Like many people I planted a garden this year. I really enjoyed sketching it out on paper and deciding where to place each plant. I cast my vision of the garden to my husband and he and my boys made it a reality. I planted 4 plots of green beans, 3 plots of cucumbers, 1 plot of cantaloupe, 4 plots of tomatoes, and 3 plots of peppers. I was so pleased to put the seeds in the ground and watch them grow.
My intention was to learn how to can the produce so when the harvest came in I would be able to process it and preserve it. Little did I know the harvest would come in at a time I would be totally unavailable to harvest it.
The cucumbers came first. How can one little plant produce so much?!! I picked as many cucumbers as I could and brought them in the house. There they laid on the counter and rotted. Each time I looked at the wilted vegetable I felt guilt. I had not given them away and I had not processed them. They were wasted. Since I knew I didn't have time to make pickles and I didn’t know how, I left the rest of the cucumbers hanging on the vine to rot. Each day I look out at the rotted produce on the vine and they remind me I wasn't there for them when they needed harvested. The image has been haunting to me.
God's word says, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few". Oh how true his words are. I can't help but think of all the people out there that God wants harvested. They have been planted and cultivated and are waiting for some worker to come along and harvest and process them. However, like my garden, we are too busy or don't know how. So many people are dying on the vine waiting to be harvested. Some have been harvested but are rotting on a church counter somewhere. They have accepted Christ but have not been plugged in to his body. It sickens me.
My garden has been a wake up call for me. It's time to get busy. It's time to get out in the fields and do some harvesting. It's time to let go of some of the things of this world and grab on to the things eternal.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for not being one who goes to the field to harvest. I've not done my part. I'm good at planting and cultivating but I've fallen short in harvesting. Without the harvest the rest is just a waste of time. Forgive me. May I be one who goes out to harvest that which you have sown and cultivated.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Matthew 9:36-38 (New International Version)
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
"What I Have I Give You"
Driving by a raggedy dressed person holding the sign "please help" or "out of work" or "hungry" always leaves me feeling conflicted. My experience as a nurse has taught me that not all persons holding a cardboard sign are genuine. There are some who are truly homeless and hungry and then there are others who are grifters. How does one tell the difference? To give or not to give this is the question.
I was running errands after church making the rounds at Wal-Mart and Sams Club. I was in the mood for fat, salt, and grease so I headed to Steak and Shake. At the stoplight near S&S I saw a man holding a cardboard sign. I sighed and was thankful the light was green. I then went through the drive thru window. My heart leaped with pleasure when she handed me my bag of fresh, hot, salty shoestring French fries. I could literally see the salt crystals clinging to the sides of each fry. I pulled out of the drive through and turned back towards the stop light where the man with the sign was. The light turned red. I rolled down my electric window, handed him my hot fries and said, "Here, you're killing me." He said, "Thank you, God bless you." and I drove off mourning the loss of my hot salty fries.
"Here, you're killing me", not exactly the words Peter used in the book of Acts. Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you…" Now why couldn't I have said something like that?
Sometimes it hurts me to give. Sometimes I don't feel like it. But following Jesus Christ is not about feeling good all the time. It's about obeying all the time.
I don't know if I handed my fries over to a homeless man, a grifter, or an angel in disguise. It doesn't matter. What matters is obedience.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I don't want to give. May I choose to give more freely and trust that you are at work when I do.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Acts 3:1-7 (New International Version)
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
I was running errands after church making the rounds at Wal-Mart and Sams Club. I was in the mood for fat, salt, and grease so I headed to Steak and Shake. At the stoplight near S&S I saw a man holding a cardboard sign. I sighed and was thankful the light was green. I then went through the drive thru window. My heart leaped with pleasure when she handed me my bag of fresh, hot, salty shoestring French fries. I could literally see the salt crystals clinging to the sides of each fry. I pulled out of the drive through and turned back towards the stop light where the man with the sign was. The light turned red. I rolled down my electric window, handed him my hot fries and said, "Here, you're killing me." He said, "Thank you, God bless you." and I drove off mourning the loss of my hot salty fries.
"Here, you're killing me", not exactly the words Peter used in the book of Acts. Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you…" Now why couldn't I have said something like that?
Sometimes it hurts me to give. Sometimes I don't feel like it. But following Jesus Christ is not about feeling good all the time. It's about obeying all the time.
I don't know if I handed my fries over to a homeless man, a grifter, or an angel in disguise. It doesn't matter. What matters is obedience.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I don't want to give. May I choose to give more freely and trust that you are at work when I do.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Acts 3:1-7 (New International Version)
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Humpty Dumbty Had A Great Fall!
Is there anything more painful than watching someone you love fall and be shattered into a million pieces? Oh the pain! I'd much rather be the one on the floor rolling around in pain blaming myself than to see someone I love in that condition.
I've recently had to endure the pain of watching someone I love fall. I didn't know they had fallen. When I discovered it I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret and guilt that I didn't do something to stop the fall. I felt responsible for the choices made by someone else. Guilt, shame, isolation, regret are all the treads spun by the spider of sin. A web we so easily get tangled up in. Are we without hope? Are we doomed to be held in such a flimsy net of despair? NO!
As I was lamenting over my part in this disaster my husband reminded me that God is able to fix anything. I said with tears streaming down my face, "I wish there was nothing to fix!" The reality we all live in is we have all fallen and we all need fixed. No one understands that better than God himself.
I added on to the following nursery rhyme to reflect what I believe about God.
Humpty Dumbty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumbty had a great fall
All the Kings horses and all the Kings men
couldn't put Humpty Dumbty together again.
So all the Kings horses and all the Kings men
went and got the King and brought Him to him
The King came to Humpty Dumbty's side
He bent down and spoke to him with a gentle chide
How did you suffer such a great fall?
Did you take care? Did you call?
No No, he pleaded and he cried out
I didn't take care, I didn't shout
I was careless and came crashing down
Can you help me get off of the very hard ground?
Of course my son I can, I will
I'll put you together again if you lay still
You will have to do your part you see
Each piece you can reach you must give to me
Together we will put you together again
I'll sit you back on the wall so let's begin.
But next time you are to take care and call
If you think you are going to fall
I will, answered Humpty Dumbty with glee
Just please let's get started, I want to be free
I'll be careful with my balance and be sure to call
if I feel myself tipping off of the wall
The King smiled and said very well my son,
Hand me a piece and we will get you all done
You've learned your lesson I'm glad to see
Soon you will be whole and once again free.
Romans 3:23 (New International Version)
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 (New International Version)
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I've learned when those we love are in trouble the desire to save is overwhelming. This experience has given me a small understanding of why you died for me. Thank you for dying for me to save me. Thank you for rescuing me from the sin that so easily entangles me. Without you I truly would be hopeless.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I've recently had to endure the pain of watching someone I love fall. I didn't know they had fallen. When I discovered it I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret and guilt that I didn't do something to stop the fall. I felt responsible for the choices made by someone else. Guilt, shame, isolation, regret are all the treads spun by the spider of sin. A web we so easily get tangled up in. Are we without hope? Are we doomed to be held in such a flimsy net of despair? NO!
As I was lamenting over my part in this disaster my husband reminded me that God is able to fix anything. I said with tears streaming down my face, "I wish there was nothing to fix!" The reality we all live in is we have all fallen and we all need fixed. No one understands that better than God himself.
I added on to the following nursery rhyme to reflect what I believe about God.
Humpty Dumbty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumbty had a great fall
All the Kings horses and all the Kings men
couldn't put Humpty Dumbty together again.
So all the Kings horses and all the Kings men
went and got the King and brought Him to him
The King came to Humpty Dumbty's side
He bent down and spoke to him with a gentle chide
How did you suffer such a great fall?
Did you take care? Did you call?
No No, he pleaded and he cried out
I didn't take care, I didn't shout
I was careless and came crashing down
Can you help me get off of the very hard ground?
Of course my son I can, I will
I'll put you together again if you lay still
You will have to do your part you see
Each piece you can reach you must give to me
Together we will put you together again
I'll sit you back on the wall so let's begin.
But next time you are to take care and call
If you think you are going to fall
I will, answered Humpty Dumbty with glee
Just please let's get started, I want to be free
I'll be careful with my balance and be sure to call
if I feel myself tipping off of the wall
The King smiled and said very well my son,
Hand me a piece and we will get you all done
You've learned your lesson I'm glad to see
Soon you will be whole and once again free.
Romans 3:23 (New International Version)
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 (New International Version)
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I've learned when those we love are in trouble the desire to save is overwhelming. This experience has given me a small understanding of why you died for me. Thank you for dying for me to save me. Thank you for rescuing me from the sin that so easily entangles me. Without you I truly would be hopeless.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Prayer in Spring
Dear Heavenly Father,
I love the beauty of Spring…the blue of the sky…the green of the grass. Yellow flowers echo the sun's brightness and make my soul merry. You are the sustainer of life. In you I trust my God and redeemer.
The wind blows strongly moving everything in its path. Who can escape it? A squirrel sits high atop a tree. He gently rises up and down as the winds breathe. You have equipped him to remain solid.
How perfect are your works. Who can criticize the beauty, the wonder, the awe of your creation? Thank you for life. Thank you for everlasting life.
I'm stressed with a busy schedule but I will rest in you. You know I'm doing the best I can. I choose you. I choose to put you first. May everything follow after you.
You are God. Speak to me…hang out with me…accompany me this day as the breezes of life blow on me and cause me to sway up and down. I rest because you have equipped me to remain solid.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I wrote that prayer this morning in my journal as I was sitting outside enjoying the beauty of the spring day.
As you know one of the things that has troubled me recently is my busy schedule. I've allowed that busyness to steal the things that are most important to me. One important thing that I've allowed to be stolen is a trip to the woods to hunt morel mushrooms. My mother's dream was to find the ultimate patch of morel mushrooms. Now that she is gone, I look for her. Blooming redbud and dogwood trees liter the Indiana forest and make the treasure hunt a worthy endeavor. I have been sad that I haven't had time to get to the woods.
So, after my quiet time today I decided to walk around our property for a little impromptu mushroom hunt…even though I didn't have time. I hadn't walked 500 feet when I found my first morel mushroom! Ironically it was about 10 feet from where I saw the squirrel high in the tree during my quiet time. I ended up finding 8 mushrooms. That is quite a harvest for me!
God is amazing, real, able, personal, present, caring, loving, and all around good company. I'm glad he is walking with me today.
May this post find you walking with Him and resting in Him today.
I love the beauty of Spring…the blue of the sky…the green of the grass. Yellow flowers echo the sun's brightness and make my soul merry. You are the sustainer of life. In you I trust my God and redeemer.
The wind blows strongly moving everything in its path. Who can escape it? A squirrel sits high atop a tree. He gently rises up and down as the winds breathe. You have equipped him to remain solid.
How perfect are your works. Who can criticize the beauty, the wonder, the awe of your creation? Thank you for life. Thank you for everlasting life.
I'm stressed with a busy schedule but I will rest in you. You know I'm doing the best I can. I choose you. I choose to put you first. May everything follow after you.
You are God. Speak to me…hang out with me…accompany me this day as the breezes of life blow on me and cause me to sway up and down. I rest because you have equipped me to remain solid.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I wrote that prayer this morning in my journal as I was sitting outside enjoying the beauty of the spring day.
As you know one of the things that has troubled me recently is my busy schedule. I've allowed that busyness to steal the things that are most important to me. One important thing that I've allowed to be stolen is a trip to the woods to hunt morel mushrooms. My mother's dream was to find the ultimate patch of morel mushrooms. Now that she is gone, I look for her. Blooming redbud and dogwood trees liter the Indiana forest and make the treasure hunt a worthy endeavor. I have been sad that I haven't had time to get to the woods.
So, after my quiet time today I decided to walk around our property for a little impromptu mushroom hunt…even though I didn't have time. I hadn't walked 500 feet when I found my first morel mushroom! Ironically it was about 10 feet from where I saw the squirrel high in the tree during my quiet time. I ended up finding 8 mushrooms. That is quite a harvest for me!
God is amazing, real, able, personal, present, caring, loving, and all around good company. I'm glad he is walking with me today.
May this post find you walking with Him and resting in Him today.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"I Want My Dog Back!"
That is what Jodie Foster's character said in the movie The Brave One right before she shot the criminal who killed her fiancee, stole her dog and nearly beat her to death.
I was sitting in church a few weeks ago feeling very beat up by the stress of life and I thought of that line from that movie. I imagined myself walking up to the things that were attacking me spiritually and pulling my "spiritual trigger". In my mind it felt good to be reminded that there is a power in me that is greater than the one in the world. Why am I so reluctant to use it?
We are involved in a super natural battle. There is a force that wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I certainly have felt that war on my life and when I do I sometimes forget the power that I have inside.
Today I chose to use that power. I'm over booked, over worked, and there is no end in sight. However, I stopped and took back what has been stolen from me. I exercised even though I didn't have time, I spent time with God even though I didn't have time, and I sat down and wrote this blog even though I didn't have time. Guess what….nothing bad happened. I made choices that were consistent with who I am in Christ. I pulled my spiritual trigger and defeated my super natural foe. Tomorrow will be another fight but today I got my dog back.
John 10:10 (New International Version)
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
I was sitting in church a few weeks ago feeling very beat up by the stress of life and I thought of that line from that movie. I imagined myself walking up to the things that were attacking me spiritually and pulling my "spiritual trigger". In my mind it felt good to be reminded that there is a power in me that is greater than the one in the world. Why am I so reluctant to use it?
We are involved in a super natural battle. There is a force that wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I certainly have felt that war on my life and when I do I sometimes forget the power that I have inside.
Today I chose to use that power. I'm over booked, over worked, and there is no end in sight. However, I stopped and took back what has been stolen from me. I exercised even though I didn't have time, I spent time with God even though I didn't have time, and I sat down and wrote this blog even though I didn't have time. Guess what….nothing bad happened. I made choices that were consistent with who I am in Christ. I pulled my spiritual trigger and defeated my super natural foe. Tomorrow will be another fight but today I got my dog back.
John 10:10 (New International Version)
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Living In A Field of Dreams
One movie my husband and I enjoyed very much was "Field of Dreams" with Kevin Costner. My husband particularly liked the baseball aspect of the movie. I particularly liked Kevin Costner. Anyway, the concept of the movie is Kevin Costner's character Ray is persuaded to build a baseball field in the middle of his cornfield. He does so while everyone including his wife questions his sanity. The bank wants to foreclose on the farm but Ray continues trying to hang on. The movie unfolds bringing baseball players from the past that only he and his family can see to play ball on the field that was built. The players include his Father.
I can't help think how similar my life is to Ray's. I too am interacting with the invisible. I'm interacting with an invisible God and an invisible Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Some think I'm crazy. I try to explain it to others but they do not understand. What is invisible is real. What is unseen has substance. You can't see it with your eyes. You see it by interacting with the substance of what is unseen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My hope is in what is unseen….eternal. I pray that others will choose to interact with the substance of what is unseen. You are invisible but real. Like Ray in the movie I feel like I'm having this incredible awesome experience and I want others to see it too…but they can't. Open the eyes of others to see how truly awesome you are.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version)
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (New International Version)
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
I can't help think how similar my life is to Ray's. I too am interacting with the invisible. I'm interacting with an invisible God and an invisible Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Some think I'm crazy. I try to explain it to others but they do not understand. What is invisible is real. What is unseen has substance. You can't see it with your eyes. You see it by interacting with the substance of what is unseen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My hope is in what is unseen….eternal. I pray that others will choose to interact with the substance of what is unseen. You are invisible but real. Like Ray in the movie I feel like I'm having this incredible awesome experience and I want others to see it too…but they can't. Open the eyes of others to see how truly awesome you are.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version)
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (New International Version)
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
Thursday, February 19, 2009
24-36- Hut
I didn't play much football as a kid. I couldn't really kick it, throw it or punt it. I remember distinctly how rotten I felt when other kids were doing so well at the kick, throw, and pass contest at school and I wasn't GRRRR!
Even though I don't play football well, I do know what it is like to carry the ball. Each day I have the ball of my life passed to me and I'm expected to get it to the end zone by bedtime. It's exhausting.
I wanted to describe to you what it sometimes feels like to carry the ball of my life.
The ball is snapped…I take it to the left….fake a pass…and then charge up the field. I break a tackle. I'm free running for the end zone. I could…go…all…the…way. NOOOO! Number 56 Mean Green Stress Machine is right on my tail. Will he catch me? Don't look. Keep running. FASTER! I feel him on my heels. POW! I'm down. Air has left my lungs. I can't breathe. Take a breath. I can't. BREATHE! I can't!! Finally a gasp returns air to my lungs. My chest hurts. I have turf in my face guard. OK huddle up, let's do it again.
Such is the game of life. We huddle up in the morning and then run as fast as we can during the day hoping we won't get tackled. Mean Green Stress Machine is my biggest adversary. He constantly wants to tackle me and hurt me. Is there a way to avoid this daily assault from Mean Green? I believe there is.
God's word says:
1 Peter 5:7 (New International Version)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I have found when I daily cast my cares on him through prayer he watches my back. It's usually when I don't come to him that I get tackled pretty hard.
Jesus is a pretty good football player. I would highly recommend him on your team.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I daily cast my cares on to you. May you watch and protect my back so that evil does not over take me. May I live the abundant life you came to give me and walk in obedience to your words.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Even though I don't play football well, I do know what it is like to carry the ball. Each day I have the ball of my life passed to me and I'm expected to get it to the end zone by bedtime. It's exhausting.
I wanted to describe to you what it sometimes feels like to carry the ball of my life.
The ball is snapped…I take it to the left….fake a pass…and then charge up the field. I break a tackle. I'm free running for the end zone. I could…go…all…the…way. NOOOO! Number 56 Mean Green Stress Machine is right on my tail. Will he catch me? Don't look. Keep running. FASTER! I feel him on my heels. POW! I'm down. Air has left my lungs. I can't breathe. Take a breath. I can't. BREATHE! I can't!! Finally a gasp returns air to my lungs. My chest hurts. I have turf in my face guard. OK huddle up, let's do it again.
Such is the game of life. We huddle up in the morning and then run as fast as we can during the day hoping we won't get tackled. Mean Green Stress Machine is my biggest adversary. He constantly wants to tackle me and hurt me. Is there a way to avoid this daily assault from Mean Green? I believe there is.
God's word says:
1 Peter 5:7 (New International Version)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I have found when I daily cast my cares on him through prayer he watches my back. It's usually when I don't come to him that I get tackled pretty hard.
Jesus is a pretty good football player. I would highly recommend him on your team.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I daily cast my cares on to you. May you watch and protect my back so that evil does not over take me. May I live the abundant life you came to give me and walk in obedience to your words.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Fragrant Hugs
I go to a church where the people like to hug. In fact, part of our church culture is "hug and howdy" time during the service. This is where we greet one another with a hand shake or a hug. The "church hug" can be classified into two categories.
Type number one church hug (bottoms out): One bends at the waist, hands are placed on the shoulders and then you press your cheek to the other person's cheek.
Type number two church hug (side by side): You stand to the side of a person, place your arm around their shoulders and give a little squeeze.
This morning I greeted a very special person who I admire very much. We used type number one hug….cheek to cheek…no body parts touching. As our cheeks touched, the aroma of his cologne filled my olfactory sense. It was delightful. I purposefully took a deep breath so I could enjoy his fragrant scent and then we departed. As I walked away I noticed his scent stayed with me. Even now, I can still smell him.
The experience reminded me of this passage of scripture:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (New International Version)
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
I'm asking myself this afternoon when people come into contact with me, do they walk away from me with a sense that they have come into contact with the fragrance of life?
Dear Heavenly Father,
May my life be a fragrant offering to you. When others come into contact with me, may they walk away from me sensing the aroma of Christ.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Type number one church hug (bottoms out): One bends at the waist, hands are placed on the shoulders and then you press your cheek to the other person's cheek.
Type number two church hug (side by side): You stand to the side of a person, place your arm around their shoulders and give a little squeeze.
This morning I greeted a very special person who I admire very much. We used type number one hug….cheek to cheek…no body parts touching. As our cheeks touched, the aroma of his cologne filled my olfactory sense. It was delightful. I purposefully took a deep breath so I could enjoy his fragrant scent and then we departed. As I walked away I noticed his scent stayed with me. Even now, I can still smell him.
The experience reminded me of this passage of scripture:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (New International Version)
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
I'm asking myself this afternoon when people come into contact with me, do they walk away from me with a sense that they have come into contact with the fragrance of life?
Dear Heavenly Father,
May my life be a fragrant offering to you. When others come into contact with me, may they walk away from me sensing the aroma of Christ.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I Tip My Hat To You!
I have been married for 20 years. Each one of those years my husband has graciously replaced the toilet seat in the down position after using the restroom. This thoughtful gesture has been my norm for almost 20 years and not once do I think I've acknowledged any appreciation for the thoughtfulness he has displayed.
It was quite a shock around 6 months ago when he decided to stop this thoughtful action. Intellectually, it makes sense. Why should HE be the one to replace the toilet seat into the downward position? In fact, I believe that is what he told me when I questioned him about it. SO the silent war of the toilet seat began. He leaves it up and I choose to slam it down which is an action I know he hates.
It was only this morning that I realized what a cancer this has become in our marriage. I recognized what his inaction was communicating to my heart. That upward toilet seat screams, "For 20 years I chose to favor you, now I'm choosing to favor myself." My heart says, "He no longer favors me"….OUCH! Now I doubt that is what my husband is meaning to communicate to me. I'm pretty sure his motive is simply being tired of putting the toilet seat down with no imagery intended. In fact I'm sure his male mind would say it is pretty illogical to read so much into a toilet seat.
So what am I to do? Am I going to allow a toilet seat to weave a web of doubt and bitterness into my marriage? NO! I've decided to favor him for the next 20 years instead! I'm going to lift that seat every single time I go to the restroom and not feel any resentment about it. I've even placed some Clorox wipes near by to keep it clean. I'm choosing to tip my hat to my husband. I'm choosing to love him. I can't make him love me (just like the song suggest).....but I can make ME love him.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (New International Version)
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
It was quite a shock around 6 months ago when he decided to stop this thoughtful action. Intellectually, it makes sense. Why should HE be the one to replace the toilet seat into the downward position? In fact, I believe that is what he told me when I questioned him about it. SO the silent war of the toilet seat began. He leaves it up and I choose to slam it down which is an action I know he hates.
It was only this morning that I realized what a cancer this has become in our marriage. I recognized what his inaction was communicating to my heart. That upward toilet seat screams, "For 20 years I chose to favor you, now I'm choosing to favor myself." My heart says, "He no longer favors me"….OUCH! Now I doubt that is what my husband is meaning to communicate to me. I'm pretty sure his motive is simply being tired of putting the toilet seat down with no imagery intended. In fact I'm sure his male mind would say it is pretty illogical to read so much into a toilet seat.
So what am I to do? Am I going to allow a toilet seat to weave a web of doubt and bitterness into my marriage? NO! I've decided to favor him for the next 20 years instead! I'm going to lift that seat every single time I go to the restroom and not feel any resentment about it. I've even placed some Clorox wipes near by to keep it clean. I'm choosing to tip my hat to my husband. I'm choosing to love him. I can't make him love me (just like the song suggest).....but I can make ME love him.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (New International Version)
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Gate
I once had a horse named Buddy. He was a registered quarter horse, red in color, 15 1/2 hands high with 2 white socks on his back feet and a white star on his forehead. I kept him in a stall that had a small turn out pen the size of a front yard. I tried to lead him up to the fenced in pasture daily but that didn't always happen. Buddy lived mostly in a dry and dusty fenced in pen.
One beautiful spring day I decided to let Buddy loose from his pen so that he could graze on the lush green grass that was all around him. I was tired of leading him up to the pasture so I decided to just open the gate and let him go by himself. I opened the gate and fastened it so it would stay open. Then I told him, "You're free." The horse just looked at me….ears pointed forward, muscles tensed, eyes in an intense stare. I said, "Come on…come out and eat some grass." But the horse refused to come out of his pen. I decided to see what the horse would do if I walked away with the gate left open. I started walking to the house. That really got him worked up. He started cantering around his pen but still would not come out.
I wanted to give Buddy his freedom, to set him free from his dusty dry lot pen, to allow him to graze on spring green grass but he wouldn't go through the gate. I believe his mind could not accept that he was free and fear kept him from taking the steps necessary to go out through the gate.
I've been guilty of behaving like Buddy. It's not hard for me to imagine a smiling Jesus leaning on the open gate saying, "You're free." Why do we allow so many things to pen us up?
Today I'm thinking about my weight. The extra 20 pounds around my waist have been a pen of mine for years. Oh, I believe I can lose the 20 pounds but I haven't taken the steps to do so. I believe this is the year I'm going to choose to be free from my overweight issues. This is the year I'm going to walk through the open gate.
John 10:9-10 (New International Version)
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
One beautiful spring day I decided to let Buddy loose from his pen so that he could graze on the lush green grass that was all around him. I was tired of leading him up to the pasture so I decided to just open the gate and let him go by himself. I opened the gate and fastened it so it would stay open. Then I told him, "You're free." The horse just looked at me….ears pointed forward, muscles tensed, eyes in an intense stare. I said, "Come on…come out and eat some grass." But the horse refused to come out of his pen. I decided to see what the horse would do if I walked away with the gate left open. I started walking to the house. That really got him worked up. He started cantering around his pen but still would not come out.
I wanted to give Buddy his freedom, to set him free from his dusty dry lot pen, to allow him to graze on spring green grass but he wouldn't go through the gate. I believe his mind could not accept that he was free and fear kept him from taking the steps necessary to go out through the gate.
I've been guilty of behaving like Buddy. It's not hard for me to imagine a smiling Jesus leaning on the open gate saying, "You're free." Why do we allow so many things to pen us up?
Today I'm thinking about my weight. The extra 20 pounds around my waist have been a pen of mine for years. Oh, I believe I can lose the 20 pounds but I haven't taken the steps to do so. I believe this is the year I'm going to choose to be free from my overweight issues. This is the year I'm going to walk through the open gate.
John 10:9-10 (New International Version)
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Praying to the Porcelain God
Praying to the Porcelain God
It wasn't too far into my first college semester that I learned EXACTLY what that expression meant. I can still remember my face plastered to the tile floor and the cool relief the floor brought to my ailing body. I promised myself if I lived through that night I would never put myself in to that position again. I rarely have had my face on a bathroom floor praying to the porcelain God since but I confess I have recently had my knees bent before a toilet stool crying out to God.
I've just completed one of the most successful shooting seasons I have had since beginning to shoot pistols in 2003. My shooting journey has been an incredible chapter in my life in which God has revealed who He is to me and who I am in him. One of the things I incorporated into the 2008 season was to pray before shooting. Before my dry fire sessions my knees would bend before the box freezer in the basement. When I was on the road, my knees would bend before the toilet stool in the hotel I was staying at. What was I crying out?
I prayed this:
Ephesians 6:10-20 (New International Version
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
I prayed God's armor on me because I was going to a battle with a gun in my hand and I wanted to be able to stand my ground. I realized that it wasn't the men on the playing field that I was competing with. I was fighting against evil forces that wanted to steal who I was in Christ. Who am I in Christ? Free. I was battling for my freedom in Christ and that is always worth fighting for.
Tonight it occurred to me how foolish I've been recently. I was most willing to get on my knees and pray on the armor of God when I was about to do battle with a gun. However, I've been lazy praying God's armor on daily even though each morning when I go out the door I am going to a much bigger battle ground than a shooting competition. This battle ground has eternal consequences.
God forgive me for my foolishness. May I get on my knees daily and prepare for the battle to be fought that day. May I not leave this house without seeking You.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
It wasn't too far into my first college semester that I learned EXACTLY what that expression meant. I can still remember my face plastered to the tile floor and the cool relief the floor brought to my ailing body. I promised myself if I lived through that night I would never put myself in to that position again. I rarely have had my face on a bathroom floor praying to the porcelain God since but I confess I have recently had my knees bent before a toilet stool crying out to God.
I've just completed one of the most successful shooting seasons I have had since beginning to shoot pistols in 2003. My shooting journey has been an incredible chapter in my life in which God has revealed who He is to me and who I am in him. One of the things I incorporated into the 2008 season was to pray before shooting. Before my dry fire sessions my knees would bend before the box freezer in the basement. When I was on the road, my knees would bend before the toilet stool in the hotel I was staying at. What was I crying out?
I prayed this:
Ephesians 6:10-20 (New International Version
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
I prayed God's armor on me because I was going to a battle with a gun in my hand and I wanted to be able to stand my ground. I realized that it wasn't the men on the playing field that I was competing with. I was fighting against evil forces that wanted to steal who I was in Christ. Who am I in Christ? Free. I was battling for my freedom in Christ and that is always worth fighting for.
Tonight it occurred to me how foolish I've been recently. I was most willing to get on my knees and pray on the armor of God when I was about to do battle with a gun. However, I've been lazy praying God's armor on daily even though each morning when I go out the door I am going to a much bigger battle ground than a shooting competition. This battle ground has eternal consequences.
God forgive me for my foolishness. May I get on my knees daily and prepare for the battle to be fought that day. May I not leave this house without seeking You.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Saturday, January 3, 2009
His Only Begotten Son
One of my favorite bumper stickers is "Freedom Isn't Free". How true that saying is. Freedom comes at a very costly price that usually involves sacrifice of life in some form.
I've only known one solider who has died in Iraq. He died in a mission that was poorly executed. He was the son of a man I shoot pistols with competitively. His father has had to endure the pain and loss of his only son dying as well as the knowledge that his son may have died needlessly.
He came and shot with us only twice since his son's death. The first time the pain and grief were so wrapped around him I wondered if he could even feel my hug. The second time, months later, he seemed better until after the match. After the match he and I were talking and then something snapped in him and he broke down crying. I again wrapped my arms around him and squeezed as tightly as I could. No words would come to my brain. I could not speak…all I could do was wrap him up in my arms and hold on. My heart ached for this man.
I wanted to say, God knows about the loss of an only son. He knows what it feels like to lose one needlessly in a botched mission. He knows what you are feeling and he loves you. But that's not what happened. I was speechless.
I went away from the experience wondering if I handled the situation correctly. Then it occurred to me what that gentleman needed the most at that moment was not the words of Christ but the arms of Christ wrapped around him.
Perhaps one day I will be able to tell him those words I wanted to. Until that day I will continue to be who I am where I am and have faith that God is using me for his purpose.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
One of my favorite bumper stickers is "Freedom Isn't Free". How true that saying is. Freedom comes at a very costly price that usually involves sacrifice of life in some form.
I've only known one solider who has died in Iraq. He died in a mission that was poorly executed. He was the son of a man I shoot pistols with competitively. His father has had to endure the pain and loss of his only son dying as well as the knowledge that his son may have died needlessly.
He came and shot with us only twice since his son's death. The first time the pain and grief were so wrapped around him I wondered if he could even feel my hug. The second time, months later, he seemed better until after the match. After the match he and I were talking and then something snapped in him and he broke down crying. I again wrapped my arms around him and squeezed as tightly as I could. No words would come to my brain. I could not speak…all I could do was wrap him up in my arms and hold on. My heart ached for this man.
I wanted to say, God knows about the loss of an only son. He knows what it feels like to lose one needlessly in a botched mission. He knows what you are feeling and he loves you. But that's not what happened. I was speechless.
I went away from the experience wondering if I handled the situation correctly. Then it occurred to me what that gentleman needed the most at that moment was not the words of Christ but the arms of Christ wrapped around him.
Perhaps one day I will be able to tell him those words I wanted to. Until that day I will continue to be who I am where I am and have faith that God is using me for his purpose.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
My First Post!
Who am I?
Good question. I've been learning about who I am for the past 43 years. What I've found out is that I'm a woman, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a nurse, and a competitive pistol shooter. I have a passion for life and I'm most often associated with the words focused and intense. Yet is that all there is to me? Nope, there is more. Perhaps the most important piece of who I am is who I am in Christ.
In Christ I am loved, a child of God, knit together in my mother's womb being fearfully and wonderfully made, saved from eternal punishment, and been given an abundant life. Christ says I'm salt and light, blessed, free, and has made me a queen and priest to serve God the Father.
Other than that…I'm just like you.
This devotional diary is about me living out who I am where I am. It will contain my stories, thoughts, prayers and the things I experience as I continue my journey to reach my Father in heaven.
As you read about me and my life, never think that I am the perfect reflection of the God who made me. I'm NOT! It is my hope that through reading the words I write that you will be nurtured, encouraged, and inspired, to seek out your own personal relationship and understanding of the God who made you and died for YOU.
Who am I?
Good question. I've been learning about who I am for the past 43 years. What I've found out is that I'm a woman, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a nurse, and a competitive pistol shooter. I have a passion for life and I'm most often associated with the words focused and intense. Yet is that all there is to me? Nope, there is more. Perhaps the most important piece of who I am is who I am in Christ.
In Christ I am loved, a child of God, knit together in my mother's womb being fearfully and wonderfully made, saved from eternal punishment, and been given an abundant life. Christ says I'm salt and light, blessed, free, and has made me a queen and priest to serve God the Father.
Other than that…I'm just like you.
This devotional diary is about me living out who I am where I am. It will contain my stories, thoughts, prayers and the things I experience as I continue my journey to reach my Father in heaven.
As you read about me and my life, never think that I am the perfect reflection of the God who made me. I'm NOT! It is my hope that through reading the words I write that you will be nurtured, encouraged, and inspired, to seek out your own personal relationship and understanding of the God who made you and died for YOU.
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