I am a day dreamer. I enjoy scrolling through the future memories of my mental scrapbook as much as I enjoy flipping through the camera roll on my phone. A day, a month, an age ahead I will fantasize about everything from the food I am going to eat tonight to the food I am going to cook for my future man. When the trailer for the latest kid movie pops on TV I imagine and anticipate my lap full of popcorn and nieces and nephews; and the moment the commercial switches to yogurt I dream about a far off vacation to Greece that I will never afford. I am a thinker, a planner and a dreamer. It's fun for me and it saves a ton of money on XM radio.
The best part about day dreams, however, is the absence of difficulty. In the moving pictures of my mind the popcorn never burns, kids don't need to go to the bathroom a thousand times during the movie, and my new husband thinks I could stand to gain a few pounds. No one imagines a life filled with pot holes. No one fantasizes rough patches. For that very reason, I am so grateful for the rough patches I experience with the Lord. If God were not real; if Jesus had not truly saved me and this was all just the work of an active imagination to cope with the difficulties of life (as Christians are often accused) then I assure you as an avid imagineer I would refrain from including rough patches. The awkwardness in my relationship with Him and the struggles I feel in my communication with Him are one of the many affirmations of His existence and His desire for real relationship with me, and with all of His children.
I know He is real; I know He speaks; I am certain of it, because sometimes I do not like what He has to say. Sometimes I want to talk about things that He has moved on from, sometimes He wants to talk about things that I do not want to move to, and sometimes I do not want to talk to Him at all. I am not proud of those moments and I am grateful for His compassion and grace because certainly it is always true that the rough patches in my relationship with the Sovereign God lay squarely at the feet of this fallen, but redeemed daughter.
I am so enamored with the life I dream, and those dreams give me ambition and goals. Those dreams give me contentment in where I am and drive to not stay here; but I am in love with the life I have, and this Thanksgiving I am most delighted for the rough patches and for the God who loves me enough to stick with me through them and patiently guide me through stumbling blocks of my own design. I love Him and He loves me - in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, always, as death will never part us.
"But in all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NASB - emphasis mine)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
A Bowl of Bananas
Somewhere in the world today our Creator God, Father of those who trust in Him, watches over the birth of a new baby while at the very same moment comforting a family who has received dreadful news. He presides over a blissful couple's new steps as husband and wife; and He aches as a marriage feels the pangs of distress. He is Mighty Warrior in the midst of a war zone as men and women call out in desperation for safety and refuge. He comforts a child who feels unloved and afraid. He celebrates the next year of a princess in training as she blows out little pink birthday candles on her favorite cake.
Today, He peeks into the depths of the ocean and delights in a funny little fish you and I will never even see. He quickens a driver's reflexes to avoid an accident and adjusts the twinkle of a star. He stands far above time and space and eternity and sits near and intimately in hospital waiting rooms and living room couches. He walks the rows of classroom desks and the halls of Capitol Hill. He directs warm sun and cool shade on the faces of men, women, and children who have no home and soaks the soil of a farmer on His knees.
He is everywhere; He is always; And He is with me - right now, in this moment - sitting at my table staring at a bowl of bananas. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.
Great and Worthy and Wonderful is our God!
Today, He peeks into the depths of the ocean and delights in a funny little fish you and I will never even see. He quickens a driver's reflexes to avoid an accident and adjusts the twinkle of a star. He stands far above time and space and eternity and sits near and intimately in hospital waiting rooms and living room couches. He walks the rows of classroom desks and the halls of Capitol Hill. He directs warm sun and cool shade on the faces of men, women, and children who have no home and soaks the soil of a farmer on His knees.
He is everywhere; He is always; And He is with me - right now, in this moment - sitting at my table staring at a bowl of bananas. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.
Great and Worthy and Wonderful is our God!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Jesus I Expected
Only a few days before the crucifixion of Jesus, he road into town on a young donkey, upon his arrival the people spread palm branches and their own coats on the path before Him and proclaimed, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:1-10; see also Matthew 21, John 12) The people were elated and they joyously and eagerly welcomed Jesus into their lives as their conquering king. What a sight it would have been as so many families grabbed their coats and shoes and hurried to this impromptu parade, tearing branches from the trunks of nearby trees so they could be a part of laying out the "red carpet" for Jesus. The hope of their salvation erupted into shouts of praise and celebration; however, their shouts did not remain celebratory. Just a few short days later, the shouts of this community turned from "Hosanna in the highest!" to "Crucify Him!" So, what changed?
God's plan had not changed. Jesus had not changed. The hope of the people had changed. They were expecting a conquering king, and as, later that week, rumors circulated about Jesus' giving Himself up in the garden, they lost their faith in the man who came in on palms. Where was the roar of His army? Where were the trumpets and the declaration of new political power? He was not at all what they expected. Truthfully, He was not even what they wanted. Nevertheless, even while they rejected Him, He was exactly the Savior and King they needed. His kingdom had come, not to change their circumstances, but to change their lives. Unfortunately, they missed it. He was right there in front of them, in the rescue process, but because He was not what they expected, they missed Him. I can relate. Often, my expectations of what it means to follow Jesus are met with a different reality. King Jesus does not always ride in the way we expect, but He is always exactly what we need.
As we approach this Easter weekend, and gather together to celebrate the saving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus may we be renewed in our hope and obedience to the king. He may not be what you expected, but His Word is certain and His faithfulness is true. Don't miss it.
The King has come! Hosanna in the highest!
God's plan had not changed. Jesus had not changed. The hope of the people had changed. They were expecting a conquering king, and as, later that week, rumors circulated about Jesus' giving Himself up in the garden, they lost their faith in the man who came in on palms. Where was the roar of His army? Where were the trumpets and the declaration of new political power? He was not at all what they expected. Truthfully, He was not even what they wanted. Nevertheless, even while they rejected Him, He was exactly the Savior and King they needed. His kingdom had come, not to change their circumstances, but to change their lives. Unfortunately, they missed it. He was right there in front of them, in the rescue process, but because He was not what they expected, they missed Him. I can relate. Often, my expectations of what it means to follow Jesus are met with a different reality. King Jesus does not always ride in the way we expect, but He is always exactly what we need.
As we approach this Easter weekend, and gather together to celebrate the saving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus may we be renewed in our hope and obedience to the king. He may not be what you expected, but His Word is certain and His faithfulness is true. Don't miss it.
The King has come! Hosanna in the highest!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
The Last Hole
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to be the speaker for a women's retreat; the unique thing about this retreat was that it was my own church's event. We had a wonderful time in the Word and God moved in and amongst us in such a beautiful way. I was once again amazed at God's timeliness and generosity to meet us in our place of greatest need and move us toward greater joy. However, it was during our scheduled free time that God surprised me with a wonderful reminder of a powerful truth.
During our free time, several of the other ladies and I decided to try our hand at a round of miniature golf; and while you may be imagining an outdoor tea party of sorts I'll just let you know that a competitive spirit is not confined in a man's heart. We were having a good time, but time was not on our side. We only had a few minutes to get back up to our meeting room for a closing session. As some of the other ladies started loading into their cars to hurry back I stood at the end of the course with one of the sweetest ladies I know. Mrs. Diane, being mindful that I had to lead this final session, finished the 17th hole and then picked up her things for us to leave. Only she and I remained on the course, but I could not stand the thought of her being so close to the finish and not getting to complete her game; and while she was very willing to stop for the sake of the group I could tell she didn't want to leave it undone either. "No, Mrs. Diane, you only have one more," I said. She hurried over to the 18th hole, dropped the ball in place, and wouldn't you know it... hole in one!
I tear up even now as I have thought of this moment and both of our reactions as the ball fell into the hole. We were so excited and celebrated on that course as we rushed back to the car. But what if Mrs. Diane had not finished the game? Yes, I know that it was just a round of miniature golf and not only was there no prize, but even if there were, she and I had already been beaten. It did not matter. In that moment we were both reminded that we will never know what is in store if we do not persevere to the finish.
We all have seasons in our life when we are ready to quit and let circumstances dictate our course. Perhaps a struggle with sin; perhaps we've been diligent in the Lord, but don't see results; perhaps our carpet is worn by the bent knees of prayer, but we still feel we have not been heard. Hold on, persevere, keep striving. We cannot see around the corner, but God does. He knows and is prepared to delight us with His perfect timing.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not only this (v.2 the hope of the glory of God), but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Hope does not disappoint - not because of anything we can do, but because of the love of God through the Holy Spirit. I know too many people who quit just short of the Lord's intervention. He stood waiting with open arms beckoning a little further down a prepared path, but perseverance faded away. Do not miss Him. Do not miss the chance to celebrate with the Father on the course He has purposed for you specifically.
Persevere. Finish the game.
During our free time, several of the other ladies and I decided to try our hand at a round of miniature golf; and while you may be imagining an outdoor tea party of sorts I'll just let you know that a competitive spirit is not confined in a man's heart. We were having a good time, but time was not on our side. We only had a few minutes to get back up to our meeting room for a closing session. As some of the other ladies started loading into their cars to hurry back I stood at the end of the course with one of the sweetest ladies I know. Mrs. Diane, being mindful that I had to lead this final session, finished the 17th hole and then picked up her things for us to leave. Only she and I remained on the course, but I could not stand the thought of her being so close to the finish and not getting to complete her game; and while she was very willing to stop for the sake of the group I could tell she didn't want to leave it undone either. "No, Mrs. Diane, you only have one more," I said. She hurried over to the 18th hole, dropped the ball in place, and wouldn't you know it... hole in one!
I tear up even now as I have thought of this moment and both of our reactions as the ball fell into the hole. We were so excited and celebrated on that course as we rushed back to the car. But what if Mrs. Diane had not finished the game? Yes, I know that it was just a round of miniature golf and not only was there no prize, but even if there were, she and I had already been beaten. It did not matter. In that moment we were both reminded that we will never know what is in store if we do not persevere to the finish.
We all have seasons in our life when we are ready to quit and let circumstances dictate our course. Perhaps a struggle with sin; perhaps we've been diligent in the Lord, but don't see results; perhaps our carpet is worn by the bent knees of prayer, but we still feel we have not been heard. Hold on, persevere, keep striving. We cannot see around the corner, but God does. He knows and is prepared to delight us with His perfect timing.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not only this (v.2 the hope of the glory of God), but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Hope does not disappoint - not because of anything we can do, but because of the love of God through the Holy Spirit. I know too many people who quit just short of the Lord's intervention. He stood waiting with open arms beckoning a little further down a prepared path, but perseverance faded away. Do not miss Him. Do not miss the chance to celebrate with the Father on the course He has purposed for you specifically.
Persevere. Finish the game.
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