Together

It was a moment in time, a moment so simple, yet so beautiful and moving that there were tears in my eyes. I was playing with one of my favorite little boys. He was curled up inside a cardboard box pretending to be a baby cicada. A very cute baby cicada :)  But suddenly it just hit me (as it often does), how beautiful a gift it is just to simply be with other people. I'm not even sure how to describe it, but there's just something breathtakingly wonderful and special about being present with someone, especially someone you love. Suddenly the dirty dishes and unswept floor just don't seem quite so important. The worries about tomorrow somehow loosen their grip. I revel in these moments.

I've been learning a lot these last few years about the journey (the pilgrimage). There really can be joy in the journey, if we stop to find it. Sharing life with others, being present, walking together, learning together, encouraging one another, lifting each other up in prayer, bearing one another's burdens, these things all bring joy. We are the body of Christ after all, working together for one great purpose. I'm more grateful than I have words for, to be a part of this body, to know I am far from alone on my journey. It's often difficult in our individualistic society, to really connect with people. But this connection, this community, is one if the greatest gifts Jesus has given us. One which continues through eternity!

But even this great gift pales in comparison to the greatest gift. We have the privilege of a constant companion. One who never leaves our side, never gives up in us, even carries is when we need Him to. I still can't comprehend that the King of the universe would want to be present with me, walk with me! But it's true. He says:

"NEVER will I leave you. NEVER will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5, emphasis mine).

Life takes on an incredible sweetness when we walk with Jesus. His mere presence changes everything. Burdens are lighter, fears are banished, and there is joy! Just because He is. I can think of no greater gift than the presence and companionship of Jesus Himself. And He is everything. We need nothing else.

Together, we can face anything. Together, life is sweeter. Together we walk, together we live, together we fight. Thank you Jesus, not alone,

Together

The Moment of Truth

Fear. Pure, raw, fear must have nearly incapacitated the children of Isreal as they stood on the banks of the Red Sea. Why?! they must have cried to Moses. Why are we in this impossible place? The enemy is fast on our heels and there is no way out! We are hemmed in on every side. If God doesn't do something, we will die! It was the moment of truth. Would God indeed deliver them? 

"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV)

God made a way through the impossible. The people were hungry; God sent manna. They were thirsty; He made water gush from a rock. They were under attack, He saved them.Time and again God proved Himself faithful, and able to do what couldn't be done.

Fast forward. The scene is the same: God's people surrounded on all sides. No way of escape. Fear, confusion, uncertainty. Desperation. God! Why have you brought me here!? I've been trying so hard to follow You. What do I do?! How do I escape? Lord, if you don't intervene, I will not survive. The moment of truth: will God come through? Only this time it's you and me in the story. Our battles all look different, but we are all fighting them. The things we trust in might be different, but they all must be ripped away. Not until we come to that place, that place where there is nothing else, no one else, no other hope besides Jesus; only then can we know the answer for ourselves. 

"This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:15,17 NIV)

Never forget that Jesus is fighting for you. Never forget the love that motivated Him to give it all. Never forget where your strength lies or where victory comes from. And victory will come. In that moment of truth, that moment when there is only Jesus, we'll find that He is truely more than enough.

"Get going.....I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. .... It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage!...Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:1-9 MSG)

The Day by Day God

Have you ever read something that seemed like a play-by-play of your own life? Or just read something that makes you want to shout "Exactly! That's it!"? I felt that way this week when I picked up a "random" (God doesn't do random) book at the library. It's a book about coping with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). I certainly haven't been diagnosed with MS, but I do have a precursor condition called MTHFR, and many of the same symptoms.

I still don't really understand how it all works, but the point is that I really identified with the stories in this book. It made me feel validated and not quite so alone in my illness. But it also made me realize that, like it or not, my life is different than it used to be. The future is unclear, but I do know that I can't ever go back and be who I used to be. Sometimes it makes me sad, angry, or overwhelmed. But at other times I feel very hopeful. The symptoms are varied and unpredictable. Most people don't really get it, and I don't know how to explain. But I'm learning that it's important to share with others, even though it can be super hard at times.

I admit, I really wish I wasn't ill, but all the same, I wouldn't trade the beautiful experiences I've had for anything. I've learned about what's really important in life (Jesus and people). I've learned how God's strength is perfect in weakness. How the choices we make each day matter much more than how we feel. I've learned the beauty of true friendship, and what it means to really walk through life with people. I've come to know Jesus in a way that I never even fathomed before ( though I long to know Him much more deeply). I've learned that living is not for the faint of heart, and only Jesus can revive the fainting heart.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26(NIV)

Mostly I'm learning to walk day by day with Jesus, depending on Him for absolutely everything (read that: still a long way to go!). He doesn't mind carrying me, and He is certainly able. His love is unfathomable and unchanging. As His plan unfolds, I pray for the courage and grace to live each new day standing strong on the mighty promises of Jesus: loving others and letting Him work through me. I may fail Him daily (hourly) but He will never EVER fail me!

Fly Together

Our worship story tonight was about geese, and how God made them to fly in their distinctive V-shape. They fly together to help each other. They take turns leading when one gets tired, they can fly easier in this formation, and supposedly the ones in the back even honk to encourage the leaders to keep going!

I'm so grateful that Jesus gives us opportunities to journey together. There is nothing sweeter than knowing you are not alone as you march on, with Jesus at the center of the way, and as a constant companion. We were made to help each other, encourage each other, and lift each other up. Each of us has a place in God's family. Each one has something valuable to offer. It's often hard though, to reach out to others, especially if we are feeling weak ourselves. But Jesus' grace is more than enough. He understands our weaknesses, and in fact says that His power is best revealed then (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Walking together is not about having it all together, or pretending we do. It's about showing up, being honest, being real, sharing together, and giving God permission to use us. Although I regularly fail at this, I have to admit that some of my greatest blessings in life have come when I've taken a chance and shared with someone.

The inspiration for this blog was the work Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. In the first book, Christian journeys much of the way alone, and faces great trials, often losing his way. But in the second book Christiana travels in company with others. They even have a guide to accompany them. While they still face great trials, they face them together and encourage each other along the way. God designed us to be a community of followers. In the New Testament church the believers even shared all things in common (which I imagine included living spaces, food, money, etc). Just thinking out loud here, I wonder what it would take to make that kind of church again? The kind of church (group of believers) against which the gates of hell cannot stand? Can't wait to get to heaven, where there will be an eternity of enjoying Jesus together with fellow pilgrims.

Feeling grateful today for those who journey with me. Thank you Jesus for this sweet taste of heaven.

A Grateful Heart

  So, I've been thinking a lot lately about how to live a life of contentment. After 3 or 4 attempts to write a blog about it, I decided that it’s just too big of a subject to cover all at once. So I’ll start with one of the key aspects of learning to be content: living gratefully. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s difficult, but cultivating a grateful spirit can be life changing. It’s just really amazing to me how perspective can change when focusing on the blessings. I've heard it so many times before, but I want to explore how to make it a practical reality in my own life. I’m starting off by taking a 30-day "Choosing Gratitude" Challenge. Every time I feel tempted to complain or feel sorry for myself, I’m trying to redirect to something I’m thankful for. And I’m trying to be more intentional about sharing these things out loud, with others. The number of things that I have to be grateful for is just astounding. But for now, here are my top 10:

Above all else, I’m grateful for Jesus. His presence in our lives is absolutely the biggest blessing that we could ever wish for. I’m grateful for every moment I have with Him, for knowing Him more deeply, and for the best that is yet to come.

I’m grateful for love and grace. Where would I be without it? There is nothing higher, or better, or bigger than the love of God, and we receive showers of His grace each day. Every breath, every moment of life, everything we have and are is due to His grace. It’s unfathomable, but even though I can’t fully grasp it, I am eternally grateful for it.

I’m grateful for family. Jesus is so good, He knew we all needed to be a part of a family, and I am privileged to be a part of several. The beautiful, wonderful family I was born into – they are the ones who have been with me from the beginning and continually care for me and show their love and support. The special people God has connected me with who have welcomed me into their lives and demonstrated the love of God in so many ways. Friends - who have shared their journeys with me, and walked beside me. The great, big, family of God, made up of people who are very different, but all united in love for our Jesus. My heavenly family - all waiting in anxious anticipation for the day we can all be together.  What a wonderful blessing it is.

I’m grateful for hope. Hope is what gives us the courage to get out of bed each day. It’s what gives us the strength to keep on trying. It’s what motivates us to live. One who has no hope cannot survive. By the grace of God, I have a blessed hope that gives my life meaning and purpose. This world is not the end. I have an eternity of glory to look forward to, side by side with my Jesus.

I’m grateful to be free. The debt I owed was immensely larger than I could ever hope to pay. But due to Jesus’ great sacrifice for me, I can live free, and forever. I am not bound by the chains of sin and guilt, but I’m free, because of God’s amazing grace.

I’m grateful that all my physical necessities are provided for. The sad reality is that many people are dying each day because they lack the basic necessities.  I not only have what I need, but more left over to share (and I ask God to help me learn to be more generous).

I’m grateful for health. While I certainly long for the day when our bodies will be made new and disease free, I’m grateful that I can walk, and talk, and think. I can see and hear and breathe.  I’m grateful that Jesus gives me strength, day by day.

I’m grateful for the natural world. Everything God made helps us to gain a clearer picture of Him. Every little plant and bird speaks of His love. All things were made for our benefit and enjoyment. The majestic mountains, the rushing stream, the melodious songbird, the fading evening rays; all have their place in the Creator’s grand plan. (Lately I’ve been especially grateful to be able to wake up to pretty little bird songs outside my window each morning).

I’m grateful for the Good Shepherd. I have no doubt that I am as silly and naïve as a lamb, but the Good Shepherd leads me, guides me, and carries me in His arms. He protects me and takes such good care of me. He is tender and kind, compassionate and patient. I want for nothing when He is near.

I’m grateful to be included in God’s great plan. His will is for every person on earth to become a part of His family.  He loves us all so passionately and wants the very best for us. Wise as He is, He has given me (and each one) a part to play in His plan. Now, I can’t say I always do my part faithfully, and there are often times I don’t understand, but there is such great joy in being used by Him and being able to be a part of the work He is doing in every heart.

Thank you, thank you, Jesus, for each and every blessing.

Note: I deeply apologize to any grammatically correct readers. This post, especially, is full of errors I'm sure, but it comes from the heart!

God is Good

The traditional chant from my high school years went like this: God is good, ALL THE TIME! and all the time, GOD IS GOOD!

 It's true 'ya know. It's true when the sun is shining and I'm lying in my hammock enjoying the breeze. It's true when the sky is dark and there are nothing but storms in sight. Sometimes His goodness feels like happiness, sometimes it feels like pain, as He opens wounds to heal. Sometimes His goodness looks like bright opportunities and hope for tomorrow. Sometimes it looks like waiting and trusting. 

  In C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Lucy voices the question I think we all really want to know: Is He safe? 'Course He's not safe! He's not a tame lion. But He IS good. Meaning that God is not someone who can be put in a box or controlled. He is God after all. His ways are so much bigger than ours, and the only way to live is by simply trusting in His goodness.

  Recently I decided to begin compiling a kind of master list of meaningful verses, inspiring quotes, and encouraging words from friends that I've received lately. The thing that immediately struck me, was that I had something for almost every single day. Every day God had spoken to me, words of comfort and hope. It was a reminder that God is not silent (I just don't always listen). And He is good, so understanding of our needs and weaknesses.

 Just now as I was searching for a quote above, I stumbled across this beautiful blog post (http://www.itakejoy.com/course-he-isnt-safe-but-he-is-good-he-is-not-a-tame-lion/). I love where she says 

"You can’t just read God’s Facebook profile and suppose you can be close to His heart. To be near to His heart–understanding His heart, believing He really loves you, experiencing His personality, requires hours and hours of real life in His presence".

   Understanding God's goodness requires understanding/knowing His heart. It requires a real, live relationship, something built on daily experiences (maybe even mostly mundane experiences). It's walking side by side through good times and bad, experiencing life, together. 

  My God is not tame, but He surely is good. I pray that as I seek to be with Him day by day, His heart of love and goodness will be more fully revealed, both to me, and in me.

The Extraordinary Life

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live an extraordinary life? Most of the time it seems like life on this planet is all about survival, trying to fit in, be normal, and make it through. But recently I've become pretty discontent with this way of living, I think there ought to be more.  Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).But what does it mean to live an extraordinary life? What does it take? Actually, I think every follower of Jesus is called to an "abnormal" life, one that doesn't meet the status quo or follow the rules of society, or even logic. 

    While I'm still very much on the journey, here are some things I've gleaned so far, relating to what I believe an extraordinary life looks like. 

1. Jesus only

    An extraordinary life focuses above all on a relationship with Jesus Christ. He becomes first, best, and only in our lives. He is our best Friend, Comforter, constant companion, and the provider of all we need. This is radical, really radical. It changes everything about your life. Not for the faint of heart (unless that faint heart is given to Jesus, and He'll make it strong :) Honestly, I should stop right here. Knowing Jesus is the definition of an extraordinary life. It's all about Him. Really. I saw this  today and I plan to claim it as my personal mission statement:

    Mission:

To know Him and

To make Him known

2. Love

     Human beings cannot survive without love. Love is synonymous with God. It was for no other reason than love that we were created, and also saved. We cannot love on our own, we can only love and be loved through the grace of Jesus. Vital to true living. 

3. Eternal perspective

    The easiest way to avoid an extraordinary life is to forget that this planet is not our permanent residence. Don't get comfortable! We're just passing through. There is more to life, there is a promise of eternal life for those who know Jesus. Rethinking things with an eternal perspective really impacts the way you live your life. Take money for example, once I realize that it's all God's money anyway, I don't have to stress so much about having it or not. Once I remember that a day is coming when there will be no more pain, sorrow, or sickness, then I can deal with those things a little easier, knowing they're not permanent. Once I realize that I really don't belong here, I don't have to worry so much about fitting in and conforming to society's norms. I can focus on my mission.

4. Connection

     We were created to connect to each other, to have community, work together, share together, help each other out. I've read so many studies recently which find that positive social interactions and meaningful relationships contribute greatly to happy and healthy lives. Family and close friends are the people who help you through the hard times, encouraging you to keep going. It's also part of God's plan for sharing Him, enlarging the circle of love as Lee Venden puts it. But as I've noted before, true connection requires vulnerability and hard work. The results, however, can be life-changing.

5. Hope

     People who have survived some great tragedy often cite hope as the only reason they made it through. Hope is trusting in God, having faith that He'll come through, even when your eyes can't see.  Hope is living every day standing on the firm promises of God's word, doing battle, claiming victory, knowing the outcome is sure. Hope is clinging to Jesus through the storms of life. Hope is enduring the now, with eyes fixed on the bright future to come.

6. Believing Truth

    I almost titled this one positive thinking, but they're not quite the same. Believing Truth (and living like you believe it) is about something real, not simply pie in the sky, as they say. It's choosing to believe God and take Him at His Word, whether it's about who He is, or who I am, or what He can do. It's choosing to focus on these things, dwell on them, remember them. Researchers say that it takes a 3 to 1 ratio of positive thoughts to negative thoughts. This is a particular area of struggle for me, the devil loves to place all kinds of negative (mostly untrue) thoughts in my mind. But praise Jesus He is strong enough to combat this and fill us instead with His beautiful, lovely Truth. Focusing on the positive gives you momentum in that direction and can actually help change your course in life.

7. Lifestyle choices

    Living an extraordinary life really doesn't feel that extraordinary most of the time. It's about making little, unimpressive choices every day that leads to victory. These might be things like physical health, being active and choosing good foods, drinking water. It might include spending time in nature, meditation, learning healthy mental habits, laughter, expressing creativity, expressing gratitude, taking breaks from technology, focusing on the important things in life, getting rid of clutter (both physical and otherwise). The key is that all of these choices are based on a larger goal. The goal is not reached instantly, but instead, step by step, choice by choice.

     

8. Being you

   There is only one you. God created each of us uniquely and lovingly. He has a plan for each life, a purpose to be fulfilled. A video I watched today said that one of the top 5 regrets people have on their deathbed is that they wished they had had the courage to be themselves, instead of who everyone else told them they should be. Don't let doubts and fears, insecurities and the opinions of others, stop you from being who God created you to be. There is such beauty in opening this treasure to the world. And no one else can do it, only you. Let God renew you and refine you, choose to trust Him and reveal His breathtaking creation to the world.

So the question is: who are you going to listen to? (I ask myself). On the one hand, the devil and the world tell you that you are destined for nothing better than an ordinary life, so work hard to try and find some comfort and happiness on your own. On the other hand Jesus invites you to a live an extraordinary life with Him, for eternity. The price is steep (it costs all you have), but the joy is unfathomable. What will you choose?