Moved to Tears

You know when you have picked up a good book when the forward brings you to tears. Of course, it depends on what kind of tears those are! If you're picking up a Left Behind book, your tears may be those of wonder (how can a book written this poorly be this popular?) A Francine River's book? You may cry as her literary and storytelling skill moves you so. If it's a Janette Oke book...well, you shed a tear... maybe because it's just so downright wholesome. If it's an A.W. Tozer book, your tears could be from the sudden realization of how desperately impoverished you are, how small your faith is and how much you need God. Listen to the first paragraph:

"This book contains strong medicine, bitter to the taste but potent if taken in contrition and in belief. For a generation content in is own smugness, emotionally exhausted by the claptrap and bunkum of some well-meaning but misled leaders, glibly familiar with all the niceties of careful theological phrases, the medicine may be too bitter. Only the hopeless will benefit. May the slain of the Lord be many; may the hopeless be multiplied. Only then can we experience what some of us know by rote." And then the final sentence: "For all who will hear, for all who will obey, here is God's answer to our need - Himself."

I have found myself at times in the "hopeless and slain" category and look forward to being challenged and changed by the truths put forth in "God's Pursuit of Man."

Available at your local Christian bookstore.

Frigid Roots

It is SO COLD in Minnesota today. Why do we live here, I ask myself? We could have stayed in sunny, warm, predictable California where we had settled for thirteen years of our lives. But no, we opted to return to our frigid roots. I'll always remember the look on peoples' faces back in 1992 when we announced our decision to return "back east." Shock, disbelief, wonder at such folly. "Why? There's snow back there!" It was hard to explain to them that we had icicles in our blood, snowmen in our hearts, SEASONS in our DNA and most importantly, we had FAMILY in Minnesota. No amount of warm air and sunshine can replace FAMILY. We had celebrated so many holidays without them, missed them so dearly; we WANTED to come back to the cold! And so here we are...complaining like the rest, but unwilling to trade our family and friends in for warmer weather.

Stay warm!

August Rush

If you love romance and are captivated by music, August Rush is a must-see for you! The story of an orphan boy, in the spirit of Oliver Twist, is a grabber. The villian is really nasty, the little boy brilliant and adorable, the supporting roles well cast and the music unbelievable. True to Hollywood, the story never would have happened had the main adult characters been virtuous, but at least that part is done tastefully.

Go see it. It's at the cheap theatres now and is well worth your $2.50

Learning

Mindy is teaching me how to post a photo on my blog!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

The last couple of weeks have been difficult as Steve's illness has returned. Relapses are never easy, but this one has been particularily discouraging because he was just on the upswing from his last flareup in November. Once again, God's people rise to the occasion and carry us to the Throne when we are too weak to get there ourselves. We were blessed one day last week to have a young family visit us, to encourage us with their testimonies of healing and to pray. We had never met them before and felt honored by their visit to us - strangers but family in the Lord. They came with their two little children - adopted from China. Two-year-old Leland has club feet, which hasn't slowed him down any. Happy and full of energy, he and his sister, Lilly, wiggled around on the couch while the adults talked. When it came time to pray, all four of them gathered around Steve. As Beth and Gary began to pray, Leland put his tiny hands on Steve's arm and began to "pray" as well. His little eyes were open, and he never stopped "talking" until his parents were done praying. Was it baby babble or baby prayer language? Whatever it was, we believe God heard his prayers. When were done, he gave Steve a big hug as though he had known him a long time. The faith of a child is beautiful to behold. And a little child shall lead them....

The Lost Glasses

Okay, so it's time to relay the Saga of the Lost Glasses. A few months back, I finally relinquished the notion that my eyes were not going to go the way of the aged and that squinting and extra bright lights would alleviate my growing difficulty in seeing both near and far in an alternating fashion. Yes, I had purchased some cheap reading glasses some time back and had my driving glasses as well. But as time went on, I realized there were certain situations (like choir) where the benefits of simultaneous vision would be of great benefit. Therefore, I spent a good amount of money on a wonderful, classy looking pair of bifocals - and yes, regular bifocals WITH THE OLD LADY LINE! Since I have a propensity to lose items (see a previous entry), I was determined to PUT THEM BACK WHERE THEY BELONGED every time they came off my face, which was often, because I only wear them when absolutely necessary! I was doing admirably for a season. One day my glasses were missing. They were not in their case in my purse! They were not in the alternative places, ie: dressertop, countertop, pianotop, desktop, tabletop, laptop (J/K). I was distressed. I retraced my steps - back to church where I knew I had last worn them. I dug through both purses repeatedly and Steve did the same. I prayed and looked some more. I vowed (woops, we're never supposed to do that) that I would never buy another pair of expensive glasses. I just didn't deserve them. I would go through life with my cheapy cheat glasses and just make do! One morning, I saw my black purse on the couch - the same one I had looked through several times, and thought I'd take one more peak. Since it's a purse I only use on Sundays (if I happen to wear grey or black), it's practically empty as I transfer all the contents to my "every day" brown purse. (Aren't you glad to know that?) Can't hide anything there! The center zipper was open and there stuck in diagonally as though someone had just casually slipped them in, was my floral cloth case with my glasses safety tucked inside.

After cross-examining everyone in my family more than once, (did YOU do that?) I finally had to admit that God had decided to bless my day in a very practical way. He put my glasses in my purse. He does care about all the details of my life. Now I need to learn to trust Him more fully with all the BIG details of my life as well!

The Maze

Two things I am reminded of today. One is that God is Present. He is the God who Sees – Jehovah El Roi. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; He is the God who will come one day as Conquering King. But He is also the God of Now. He is the God of Diane. He is the God who sees – a very present help in time of trouble.

Secondly, perspective. Think about a maze for a moment. Walking through it can be a frightening experience (especially for a child) because perspective is very limited. Do I turn right or left? Which way is the path to the exit? I try this way and that way and hopefully make it through unscathed. A maze from a different perspective, though, is not at all scary. From above, one can see the whole picture and can guide the wanderer step-by-step, turn-by-turn, to the finish. God is that person looking at the labyrinth of our lives from His divine, therefore, perfect perspective. He sees the entrance, the twists and turns, the exit and exactly where we are along the path. And He will guide us step by step to freedom. Our job is to take one step at a time, not worrying about which turn to take, confident that He who Sees All, will direct. And yes, God understands that sometimes we are scared, because after all, we are only children.
God help me see life through your eyes and trust implicitly in your faithful, loving guidance.

Racey Blooper

I have been involved in a weekly ministry called One-by-One Tutoring for the last ten years or so and for most of those years, have written and taught Bible lessons for the Bible Club. Through the years, some pretty ridiculous things have come out of my mouth, for which I get teased endlessly, until mercifully, the blunder is forgotten. My last blooper has remained untouched by my peers, probably because in the blur of activity every Monday night, it went out of mind before out of mouth. So I will tell on myself!

The theme for this year's Bible Club is "The Amazing Race - the Race of Life" and so in keeping with that theme, we try to begin each week with some race-related activity or relay. And so while I was introducing the relay to follow, I said, "We try to do something a little racey each week" - quickly followed by a short laugh and disclaimer...."Well, not racey....I mean...like a relay...." The adults in the room had a good laugh and that was the end of that!

Unseen Blessing

Unanswered prayer, at least when it seems that, is just plain difficult to digest. We know God is loving, powerful, faithful to His Word and yet so often some of our deepest heart's cries don't seem to be answered. I said to my husband yesterday, "If I was God, I would answer my people's prayers!" He replied, "If you were God, you would know more." I guess that's what it boils down to. God is omnicient, He can and does do only what is best for us. God is love, He cannot act inconsistently with Love. It is not in His nature to do so. Since He is infinitely understanding and patient, always faithful, He can respond to us in no other way.

Thomas needed something visual. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Jesus accommodated his need. I need a visual at times - I need to SEE God at work in order to believe. Oh, I see evidence of His hand everywhere I look. But I'm talking about a specific request. I need to see Him as Healer!

Jesus said to Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." God, help me be content in the not-seeing and be able to fully embrace the blessing in whatever form You send it.

In Christ Alone

Some of the best song lyrics ever written - by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend:

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the pow'r of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His Hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Amen and amen. Be blessed!

Sweet Dreams

This is for anyone out there who is fifty or older. Those younger will not be able to relate at all, but should consider it seriously, as it is prophetic for you. Remember the days when you fell into bed exhausted, rolled over, closed your eyes and before you knew it, is was morning? Ah - I remember those days. I also remember the many times I would hear my in-laws query, "How was your night? Did you sleep well? Did you have a good night?" I always wondered why such questions? Just go to bed and go to sleep for heaven's sake! Now I find myself asking those same questions. For example, last night I went to sleep for a good hour and a half and had to get up to take care of a pressing matter. I worked at getting back to sleep, which I did, and then found myself looking at the clock at 3 a.m. Why? Who knows? Maybe it was reassuring to know that the clock was still there. I rolled over and once again fell asleep with effort. Then it was 5 a.m. - then 7 a.m. At one wakeful moment, I found myself biting my tongue. What in the world? Stress? Maybe. Worries about the current situation in our lives? Perhaps. If anything, it's a reminder to me that I need to "cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me." And certainly, I'm thankful even for sleep because that is truly a gift from God. Awake every two hours maybe could serve as a reminder to me that I need to be turning my heart heavenward at least every two of my waking hours or in reality, every hour - every minute! Anyway, for whatever it's worth, is my commentary on sleeping. Relate? Great. If not, someday you will! Sweet dreams!

The Old Dog Is Getting Older

Our golden retriever/cocker family dog, Molly, has been with us for over twelve years. She was the cutest ball of fur ever and even though we vowed we would never buy a big, smelly, slobbery crotch sniffer, we did. She was irresistible. To be honest, she isn't slobbery or a crotch sniffer - she has never stooped to that canine level. But smelly she is and more so as she ages. Twelve is aged - in human years, over ninety. I have aged with her, albiet not as quickly, but just as certainly. I have a harder time getting up from a floor- sitting position, climbing the stairs and being perky, too. I like to nap more often, sleep later, eat more, exercise less and generally be lazier than I used to be. Molly and I identify with each other...well, not entirely. I am not apt to upchuck on the carpet regularly, leave pieces of my fur coat all over the house, claw the carpet irritatingly, have perpetual bad breath and demand to be let outside at inconvenient times. On the other hand, Molly is faithful, loyal, kind, patient, obedient and forgiving - always! Hmm....maybe this old dog needs to teach me a few new tricks!

Feeling Full

I came away from church today feeling full. No, not from donuts and coffee...rather from the living water and the bread of life. That's how church should be always, but unfortunately it is not - for me, anyway. Sometimes I'm too full already when I get there....full of worries, self-doubt, fear, confusion...or just the cares of this world. When I'm like that, my ears sort of plug up and I can't hear what God is saying - my soul is sluggish - my mind semi-conscious. Today, though was different. The teaching was alive and vibrant, the worship heartfelt and real. I sensed God's presence and especially His love for me. I pray that every Sunday in 2008 is a banquet and that I can feast with abandon.

Losing Keys Is Contagious

What is the deal with losing keys anyway? My last traumatic search began in November a few days after I lost my keys. You see, I didn't know they were missing right away because of some other traumatic circumstances. After I retraced my thoughts, then my steps, then re-retraced the previous, I pretty much gave up. I mean how many times can you go through your car, your purse, your semi-cluttery house looking for those babies? As I recounted the chain of events to Mindy, one link in the random chain stood out to her. We had taken her car when we took her dad to the hospital early one morning. I was in the back seat. Perhaps my keys had fallen out of my hand/purse and were innocently awaiting retrieval in her back seat!? I'll check, she said. I was ecstatic when the phone call came. Yes, indeed, my keys had been found. Unfortunately a few days later, I lost my new glasses - but that's for another entry. And...since that time, Mindy has lost her keys at least three times - all at church. I'm taking the blame and have repented in sackloth and ashes!

Getting Smarter

I just read my son's blog again. The kid has such a way with words it amazes me. Then, of course, I recall that he is my son and I taught him everything he knows! Yeah, right! The truth is, that with every child we have, we loose just a bit more of our reserve brain cells - that's why our kids are always smarter than we are! :)

I'm sure glad I don't have to rely on my own smarts to make it through life. "If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask him, and he will gladly tell you." James 1:5 (NLT). Simple admonition, yet often I try to figure things out on my own. This year I want to rely on myself less and on God more and take Him up on His offer! (Hey, you may notice me getting smarter and smarter as the year goes along!)

Happy New Year!

It's been almost one year since I made an entry. Good grief. Too much has happened to possibly recall, too many joys and sorrows and lessons learned to recount. So...let's start again. Happy New Year and may 2008 be a year of joy, healing, blessing and personal revival!

My resolutions for this year? I resolve to blog more if I feel like it, and do a better job of doing whatever else I should be doing - if it works out.

Happy New Year!