3/9/10 Morning light is coming sooner these days. Oh, I still dress in the dark but when I arrive at work at 5:45 there is that hint of sunrise. It can just warm me all over. It gives me that glimmer of hope.
In the early morning darkness, it helps if someone else is there to walk alongside or to lead especially if they’ve walked this way many times in the past. During these past dark, dreary winter months, especially when our lone parking lot light wasn’t working, I've had to fumble for my belongings (you know what bag ladies teachers can be!) and stumble toward the entry.
Have you ever stumbled in the dark? What is it about darkness?
Maybe a better question would be, “What is it about the light?” It exposes all those bumps on our path and clearly shows the way to our destination. Sometimes just a small light can help---that’s why I keep a flashlight in my purse and by my bed. All “just in case” kind of gals do that, I think. Light helps to determine direction while waiting for the sunrise.
God’s word continues to be a “lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” as it says in Psalm 119: 105. That lamp shines for the steps I need to take today---those that are right in front of me. That light illuminates the entire path that is before me---my spiritual journey. It’s the light that keeps me from stumbling in the darkness of self. It’s the Sonlight that warms me and gives me hope.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
God’s Love = Undaunted Radiance = aglow with the Spirit
3/8/10 Yesterday’s My Utmost for His Highest entry was all about the love of God---a love freely given and not earned. A love that gives us power and radiance ---power to conquer all of the circumstances life seems to throw our way........
.......and radiance. Even the Edges of His Ways entry this past week dealt with “radiance.”
Paul says this (indwelling love) is why we are, “super-victors, with a joy we would not have but for the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us. …..Apply that to our own circumstances……tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. 'I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation,' says Paul. Undaunted radiance is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can alter.”
Undaunted radiance---a phrase to hang your hat on or sink your teeth into---a fearless, unperturbed acceptance of all that life in a fallen world sends our way while emboldening us with joie de vivre, vitality or spring in our step. I once used a Revlon make-up called Vital Radiance---marketed to women over 50. Maybe the company thought that a more mature woman needed a little sparkle to help her glow. A spiritually mature woman already has a glow. It comes from obedience in serving the Lord. Years ago, Mrs. Wheaton Ennis, (Dink) a mature believer from Highland Heights Presbyterian Church, exhibited that as she lived out Romans 12:11 “not flagging in zeal, aglow with the spirit, serving the Lord.” (RSV)
Because of her, I memorized that verse. Today it’s your turn.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37)
Paul says this (indwelling love) is why we are, “super-victors, with a joy we would not have but for the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us. …..Apply that to our own circumstances……tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. 'I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation,' says Paul. Undaunted radiance is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can alter.”
Undaunted radiance---a phrase to hang your hat on or sink your teeth into---a fearless, unperturbed acceptance of all that life in a fallen world sends our way while emboldening us with joie de vivre, vitality or spring in our step. I once used a Revlon make-up called Vital Radiance---marketed to women over 50. Maybe the company thought that a more mature woman needed a little sparkle to help her glow. A spiritually mature woman already has a glow. It comes from obedience in serving the Lord. Years ago, Mrs. Wheaton Ennis, (Dink) a mature believer from Highland Heights Presbyterian Church, exhibited that as she lived out Romans 12:11 “not flagging in zeal, aglow with the spirit, serving the Lord.” (RSV)
Because of her, I memorized that verse. Today it’s your turn.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mo Lips---
3/7/10 ….no “mo” lips’ stories. I’ve learned my lesson.
Have you ever made a serious sensitivity faux pas? Recently Larry and I (under duress) had our picture made for the church directory. It was relatively painless except Larry said I needed to relax so I wouldn’t look constipated. You get the idea of the trauma I was under.
After our couple pose, the photographer wanted to do a single shot of me. I, (with my"cancer mouth" surgery scars) less than graciously, declined. To make matters worse, we then went back out to the “holding” area to wait a turn to preview the pix. I and my big mouth (1/2 of it is big, anyway) preceded to announce that I declined to take the individual shot. “Why would anyone want a single picture of this old lady?” I asked in a somewhat deprecating manner. I guess I could use it as a coffin picture I jokingly said. Then I looked across the aisle at a precious, godly widow who no longer had someone to join her in her photo. I wanted to crawl under the chair. Where was my sensitivity? This world doesn’t revolve around my face and my surgeries---a mind’s eye photo of self-preoccupation loomed large and ugly.
That emotional shock really came home to me last week as I received the 8x10 picture in the mail. (At first, it loomed large and ugly to me.) I even saw Larry wince as he looked at it. But, it’s not about my semi-incorrectly aligned mouth any more. It’s about gratitude. I’m grateful that I don’t need a coffin picture yet. I’m grateful that God forgave my insensitivity faux pas. I’m grateful for life lessons taught by a loving God and embraced by a forgiving widow.
Have you ever made a serious sensitivity faux pas? Recently Larry and I (under duress) had our picture made for the church directory. It was relatively painless except Larry said I needed to relax so I wouldn’t look constipated. You get the idea of the trauma I was under.
After our couple pose, the photographer wanted to do a single shot of me. I, (with my"cancer mouth" surgery scars) less than graciously, declined. To make matters worse, we then went back out to the “holding” area to wait a turn to preview the pix. I and my big mouth (1/2 of it is big, anyway) preceded to announce that I declined to take the individual shot. “Why would anyone want a single picture of this old lady?” I asked in a somewhat deprecating manner. I guess I could use it as a coffin picture I jokingly said. Then I looked across the aisle at a precious, godly widow who no longer had someone to join her in her photo. I wanted to crawl under the chair. Where was my sensitivity? This world doesn’t revolve around my face and my surgeries---a mind’s eye photo of self-preoccupation loomed large and ugly.
That emotional shock really came home to me last week as I received the 8x10 picture in the mail. (At first, it loomed large and ugly to me.) I even saw Larry wince as he looked at it. But, it’s not about my semi-incorrectly aligned mouth any more. It’s about gratitude. I’m grateful that I don’t need a coffin picture yet. I’m grateful that God forgave my insensitivity faux pas. I’m grateful for life lessons taught by a loving God and embraced by a forgiving widow.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
A Wednesday Disclaimer---(on Saturday, no less)
3/6/10 Comment from last Wednesday’s “confession” blog created some illusions about my “ease” and immediate actions in turning things over to God. Truth be known, said actions and the ensuing answers don’t always come quickly---I mull and stew and pray sometimes for days and then…answers come....and then… I write a blog---there are no “Presto” answers in my life. Well, technically the answers are there---it just takes me a while to get to them---sometimes a long while. But God……(and His truth) is always there. I’m the one who often has to relearn an old lesson. Here’s some additional truth I’ve learned about lips---actually, same truths, new version for easy reading.
How can a young person (or old like me) live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I'm single-minded in pursuit of you; don't let me miss the road signs you've posted. I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it. I relish everything you've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it.
(Psalm 119:9, The Message)
Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise. Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you've taught me the truth about life! And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you've given is right. Put your hand out and steady me since I've chosen to live by your counsel. I'm homesick, God, for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me! I'll recognize the sound of your voice.Praying today for self and readers that “praise will cascade off my (our) lips.
(Psalm 119:69, The Message)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Beyond Social Networking
3/5/10
Did you ever wonder what a “Facebook” page for God would look like? Would you accept if He asked you to be his friend? What would you write on His wall? Would you want others to see what He might right on your wall?
Not being much of a social networker, I’m not exactly qualified to blog about this relatively new, but exploding, phenomenon. I know from the tech-savvy teens at HHS that there are lots of ways to connect with others. These digital natives, who are always plugged in or logged on, can at the same time be virtually tuned out---disconnected. Connected only in a in a virtual sense, as I indicated in a previous blog.
I don’t have a twitter account so I never have occasion to tweet. Yet, these kids have already advanced to complimenting each other by retweeting. If I were on twitter with God, He would read all my “tweets” ----even the harried ones of seemingly insignificant details like, “what can I fix for supper?” to “where can I park?” He would also read my text messages but texting takes me way too long. It’s hard to pour out my heart on a miniscule phone keyboard. Prayer is the best instant messaging I have.
Whatever you want to talk about is out there in cyberspace---a global conversation just waiting for you to chime in, especially with like-minded folks, those others who share your passions Virtual (not actual/hypothetical) connections are surface level at best----rarely going beyond “chit-chat” in the relational realm. Whatever you need to talk to God about is also okay. He's interested. He's waiting. He shares your passions but He goes deeper.
Winnie the Pooh says, “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Maybe we need to really go, not virtually go---you know, face to face, not facebook to facebook. Can you go in person today to “link up” with someone in need---in need of an “atta boy” or an “atta girl” or “you can do it” or just in need of you being there with a listening ear.
Did you ever wonder what a “Facebook” page for God would look like? Would you accept if He asked you to be his friend? What would you write on His wall? Would you want others to see what He might right on your wall?
Not being much of a social networker, I’m not exactly qualified to blog about this relatively new, but exploding, phenomenon. I know from the tech-savvy teens at HHS that there are lots of ways to connect with others. These digital natives, who are always plugged in or logged on, can at the same time be virtually tuned out---disconnected. Connected only in a in a virtual sense, as I indicated in a previous blog.
I don’t have a twitter account so I never have occasion to tweet. Yet, these kids have already advanced to complimenting each other by retweeting. If I were on twitter with God, He would read all my “tweets” ----even the harried ones of seemingly insignificant details like, “what can I fix for supper?” to “where can I park?” He would also read my text messages but texting takes me way too long. It’s hard to pour out my heart on a miniscule phone keyboard. Prayer is the best instant messaging I have.
Whatever you want to talk about is out there in cyberspace---a global conversation just waiting for you to chime in, especially with like-minded folks, those others who share your passions Virtual (not actual/hypothetical) connections are surface level at best----rarely going beyond “chit-chat” in the relational realm. Whatever you need to talk to God about is also okay. He's interested. He's waiting. He shares your passions but He goes deeper.
Winnie the Pooh says, “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Maybe we need to really go, not virtually go---you know, face to face, not facebook to facebook. Can you go in person today to “link up” with someone in need---in need of an “atta boy” or an “atta girl” or “you can do it” or just in need of you being there with a listening ear.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Check your Connections
3/4/10 Have you ever lost connections…….lost service when trying to Twitter……lost a Skype connection in a thunderstorm….lost a signal when texting on your iPhone or mapquesting on your iPod Touch…..lost e-mails on your computer when the server went down…..or lost documents when your hard drive crashed?
The first rule of thumb is to always check your connections. Nowadays some of those connections are no longer tangible like a plug in a socket or a USB port. Reestablishing a connection can be a hassle. Teenagers who are disconnected, even momentarily, often act as if it’s the end of the world.
Mankind is driven to connect. It’s our way of filling that empty space in our lives. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) called it a ”God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God....”
Are you trying to fill this void through “virtual” connections? Do you spend vast amounts of time “on-line” in some form or another or with your cell phone glued to your ear? Granted, interaction and dialogue can be attained in a nanosecond…..but these virtual connections can only go so far and can disconnect without warning. We can connect with the Lord just as quickly and that connection is always open as long as we keep a clean heart. Do you need to check your connections? Do you need to reconnect with God? No electronic attachments or cyber service needed. Connect with Him at anytime. How ‘bout today?
The first rule of thumb is to always check your connections. Nowadays some of those connections are no longer tangible like a plug in a socket or a USB port. Reestablishing a connection can be a hassle. Teenagers who are disconnected, even momentarily, often act as if it’s the end of the world.
Mankind is driven to connect. It’s our way of filling that empty space in our lives. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) called it a ”God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God....”
Are you trying to fill this void through “virtual” connections? Do you spend vast amounts of time “on-line” in some form or another or with your cell phone glued to your ear? Granted, interaction and dialogue can be attained in a nanosecond…..but these virtual connections can only go so far and can disconnect without warning. We can connect with the Lord just as quickly and that connection is always open as long as we keep a clean heart. Do you need to check your connections? Do you need to reconnect with God? No electronic attachments or cyber service needed. Connect with Him at anytime. How ‘bout today?
The LORD hears when I call to Him. (Psalm 4:3b)
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wednesday Confession Guide
3/3/10 O Lord, open my lips,That my mouth may declare Your praise.(Psalm 51:15)
As many know, Wednesdays are all about confessions for me and this one is no different---because I’m dealing with sin, I’m just not sure which one it is. Wonder what the root sin of preoccupation with self, ungrateful spirit, pride, lack of contentment or fear is? Is there one “biggie” for all of these ugly manifestations?
It’s all about lips you see. Mainly mine. Last week I saw two beautiful HHS girls driving by with their lips wrapped around a cigarette and I just wanted to scream out at them----WARNING!! Both your lungs and your lips are at risk. Your young, full, beautiful, laughing lips. Mine aren’t so beautiful----I know…. they are so much better than anyone thought they would be. I also know that I avoid mirrors lately because they remind me of how I really look. A gal who always depended on her smile to get her through life can be a little disheartened when her drooping/stroke-like lips make her want to cover up her new whoppy-jawed weird smile. Yes, I know I smile with my eyes. Yes, I know all the kind words that folks say---what else can one say without being cruel? I know all these things and yet I still struggle with----what is it I struggle with? Self-pity, pride, discontent. Sin---that’s it plain and simple---my focus has wandered again. My remedy: His Word.
My prayer: May I use my lips for Your glory. “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” (Psalm 71:23, KJV) Nothing more is needed. Lord, help me to remember that and be grateful.
As many know, Wednesdays are all about confessions for me and this one is no different---because I’m dealing with sin, I’m just not sure which one it is. Wonder what the root sin of preoccupation with self, ungrateful spirit, pride, lack of contentment or fear is? Is there one “biggie” for all of these ugly manifestations?
It’s all about lips you see. Mainly mine. Last week I saw two beautiful HHS girls driving by with their lips wrapped around a cigarette and I just wanted to scream out at them----WARNING!! Both your lungs and your lips are at risk. Your young, full, beautiful, laughing lips. Mine aren’t so beautiful----I know…. they are so much better than anyone thought they would be. I also know that I avoid mirrors lately because they remind me of how I really look. A gal who always depended on her smile to get her through life can be a little disheartened when her drooping/stroke-like lips make her want to cover up her new whoppy-jawed weird smile. Yes, I know I smile with my eyes. Yes, I know all the kind words that folks say---what else can one say without being cruel? I know all these things and yet I still struggle with----what is it I struggle with? Self-pity, pride, discontent. Sin---that’s it plain and simple---my focus has wandered again. My remedy: His Word.
Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise.
(Psalm 51:7, The Message)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
"Tea with Thee"
3/2/10 A cup of hot tea (cuppa) is the ideal accompaniment to my morning routine. Sally B. asked me what would be a good tea? WOW, that’s a hard question----there are so many good choices but each tea lover would probably give a different answer. Black loose tea is usually my preference---a good hearty assam with real sugar and a drop of milk. No cream for me, it masks the flavor. Most teas are a good blend. Just don’t oversteep them. Add more tea, not longer steeping time, otherwise your “cuppa” can be “bittah.” For my recent cold winter mornings I have enjoyed a good Irish Breakfast Tea----Bewley’s, Barry’s or Lyon’s---all good, robust, black tea blends. I probably lean toward Bewley’s because of the memory it evokes---Grafton Street, 1993. Porridge for me---full Irish b’fast for Larry---both served with a pot of their signature tea. Not sure why, but I remember the sign above the entry of this famous Dublin establishment. It said Bewley’s Oriental Café, though there was nothing oriental about it---just a cafeteria-like line, small tables and a bustling atmosphere. Knowing my affinity for their tea, Josh brought me some back from his last trip there. Yum-m-m-m!
There’s just something about starting my day with my fingers wrapped around my warm teacup---most mugs are too big---a devotional book on the chair arm and my Bible open on my lap (the original laptop) that opens my eyes to infinite possibilities. “Tea with Thee.” The best “routine” morning times are like my tea---steeped just right, not rushed. An ordinary cup of tea, my daily Jesus Calling reading, simple scripture verses at my fingertips----ordinary beginnings can make a day extraordinary.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. (Psalm 143:8)
There’s just something about starting my day with my fingers wrapped around my warm teacup---most mugs are too big---a devotional book on the chair arm and my Bible open on my lap (the original laptop) that opens my eyes to infinite possibilities. “Tea with Thee.” The best “routine” morning times are like my tea---steeped just right, not rushed. An ordinary cup of tea, my daily Jesus Calling reading, simple scripture verses at my fingertips----ordinary beginnings can make a day extraordinary.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. (Psalm 143:8)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Heart Rending Meditation
3/1/10 The cutting words tore through the fabric of my emotions. How grateful I am for the ONE whose veil was rent on my behalf. Sometimes when the world gets heavy, we need some “heavy” meditation. Today’s verse is just that. Just thinking on it and drawing near has removed the heaviness from my heart.
Hebrews 10:19-22 So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" (veil) into God's presence is his body."God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede." -- Oswald Chambers
So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (The Message)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
"SIP & SEE"
2/27/10 A “Sip & See” is such a lovely Southern tradition. It gives folks a way to see baby #2 or #3 and delight in his/her arrival. Over a cup of tea or punch, friends and relatives come together to mingle and coo and goo over the family’s recent bundle of joy. It’s a time of celebration for all that a baby represents---from chubby toes and fingers, smacking lips, and sweet smells, (mostly), to purity, innocence and hope. It’s all about the baby. He or she is the focus of the event. Today was Watson’s “sip & see”; I was disappointed to have to miss it.
I thought about it this morning as I sipped my “cuppa” and prayed for this youngster, just over a month old. I was having my own sip and see---a cup of Bewley’s Irish Breakfst Tea in one hand and my prayer journal in the other.
A "spiritual sip and see" is a great way to begin my day. I delight in it---a robust cup of tea, one with a bold smooth flavor. A “cuppa” that’s a real eye-opener to get me focused---so that I have eyes to see the One who is not only pure and innocent but also the hope for eternal life. I’m disappointed if I can't attend.
I thought about it this morning as I sipped my “cuppa” and prayed for this youngster, just over a month old. I was having my own sip and see---a cup of Bewley’s Irish Breakfst Tea in one hand and my prayer journal in the other.
A "spiritual sip and see" is a great way to begin my day. I delight in it---a robust cup of tea, one with a bold smooth flavor. A “cuppa” that’s a real eye-opener to get me focused---so that I have eyes to see the One who is not only pure and innocent but also the hope for eternal life. I’m disappointed if I can't attend.
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