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.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
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...
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...
Friday, January 7, 2011
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."
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."
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fasting and Thanksgiving. What??
I know what you're thinking...what does fasting and Thanksgiving have to do with each other? Isn't that an oxymoron? Believe it or not, back in colonial times, they actually went hand in hand. Those of you who hated History in school might want to move on to some other mindless activity right now...
While the commonly known feast that took place in 1621 is often referred to as the first Thanksgiving, the colonists of Plymouth didn't begin observing it on a regular basis until several years later and even then, it was not at a set time each year. It was one of three holy days that they participated in: the Sabbath, the Day of Humiliation and Fasting, and the Day of Thanksgiving and Praise, the latter two only being held for special circumstances whenever they felt their situation warranted it. It wasn't until the 1700's that these two days settled into a cycle with Fast Day in the Spring and Thanksgiving Day in the fall and were observed on an annual basis.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November the official Thanksgiving Day and the original holiday set up by the colonists many years earlier was absorbed into this national celebration. And by the way, Mr. Lincoln was convinced to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday by a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale, who had spent 40 years lobbying congressmen, presidents, and newspaper editors to create this national day of thanks. (She also is the one responsible for the words to "Mary Had a Little Lamb.")
Again, I know what you're thinking...so what?? Well, besides having some great trivia you can impress your family with during this year's Thanksgiving dinner, this information made me stop and think about those early years of our country. Throughout the incredible hardships they endured, one thing remained constant--their faith in God. When things were bad, they humbled themselves and prayed. When things were good, they praised and thanked Him for his kindness. Never did they assume a "poor me" attitude or blame someone else for their plight. Their automatic reaction was to go to God, no matter what.
In the "not my fault" society we live in, this seems foreign to some and downright wrong to others. Those faithful colonists were instrumental in creating the great country we live in. Okay, so I'm not suggesting that we all fast this Thanksgiving instead of piggying out on turkey and pumpkin pie but maybe we should take a lesson from our ancestors and adopt their philosophy of humility and thanksgiving. Imagine what we could do!
While the commonly known feast that took place in 1621 is often referred to as the first Thanksgiving, the colonists of Plymouth didn't begin observing it on a regular basis until several years later and even then, it was not at a set time each year. It was one of three holy days that they participated in: the Sabbath, the Day of Humiliation and Fasting, and the Day of Thanksgiving and Praise, the latter two only being held for special circumstances whenever they felt their situation warranted it. It wasn't until the 1700's that these two days settled into a cycle with Fast Day in the Spring and Thanksgiving Day in the fall and were observed on an annual basis.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November the official Thanksgiving Day and the original holiday set up by the colonists many years earlier was absorbed into this national celebration. And by the way, Mr. Lincoln was convinced to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday by a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale, who had spent 40 years lobbying congressmen, presidents, and newspaper editors to create this national day of thanks. (She also is the one responsible for the words to "Mary Had a Little Lamb.")
Again, I know what you're thinking...so what?? Well, besides having some great trivia you can impress your family with during this year's Thanksgiving dinner, this information made me stop and think about those early years of our country. Throughout the incredible hardships they endured, one thing remained constant--their faith in God. When things were bad, they humbled themselves and prayed. When things were good, they praised and thanked Him for his kindness. Never did they assume a "poor me" attitude or blame someone else for their plight. Their automatic reaction was to go to God, no matter what.
In the "not my fault" society we live in, this seems foreign to some and downright wrong to others. Those faithful colonists were instrumental in creating the great country we live in. Okay, so I'm not suggesting that we all fast this Thanksgiving instead of piggying out on turkey and pumpkin pie but maybe we should take a lesson from our ancestors and adopt their philosophy of humility and thanksgiving. Imagine what we could do!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What's Your Job Description?
Recently I was required to look at and evaluate my official job description and I have to be honest, it overwhelmed me somewhat. When faced with the tasks I am expected to perform, the enormity and importance of it all hit me. It's not that I don't do it all but looking at it in its entirety really made me stop and consider just how well I was doing in each of those areas. And as the significance began to build, so did my fear and insecurity. What if I dropped the ball on just one of those responsibilities? What repercussions would be felt by the teachers, students, and parents placed under my authority if I make just one decision that is not the best? What if I allow myself just once to react instead of respond? What if, what if, what if.....
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
What more do I need to answer those "what if" questions than this verse? Knowing that I am human and am prone to make mistakes, I realized the most important part of my job description was not even written on those school policy pages. The task I need to focus on actually has very little to do with what I get a paycheck for doing. Or maybe it has everything to do with it...
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Nothing short of my full devotion to the Savior of my soul can guarantee my success in my job or in my life. And if there are any of my duties I simply can't afford to neglect, that would be it. The truth is that if I get that part right, everything else will fall in place. Praise the Lord that I don't have to worry about having all the right answers or making all the right decisions.
"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6
AMEN!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
What more do I need to answer those "what if" questions than this verse? Knowing that I am human and am prone to make mistakes, I realized the most important part of my job description was not even written on those school policy pages. The task I need to focus on actually has very little to do with what I get a paycheck for doing. Or maybe it has everything to do with it...
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Nothing short of my full devotion to the Savior of my soul can guarantee my success in my job or in my life. And if there are any of my duties I simply can't afford to neglect, that would be it. The truth is that if I get that part right, everything else will fall in place. Praise the Lord that I don't have to worry about having all the right answers or making all the right decisions.
"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6
AMEN!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Where is your desire?
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of being involved in a baptismal service which included a very special six year old who calls me Nana Sharon. Although he may not have my DNA, in every way that counts, I AM his Nana and this very special relationship with him and his brother means more to me than I can tell you.
After the service, my husband and I were talking about the fact that when we have gone on mission trips with college students, there has been a significant amount of young people who have been re-baptized on these trips stating that they did it when they were a child but didn't really know what it meant. Most of the 26 people baptized last Sunday were around the ages of five or six and we discussed the level of understanding these precious babies would have about this decision. Here was our conclusion and why.
A number of years ago, our daughter, who is mentally challenged, began to talk about being baptized. Understand that she is on about a two year old mental level and communicates mostly with one or two word sentences so when she started saying "my turn" and "'-tize", we pretty much treated it as just another one of her obsessions. We ignored it for about two years until she began to get almost frantic about it. She would stand in front of the baptistry after church services, point and say, "my turn." The pastor finally came to us and suggested that we go ahead and allow her to be baptized. He convinced us that in whatever capacity she was able to understand, she had the desire to do something that she saw as important. We agreed and have never regretted the decision.
I told that story to explain why I feel that desire is one of the most important components in our Christian walk. Does a young child fully understand what it means to ask Jesus to be Lord of their life? Probably not but then neither do I sometimes. Do they have a legitimate desire to live fully for Christ? I believe that to be absolutely true. Nobody is perfect but if we sincerely desire to be Christ-like, I truly believe God will honor our efforts, no matter how young, old or mentally capable we are.
So the question is: Where is your desire? Do you desire to be the best you can be for your Savior? Then take comfort in knowing that God will take our desires and turn them in to something wonderful.
After the service, my husband and I were talking about the fact that when we have gone on mission trips with college students, there has been a significant amount of young people who have been re-baptized on these trips stating that they did it when they were a child but didn't really know what it meant. Most of the 26 people baptized last Sunday were around the ages of five or six and we discussed the level of understanding these precious babies would have about this decision. Here was our conclusion and why.
A number of years ago, our daughter, who is mentally challenged, began to talk about being baptized. Understand that she is on about a two year old mental level and communicates mostly with one or two word sentences so when she started saying "my turn" and "'-tize", we pretty much treated it as just another one of her obsessions. We ignored it for about two years until she began to get almost frantic about it. She would stand in front of the baptistry after church services, point and say, "my turn." The pastor finally came to us and suggested that we go ahead and allow her to be baptized. He convinced us that in whatever capacity she was able to understand, she had the desire to do something that she saw as important. We agreed and have never regretted the decision.
I told that story to explain why I feel that desire is one of the most important components in our Christian walk. Does a young child fully understand what it means to ask Jesus to be Lord of their life? Probably not but then neither do I sometimes. Do they have a legitimate desire to live fully for Christ? I believe that to be absolutely true. Nobody is perfect but if we sincerely desire to be Christ-like, I truly believe God will honor our efforts, no matter how young, old or mentally capable we are.
So the question is: Where is your desire? Do you desire to be the best you can be for your Savior? Then take comfort in knowing that God will take our desires and turn them in to something wonderful.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Best Kept Secret
Okay everybody, I'm going to let you in on the best kept secret of New Covenant Academy. Come closer so I can whisper it in your ear...are you ready? It's called...car line.
Yes, now my secret is out and I'm sure there will be a stampede to come and help me! But in case you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, let me enlighten you. It is my distinct privilege to stand in the driveway each morning and help children out of their cars and into the school building. And let me just tell you, it is the highlight of my day!
To see those smiling faces come bounding out of their cars, shouting greetings to their friends, then go running into the building, is the greatest way to start your day. There is something so inspiring to see such innocent joy. Granted, my cheerful "Good Morning" is not always met with equally cheerful responses but some are just not morning people and that doesn't deter me one bit.
Somehow all is well with the world when I can see these sweet faces so excited about what the day has to bring. It reminds me of two Bible verses:
"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Can you think of a better reminder on the proper way to approach your day? That's why I find this particular duty such a delight. Well, except on rainy and cold days. Then there are other verses that come to mind...but that's for another day!
Yes, now my secret is out and I'm sure there will be a stampede to come and help me! But in case you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, let me enlighten you. It is my distinct privilege to stand in the driveway each morning and help children out of their cars and into the school building. And let me just tell you, it is the highlight of my day!
To see those smiling faces come bounding out of their cars, shouting greetings to their friends, then go running into the building, is the greatest way to start your day. There is something so inspiring to see such innocent joy. Granted, my cheerful "Good Morning" is not always met with equally cheerful responses but some are just not morning people and that doesn't deter me one bit.
Somehow all is well with the world when I can see these sweet faces so excited about what the day has to bring. It reminds me of two Bible verses:
"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Can you think of a better reminder on the proper way to approach your day? That's why I find this particular duty such a delight. Well, except on rainy and cold days. Then there are other verses that come to mind...but that's for another day!
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