's not something I've trained myself to do, it is just there. I am so grateful. I want that to spread to every area of my life. I want to never take anything for granted, but receive EVERYTHING, moment by moment, from His hand of mercy and grace. You are my Father and the Caregiver in every aspect of my life, and I want to realize that more and more each day. Give me that kind of heart, Lord, in all things.
Just a couple of weeks ago we got to stay with Bria and Emmy while Kelli and Jon were in Iowa City for her surgery. Also a wonderful experience, though completely different. We got them to and from school, to a library activity, and Grandpa Jon and Daddy Jon took Bria to her very first art showing in a gallery in Davenport! How exciting for her!!!
It's soon time to have Tre and Tru overnight again...it's been a while. They were here last Saturday and just hung out, played computer, and played with the remote control truck while Jon, Tabbi, and I reorganized the basement. It's always fun to have them here!
It's hard to imagine sometimes that our "little girls" are now mommies, but it is SUCH a blessing to watch. We are so thankful to be a part of all three girls' lives. Megan just had a birthday and we have several others coming soon, so we're hoping to get everyone together for a meal maybe in Des Moines....still in the works.
Thought for the day
God is my Father (Caregiver, Babysitter), and He is the best. Trust me, He has His hands full. What I am most keenly aware of is that His mercies are new every morning. I am awed by His grace, provision, protection, and presence in our lives. We could go day to day, week to week, year to year without realizing how He has had His hand in our lives. I never want to do that. I don't know that I ever go on even a short road trip without realizing and appreciating that I returned home safely and that it could have been very different. It's the same with the kids and with Jon at work. Every time they arrive safely I remember that God's hand was in it. It's not something I've trained myself to do, it is just there. I am so grateful. I want that to spread to every area of my life. I want to never take anything for granted, but receive EVERYTHING, moment by moment, from His hand of mercy and grace. You are my Father and the Caregiver in every aspect of my life, and I want to realize that more and more each day. Give me that kind of heart, Lord, in all things.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
One Week To Go
Christmas is one week away. We are getting closer to being ready. Tabbi took over pretzel detail, and today I wrapped most of the gifts...waiting for one more mail delivery to finish up. I've gotten the peanut blossoms and cinnamon rolls done, so most of everything else will have to wait.
It's been a little tougher getting ready this year. We are still trying to recover our energy since Mom's funeral. The fatigue didn't hit me till about a week later, and now I'm starting to function better again. We've had a few other bumps in the road to deal with the last week. One night just as we were getting ready to go to bed we discovered the floor in the middle room of the basement was wet, and there was water coming in the window of the computer room, as well. Our new roof, the 45-year one, was leaking less than a year after being completed. We still don't know the measures taken solved the problem...we won't know till we have another rain or melting snow on the roof. Two nights later we found that our furnace had stopped working. Fortunately, that was fixed the next morning...needed a new ignitor. Tonight Jon's dad was taken to the ER with a TIA and severe bladder infection.
In better news, Oskar had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday and got along great. It seems he already feels and hears better. So thankful for that.
Thought for the day
Life is fragile. We've become keenly aware how quickly and drastically life can change. We value those we love highly, and want them each to know it. We want to never miss an opportunity to tell them and show them that we love them. At the same time, we place them in God's hands for His purposes and will to be worked out in them for their good and His glory. Jesus, we trust You and love you above all.
It's been a little tougher getting ready this year. We are still trying to recover our energy since Mom's funeral. The fatigue didn't hit me till about a week later, and now I'm starting to function better again. We've had a few other bumps in the road to deal with the last week. One night just as we were getting ready to go to bed we discovered the floor in the middle room of the basement was wet, and there was water coming in the window of the computer room, as well. Our new roof, the 45-year one, was leaking less than a year after being completed. We still don't know the measures taken solved the problem...we won't know till we have another rain or melting snow on the roof. Two nights later we found that our furnace had stopped working. Fortunately, that was fixed the next morning...needed a new ignitor. Tonight Jon's dad was taken to the ER with a TIA and severe bladder infection.
In better news, Oskar had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday and got along great. It seems he already feels and hears better. So thankful for that.
Thought for the day
Life is fragile. We've become keenly aware how quickly and drastically life can change. We value those we love highly, and want them each to know it. We want to never miss an opportunity to tell them and show them that we love them. At the same time, we place them in God's hands for His purposes and will to be worked out in them for their good and His glory. Jesus, we trust You and love you above all.
My Mom
My mom passed into her next life almost two weeks ago on Monday, December 5. Her condition changed very quickly and she mercifully went home in just a few days. We were each able to say goodbye in our own ways, and it is a blessing to know that she is with Dad and Jesus. If they celebrate Christmas there, that would be the place to be!!
So Merry Christmas, Dad and Mom, we love you!
So Merry Christmas, Dad and Mom, we love you!
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