Christmas from a New Perspective

Seeing Christmas through a child's eyes is really something special but this year, when we asked a group of first graders to make Christmas cards for the residents of the Missouri Hotel, one little guy's perspective was a bit different. His card said, "I wish you a Merry Christmas. I hope you don't die the next day." Before you start questioning this student's mental state, let me talk you through a first grader's thought process. For him, Jesus was born and then He died for our sins. The fact that there was 33 years in between is lost on a 7 year old. This take on the Christmas story has caused me to dig deeper into the "why" of the whole event. Let me try to explain.

This past summer, I began a Bible study by Beth Moore called "90 Days with Jesus." Because I don't usually do the study on weekends, it has taken me this long to finish the book and ironically, the crucifixion and resurrection came as I was getting ready for the holidays. Although the timing might seem off to you, our wise first grader's slant made it seem fitting to be studying His death while preparing to celebrate His birth.  It occurred to me that up until the time that Jesus came to earth to take on a physical form, God did not really know how it felt to live in an earthly body. For the first time from our perspective, He experienced humanity as He felt the prick of the straw, the coolness of the breeze on His skin, the scratchiness of the swaddling clothes.

And why this divine experiment? He came to feel everything we feel, face every temptation we face, suffer every pain we suffer. Imagine Jesus watching numerous crucifixions take place throughout His life, knowing that was His fate. He heard the screams of agony, saw the tortured faces and torn bodies. He knew the pain of smashing His finger with a hammer and could imagine how much worse crucifixion would be because He had firsthand knowledge of physical, human pain. Is it any wonder that He asked the Father to "take this cup from me" (Mark 14:36)?

And why did He go through with it? So He could be our advocate with the Father (I John 2:1). So He could feel, think, hear, smell, and touch everything we do. He was born so He could die. It's as simple as that. Sounds like our young scholar had it right after all.

Dangerous Prayers

Today I prayed a dangerous prayer. Surely you understand what I'm talking about. You know, when you pray "God give me patience" and then He gives you a situation that requires you to prove you're serious. Or when you pray "God help me not to be materialistic" and then He takes away some of your worldly possessions to see if you really mean it.

My dangerous prayer today involves Satan. In years past, I can point to a number of times when I knew the devil was trying to derail me from God's plan for my life. Whether it was physical or emotional, I eventually recognized the attacks for what they were and fought hard to resist his attempts to discourage me. God really taught me during those times to trust Him and lean on His strength and not my own. The Holy Spirit is much better at engaging in Satanic warfare than I am.

During my Bible study this morning, I realized that I have not experienced a direct attack for a long time (at least one I could identify as such). I'd love to pat myself on the back and say I'm stronger now and impervious to his attacks but I'm afraid the truth of the matter is much more frightening.

What if, instead of big major events, Satan is using the small, everyday things to lead me astray? What if apathy, laziness, and busyness have become his weapons of choice? What if the lack of attacks means he doesn't see me as a threat anymore? What if Satan has left me alone because I'm not really affecting the kingdom of God? Now that is truly a scary thought.

In a Bible study recently, the author of the book suggested that instead of praying "God bless me," we prayed "God inconvenience me." That is truly a dangerous prayer. But if we're not putting ourselves out there, ready and willing to be the Lord's hands and feet, Satan has nothing to worry about. As odd as it might sound, I hope I never get to the point where Satan doesn't care about me.

Do I enjoy Satanic attacks? Of course not. But I can rest in the knowledge that the closer I get to Jesus, the easier it is to allow Him to fight my battles. Peace is God's ultimate goal for our lives but I need to be cognizant of the line between sedentary spirituality and divine tranquility.

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Romans 16:20

Consider the Diamond

Let's talk about diamonds today. I have only owned two diamond rings in my life but both hold a pretty significant place in my life. Here's my story...

When John and I got married, we picked out my engagement ring together and although beauty was a factor, how much we could afford was a much bigger consideration. It was simple and small but I loved it. It spoke volumes to me since John has never been one to be real chatty when it comes to romance.

Fast forward 30 years and once again we were shopping for a ring but this time what we could afford was somewhat secondary to finding one that signified 30 years of commitment to one another. The problem was that John wanted a solitary diamond as big as we could afford and I wanted as many diamonds as we could afford but nothing big. As we trudged through jewelry store after jewelry store, I began to be concerned that this whole experience might lead to a divorce. Ironic, huh?

Then we found it. Five decent sized diamonds across the top with smaller ones on the sides satisfied both of our desires and since there are five people in our immediate family, it was the perfect representation of our union together. Whew! It looked like we might make it to 31 years after all!

We have now made it to 34 years and I must confess I find myself looking at my ring often. I am really not a materialistic person but there is something about this ring that fascinates me. Each time I look at it, I see something different. It sparkles in a variety of ways depending on the kind of light that hits it. Sometimes it looks a bit dull and I know it's time to have it cleaned. Looking at it from different angles brings out various aspects of its overall appearance; some good, some not so perfect.

You've probably got a good idea already where this is headed, right? Our love is like that diamond; multi-faceted, sometimes a little dull and sometimes very "sparkly," prone to its ups and downs depending on what our focus is, etc. Although I can easily relate this to my relationship with my husband, it doesn't take a huge leap in thinking to realize that I tend to treat my relationship with Jesus in much the same way.

When I look at my diamonds from different angles, it is me that is moving around, not the stones. They are constant. My perspective is what changes. Jesus is constant and immovable. If my passion for Him changes, it is me that has moved, not Him.

When my ring gets dull and dirty, it is because it gets subjected to whatever "ickiness" I put my hands in. It has no voice in choosing what it is exposed to. The "ickiness" in my life is completely my doing. The Holy Spirit must deal with it and it "dulls" my relationship with Him.

I could go on but you get the point. They say a diamond is a girl's best friend but I have to take exception to that statement. A ring can be lost, stolen or broken. That is never the case when you have Jesus as your best friend. He's so much better than gold, silver or diamonds.

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors." 1 Peter 1:18

Insignificance

As I sit here in my chair this morning, listening to the thunder roar outside, I am reminded of how very insignificant I am.

I'm not talking insignificant like "I'm not important." I'm talking about the smallness of my life compared to the bigness of the Lord. If I went outside right now and tried to stop the lightening from flashing or the thunder from sounding, it would not only be impossible but my insignificance could be punctuated by a very dangerous encounter with the force of nature.

Neither can I stop God's plan for my life. When I try to stop it with my arrogance, pride or stubbornness, I will most likely encounter a similarly dangerous situation. He will use whatever means He determines to convince me to go His direction. Sometimes that means I have to deal with not so pleasant consequences. Sometimes that means I have to make major changes in my way of thinking or doing things. Sometimes that means I have to humble myself and admit my mistakes. And those things are painful. Not as painful as a lightening strike but just as powerful.

I am glad I'm inside listening to the storm and not out there dealing with it on a physical basis. I can hide in my house and feel safe. But when the storms of my life interrupt the way I think things should be going, I have a much safer place to hide--in the arms of my Jesus who died and rose again so I can run to Him.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 17:8

It's a Dog's Life

This weekend is the one year anniversary of our adoption of the newest member of the family, a dog named Jayda Lea. We're not entirely certain what breed she is or how old she is but she attached herself to John pretty much from day one. We have discovered over the course of this year that the care of a pet is a lot like caring for a child:

• You have to teach them the appropriate place to potty;
• If you don't pay enough attention to them, they are inclined to do something naughty to get that attention;
• If you want to leave for the weekend, you have to get someone to watch them or you could come back to a house that has been unfavorably redecorated;
• And, as is often times the case in adoption situations, they can come with a bit of baggage from their past. 

We don't know exactly what Jayda's background is but she came to us with the propensity to melt into  a shaking, whining basket case over the slightest noise or harsh tone. She is much better now but there are still times when something will trigger her defensive response and she will drop into a submissive position. Although she has never bitten anyone and aggression doesn't seem to be her reaction, we are not 100% certain of what she is capable of should she feel threatened.

Whether we like it or not, humans don't seem to be terribly different from my somewhat complex pet. Our pasts will affect our responses no matter how hard we try to separate the two. Good or bad, we are a product of the experiences we have been through as children, teenagers, and adults. We can try to deny them, forget them, swear not to let them impact our future, or, as is most popular today, use them as an excuse to justify our bad behavior.

From what I have studied in the Bible, we have but one choice when it comes to dealing with our past and the reactions it might provoke. We must be aware of how our personal history can taint our present perspective, filter our natural reaction through God's Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our responses. We can't completely escape our background but we are not a slave to it either. At least not when we hand over our past to the Lord and let Him "work all things to the good." (Romans 8:28)

"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

The simple life

Labor Day. A day off from work, a day to catch up on things at home, a day to have some last summer fun, and today, a day for a revelation.

For those who don't know our family, we have a daughter, Laurie, who has special needs. Although her physical body has been on this earth for 32 years, her mental capacity hovers around the 2-3 year old mark most days. She lives in an independent supported living home but comes home every Sunday, every holiday, and one weekend a month. Except for Sunday afternoon trips to the neighborhood swimming pool, Laurie really doesn't care to go anywhere or do anything when she comes home. She just wants to "pway" (play). And quite often she wants me to participate in whatever she is interested in at the time.

"Mama, sit here" with a pat to the seat next to her clues me in that she needs my attention for a while. We can sit on the glider on the porch as she gives me a running one word commentary on what she sees outside. Or we can drag our lawn chairs out to the driveway and wave at all the cars that go by. Or a pat on the couch next to her means she wants to show me what is in the book or catalog she's looking at, "Wook, mama, wook." You might even find us swinging in the hammock, although balancing with someone who is usually in perpetual motion is tricky. And if you try to put her off or ignore her, she uses the strength of her adult body to change your mind. No matter where it is or for how long, it is always precious time, especially now that she's not living at home.

Now here's my revelation. I wonder how many times God has said to me, "Sharon, sit here" and I've not taken the time to listen. As cherished as my time is with Laurie, how much more should my time with the Lord be? Yet, when He has something to show me, or tell me, or just wants to spend time with me, do I pay attention? He longs for us to open His book so He can show us essential things but unlike Laurie, He will not force us to "sit here." We have to chose how we spend our time and whether we will pay attention.

1 Corinthians 1:27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Once again, my supposedly weak minded daughter has taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes just sitting may be the most important thing I will get done that day and the best investment of my time. Thanks, Laurie for showing me the way.

DEstruction vs CONstruction

Well, school is in full swing again and as I look back at the events of the summer, I have come to a conclusion that may seem obvious but also has some significant implications to life in general. Here's how it came about...

When school ended in May, I watched as our maintenance staff swung into action. There was a flurry of activity as they tore things down, moved things out, ripped things up, and just generally made a mess of our beautiful building. At first it was exciting to see all the improvements that were going to be achieved but as the summer wore on, it became very clear that the "tearing things up" took a whole lot less time than the "putting them back." Even though my logically thinking mind told me this was a normal turn of events, the easily frustrated part of my mind told me to panic.

Here's where the life application part kicks in. It sure doesn't take long to tear someone down with just a few critical words but boy, does it ever take a long time to build that same someone back up! It takes more than just a few words--it takes a lot of actions to back them up. What is it they say--it takes 10 compliments to negate one criticism? I think it's more like 100 compliments but maybe that's just me.

Criticism can be constructive or destructive depending on the motivation behind it. It's easy to say we are doing it out of love for the person but whether or not the other person sees it that way is crucial. What kind of a relationship do you have with the individual? It's hard to convince someone of your "loving" motive when your contact with them has been shallow up to this point. Does the person have a reason to truly believe you are speaking out of genuine concern? How much time have you invested in their life prior to the conversation? The answers to these questions will determine whether the person feels attacked or whether they can use the information you are giving them to improve themselves.

As it turned out, everything (well, almost everything) got fixed, put back, and rebuilt before school started. And the building looks amazing but I certainly had my doubts. I guess the moral of this story is not to tear things up (criticize) if you haven't already made a plan (invested your time) to restore it to a state that was better than it started.

Heroes

he·ro

  a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.


The theme this year at school is "Heroes for the Kingdom" and as I was preparing a devotion for the teachers on their first day back, I researched various people who would be considered Christian "heroes," most of them I found in a book called "50 People Every Christian Should Know." I soon began to realize that not one of the people I was reading about would have described themselves using any of the definition stated above. In fact, most would have used words portraying quite the opposite. 


I did however find some common characteristics. Such as:

Mother Teresa

• willing to listen to God's calling on their lives
• willing to make sacrifices (some even the supreme sacrifice of their life)
• not afraid to speak the truth and willing to suffer the consequences when opposed
• willing to make major changes in their lives when convicted by God
• made the study of God's word a priority
• placed a great importance on relationships with others

What struck me though was how seemingly "ordinary" all of these people started out. Some were rich and some were poor but none seemed to be born into greatness. The reason their names are even linked to being "heroes for the kingdom" is because of conscious choices they made throughout their lives. Everyone of them came to a crossroads at some point in their life where the decision had to made, obey God's calling or ignore it.


Looking back on my own life, I can identify my own crossroads. Some I chose wisely and some I did not. Do I consider myself a hero? Certainly not but then neither did any of the spiritual giants I read about. What I have come to realize is that we ALL have opportunities to be a hero. To a young mother who is struggling, to a teenager who is searching for an identity, to a small child who needs someone to care, to the elderly who need to be honored and not forgotten. 


Here's the bottom line--all heroes really do is pay attention to opportunities and situations that God places in their paths and then (and this is the most important part), do something about it! Sounds simple enough, huh? I wonder...in a hundred years, will anyone want to put MY bio in a book of people Christians should know?

Changing the name

Just wanted you all to know that I've changed the name of my blog to "From my Heart to Yours." I decided that what I've been writing about has very little to do with my job and everything to do with what's on my heart, thus the name change. It is still located at principalpruett.blogspot.com. Thanks for reading!

Weirdness Part 2

You may remember I have been reading the book Weird by Craig Groeschel and I did a blog on being weird with your time a few weeks back. The next topic for Pastor Groeschel in his book is weirdness with our money. Now here's a topic the Pruett family can get behind. We have always seemed to have a different approach to how we spend our money. Imagine my delight to find out we can embrace our bizarre attitude! Let me give you some examples...

After leaving a store one time, we discovered they did not charge us for a certain item. We went back in to the store to pay for it. The employees gave us a definite once over as we tried to explain that we were bringing the item back in to pay for it, not to get our money back. Weird.

One of our boys found $20 on a shelf in Best Buy and we made him take it to the front and turn it in. Weird.

My husband found $80 in cash by the door at an outlet store in Branson. He turned it in and got a call 3 months later that no one had claimed it and it was his if he wanted to come get it. Weird.

But it's not just money that is the object of our weirdness. Our attitude toward our possessions has also been labeled as abnormal. We have a flatbed trailer that spends more time on loan than in our driveway. It's not shiny and new anymore but it sure has helped a lot of people.

I remember one time we let a co-worker take our almost new video camera to a family reunion (along with our van to get her whole family there). She was able to video the event, including some footage of her brother-in-law doing some silly impressions. A few weeks after they got back, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away very soon after. The images taken that weekend became ever so precious to her family.

There are many areas in our lives we need to work more diligently to improve but I really think my family has this one nailed. We have loaned out our tools, our power washer, our compressor, our tiller, our car and even our house. Long ago we determined that what God has been gracious enough to give us, we would share.

"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." Eccl. 5:19


Got something you need to borrow? Come on over!

Recovery

I just got back from my second trip to Joplin to help with the recovery efforts after the massive tornado that hit there on May 22nd. The first time I was there was two weeks after it happened and one of the things you noticed immediately was that there was not a leaf on any of the trees in the damaged area. Any tree left standing was literally just a bare stick in the ground.

This time I noticed something amazing as we drove into the devastated areas. Little tufts of leaves were growing on probably 90% of the trees. If you can recall your childhood science lessons, you will realize that for the tree to continue to grow, it must have leaves to get it's food but something much more powerful than a scientific explanation occurred to me. Nature immediately kicked in to survival mode after this tragedy and it proceeded to do what it needed to do to continue with life. God created the things of nature with this automatic response to move on past something that threatened their continued growth.

I must say that this response is exactly what I have seen in the people I have come in contact with in Joplin.  Their natural reaction has been to do what needed to be done to pick up and move on. Praise the Lord I have not had to deal with such physical devastation in my life so far but it has certainly made me examine my reaction to the things that cause me difficulty.

God has given each of us everything we require to push past our trials and continue on with life. We need only access this strength and power by trusting Him. Sounds simple enough, right? Oh but we are such stubborn creatures at times that we believe we must try to solve all troubles ourselves first, then when all else fails, call on the Lord.

The trees in Joplin didn't have to think about their recovery. They just did what God created them to do. Should we be any different?

A Tribute to my Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner. Last night my dear, sweet, almost-like-a-daughter, friend Amanda posted a tribute to her father who passed away a couple of years ago from cancer. It touched me so deeply, it was an hour before I was emotionally stable again. I was reminded of how blessed I am to still have my own father on this earth with me and it inspired me to write my own tribute while he can hear it with this world's ears. So, taking my cues from Amanda, this is for you Daddy...

It's silly what specific things you remember from your childhood. I remember the time a snake was in the mud puddle between the house and barn. Being the hero that you are, you swiftly killed that creature and calmed my hysteria so I could get back to the house. I remember you letting us ride in the scoop of the tractor while we looked for baby calves in the pasture, even though I'm sure you could have probably done it much quicker without us. I remember you smoking the occasional cigar and letting us kids blow out the match, an event we would fight over like it was some major accomplishment. I remember making gravy thickening for the coleslaw dressing because it was the only recipe I could recall and how you ate it anyway, telling me it wasn't that bad. I remember helping to innoculate the soy beans before you planted them, sitting in the truck waiting for you to come back around the field and fill up the planter. I remember you coming in after dark, covered in dirt, eating the dinner we saved for you. I remember seeing you reading your Bible every night before you went to bed and watching you stand at the communion table at church and pray.

Although I don't remember ever being awake for it, I am told that you came in every morning before milking to check on us and cover us up. Although I rarely ever spoke with you on the phone after I went to college, I am told that it was you who insisted Mom call to see how I was doing. These things are so indicitive of who you are--always in the background, working hard, loving deeply but never loudly, the personification of quiet strength.

You have taught me the proper work ethic--always give 110% without asking for recognition. You have taught me that relying on God for our every need is not an option, it is a way of life. You have taught me that to love the Lord and live for Him does not always have to be an emotionally charged response. It can be a steady, humble, faithful walk that never waivers even during times of difficulty. I would not be the woman I am today were it not for your daily example of Jesus inspired meekness.

I know there is a great possibility we will be separated physically some time in the future but I know that should you go to Heaven before me, you will save me a place at the feet of Jesus where together we can spend eternity praising Him. I love you Daddy. You are my hero.

Proud to be in the Midwest

Unless you have been living in hole somewhere for the last month, you are aware of the massively destructive weather we've been having here in the Midwest lately. Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri have been hammered with storms that have flooded and/or destroyed thousands of homes. But we Midwesterners have a curious way of dealing with such tragic events. Let me try to explain, even though words really can't do this topic justice.

Since Joplin is geographically close to me, I have had the opportunity to be personally involved in the cleanup after an EF5 tornado left an 8 mile path of rubble in its wake. This particular tornado was unique in that not only was the funnel itself spinning but there were multiple vortexes inside it spinning also. Add to that a relatively slow speed of 30 mph and you have the effect of a garbage disposal, chewing up everything for a good 45 seconds before moving on. Not a leaf left on the trees, some houses literally reduced to splinters, cars crushed and mangled, concrete walls tossed around like styrofoam. And all of this is as far as you can see. Pictures just cannot capture the pit-of-your-stomach feeling you get when you are standing in what used to be someone's home, sifting through debris in a desparate attempt to find something, anything that homeowner could salvage of their previous life. Then after working for hours in the heat and humidity, you look around and realize that what you  accomplished was only a thimbleful of what still needed to be done.

As heart wrenching as all of this was, though, the curious thing was the atmosphere you encountered no matter where you went or who you spoke to. There were people EVERYWHERE; cleaning up, handing out food, offering water, ice, Gatorade, helping people fill out forms, giving free Tetnus shots, unloading truckloads of donations. There was the sound of chain saws, dump trucks, cranes, and surprisingly, laughter. You saw people of all ages, nationalities, and socio-economic levels working together for one goal--to bring hope to someone who had just survived a horrendous experience.

Hope was our primary job. Hope that things can be replaced. Hope that someday things would get back to normal, or at least something close to it. Hope that there would be people to help and we wouldn't stop coming until we were no longer needed. Hope that they were not alone in this tragedy and others were feeling their pain.

This is the mindset of people in the Midwest. Maybe I'm prejudice because I live here but I can't imagine a better place to call home. And the response of the people putting hands and feet to their faith, digging in and giving of their time, money, and resources has to be the closest thing to heaven I've seen in a long time. But probably the most positive thing that can come from these terrible tragedies is that the world is watching. Others are seeing first hand who we are as Christians and what that looks like put into action. A hundred sermons preached by the best pastors in the country could not speak as effectively as what has been witnessed on the now unidentifiable streets of several Midwestern towns. I can say without hesitation that I am proud to be from the Midwest!

Weirdness

I am currently reading Craig Groeschel's book Weird: Because normal isn't working and it has really made me start looking at areas in my life where I look like everyone else. The first subject he addresses is time and the million dollar question is "Do I spend my time like the majority of our population or am I weird?"

Let's take a look at normal first. You get up at the crack of dawn and move some laundry from the washer to the dryer, do some dishes, and get breakfast started. Get the kids up, dressed, and to the breakfast table. Turn on the TV to catch the news and weather. If you are technically addicted (like we talked about in my last blog), you get on the computer to check your facebook, e-mail, twitter, etc. Or maybe you are one of those that gets up at the last minute, shouts at everyone to hurry up, and flies out the door 10 minutes late while the kids eat a pop tart in the car on the way to school. After school, you take the kids to soccer practice, gymnastics, dance lessons, karate sessions or any number of other options that are available for our children these days. You drive through McDonald's, Taco Bell, or Wendy's on your way home, eat half of it in the car and the other half at home in front of the TV. Then it's time for homework, baths, and possibly more TV. You drop into bed at 11:00 or later, exhausted from the day.

Now, let's look at wierdness for a minute. You get up at the crack of dawn because that is the only time that the house is quiet enough to spend some alone time with the Lord. The routine is basically the same but without the stress, screaming, or rushing. You spend your day at work or at home being productive and looking for opportunities to share Jesus with whoever you meet. You always have a smile on your face and an encouraging word on your lips. The kids come home from school and go immediately to finish their homework without whining or complaining, then race outside to run and play until dinner time. You have dinner on the table at an appropriate time, there is stimulating conversation from everyone in the family, followed by group games or story reading before baths and bedtime. When all is quiet in the house again, you spend time reading the latest inspirational book while taking notes on how to apply it to your life. You slip into bed at 10:00, ready to face another day.

Okay, I know what you're thinking...be serious!! That never happens! You're right--that's why it's weird. But could it happen? I believe at least parts of it could. Or at least I could move toward making parts of it happen. And actually I know families that look very close to this weird model so it really can be done.

The book talks about a lot of other areas where weirdness can exist. It is making me more aware of my areas that don't really look any different than anyone else in the world. I've decided to make a concerted effort to look "weirder." How do you look?

Techno addictions

Wow, it seems like forever since I updated this blog. This is a really busy time of year for a principal but it won't be long before silence will take over these halls and I'll start wondering how long before my kiddos come back!

I want to take this opportunity to talk about this addiction we seem to have to our technological gadgets. John and I went to the movies the other night and after we found our seats, we pulled out my iphone and began to play Scrabble on it together. This is something we have taken up doing whenever we have several minutes to kill. It is a great way to keep our minds sharp--that's important you know, for us older people to do!

This particular night though, I looked around as I was waiting for John to play and noticed that about 75% of the theater goers had out a phone and were playing games, surfing the internet, checking their e-mail, etc. It occurred to me at that moment that we have become a generation that doesn't know how to wait. There is no such thing as just sitting and doing nothing in our world today.

We recently drove to Myrtle Beach for a family reunion and, in preparation, I packed a big canvas bag full of novels, puzzle books, movies, etc. to give me endless hours of things to do while riding. I found myself just sitting and watching the scenery but feeling terribly guilty for neglecting all that great stuff I brought to do! The idea of just doing nothing was such a foreign concept but after a few minutes I relaxed and just enjoyed myself. Since there were four of us in the car and no one liked the same kind of music, we didn't even have the radio on. Of course, I had my earbuds at the ready should I need to fill that void but slowly I began to embrace the silence instead of dreading it.

Is it any wonder that I often whine about how I wish God would just tell me what His will is when I'm so rarely ever quiet enough to hear Him? Oh, I have my hour or so in the mornings when I do my quiet time but what if He wants to talk to me at some other time besides 5:00 in the morning? What if I turned off my radio in the car on my drive to work? What if I left the television off when I get home instead of watching the news? What if I didn't spend every minute of my "waiting" time texting, facebooking, playing games, or some other socially acceptable preoccupation.

I'm not saying that music, TV, reading, or games are bad things. Those are some of my favorite ways to unplug my brain from the issues I have to deal with. What I am saying is that I am going to look for more times to just sit, quietly, and listen better. Maybe spend more time swinging in my hammock. Now if I could just get it to STOP RAINING!

Completeness

I love putting together puzzles. Not 1000 piece ones where all the pieces look the same--I don't have the patience for that--but ones where the picture is of some tropical island that I'd love to be on at that moment are fun for me.

Recently, as I was reading in John 15 about the vine and the branches, the old analogy about puzzles came to my mind. You know, the one about how we are all pieces to the puzzle of God's kingdom and we have to work together for the puzzle to make sense. Or that God can see the big picture and we can only see the pieces. But then I came to verse 11 where it says:

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." 

I began to think about this idea of completeness and the pieces of the puzzle. What if each piece represented something challenging in my life? Maybe this piece is someone who is getting on my last nerve and this piece is a financial issue or a health problem or a family situation. What if each piece was God trying to teach me something--patience, love, mercy, trust, faith, forgiveness. Without each piece, I cannot be complete. There would be big holes in my puzzle and although I might be able to get the general idea of what the picture was supposed to be, it wouldn't be complete.

Are you following me here? I can choose to ignore the lessons God is trying to teach me and in essence throw away those pieces or I can embrace them, learn from them, and include them in my life. While I might still be able to manage a fairly good life with the former choice, my joy will never be complete. Completeness can only come when I make a conscious decision to make those pieces a part of the puzzle.

I don't think I'll ever look at a puzzle quite the same. And although that tropical island sure sounds good right now, complete joy in a mansion built just for me sounds a whole lot better!

Here Come da Judge

If you are as old as I am (or older), you probably remember the phrase "Here come da Judge" from the show Laugh-In, where a judge sat atop a bench and handed down ridiculous sentences to comical transgressions. The sketch actually originated from a comedian called Pigmeat Markham in the 50's and 60's but was borrowed by entertainers like Flip Wilson and Sammy Davis, Jr. as well as others. Although we laughed at the absurd nature of the judgments being handed down, some came dangerously close to being just as ludicrous as the evaluations we make of others based on generalizations. I suspect that may be why we found them so amusing because to take them seriously would have required a shift in our way of thinking.

"And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple." Acts 9:26


Boy, if anyone had a reason to judge someone, the apostles certainly had cause to doubt Paul's sincerity. After all, their friends and family members were being killed by the group that Saul/Paul had only days ago been the ringleader. What do you suppose convinced them he was a changed man? The Bible says he had a personal reference in Barnabus and that they saw Paul speaking boldly for Christ and against the Hellenists. Only his actions could convince the disciples that this once murderous gang member had completely turned his life around.

And am I any different? Don't I have to have proof that someone has changed before I will cease to judge them? I'm not talking about letting an individual take advantage of me over and over. I'm saying that if someone comes to me, admits their past mistakes and asks to be accepted, is it my job to judge their sincerity? And does this mean that from now until they die, that person has to be 100% perfect, never again making any mistakes? Can I live up to that expectation? I think not.

Yes, there will be a "Here come da Judge" day but I doubt he'll be looking like Sammy Davis, Jr. or Flip Wilson. He will however be wearing a robe, riding a white horse, and holding the Lamb's Book of Life (See Revelation 19-21). And if my name is in that Book, it won't be because I have judged everyone correctly.

Hope and Determination

I recently returned from a mission trip to New Orleans with approximately 80 college students and sponsors. It was a humbling experience and wanted to take this opportunity to share some things with you as I process them myself.

• New Orleans is not even remotely fixed from Hurricane Katrina. Only one fourth of the lower nineth ward is inhabited. This was the neighborhood that was basically washed away when the levee broke. Although the Make It Right Foundation has gone in and built some houses, a great number of lots are vacant or still have houses on them that need to be demolished. And to add insult to injury, what the flood didn't ruin, thieves carried away while the owners were relocated.
• Government money has all but dried up and since the flooding occurred in some of the poorest of neighborhoods, there is no money to rebuild or tear down and certainly no one wants to buy the house or lot.
•  Despite the devistation, there are some of the most inspirational people I have ever met living in these neighborhoods. Self-pity is just not in their vocabulary. Those that have come back from being evacuated and are trying to breathe life back into their areas have a hope and a determination that far surpasses anything I think I could muster. I heard so many heart wrenching stories of tragedy and suffering but when we asked if we could pray with them, they often times wanted to pray FOR US instead! And quite often their prayers were of adoration for who God is and how He has taken care of them with not one mention of what they need now.

After I returned, my first personal devotion dealt with the verses where Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him. While I had always looked at this conversation as a way of redeeming Peter's betrayal, the author pointed out that Jesus knew what Peter was going to have to endure in his life. He knew that ambition could not get him through. He knew that determination or desire could not get him through. He knew that only love for Him could sustain Peter throughout the persecution he was going to face.

And then it hit me. That was exactly what had sustained these people in New Orleans--a passionate love for Jesus. Of course, a bit of determination and good old fashioned stubbornness didn't hurt but only love could explain the level of hope that was so evident in these strong and faithful people.

Thank you people of New Orleans for showing me just what it is that will lift me up no matter what comes my way: an intense and unwavering love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Duh...

Sometimes I'm just dense. That's really not a new revelation for me but frustrates me nonetheless. Imagine my relief to be reminded today in my Bible study that Jesus' disciples were just as dense. I'm studying the apostle John so follow along with me for a minute and let's catch up to the "guys."

Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John had all dropped their fishing nets, informed good ole' dad they were off on an adventure, and trailed along behind Jesus. They saw him turn water into wine at a wedding feast, drive out evil spirits, and heal Peter's mother-in-law as well as many others with diseases. I'm sure the wonder and awe was apparent on their faces as they realized this wasn't any ordinary Nazarite. But they still had no clue how really EXTRAordinary He was.

The first evidence we get of this is in Mark 1:36 where it states that Simon and "his companions" went to look for Jesus. Companions--not disciples, not apostles, not even followers--just companions. This seems to imply, for me anyway, that they were still just along for the ride at this point.  It must have been a pretty big ego booster to be associated with someone who was getting so much attention. Sort of like groupies for a rock band. But did they really get that He was THE Son of God? I just don't think so, not yet anyway.

So Jesus decides to get away from it all for a few minutes of quiet prayer time and here comes Simon "and his companions" busting into His solitude yelling, "Everyone is looking for you!" Not "sorry to interrupt you" or "excuse me but..." or not even just waiting until He was finished. Not these gung ho young groupies. They were making sure Jesus' audience wasn't disappointed! "Hey, Jesus, you've got people out here who want to see a healing!"

If you read on in the gospels, it does appear that the disciples start to get an inkling but until the resurrection, I believe they vacillated between knowledge and denseness. And if these men who followed Jesus around for three years can suffer from cluelessness, then I figure my periodic bouts won't diminish my possible usefulness to the Kingdom. I feel better, don't you?

Perspectives

It's Friday and we haven't had school since Monday. Massive amounts of snow are still piled up everywhere, streets are still snow covered and icy, and bitter cold temperatures are not helping the situation at all. After a week of sitting at home, I had to get out and run some errands so with my husband as my chauffeur, we made our way out of the neighborhood. As we're making our final stop at the pharmacy, it began to snow.

My first reaction was "You've got to be kidding me!" Then I looked up and watched as the snowflakes floated gently down. I suddenly saw the beauty of each perfect little crystal and a peacefulness washed over me. There was something so calming about the scene and I said to my husband, "It's so pretty!" Of course, his reaction was, "You've got to be kidding!" And because he was wearing his grumpy pants today (you know it's true, John, so don't roll your eyes), he proceeded to point out to me everything that was un-pretty about the falling of more snow.

I agree that the prospect of more snow is exactly what we don't need but even realizing all the additional problems this could cause did not negate the beauty of this softly falling precipitation. My husband was looking at the messiness of the world around us while I was looking up. I saw beauty, he saw ugliness. It occurred to me that the difference was our perspective. When I looked down, I too saw the possibility of car accidents, more snow days, and freezing pipes. But just by changing the angle of my line of sight, I could shut that all out and concentrate on the peaceful beauty of drifting snowflakes.

You're following along with me, aren't you? You know where I'm going, don't you? How easy it is for us to focus our attention on the messiness of the world around us--violence, unemployment, abortion, drugs, divorce. But when we change our perspective and look up, God's love, grace, and mercy can completely change our attitudes.

So, as the weatherman keeps predicting the probability of more winter weather, I'm going to try to keep looking up. How about you?

All You Need Is Love...

If you read the title and thought of the Beatles, congratulations! You're officially old. Or maybe just a Beatles fan but either way, it reminds us that love is an important thing in everyone's life. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, much emphasis is being placed on showing the people we love how we feel about them. My question is: Why do we need an official holiday to remind us to do that??

God mentions the word love, or various forms of it, approximately 700 times in the Bible, depending on which version you are reading. 700 times! Does that not seem excessive to you? Obviously it is something He thinks is important and not just in February.

While doing my devotions one morning, I had an epiphany. Why it was an epiphany and not just a well known fact for me is not really clear but nevertheless, it was an "aha" moment. If I am having difficulty loving someone, it is not their problem; it is mine. The more I love God, the easier it is to love people so if I'm having an issue with another person, then I need to check my relationship with Jesus. The closer I get to God, the more love will overflow from me to others.

Picture a glass of water. The more you pour into it, the fuller it gets. When it gets to the top, it has no choice but to overflow and spill out all over whatever the glass is touching. The same is true with our Christian life. The more we pour into it--going to church, studying the Bible, meeting others' needs, fasting and praying, humbling ourselves--the better chance we have at overflowing all over those we come in contact with.

Take a look at your glass today. How full is it? Are you overflowing or just staying half full? I doubt the Beatles really knew the wisdom of what they were singing about so many years ago but the fact of the matter is that, yes, all we really need is love. Everything else will fall into place when we get that one thing right.

Vain Labor

Ever had one of these days? You mop the floor then watch as the dog comes inside with muddy paws and tracks up all your efforts. You vacuum then watch as your 2 year old crushes a cracker right in the middle of the living room floor and gleefully proceeds to sling the crumbs as far as he/she can. You get all the clothes washed, folded and put away only to discover the laundry baskets are almost full again.

This is what I call "laboring in vain" because it seems that no matter what we do, there is always someone coming along behind us UN-doing everything. Things are looking great one minute and the next, you are right back where you started. Sure makes a gal (or a guy) want to throw up our hands and shout, "What's the use??"

Now, we moms can probably relate to this on a domestic level but I want to expand this to our jobs (guys AND gals) and to our spiritual life. Sometimes we just don't think we'll ever get ahead. You get one fire put out and three more pop up. You get one weak area of your life under control only to have another area scream for attention. You get one issue resolved just in time to deal with two more. So what's our motivation to keep going?

"Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:57-58


Yes, it sounds simple enough but when you're in the trenches of your life and frustration is mounting, it is hard to keep these words in mind. That's why I have them written on an index card and taped to my desk. When I shift my focus from working for myself to working for the Lord, things begin to come into perspective. And if I'm not doing it for the Lord, then my frustration is self-made and I need to refocus.

So, whatever you do, do for the Lord and your labor will not be in vain. I sure am hoping, though, that there won't be muddy floors, nasty carpets or dirty laundry in heaven. I think I'll ask for the mansion that comes with a maid...

Odd Man Out

Dear Faithful (and Occasional) Blog Followers,
I have neglected you shamefully over the past few weeks. You would think that with Christmas break, I would have had all this time to devote to writing pearls of wisdom but alas, I chose the path of laziness and decided to actually relax on my break! I know, it was a selfish act but so be it. :)

In an attempt to redeem myself, I will endeavor to scratch out a few thoughtful words on this surprisingly quiet Friday morning. I'll have to write fast though because quietness and Fridays don't generally go together and circumstances can change in a heartbeat.

Let's talk for a minute about being ODD. The definition of odd in Webster's is, "...different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion." Synonyms bring even more colorful descriptions: bizarre, curious, far-out, funny, kinky, outlandish, peculiar, quirky, strange, wacky, weird. I know what you're thinking, "Thanks for the English lesson but what's that got to do with anything?"

If you search on the word "odd" for most Bible translations, you won't find any results but Jesus definitely talked about being "different from the ordinary." "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19

So, if you react to situations in a way that is contrary to how the majority of society would react, you could be called odd, bizarre or strange. If you turn the other cheek when treated unfairly, you could be called peculiar, wacky or weird. If you chose love over hatred, you could be called curious, outlandish or quirky. But be of good cheer, you are in good company. I have no idea what the Hebrew word for "odd" is but I'd be willing to bet that more than once, someone described that Jesus character from Nazareth as some odd duck. And I'd be willing to bet that if Jesus overheard these remarks, his response would be, "Thank you."