The Jesus Character

As part of our church’s drama team, I got the text early in the week.

“Can you fill in on Sunday morning for the sketch? The girl who was scheduled has to go out of town unexpectedly.”

I agreed and received a quick rundown on the script. My director concluded with this comment, “Yours will be the Jesus character.”

Being familiar with church-drama-lingo, I understood this to mean that my character would be the straight man and the one with the right answers for the other character who would be struggling with some sort of problem or choice. The “Jesus character” is always loving, kind, forgiving, compassionate, patient, full of wisdom, and – well – like Jesus.

That particular week also happened to be a week of relationship challenges. Harsh words spoken. Unresolved issues led to a face-off, a dead end, and the ever-popular silent treatment vs. the just-get-over-it-and-act-like-it-didn’t-happen treatment.

Do You Need A Better Plan?

Maybe I should just say, I need a better plan.

Okay, okay. I just need a plan. A plan for the morning. I don’t have one. Well - wait – unless you count the one about boiling the water for my morning French-pressed wake up elixir. Straight up. Black. Strong.

Yeah, I should have more of a plan than -

1. Get up.
2. Boil water.
3. Make coffee.
4. Drink coffee.
5. Don't burn mouth.

After I get the coffee down, it’s pretty much haphazard. What does haphazard actually mean, anyway?

Haphazard:

happening or done in a way that has not been planned

synonyms include: random, hit-or-miss, slapdash, jumbled, careless, irregular,

all over the place (haha – very funny)

Ouch. Guilty as charged. And sorry I asked.

You know, I used to be an organized person. When the kiddos were young and still at home, it seems I accomplished so much more. And I know I had a plan for each and every day. What happened?

When It's Hard to Not Look Back

Does so much of the past year beg to be forgotten? Never to be thought of again? 

Swept under the rug. Thrown out with the garbage. Burned. Buried.

...in someone else’s yard.

 ...in a land far, far away.

But, it can’t be truly forgotten. To be truly forgotten would be as if it never happened. However, it cannot be treated as if it never happened, because it has shaped us for the rest of our lives. The hurt, the sadness, the loss, the grief, the anger – no – rage, the loneliness, the emptiness. And the scariest of them all, hopelessness.

I don’t know about you, but it was the hopelessness that threatened to pull me under more than any of the other emotions.

What the past year can be is:
• forgiven
• learned from
• redeemed

I was blown away by a quick look online for the definition of redeem. Want to see it?

When A Yard Becomes Holy Ground

When I visited my mom recently, I had church in her yard. Here are some of my meditations from the last several weeks and a few more pictures of her place.

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Sitting out here on the glider swing in Mom's yard was all the church I needed that morning. 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Bird song and rustling leaves led the praise. 

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and 

let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 AMP

The same breeze strumming branches swirled sweet all around me, 

incense of wild rose, like the prayers of the saints.

...God has made me forget all my trouble..... God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Genesis 41:51-52 NASB

My soul, hungry for that which satisfies forever, finds rich food to be slowly savored. 

...those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit 

set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

...the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

Romans 8:5-6 AMP

Solitude that could be lonely is my invitation to sit awhile with the Lover of my soul. 

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79 NLT

My Maker. My Redeemer. The One Who carries me and saves me every day.

Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you!

I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:4 NASB

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence 

and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8-9 NASB

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I hope you have enjoyed getting a peek at my mom's place as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. 

If you missed the other posts, you can find them here and here.

Stay tuned, because we have been hard at work in our own yard the last couple weeks and I have some fun stuff to show you as soon as I get the mess cleaned up. To give you a little hint, the brick pile is considerably smaller than it was before.

Wanted: More Grace, More Peace

This post has been unwritten in my brain for weeks - no - months. And it's part of the reason why I haven't written much this winter.

You know how when you are supposed to say something, but you don't, then the thing you're trying not to talk about won't ever leave your mind?

Why haven't I written about it? Because it's my sadness and my emotion and my struggle. It's too much about my life, too personal, and I have trouble talking about those things.

However, I realize it's not so much my sadness I need to tell you, but rather God's word and comfort to me. To you. So....,

What To Do When the Thing You Didn't Want to Happen Happens 

(probably the longest title ever for a devotion )

When our oldest daughter and her husband excitedly told us they wanted to move to another state, another city three hours away AND take our grandchildren with them I was less that pleased. Honestly, I was speechless and hurt. We are a close family, get along better than most, and our lives are happily entwined. Why would they want to leave?

However, they felt the call of God and made the necessary preparations. A job was found in the new city that "just so happened" to have a branch in our area, so Patrick could transfer whenever they sold their house. The house went on the market, was sold after several months, then they found a lovely house close to his work. For the most part, things just fell into place. It's hard to argue with the call and provision of God on someone else's life...no matter how it might make you feel.

When their house sold days before Thanksgiving last year, it was a done deal. They were definitely moving away.

Facing the inevitable, my heart was broken. I had to ask God, "Okay, how am I supposed to be? How can I do this? I need to - I want to - help, but the thought of them all moving away makes me incredibly sad to the point of feeling sick."

My kind, heavenly Father's word back to me was, "Be like David." That's all. Just be like David.

Be like David? Be like David? My mind rapidly scanned countless Old Testament stories of King David and stopped at this one - when what he didn't want to happen happened.

His little son was sick. Very, very sick. David prayed. He cried out to God. He fasted. Continually night and day for a week. His servants were worried for his own health, but he sent them away. After a time, the report came. His son was dead.

Baffling everyone, David got up, washed, changed his clothes, went to the tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. Returning home, he asked for food and ate. When questioned about his actions he replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23 NLT)

Basically, David simply made the effort to move on even though the very thing he asked God to prevent from happening happened.

This realization filled me with a level of peace in our situation that I hadn't known before. David moved on. I needed to move on and stop thinking about myself. God's grace enabled me to put a smile on my face, listen to their excitement, and not burst into tears. It was settled, the house was sold, and they were going to leave town. I was still sad to see them go, but no longer crippled with depression. I was able to face my daughter and son-in-law with a glad heart and willingness to help them accomplish their goal.

Part of helping them accomplish their goal meant they lived with us while they were between houses. Yes, their house here in town was sold, but they didn't have a house to move to! Oh, and did I forget to mention, their baby was due three weeks after the first of the year?

To make a long story short:

• They closed on their house here in town two days after Christmas and moved in with us a few days later.
• They closed on their new house on the baby's due date, January 18.
• Baby was born one week later (a thrilling home water birth!), January 26.
• The next weekend, my mom and I went to their new house to paint and clean.
• We helped them move to their new home two weeks after the baby was born. They had lived with us six weeks.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. 

My power works best in weakness.” 

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ can work through me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

God is faithful. When I chose His way rather than despair, I received more grace to do what needed to be done. When I admitted my complete inability to handle the situation, God gave me the strength to not only help my kids, but be an example for others.

May God give you more and more grace and peace 

as you grow in your knowledge of 

God and Jesus our Lord. 

2 Peter 1:2 NLT

Yes, thank you, I will take it. How about you? Could you use more and more of God's grace and peace in your life? When have you experienced His help in a difficult situation?

Get Out of Your Pit!

31 Days of Order - Day 31

I missed yesterday. It was in the back of my mind all day, but there was nothing new. There wasn't time or money to finish the small projects I had started. Any thoughts lead to a dead end. I hit a wall; looked at the screen and thought, "I have nothing of importance to say."

Oh well, thirty out of thirty-one isn't so bad! Right? Besides, I have something to say tonight and I hope it encourages you like it encouraged me.

Yesterday evening I was broadsided with a load of negative attitude. No rhyme or reason, just blah and phooey to the world. I suppose I could blame it on a rush of hormones or disappointment over missing a day of writing, but honestly, there was no explanation. Consequently, I started in on one of those "woe is me" prayers. Ever talk to God like that? Yeah, that's where I was. I dug a little pit and made myself comfy in the dirt. What a way to fall asleep! As a result, I was still in that pit when I woke up. It was past time to brush the dirt off my soul, so I grabbed my coffee and the Word, heading for a quiet spot.

My Bible reading this morning had me in Exodus, chapter 3 - Moses, the burning bush, and God's call. I was stopped in my tracks by verses 6 - 8. God introduces Himself to Moses in the most remarkable way. Here's the outline:

1. God. I Am...
2. I have seen...
3. I have heard...
4. I am concerned...
5. I have come...
1. ...to rescue
2. ...and to bring you out of oppression...
1. ...and into a good land.

Oh.oh.oh. These words drenched me, washing away every bit of soil. All the bad thoughts and feelings ran off into the ditch and on down the street. I was clean.

Of all the things in the whole world I could share with you, this is absolutely the most important. God is. He sees and hears you. God is concerned. And He has come to rescue you and bring you out of your pit and into a good place. Jesus, the Son of God, is the Savior of the world. Healer. Shepherd. Deliverer. Friend. Believe it.

This is the beginning of order. The schedule may be whacked. The projects may be halfway done and there may be dirty dishes in the sink. However, as long as Jesus is first in your life the stuff of life finds it's place. 

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you. 

Matthew 6:33 NASB

I appreciate you, Readers, more than I can say. Thank you for checking in during the 31 Days series. I hope you have enjoyed it and will continue to hang around, joining in the conversation. You are a blessing to me. Good night and see you again soon.

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

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Planning and Trusting

31 Days of Order - Day 20

There is a funny thing about the quest for order. It can morph into an excessive need for control. The problem with trying to control our schedule, situation, or clutter is that life is bound to throw us a curve. Next thing we know we're reaching, chasing the ball and our carefully constructed plans are out.

I tend to be the frustrated perfectionist who would rather not even try knowing my plans won't go the way I intend. But, that's no excuse, I tell myself.

Without a plan I am assured nothing will be accomplished. With a plan the odds are definitely in favor of getting at least part of what needs doing done.

The other end of the spectrum is having a plan and - by-golly - we're going to see it through no matter how long it takes and you better not get in the way of my progress! Yikes! Take cover! Mama's on a mission!

Achieving and maintaining order requires a balance between prayerful planning, wisdom to know when it's okay to deviate from the plan, and diligence to pick it up again when things go awry.

How about you? Are you the frustrated perfectionist or the over-planner?

What have you done to find a nice balance between the two?

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

Think I'll Just Sit A Spell

31 Days of Order - Day 19

Let my soul be at rest again, 

for the LORD has been good to me.

Psalm 116:7 NLT

After getting up this morning and seeing off those who were leaving for the day, I sat down with my coffee and realized I was very tired. Thinking about it made me realize this was one of those weeks where I went from thing to thing during the day as well as having evening commitments. Today was the first day in several that I didn't have to be somewhere.

So I decided to sit. I read devotions. I read blogs. Spent more time on Facebook than usual and even played a couple games. There were a handful of chores I managed to take care of, but for the most part, I sat. It was lovely.


While sitting at the computer this afternoon, I remembered an email I had from Photobucket and decided to do some exploring. It was fun and not too difficult to find my way around.

Did you notice the new banner at the top of my blog? I made it myself using Photobucket! If you're reading in an email or reader, I hope you'll click over to see my handiwork.

I have wanted a pretty banner for awhile; the other one was dreadfully plain. Other blogs have beautiful banners, but it hadn't occurred to me before to make it myself. Creating is another thing that brings rest to my soul.


At times, part of keeping order is making sure we are rested. Of course, this can mean different things to people. For some it might be sleep, reading a book or magazine, taking a leisurely walk, watching TV or listening to music.

Maybe your need for rest is more than physical and it's time to cozy up to the God of the universe. Time spent in prayer and reading His Word is never wasted. God loves you and wants you to give Him your worries. He gives rest and peace in return.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and 

carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 

Matthew 11:28 NLT

Whatever it looks like for you, I encourage you to make some time to rest.

When you get the chance to rest, what do you like to do?

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

Made for Order

31 Days of Order - Day 16

I can't lie. I haven't the faintest idea what I'm going to talk about tonight. Free writing time.

Kitchen Corner
It's been a busy few days and I am in mid-project with some of things we've already discussed. The kitchen corner is progressing. Bins purchased. Trash trashed. Stuff sorted into appropriate piles to be stored elsewhere. I hope to finish Wednesday and take some pictures. Nothing camera-ready at this point. I think I've shown you enough pictures of my mess.

Litter Box Evacuation
Retraining the cats to use the toilet is going well. Basically, the first step was to move the litter box, a small pan that fits inside the toilet. Both cats are jumping up to use the new pan over the toilet with the new litter. There are removable disks in the pan starting from the middle, so the opening gets larger while the amount of litter get smaller until kitty is using the toilet without litter. It's been 8 days now, I've removed the center-most disk, and no accidents to date. Smart kitties!

More Thoughts on Order
I think our need for order must come from being made in the image of God. (Assuming you like order as much as I do.) In the beginning, the world and everything in it was created in an order so as to support the lives of all the things and beings to be created. We are told God made man in His own image.

We are also told...

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, 

summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22 AMP

Order. Sowing and reaping. Seasons. Days and nights. All in order.

My reading took me to the familiar verses in Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

Order. Living and dying. Tearing down and building up. Crying and laughing. Grieving and Dancing.

Reading several more verses I found this...

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. 

He has planted eternity in the human heart...

Ecclesiastes 3:11a NLT

No wonder there is this longing for order and beauty. Made in the image of my Creative God, I long to create order and beauty in my surroundings.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace...

1 Corinthians 14:33a NLT

There is also the need for order and peace in our lives. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are made in His image. He made us for order.

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

Why Am I Running?

31 Days of Order - Day 12

Today I am joining 5 Minute Friday over at Gypsy Mama's place. If you're not reading her, skip on over and have a read. Good stuff.

Today's word is "race." Five minutes of writing non-stop. Go....

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Race.

Race. Such a negative connotation for me. Guess I'm not very competitive. Oh yeah, and I don't like to run. Racing equals running in my mind.

Right now life seems like a race. There is much that needs doing and much that wants doing. Which one will win? The needs or the wants?

I suppose there is a race I can get into. Jesus, our High Priest, says to come boldly to the throne of grace, bringing all our stuff to leave there.

Here Jesus. Take my fear. Take my weariness. Take my indecision. Take my pride. Take my goals. Hear my cries. Hear my requests. Hear my praise.

Hallelujah! I have a God Who knows. I'm going to His throne. How about you?

Wanna race?

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

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Finding the Marvelous in the Mundane

31 Days of Order - Day 8

This morning I was inspired by Beth Moore's blog post, Beauty in the Threadbare.

She spoke of beauty that is felt not seen. Those things that are beautiful to you because they make you feel something another person may not feel. The simple things. She said, "Simple things tend to have more manners. They won’t say a word if you don’t let them."

How many beauty moments have I missed because I've been distracted by the undisciplined busyness and mess calling my name loud?

Now I say this for your own welfare and profit, 

not to put [a halter of] restraint upon you, 

but to promote what is seemly and in good order 

and to secure your undistracted and 

undivided devotion to the Lord.

 1 Corinthians 7:35 AMP

At the risk of too much explaining, I must say I realize this verse is toward the end of the apostle Paul's discourse on the benefits of remaining unmarried in order to better serve the Lord. I am all for being married. However, the principle thing we can pull from this verse is the importance of order in our lives so we can give our "undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord."

"May God grant us this day a whisper of His beauty 

that sweeps right past our vision and 

dives deeply like a stream into our world-parched souls."

 - Beth Moore

Father, open my eyes to Your beauty moments around me. Help me to order my world, inside and out, removing those focus-stealing places of clutter.

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

Watching My Step

31 Days of Order - Day 7

I have found it ironic; this focus on order. One would think that in establishing order to one's life one wouldn't take on the daunting task of adding something else to the already out of control schedule. Hence, the need to think about order. When I am already having trouble keeping up with it all, does it make sense to decide to write every day?

I imagine part of this whole process will include an evaluation of the things that fill up my time. Many of them worthy, some not so much, but it's been awhile since I've run an assessment.

Today I am thinking about pathways. We all have a path and our paths look different. However, the promises of God for our individual paths are true.

You will show me the path of life; 

in Your presence is fullness of joy, 

at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 16:11 AMP

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); 

He leads me in the paths of righteousness 

[uprightness and right standing with Him—

not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 AMP

Source

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, 

even truth and faithfulness are they for those 

who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10 AMP

Source

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

Psalm 119:105 AMP

Source

You sift and search out my path and my lying down, 

and You are acquainted with all my ways. 

Psalm 139:3 AMP

Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], 

and let your gaze be straight before you. 

Consider well the path of your feet, 

and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. 

Proverbs 4:25-26 AMP

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This post is part of my 31 Days of Order series. See the rest of the posts here. 

To find other bloggers also writing for 31 Days this month on a variety of topics, click here.

Monday: Where It's Morning All Day Long

31 Days of Order - Day 1

Good Monday afternoon, dear Readers!

Today finds me in the same place you will find me most Mondays; doing the laundry and restoring order to the homeland following the flurry of activity we call the weekend around here. Monday is the day when it's morning all day long. I want nothing more than keep the lights down, noise to a minimum, and sip coffee while I putter around in my jammies doing my chores.

The usual flurry was multiplied by four last weekend as we had our granddaughters staying over while their mommy and daddy took a couple days for themselves. Four times as many shoes on the floor. Four times as many screen door slams. Four times as many PBJ sandwiches. Four times as many wet towels. Four times as many giggles. Four times as many hugs and kisses. Four times the amount of exhausting delight.

Top off all that wonderfulness with a family birthday party on Sunday afternoon/evening and call it amazing! I am forever grateful to God for the people He has surrounded me with to do life.

Now it's Monday. There is a mundane sort of comfort in the ordinary routine of Monday. I know that Sunday is our day set aside for worship with our church family, however Monday is sacred too. 

I love people, but people can wear me out and often the weekend is filled with people. Monday is the day to keep the door closed, take a deep breath, and regroup for the week ahead. Not to mention the next weekend.

In today's Bible verse from Psalms, when it says "I will demonstrate the salvation of God" it means the help of God. The qualification for receiving God's help? Ordering my way aright. Other versions say "set your foot on the Way" (MSG) and "keep to My path" (NLT).

Do I want the help of God for my week? Oh, yes, I most definitely do. The first step to order is God's word. It is not going to make one bit of difference how tidy you find my spice drawer or if all the laundry is done if I am not doing what God wants me to do. 

What You Can Expect This Month

During this 31 Day series on order, you can expect to find a mishmash of posts including devos (because that's just how I roll), projects I undertake to restore order, some pin-spiration on order, and loads of encouragement to order not only your surroundings, but your insides. Don't worry - it won't hurt....much. 

I hope you will follow along and join the conversation. Let me know what your Monday routine includes. How do you restore order after a busy weekend?

Also, check out the other brave 31 Dayers for more topics. 

Such Trees Are Not Bothered

The ancient tree in our yard lost a branch the other day.

Not just a little branch either.

The air was still. The day was sunny. There had been no storm. No rain to speak of for weeks.

Pop. Crack. Down it came.

The wound is jagged, gaping.

This mighty maple with roots so deep now bears the scar of drought.

For the first time, it occurred to me that this tree may not live forever. This woody giant who captivated me with its immense footprint and octopus-like branches has felt the effects of lack of rain and cried out in thirst.

Don't worry. I'm not losing it. My emotional response to the dropped branch surprised me too, so I pondered.

Sometimes it feels like God is far away.

I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? 

Psalm 42:2 NLT

I know He is with me....

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 

Psalm 16:8 NLT

....but it seems like the well has run dry.

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you;

My whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NLT

These dry life times could be brought on by a difficult circumstance, disappointment, busyness. Sometimes it is the effect my own wrong-doing.

However, with God there is always hope.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

He is my God. I am His child. I trust Him with my whole life.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord 

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. 

Jeremiah 17:7-9 NLT

Like the tree, you and I may bear the scars of drought. Jagged edges of doubt or fear or anger can be seen in the midst of fruit borne through prayers prayed, good deeds done, and gracious words spoken.

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. 

Psalm 92:12-14 NLT

Our Redeemer God, has provided for our sustenance, healing, and growth.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! 

Psalm 103:2-5 NLT

Sometimes His care includes getting rid of that which is dead. The nasty attitude needs to change. The time stealers must be expelled.

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, 

and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 

John 15:2 NLT

So I trust.

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 

Psalm 112:7 NLT

Since the branch came down the debris has been clear and we had rain. Life-giving, soul-soaking rain.

Things are different after a drenching rain. The grass is green again. I do believe the sky is even bluer.

Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say!

Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew.

Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God!

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair.

He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 NLT

I hope you are encouraged to get soaked in God's presence today. Don't take your umbrella. Lift your face and let Him cover you. Be refreshed.

Have a blessed weekend, my Friends.

Miracles Still Happen

I promised you a story.

This is not just any story, mind you. You are about to read a story of sorrow turned to joy. Mourning turned to dancing. Death into life.

photo by SL Photo

Azariah's story.

Our daughter, Steph and her husband, Adam happily learned of their pregnancy last October. They had fun revealing the news to family members. At Steph's birthday party, her friends who were already informed gave her a "present" to open. When she began pulling out crackers, Sprite, and ginger chews, I knew something was up. The baby was due to be born July 4, 2012.

Early in December, Steph, had flu-like symptoms and alittle cramping, so called her midwife, Cathy, who asked her to come in for a visit. She was nine weeks into the pregnancy.

It was a routine visit, so Steph went alone. They did a sonogram since Steph complained of mild cramps. The sonogram revealed what no one ever wants to hear.

The baby is much smaller than it should be. Your uterus is tipped, he could just be hiding. But, there is no heartbeat. I am sorry. I don't think we have a live baby here.

Cathy is a godly, compassionate woman and was able to minister to my daughter who heard the news without her husband at her side. She encouraged Steph with a we'll-wait-and-see kind of attitude. After all, there was no bleeding, mild cramps are not unusual and nine weeks is still early. They scheduled another sonogram for the following Thursday, the day before Cathy was to leave for a medical mission trip to Africa. She wanted to make sure Steph was okay before she left for two weeks.

Later that day, Steph called me with the report. Through tears, she shared the details. As I listened something like denial went through my system. Not denial that says this can't be happening to us. It was denial that says this doesn't match up with my belief system. I said as much to Steph.

"I don't know, Steph. This isn't settling in my spirit and it isn't what the Word promises us. We are not receiving this report."

Her dad encouraged her, as well, with words from the Bible and prayer. He prayed specifically for the baby to come to life. In their home, Adam and Steph went to the Lord and spoke words of life to that baby. We prayed and we waited.

A few days passed. Steph continued to "feel" pregnant. There was no bleeding. The day of the second sonogram arrived. Week ten of the pregnancy. Adam took work off to go with Steph.

Knowing the time of their appointment, I was watching the clock and expecting a call when my phone rang. Stephanie's happy voice on the other end rang out, "Houston, we have a baby!!"

Her words tumbled out. "The baby is three times bigger than it was last week! The heartbeat is fast and strong! Everything looks the way it should! The baby is alive!"

Photo by SL Photo

Needless to say, there was much rejoicing as this excellent report made its way to the rest of the family and friends. The remainder of Steph's pregnancy was normal and Azariah Luke was born just before sunset July 7, 2012. His name means "he whom God helps."

Photo by SL Photo

As I share Azariah's story I am acutely aware that many of you who read this have mourned the loss of a precious baby. You've heard all the platitudes, asked the hard questions and got no answers. It could have just as easily been our family, too.

In the dark hours before we had confirmation the baby was alright our thoughts were focused on the promises and goodness of God. I know full well that even if the worst had happened, we would have been comforted by the Lord Who is always good and never changes.

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
Psalm 103:1-5 MSG

As the song says, "whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes." There are more reasons to thank God than can be counted. The one who chooses gratitude for everything God has done in the face of great difficulty is the one who opens the door for His comfort.

Photo by SL Photo

Bless the Lord. 

Bless His holy name forever.

    

Starting Ugly

Writing challenge: Day 7 - Great Writers Start Ugly

Ack! Is there any doubt? That's why I hate starting, because it's ugly. The process is brutal and puts one on a whole new level of vulnerability.

Hello! This is me starting something new. 

Please pardon my mess whilst I figure out exactly what it is I am doing.

• Writing projects are messy. Page after page of handwritten notes get scribbled through and rewritten.
• Remodeling projects are messy. Deconstruction must happen before reconstruction.
• Personal projects are messy. Day-to-day gets backed up while making way for change.

I have seen the painful labor and exertion and miserable business which God has given 

to the sons of men with which to exercise and busy themselves. 

Ecclesiastes 3:10 AMP

Why, oh why, do I put myself through it? Because I can't help it. I have to start. We are made to start. Our Creator God made us creative, gives us ideas, and compels us to start. I don't know about you, but I'm most  unsatisfied when I'm not starting something I've been told to start. (Sorry - I've just said start a ridiculous number of times in one very small paragraph. See? Ugly, right?)

But God...

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds 

[a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages 

which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], 

yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP

I am eternally grateful that God, Who tells me to get moving, also sees me through each and every step. It gets beautiful over time. He is faithful to His promises and He will do it.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to be glad 

and to get and do good as long as they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 AMP

Kind of makes the ugly part of starting seem beautiful, doesn't it?

Well, almost.


Linking to Word Filled Wednesdays and

 

Of Sea Creatures and Kings

I wrote last night. I wrote this morning. Upon opening my email I discovered today's writing challenge. Day Four: Practice. In public. 

Ohhhhh! This isn't at all what I thought I would post today. I have a house update for you. But for now you're going to be privy to my first-thing-in-the-morning thoughts for today. Here goes.

*  *  *  *  *

Yesterday was fun. Brian and I took the day, our anniversary, to be tourists in our own city. We visited the aquarium, Titanic exhibit, went window shopping. I savored one very pricey dark cappuccino truffle (worth every penny), and we ate at two restaurants.





Sea creatures are fascinating in ways different than others of the animal kingdom. Maybe it's because they live in an environment so unlike our own. Totally under water. All the time.

They are beyond graceful in their movements, even the creepy ones. The little octopus held me captive, staring at it for the longest. Yet, at the same time I shook off the willies that sent chill bumps up the skin of my back. How can something so repelling be so alluring at the same time?

Source

I touched a starfish and a couple sea urchins. They were stiff. I thought they would have some give, like play dough or a pin cushion. The way they move in their habitat gives a different impression of how they feel to the touch.






Uh oh - am I like the starfish and sea urchin? Having the appearance of being approachable, do I give an invitation but have a rough, even prickly surface when people get close enough?


I'm afraid I do this. There is a protective coating around my heart, an outer layer to my personality in order to keep a distance.


But, why? I haven't been abused. There is no dark secret lurking in my past.


I wear the badge of the introverted proudly. But seriously, if this keeps me from allowing contact with people God would have me minister to, then what is this? A badge or a suit of armor? A white picket fence or a ten-foot privacy wall?


No, it is an excuse.


At our Bible study on James we discussed favoritism. The curriculum described favoritism as picking and choosing who we will give audience to. Like a king who requires people to bow prostrate before him, face down on the palace floor until he chooses to lift their face. Or not. A person could lay there all day and night, get walked on, and passed by without being acknowledged by the king. They never get the opportunity to bring their issue to the attention of their king because he doesn't choose to see them.

What makes one person worthy 

and another not? 

Do I do this?

Sometimes. 

I am ashamed.

So, I approach the throne of my King and lay prostrate before Him ready to beg forgiveness. But this King on mine does not leave me lying on the floor. This King does not step over and ignore me. This King, my example, lifts my face so I can look into His eyes of forgiveness, mercy, and grace.


He lifts my head, picks me up, sets my feet on solid ground and commands me to do the same.


Show love. Be merciful. Be one who will lift the face of the person He puts before me so they can see Him in me.

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

Psalm 3:3 NASB