Little known Allison facts...I am good with bleach. I like my whites to be white so sometimes I get a bit bleach happy. Apparently not all of my clothes are big fans of the bleach. Just the other day I found a lone sock who had gone a.w.a.l. from his designated laundry basket and had stealthily hidden amongst my jeans. The sock did get clean, but, needless to say, when I refer to that particular sock I have to use air quotes on the word "white". I know you've been there.
That cranky little "white" sock came to mind one day when I thought about the grace full forgiveness of our loving Father. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NASB) "All" unrighteousness, really? I know it has to be true because God's Word says it, but sometimes I feel like the semi-white sock. I know I'm clean, but still stained, dingy, and at least vaguely resembling the world. However, the Scripture is clear that God not only cleanses us, but He makes us righteous. Why? Isaiah tells us it is for God's own sake and for His purpose that we are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25,"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 48:11, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
He desires to be glorified by us more than He desires to be mad at us. Have you ever been in a fuss with a friend or family member that you just wanted over so you could get back to enjoying the relationship? We move more quickly to repentance, apologies, forgiveness, and restoration when the relationship is valuable. He values His children and desires our unhindered worship. He pours out not just forgiveness, but also blessing and mercy and grace not just for cleanness, but for something new, pure, and bright, shiny white. What great love is this.
Praise God! He is good with the bleach.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Singers Sang Loud
I have never been in a place so loud. About a month ago, I traveled with my family to Glendale, AZ for the BCS Championship held in the University of Phoenix Stadium. I have never seen or heard anything like it. The energy and excitement was electrifying. IT WAS LOUD. On one of my trips to get food (yes there was more than one), my ears actually hurt. Don't misunderstand, I am not saying, "you should have seen all the loud crazies;" I was one of the loud crazies. Why shouldn't I be? My team had made it, after a long time of not making it, we were there and we had reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Shepherd's Voice
"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2-5)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Your Dash
Today I attended a second funeral in three days. The first was that of a husband and father who laid down for a nap and never woke up. The second was that of a 26 year old single girl killed in a car accident. One cannot help but think of the brevity and fragility of life at times like these, and if you are like me, and grief is never more than a memory away then your empathy bone hurts so much for these families. In today's service I kept thinking of a question posed to me in a college Bible study; "What are you going to do with your dash?"
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dreaming vs. Preparing
Everything I own was beeping at me this morning. I suffer from chronic procrastination and in an attempt to find a cure I sought the help of my very organized best friend. She apparently repaid my request by programming my iPad to rally my electronics against me and yell at me very early in the morning. I woke up (several times) to flashing, beeping reminders of today's goals and agenda.
I am good at vision. I am good at dreams. I am not so good with daily discipline. I know where I want to go, I am just not sure how to get there. My "wanter" is tuned up and working great; my "do-er" on the other hand is still running on 2G. My wheels spin but no mileage. I recently watched a television program where a woman said, "while you were dreaming someone else was preparing." What a gut punch! When the day comes where God pulls back the curtain on my dream will I be prepared to take the stage or run quickly to a beginner's crash course? Insert your favorite television talent contest here and think of the many competitors who get their shot in front of the "it" people who can make their dreams come true and it is obvious that he/she has not prepared for the opportunity. No classes, no rehearsals, no effort. What's your dream? What does your life look like your prepared for?
I dream of being a wife and a mom, but what am I doing now to prepare to be the kind of wife and mom God would have me to be? I dream of using my gifting in the way God has designed but what am I doing to be ready to serve Him? I dream of making a difference but am I preparing to be different?
Don't be mad at the calendar beeps (or the friend who rigged them)...Dreaming is done best awake.
I am good at vision. I am good at dreams. I am not so good with daily discipline. I know where I want to go, I am just not sure how to get there. My "wanter" is tuned up and working great; my "do-er" on the other hand is still running on 2G. My wheels spin but no mileage. I recently watched a television program where a woman said, "while you were dreaming someone else was preparing." What a gut punch! When the day comes where God pulls back the curtain on my dream will I be prepared to take the stage or run quickly to a beginner's crash course? Insert your favorite television talent contest here and think of the many competitors who get their shot in front of the "it" people who can make their dreams come true and it is obvious that he/she has not prepared for the opportunity. No classes, no rehearsals, no effort. What's your dream? What does your life look like your prepared for?
I dream of being a wife and a mom, but what am I doing now to prepare to be the kind of wife and mom God would have me to be? I dream of using my gifting in the way God has designed but what am I doing to be ready to serve Him? I dream of making a difference but am I preparing to be different?
Don't be mad at the calendar beeps (or the friend who rigged them)...Dreaming is done best awake.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Wonderfully New
New morning. New day. New week. New month. New year. New life. New pain. New challenges. New friends. New jobs. New struggles. New memories. New knowledge. New toys. New homes. New direction. New dreams. New starts. New love. New inside jokes. New songs. New stories. New adventures. New hurts. New scars. New car smell. New books. New food. New fears. New trends. New heartache. New joy. New disasters. New victories. New discoveries. New traditions. New seasons. New strength. New growth. New mercies.
Isa 43:18-21 "Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. The beasts of the field will glorify Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise."
Behold He is doing something new. I love that our Lord loves new things; I feel like He probably would have the Engadget App on His ipad. He is not interested in staleness rather He is constantly moving His people on His redeeming path toward the new Heaven and the New Earth. Forgiveness, mercy, hope, grace - He likes a clean slate. New may not always be pleasant but it never stands still. New may not be easy but it never lacks hope. I don't know what 2011 holds, but praise God it is new! "Will you not be aware of it?"
Happy New Year!
Isa 43:18-21 "Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. The beasts of the field will glorify Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise."
Behold He is doing something new. I love that our Lord loves new things; I feel like He probably would have the Engadget App on His ipad. He is not interested in staleness rather He is constantly moving His people on His redeeming path toward the new Heaven and the New Earth. Forgiveness, mercy, hope, grace - He likes a clean slate. New may not always be pleasant but it never stands still. New may not be easy but it never lacks hope. I don't know what 2011 holds, but praise God it is new! "Will you not be aware of it?"
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Anna and Olivia
(Da da da da dum...da da da da dum...) I have the Olivia cartoon theme song stuck in my head, and if you know the show and can understand my fancy music language, you are now singing along with me. Olivia is a cartoon pig and my niece's best friend, apparently. Olivia is very imaginative and sometimes gets a little carried away, much to the displeasure of her parents, but she always learns something and finds life lessons to share what she calls "rules of life". On one particular episode Olivia is trying to help her friend keep a bird away from his sandwich and they have to scream loudly. Olivia pauses to declare, "Rule of life number 23, sometimes you have to use your big voice." Well, I agree, Olivia, and so would Anna.
Anna, a prophetess and widow, spent her days in prayer and devotion to the Lord. She had been married for only seven years before her husband died and rather than remarry she devoted herself to service at the temple. When we are introduced to Anna in the pages of Luke's gospel she had just walked up during the testimony of Simeon to Mary and Joseph concerning Jesus the Christ. (A lesson in and of itself on how when we spend our time with and about the Lord our God we find ourselves "stumbling" on some pretty remarkable things.)
Anna met Jesus. A sweet, little wrinkly baby with sleepy, dark eyes and tiny, round toes. A sweet little baby who embodied and inaugurated the long awaited kingdom. A sweet little baby, Creator, King, Eternal, Victor, Love. The raspy cry of an infant's birth broke hundreds of years of silence announcing God with us. With us. With us. Not a messenger. Not a prophecy. Not a voucher. God Himself with us. With us to save us.
Anna, no doubt breathless, took in the wonderful sight of salvation that day. No doubt the soft coos of Jesus brought a tearful smile to her face as she lay down that night. She took it all in, but not to keep it to herself. Luke tells us that she immediately started giving thanks and continued to tell everyone who wanted to hear (and if I had to guess, a few who didn't). She wouldn't hush about it. I like that. Why would she?
Go ahead, USE YOUR BIG VOICE!
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