Bread of Affliction and Water of Adversity = Hope

First morning of the new year. Much too cold to sit on the deck with my coffee, but I'm pretty sure Katie dog and I will be taking a walk in a little bit. I know it's traditional to say Happy New Year and look ahead to the new year, as if waking up one morning is going to make everything different—better, happier, healthier, wealthier, wiser and all the other things we wish for. 2013 was a challenging year for our family. We have said several times that we're ready to say good-bye and to embrace 2014!  Truth be told that as hard as some of it was, I don't think I will dismiss last year so quickly, as I reflect upon it this morning. 

I did awake this morning with a sense of both relief and anticipation.  While I have made new goals for my business, new personal goals, and new goals for our family, I won’t dismiss all of what I learned last year.  Some of the “old” will definitely remain.  I realized last Sunday, through some indescribable moving of the Holy Spirit, that God has been refining me, breaking me – and breaking my heart, honing me and reshaping me particularly in the last year, to grow into the image He has for my life.

How can I say I wish anything had been different? I learned that in no uncertain terms, I am not in charge—of anything.  I can pray and beg and rail at God and He responds as He sees fit. Sometimes the two seem incompatible and diametrically opposite. I would give or do just about anything to have my Mom back with us. I have felt her though, many times since March. She is in the “serendipity” I have experienced since then. I believe whole-heartedly, she has guided some of my goal-setting and certainly intervened in a more esoteric, spiritual realm. I won’t share all the “everyday” incidents (though I am going to begin journaling them) but I have an unshakable certainty that it is so. I find myself smiling more than once a day, knowing it’s her.

I won’t presume to say that I will be at better anything or in any way in 2014.  I will only say that I will try, every single morning, to wake up with a sense of relief and anticipation. Relief to have “survived” another day on earth, and relief to wake up with the hope and promise of yet another day . Anticipation that whatever happens, whomever I meet, however things turn out, God has all of “it” all figured out. And Mom will be with me always, in the serendipity.

 

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).

“For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you.  And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:19-21 NIV).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:3-5 NIV).

 

Blessings on your journey, Mary

Don't Be a Chicken Heart

One of my friends told me years ago she thought I was so brave!  I was a little surprised by that characterization!  I had never even thought about myself in that light.

As I view my life and my mother's life through a different filtered lens since Mom's death, I now realize that perhaps what my friend saw in me was really a grand sense of adventure!   Everything My mom did was an adventure -- whether it was going to the grocery store, the mall or library, eating dinner out or enjoying visits to Mexico, Hawaii or Europe!

My daughter shared an observation/memory about my mother "bouncing around town with an easy-going smile and more energy than seemed natural for a woman of her years." Up until the very end of her life, she had that bounce, and even at the end, that easy-going smile!  I've intentionally focused on having an "easy-going" smile at all times recently.  And I have noticed almost everyone smiles back - even stressed, self-involved drivers in parking lots, at stop lights and in people I pass by at the grocery store. And I find my own spirits lifted when I remember to smile.

You know, as I think about it, Mom instilled that sense of adventure in all of us - at least in subtle ways, if not in the 'live like you mean it' way she did.  Years ago our family went on one of our annual family vacations to Nag's Head, NC. It rained and rained and rained. Picture this: 2 adults 5 children, the beach, rain, rain, rain.  So what did Mom do?  She taught us all to play a Mid-western card game, Euchre.  (It's kind of like poker, bridge, spades . . . )

Since that year - and we were young! - often, when four or five of us were together, a Euchre game ensues.  If one needed to leave for work or some other commitment, somebody would slide in and take their place. All of the 15 grandchildren learned to play Euchre as soon as they were old enough to sit still, or were tall enough to stand by the table and watch us all play. It was just a given in our family -- you learned to play Euchre -- and so did friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, grandchildren! Sometimes we had -- and still do when everyone is together -- two tables going, along with a Risk game - with an assortment of cousins, friends, either playing or sitting around providing color commentary.

When I was in Seattle after my mom's death, one of my nephews told a story that so perfectly captures Mom!  (We were, of course, playing Euchre) He shared that he had just learned to play Euchre and Grandma was on the opposite team.  He was hesitating, uncertain as to whether or not he should declare trump.  He said, "Grandma told me "Don't be a chicken heart!"" (Not mean at all, but rather, in her very matter-of-fact way.) Then she proceeded to trump him - trounce his team (no doubt inclusive on another grandchild).  Then she consoled him by telling him "It's okay!  At least you went for it." 

Mom was definitely not a chicken heart!  And I thank God I inherited that from her. I've done a lot things people didn't think I could/should do. I've self-published a book, started businesses, took on creative projects and undertaken everything in my life with "all-in" determination, and -- I now realize -- approached every thing I've ever done with that sense of  "even if things didn't turn out as I wanted/expected, at least I could look back and say I tried."

So, if you see me "bouncing around town with an easy-going smile," you'll know I'm channelling my Mom. Next time you hear or read about some new venture I've undertaken, you'll know I'm just doing what my mom modeled and encouraged all of her children and grandchildren: Don't be a chicken heart!

"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (2 Corinthians 3:12).

 

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

God's "Got My Back"

""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV).

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:4-6).

The desires of your heart. This statement opens a huge can of worms in my faith life! The desires of my heart?  This statement takes me places I don't want to go, because I know full well there are things and situations and circumstances that I wish/ desire to different than they are currently and will be in the future!

Then I think about these verses a little more, from another perspective and I frame the passage with other scripture. This psalm isn't urging us to go to God as a child approaches Santa! God doesn't operate that way at all! We're not being promised that if we take delight in the Lord, all the desires of our "human" hearts will be given to us.

In Jeremiah, God delcares His plan is to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. But neither of these is to be viewed through the lens of our humanity! Rather, we are to transcend our humanity by not approaching God with a "if you'll do XXX for me, I'll YYY." Nor does God offer us a carrot and a stick.

God's greatest desire is for our well-being and joy! We are so precious to Him! Just as we would never give a child something that would harm them, God protects us. Our delight in the Lord is because of that truth! We are not to delight in Him "if", but "because."

God's plans for us are far greater, much more magnificent and amazing than we could ever even conceive. We need only to trust God, to give Him charge of our plans and dreams-and desires of our heart. We may not reap what we think is best/ important/ necessary for us here on earth. We may not realize the success/ wealth/ reward we have decided we want. But we can delight in God because "He's got our backs." He offers us hope and a future--a future with Him in heaven.

That is reason enough to delight!
Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Not Ordinary, Not Insignificant

Sometimes a thought or even a full-blown idea pops into my head!  This morning on my way to work, the words, "Not Ordinary, Not Insignificant" kept coming to mind. 

My "take" on these incidences is that God wants me to minister to someone -- whether I know who the someone is or not. The important point is that God wants me to minister.  So . . . here goes!

There are no doubt times/ situations/ people that can make us feel insignificant; when we consider the world's apparent definition of beauty/ success that we decide we are "just ordinary."  Well, the world is wrong and the situations in which you find yourself are illusory and passing. You are NOT ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. And you are certainly NOT insignificant!

You were planned, hoped for, longed for, perfectly and exactly created in God's image and according to His plan and purpose!  Perhaps I am speaking to my own past self!  There have been times I did and said things I now regret -- at times when I felt my significance was dependent upon the approval of someone or some others. That was before I realized I am neither ordinary nor insignificant.  How do I know this about myself and about you?  We are "fearfully and wonderfully made!

^"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV).

Do not for one minute believe what the world tells you! Don't listen to people who mean to bring you down to make themselves feel elevated.  Don't believe what you see in the media!  You are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation of the divine God!

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2 NIV).

What you say and do is important. What you think and believe is significant.  There is not a single "ordinary" thing about you or your existence.  You are important in this world and for this world!

You are not ordinary, not insignificant.  Speak up, speak out, live out loud! God believes you are not ordinary - but special; not insignificant - but of great value and with tremendous purpose.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 139:13 : Ps 119:73
2. Psalm 139:13 : S Job 10:11
3. Psalm 139:13 : Isa 44:2, 24; 46:3; 49:5; Jer 1:5
4. Psalm 139:14 : Ps 119:164; 145:10
5. Psalm 139:14 : S Job 40:19
6. Psalm 139:15 : Ecc 11:5
7. Psalm 139:15 : S Job 10:11
8. Psalm 139:15 : S Ps 63:9

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).


Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Squiqqly Faith

When we receive "good news" about a situation that had been thought somewhat hopeless, our hope increases!  On the other hand we don't want to "get our hopes up" lest we are ultimately disappointed.  It's a very "squiggly" line to walk!

When it comes to accepting God's will, I'm more like Job than I like to admit--questioning God and wondering about His will. I beseech God to grant an outcome of my choosing--of my desire. It's hard to pray God's will when we fear His will may be counter to our hoped for outcome!  It's hard to keep hoping when we've waited so long for our will to be done.

Job beseeches God (as do we?), “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze?" (Job 6:11-12 NIV)

God allows Job and his "friends" to go on and on for 37 verses before He finally has had enough! Thirty-seven versess! I pray God is as patient with me when I question, doubt, disagree, complain about His will because I walk that squiggly line every day!

God asks Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7 NIV)

Like, Job, I mentally kick myself for daring to question God.  “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:2-3)

Still yet, God blessed Job--as he truly has blessed me! Even though I walk that squiggly line of "thank you, God, but . . ."

Fortunately, God is so gracious that He waits for me to find my way to Him at the end of that line!. And He waits for each of us to find Him.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Grace and Hope Banish Fear and Doubt

My husband and I attended one of the worship services at our church this morning, and it was clearly God's plan for me to hear the particular sermon and the music this morning!

I told my husband that I came home feeling as if I wanted to delve more deeply into God's Word and that the scripture read and sermon delivered really "hit the bullseye" for me. The sermon was based on the Lenten study at church this year--The 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton.

The sermon included brief video clips of the author in the Holy Land - in the actual locations of Christ's last hours on earth -- Gethsamane, the walk to stand before the high priest, then to Pilate where His earthly fate was sealed.

I was reminded of the human emotions Jesus must have experienced--fear, anguish, perhaps even hopelessness(?). I found myself deeply grieved by the shallowness of my own fears and anguish, frustration and yes, hopelessness at any given time.

To read the story of the end of Jesus' life, it is impossible to doubt that we worship a God who understands us and all our emotions, our weaknesses, our shortcomings. Our scripture today was Mark 14:53-72. Peter's denial of Jesus is included in this scripture. Peter loved Jesus so much and yet he denied knowing him! I can't help but recall all the times I chose the "easy path" in my faith walk. I understand Peter. Fear is a compelling emotion. So is doubt. So is hopelessness.

Isn't it amazing how words written so long ago - about events that took place so long ago, could still speak to the very core of who and what we are? Isn't it amazing that God loved/loves us enough that He chose to become like us - and yet never like us. Jesus walked to the Cross as a man. He felt all the same emotions a human man would feel. His choice gives us hope, reassurance and courage.

Jesus died for us. God's grace conquered our fear and doubt once and for all. Because He rose, we can have hope. Because of Jesus.

And that is all I need to know!

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Free Gift

I love freebies! I enjoy couponing and generally participating in all things frugal! I jump at any opportunity get something free almost to the point of obsession--they are almost irrestible!

This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!

Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!

"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)

There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).

So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Predestined to be like Jesus

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predistined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NRSV).

Paul can be challenging to understand sometimes, but I like reading his writings (perhaps because he and I share a love of using more words than are sometimes necessary(?)). Paul writes from the viewpoint that what God knows and does in eternity appears to be a prior action - even though it is going on now - and will actually take place in the future.

In other words, while we will be called . . . justified . . . glorified at the end of time, it has already occured in eternity! God is so massive and His love so all-encompassing that neither He nor His love can be contained in time and space.

So if that is the case, why do I doubt His wisdom? Why do I struggle with situations in my life? How can I not be assured that God is in control? Always has been. Always will be. Since I believe in the certain future glory that awaits me in heaven, I have no need to worry about the past or the present. My future is assured! "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31 NRSV)

God is conforming us to the image and likeness of Christ so we can share in the glory of Christ. So, Paul considers the sufferings of the present not even worth complaining about because they couldn't possibly compare to the future glory that will be revealed to us as they were to Christ. That's so reassuring. And important to remember. Our future is certain! God waits for us with anticipation and longing--just as we wait for Him. That's called HOPE.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

He gives us the desires of our hearts

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil: (Psalm 37:2-8 NIV).

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children not born of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:12-14 NIV).

There's that word I struggle with: fret. I've written extensively how I fret and fret and fret! I even have a poem and devotion in my book about fretting. Yet I still fret. When I'm tired. When I'm not feeling well. When the world just seem so off-kilter and out of sinc. When I begin to lose hope. I fret.

I am a child of God and that is all I need! I thank the Father every day for adopting me into His family!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The Hope To Which We Are Called

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,," (Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV)

I'm asking for this Spirit of wisdom and revelation in my own life lately. God is certainly desiring that I know Him better by placing me solely and completely under His control and power.

I rejoice that I am being refined and shaped as He desires. I rejoice also that through Him and the gift of His Son, I may have hope that all is in His plan.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23 NIV).

"[ By Faith ] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Evil works where discouragement lodges

This past Sunday, I was just not up to braving the icy conditions and cold weather, so I watched the Grove Avenue Baptist Church broadcast. I have come to really like Mark Becton, the pastor. I was struck by one comment he made and it has stayed with me. He said, "Evil works where discouragement lodges."

I know this statement impacted me so much because it applies to me and my life! How about you? Are you discouraged?

I am prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder and it has been a long and cold winter here in Virginia. The snow is beautiful and I have savored the sunrises particularly in the past two weeks. I assume there is some meteorological reason for the especially stunning dawn sky recently. I love sitting in my living room watching the morning sky change and brighten through the glass doors to the deck.

In my writing nook hangs the calendar my son gave me for Christmas. Each month displays an absolutely gorgeous nature scene and offers a verse of scripture. The photo for February is a close up of a cherry blossom branch with a white dove, either landing or preparing to take off. The background is nothing but the blue sky.

We have been to Washington DC for many a Cherry Blossom festival and it's difficult to imagine balmy breezes and the almost overpowering scent of cherry blossom trees blooming when the thermometer reads 12 degrees and the landscape resembles a frozen tundra!

My discouragement whispers to me that winter will never end and I will experience this near claustrophobia until I die! Discouragement revisits the nibbling thought that the cherry blossoms will never bloom when I'm tired. I can deal with the 'regular' discouragements of life on a "good day." In the depths of winter, smothered by cold and draped in snow, I can all too readily invite discouragement in to where I lodge.

I rejoice that I know Jesus, the defeater of discouragement! With Him I have the energy and the strength to kick discouragement out, clean out the guest room where he comes to visit and send him packing on a one-way trip back to where he came from!

Spring is just around the corner!


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Faith and hope trample doubt

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" (James 1:4-6 NIV).

These verses don't mean that we will receive any thing we ask God for! This scripture means that God will grant us what He knows and understands we need -- either in the present moment or as preparation for the future.

Our job is to pray for obedience, strength, courage to accept any trouble, hardship, or circumstance we may be experiencing. As we look back over our lives hasn't God used our past experiences to prepare us for this day? Doesn't He uplift and strengthen us to endure whatever current hardship we are going through in the moment?

The faith James admonishes us to have is faith that God will continue to grant His good and perfect will for our lives. And that we will lean on Him to live out His will for our lives.

"[By Faith] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
MaryBlessings on your journey,
Mary

Prayer, faith, hope

Edie at Rich Gifts designed this beautiful prayer button for Mike, a member of our church family, battling cancer and multiple health issues. Please feel free to copy the code from my sidebar to place it on your blog or website. This family is need of on-going prayer. Scroll down to read about the journey Mike and his family have been on since shortly before Christmas or click HERE.

As an update, Mike had the umbrella procedure yesterday to drain the fluid from around his heart and apparently came through with flying colors. His wife felt good enough about how comfortably he was sleeping yesterday afternoon that she slipped out to spend some 'fun time' with their girls. Mike called her to change his earlier order from Slurpee to chocolate shake. How her heart must have leapt for joy to have that conversation with him in the midst of all they are experiencing.

~Prayer is powerful and God hears us when we call out to Him! Prayer moves mountains and it also guides the hands of skilled surgeons. It informs the wisdom of families making tough decisions about their future. It uplifts those barely hanging on to hope. Prayer invites God into our world and our prayers are powerful!

~Faith is not about believing God will give us what we want or do what we want Him to do. Faith is believing God is in control and that His desire is for only our good. He dwells with us and in heaven in the midst of pain and hardship, trial and suffering. He rejoices with us the joyful and celebratory moments as well.

~Hope is the promise that we will get through whatever life throws at us. Prayer and faith are the only way to get to hope.

Join me in taking time today to be still and know God is in heaven and on earth. In and through each of us His love is manifested to a hurting, broken world in desperate need of His healing and grace.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 NIV).

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT)


Join us for Word-filled Wednesday at The 160 Acre Woods.