When Things Are Quiet

No posts for a while. No worthy words to pen. The last few weeks have been like summer thunder storms. Things unexpected popping up...me just putting one foot in front of the other.

Stuff around me seems loud and inside I am quiet. I look outside from within and wonder why it seems quiet, calm. At times like these I often question myself. Give my spirit a check-up so to speak. Quiet could be a symptom of apathy, contentment, business. Have I moved away from God? Is there something in the way of the relationship? Have I not prayed enough, read enough, been disobedient.

The answer is always yes to these questions. It is my first instinct to look for something I am doing wrong. Some reason for the quiet.

I think about friendship. The best of friends they know when to be quiet. When to sit and listen. When to come along side you and walk the path you are walking. No words needed. Just the knowing that someone stands beside you is all the grace you need to take the next step, keep going, do the next thing.

I am at the funeral of one who lived some one hundred years. I listen as loved ones share their hearts. I stand to sing the words of the song chosen for this time...

"Blessed assurance Jesus is mine...Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blessed."

Jesus is mine. One like no other...one that stoops to be my friend. This quiet is not about my short comings. It is a perfect Savior full of grace knowing exactly what I need. I reflect on the storm of the last few days...every step of the way...He's there. He gives no words, no instruction, no counsel...none is needed.

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) that He may remain with you forever--" John 14: 16

Questions That Haunt...

There is one passage, a few verses, that always strike fear deep within me. I began a new book and the author speaks of the same passage. You will find it at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus telling those there that "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven." These people Jesus speaks of, they worked miracles and experienced signs and drove out demons all in the name of Jesus. Yet Jesus says to them, "I never knew you." (Matt 7: 21-23)

I almost want to scream...HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? How does a person profess Jesus as Lord and yet not be known by the one who knows all things? More importantly...could I be like them?

The author, Kyle Idleman, writes about the difference in knowing about someone and knowing someone. He goes on to say that knowing about someone is like being a fan. You know those people who scream at concerts and pass out if the famous person touches them. Remember your teen years when your favorite actor was pictured in a poster on your wall. The truth is you might know a lot about them...eye color, birthdate, favorite food...but you don't really know them. You will probably never have a friendship or conversation with them. You don't have the phone number to call them up for a lunch date. The relationship is limited...finite...not going anywhere. Some have this kind of relationship with Jesus. He is just a picture on the wall, a Sunday routine, words on the pages of a big book.

I went to bed wondering...am I more than a fan of Jesus. I want to be. From as long as I can remember "a little bit of God" was never enough. I wanted it all. It wasn't enough to know Jesus' eye color and birthdate. I wanted and still want a friendship, His phone number...an unlimited, infinite relationship that is going somewhere.

I fell asleep haunted by the question..."Am I just a fan?" I drive to church the next morning. I reach for the radio and turn up the volume. The song pierces my soul brings tears flowing down.

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
O what a for-taste of glory divine.
Heir of salvation purchase of God.
Born of His spirit washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song.
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song.
Praising my Savior all the day long."

A perfect answer to the question haunting me coming from ancient words sung by a popular musical group of which I am a fan. Those of us who have entered the baptismal waters, who have been washed by His blood, who claim the name of Jesus. There is blessed assurance in that. And Jesus...he is my story...my song.

Weakness Equals Strength

We drive to town, talking about things. The conversation begins to take a winding turn and suddenly I am getting a fresh look at a problem I thought had vanished.

I point out the obvious and he struggles to make the right choice.

He doesn't.

I have no words of instruction, nothing to say. We have talked about this issue many times. Gone over the consequences of the behavior. There is nothing new to say. I feel lost.

I am at a parenting stand still. The words I have said in the past have not made a difference. I need a new approach, but have none.

I realize this is my weakness. I hear the age old words...

"That is why, for Christ' sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong."--2 Corinthians 12: 10

Delight in my weakness...doesn't seem right. Off in some way. Aren't we taught to never show our weaknesses? Delight according to Webster's means something that gives extreme pleasure. I am finding no pleasure in this. My flesh wants a fix to this problem.

The only way to fix this is to completely depend on the one who can. For in my weakness He becomes the focus. This is something I can delight in...Him. I smile wondering how He will break through this issue...bring repentance without my help.

Yes, there is delight in this His strength, HIs way, His timing. His word speaks to me...

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart."--Psalm 37: 4

Forced to Rest

A day planned for rest...to take it easy, hang out with my family after a hard week at camp. I thought I would do the laundry and cook a good meal.

Pain changed the plan. Everything has become difficult...shoe tying, bending over, normal activities a strain. And so I lay on the couch asking for help with the things I usually do myself. This is not easy...frustrated to need all this help.

One day of rest turns into two maybe more. Is there a teaching in this? Some lesson to be learned while I heal?

Just last week the help I gave provided me strength...stepping past the fear of rejection to offer that which was needed.

This week I must step past pride to accept the help I need. The giving and taking is the way of Christ, for He gave His life to take away the sin of the world.

A Week to Give Thanks

This week has been busy. Not the busy that I usually have. I spend a weekend with my family away. Time to reconnect and just be the five of us.




60...fishing hats
61...cold rivers



62...rocks to stand on as water washes feet



63...beauty only God can make



64...boys that love the outdoors
65...the middle child who fly fishes, makes his own flies



66...bare feet and painted toes
68...a lake and rented jet skis

We come home and spend one night already packed to go to camp.




70...1300 acres of holy ground
71...70 campers and adults spending a week with others



73...small hands working to make meals for the hungry



74...little girl giggles, fishing, and ga ga ball



77...a prayer trail to walk



78...camp crafts that remind

One day I am in mountains where the cool breeze blows to spend time with my family. One week spent with the those who may not live in my home but I consider family. A much needed rest for body and soul is on today's agenda. Rest...my 79th reason to give thanks.

Warriors Resist Judging

I sit at the pool and watch my campers play. The adults sit around the pool, talking and sharing. I sit off to the side to gather a few rays from the sun. Talk is all around me. I llisten. Two conversations...two different times...two different pools. God must be trying to reveal something to me.

The first conversation is centered on the sacrament of communion. Several experiencing a gluten free communion recently. Opinions and judgements begin to fly.

"I like Hawaiian bread...anything but those wafers...once I had soda crackers. Will one bite of bread really hurt those who have gluten allergies?"

I sit and wonder why it matters. Is this what communion is about? Suddenly I see those who claim his name judging the way others break bread together. A sacred act broken down into types of bread...wine or juice.

Two days later I again sit at the pool. As I read two sit behind me, and begin to discuss camp.

"This camp is doing nothing to build MY youth group...I wish they would decorate the stage more...they should make the kids enter worship differently."

The conversation continues and I wonder what God is trying to teach me. I turn to Matthew and read these words:

"Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged in accordance with the measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you."

Battle takes an army. All with one vision one purpose. Judgement splits the army, produces fractures, causes confusion. The Body of Christ should guard against judgement. When we judge we lose focus on who the battle is really against. We split our army and wound each other.

Wise warriors do not judge. They discipline themselves to encourage those who stand along side them in the midst of attack. If one loses, all lose.

"Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." Ecc. 9: 18

Offering Help is Strengthening

The first full day of camp begins with a visit to the gift shop after breakfast. The shop is packed...full of kids and their counselors. The line to check out snakes back through the store.

One person behind the counter to help all these people. I know she must feel a little overwhelmed. The gift card machine shuts down and so begins chaos.

I stand and watch wanting to help. I open my mouth to offer help and shut it tight. What if she turns me down? Doesn't want the help. Would she think I was being pushy...stepping somewhere I don't belong. My thoughts shift back and forth as I watch her try to deal with all the campers, gifts, cash, sacking of merchandise. Finally I take the step and ask, "Can I help you?"

She accepts me and so two begin to work to handle all that is required. I greet campers, talk about their payment options, sack their items. Why was I so hesitant to offer that which I could so easily give? How often do I refuse to get involved for fear of being rejected? There is no strength there.

Strong people offer help and accept help. They learn the balance of giving and taking. They refuse to let fear rule their thoughts and actions and step beyond their comfort zones. I believe there is strength in numbers. "Where two or more are gathered..." helping each other...there is strength.

Bubble Wrap Perspective

We go into worship and walk across bubble wrap. Someone put it there on purpose and I wonder how it is going to be worked into the message. Bubble wrap? The speaker talks of God creating man...a garden where perfect relationship exists...a tree that is forbidden.

She tells of Eve who decides to eat first...asking her mate to join her. I look away for just a second and the bubble wrap pops again. The speaker did it, twisted the bubble wrap and made the sound...the sound of something breaking. The eating of fruit broke the relationship. Sin enters and all will be forever different.

The walked on bubble wrap was a symbol of sin. Those entering they approached it in three ways. Some avoided it all together stepping around or over. Some lightly stepped and went on their way. Others reveled in the sound, jumping up and down, popping as many as possible.

I approach sin in my life the same way. Some sin I avoid, jump over it, go around it. Other times I give it a try...just to see what it is like. Still others I roll around in...jump on it...get as much noise out of it as I can get.

Asking God what sin I am enjoying, smiling like the ones trying to pop the bubble wrap...makes me a little nervous. Facing it will not be pretty. Bubble wrap, once broken, cannot be fixed

neither can I.

At least not without the work of Jesus.

Brick Houses

Everyday for fifteen years I have passed the place at least twice. I often look wondering who lives there. What their lives are like.

I don't have to wonder any more as I have walked through a door only God could open. A door that leads me into the housing complex on a weekly basis. A trip that fills my car with kids and my heart with joy. Kids who just want to go to church to be a part of the youth group. On this day they are going swimming and I am just the vehicle that takes them there..into a loving community...a place to just be kid.

As we turn down the street to the house where we are headed I hear one say, "These are beautiful houses."

In a moment of silence the one with the round face and braces says, "If they ask I am going to tell them that I live in a brick house too."

They giggle and laugh and my heart melts. I smile and answer, "Well, you do!"

The covering of brick around the outside is the same but the inside is far different. One large with many bedrooms and a pool out back. The other small, three rooms to house seven people. How often do we take a look at the outside? Judging the outer coverings of others without ever knowing what's inside. Seeing a smile and assuming everything's ok inside. Assuming clean clothes and brushed hair equals a well kept person. It is never the case really. The outside only serves to give us a picture of what we want others to see and believe. If only bricks were transperant and skin was glass. Would that give us a better view of the inside?

Being tansperant is scary. It is easier to be lukewarm...neither hot nor cold about the things that go on inside of us and others. Could we take a step?

Could we possibly become "see through" for the sake of Christ?

Hidden Work

I read the words found in Judges 4 before we leave for our Father's Day trip. I sit on the banks of a creek in beautiful surrounding and I read them again. Deborah, she puzzles me. How did she get this job? I sit by the creek watching my family play.






Enjoying the beauty that only comes from an imaginative creator.






I ask God...what are you teaching me. Show me clearly. I have little patience. There is something I am supposed to learn, but no matter where my thoughts go...nothing comes.

I have sat in the same spot for some time now. I look next to me at the plant and there I spy it.



Do you see it? That thing that looks like a dead leaf. Only it is not a leaf at all. It is the making of a butterfly. Hidden in that brown shell God is doing an incredible work. One creature becoming another. The work going on inside is miraculous. It doesn't seem so awe inspiring from the outside.

I have decided to do the same with the words about Deborah. To wrap them in my heart and let God do the miraculous. From the outside it doesn't look or feel like much. Still, when God is through working it...I will see it clearly.

Rehearsing Brings Rest

Rehearsing the gifts God gives in a week. This is the place where rest becomes reality.




51...fresh veggies from the garden




55...a wise friend who teaches me to can



56...good recipes and the smell of cooking relish



57...a baby bunny wrapped in a daughter's hand



58...jars and hearts filled to the brim
59...the pop a jar lid makes when the cooling is just right

The last gift is a surprise. I wander off the deck looking for the mini-donkeys. There it is, the last light tucked between dark clouds. I run for the camera not wanting to miss getting the shot.






The day I worked to fill the jars ends with the filling of my heart. Filled to the rim with joy and love and beauty.

Luke says give. Maybe the give is the giving of thanks. And the thanks it gives back with the same measure. Flowing over the rims of our hearts...pouring into laps...an abundant measure to be shared.

"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 the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6: 38

Protected Warriors

The one I married, he is worried. His job does that to him at times. As he leaves I remind him of the armor found in Ephesians. He says as he walks our the door...I wish I could remember to give thanks to fight the worry.

He leaves and I am left in the quiet of our home. I turn to the pages where armor is described. How often do we tackle a day without the protection? Leaving that which is necessary for life behind. Standing on the battlefield with only our worldly clothes...no shield...no weapon.

The enemy looks, searches for the weakest points, the places where no armor covers. I put the armor on piece by piece.

A belt tightened around. Truth surrounding the most intimate part of our body. Righteousness in the form of a breastplate covers the organs that are vital to life. I slide my feet into the readiness produced by the message of Christ. The helmet of salvation that guards our thoughts and redirects the mind.

Faith is the shield we use to defend ourselves. Fear and faith they cannot reside together. Fear causes us to drop the shield even lay it down, forgetting it exists.

My only weapon, a sword, sharpened by time spent in His word. Feasting on his word, committing it to memory, recalling it often is the practice that keeps the warrior trained.

Ephesians tells us we battle not against flesh and blood. The battle is eternal, lasting far longer than this life. The call to battle, to put on the armor is not a call to go after the enemy. The armor allows us to stand...firmly grounded...resisting the attack, temptation, sin. Jesus won the battle the day he hung on the cross. Victory doesn't get reversed. The enemy distracts, turns us around, wants us to run. There is no armor in the back.

Battle days are for standing, staying firm, resisting the thought that anything, anyone could undo what Jesus has done.

I stand and give thanks. Praising the one who is victorious.

Canning Strength

She left the mason jar on the shelf as a gift. I kept it there waiting for the perfect time to use it. Children needing dinner, the pantry empty I grab the jar and make the soup. The contents of the jar...it makes the best soup.

I see her later and ask, "Can I have the recipe for the soup base?" She could have handed me the recipe, but she doesn't. Instead she invites me to come and make it with her. She wants to teach and I am glad to be the student.

The time is planned, ingredients gathered, chopped, prepared. Today is the day and I set off to learn.

I unload my things in her kitchen. She hands me the recipe written in her own hand for me to use time and again.



There in her kitchen I follow her directions, ask questions. We place the jars in the water. We sit at the table and I realize this is strength. The hands on learning, it makes me strong. Stronger than attempting it by myself.

While we wait we travel to her garden rich with things growing. I listen as she tells me how she has designed the garden. She picks squash...I watch...listen to the wisdom of many years. This wisdom has made her strong...strengthens me.



Strength comes in the willingness to learn. The letting go of the "I can do it myself attitude".



Following Jesus is a learning journey. Seeking wisdom in His word...that is the place where strength abides.

"We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began." 1 Cor. 2: 6-7

Fresh Focus

I love how The Message says it:

"No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it--What God has arranged for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2: 9

The amplified version say "has not entered the heart of man".

"What no human mind has conceived," is how the NIV put it.

Such strong words to a heart that has become a little lukewarm...forgetting to imagine. A fresh word for the day. To wonder about things a human has not imagined, to anticipate that which has not even entered my heart yet--this is my focus today.

Lacking Imagination

This idea of lacking imagination sticks with me. The church of Laodicea was given a message.

"I know our works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of My mouth."--Rev. 3: 15-16

Lukewarm is defined as having little enthusiasm or conviction. Having no imagination, it is a cousin to lukewarmness. It is as if at times I catch myself just moving through life. Doing the next thing without much thought.

I drink things lukewarm and I get a better picture of what the message means. Lukewarm drinks do not refresh nor comfort. Sometimes it is better to drink nothing at all. Lack of imagination does the same.

I repent...for not being cold towards the sin in my life...for lacking imagination to believe that with Him all things are possible.

Imagine

It began in a biology class. My daughter's friend inspired to do something more, catching a vision, sharing it with his friends. Two years later they stand in front of hundreds and talk about the vision.

She comes home and says, "Mom, the nets we sent have saved over ten thousand people. Standing in front of those hundreds brought reality to those numbers for me."

I sit in church and watch it on video playing for the congregation. He says, "If we all give, we can imagine a world without malaria." A lump forms in my throat...imagine.

Imagine that a few teens with God's help raise over thirty thousand dollars. Imagine families sleeping under nets that hold off the insects that spread a deadly disease. Imagine...maybe that's the problem...we don't imagine.

The scripture often haunts me. One I have turned over in my mind often.

"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in the Son."--John 14: 12-13

Maybe that's it. Maybe I have begun to imagine very little. My tears, they flow as the service continues. I have forgotten how to imagine, to move beyond what this world seems to offer, to grab hold of the impossible made possible by a God with a great imagination.

Imagine a world without hunger...homeless...addiction. Imagine children being loved, marriages lasting, peace prevailing.

Imagine...

Disconnection

We go to the water park to celebrate his tenth birthday. The rain begins as we swim but this park is indoors and so we slide, and swim, and eat.





50...the ten year old who makes us complete.
51...slides, the lazy river, and water

We head home, the birthday boy and his three friends. The call comes...my mom warning us that the electricity is out. No lights or television...no hot water for bathing. We scramble through the house lighting candles, finding flashlights. The boys search out electronics that are charged and ready to play. I go to the closet with my flashlight shining and reach out to flip on the switch. Why did I do that I ask? There is a reason I am holding the flashlight and yet somewhere there is still a disconnect.

It is a short journey to disconnection. Ingratitude paves the way. The rest of the week when I reach for a switch I am grateful...

52...for electricity
53...little boys who turn inconvenience into an indoor camp out
54...young faces dimly lit by video games

"But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising Him to everyone."
--Psalm 109: 30

Quiet Warnings

Warnings tiptoe in on quiet feet. Business and life can easily distract you from those signs that something is not right. I water the flowers and see.



There it is. Holes that shout that there is a something eating at the very life of things planted. I walk around the house and take an even closer look.






Signs that something is amiss. Invaders that if let go will take over, eat, destroy all that has been planted.

We battle in the same way to guard the things that work against growth deep within. The enemy, he rarely comes at us directly. He comes at us in hidden ways, looking for places we leave unguarded. Peter says to keep alert (1 Peter 5 8). Webster's defines alert as being watchful, prompt to meet danger, quick to perceive and act.

This is the way we guard...watchful, prompt, and quick. Acting quickly to surrender those things of the flesh that give the one who attacks a foothold. Asking for love when we feel hate, seeking peace where chaos creeps, letting go when we want to hold on... small steps win the battle.

Musicians I love describe it as a slow fade where black and white turn to grey.

This is where the battle line is drawn. The place where I need my full armor. The place where doing all that is required I stand.

Frogs Don't Worry

Worry, it zaps the strength. It sucks life and love. Depletes the resources that have built up within us. Nothing about it strengthens who we are in Jesus.

I go to weed the garden and pull out the grass that tries to encroach on the young plants. I bend over to the task and notice movement. I take a look, what could it be. I gaze in wonder at the tiniest frog I have ever seen.






There he sits waiting to jump. The camera clicks and he jumps. Click, jump, click jump. The words in Matthew slowly play across my mind.

"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they." Matt. 6: 26

Frogs, they don't worry. They find a place where the food is rich and they wait. Where is the food rich in my life? The place where I can just sit and wait to be filled. Does this place exist for those of us who are worth more than frogs?

Feasting on His word leaves no room for worry. That is the place where I sit and am filled.

"But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness, and then all these things taken together will be given you besides." Matt. 6: 33

Fresh Anticipation

It is hard work. The tilling and planting and watering. The weeding and mulching. All sweaty hard work. The waiting for things to mature and grow and bloom. I love the work. I love the results.








I love the bright and beautiful blooms.



The revealing of a job well done.






The taste of something grown in my yard. Everyday I walk to the garden and look in awe. Each day something fresh happening. It took weeks to happen. It cost me energy and time. I waited and watched with anticipation.

Could it be that this is the attitude I should have towards all the growth that goes on within me as well? Planting his word in the soil of my heart. Allowing Him to water and weed. Taking the time to enjoy the colorful blooms and fruit from all that God has planted in me. This is fresh and refreshing and I am surrounded by Him.

"Certainly the faithful love of the Lord has not ended;
certainly God's compassion isn't through!
They are renewed every morning.
Great is your faithfulness!

I think: The Lord is my portion. Therefore, I'll wait for him.
The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the person who seeks Him."
Lamentations 3: 22-24

Love Revealed

She was sitting at the sewing machine when she said it. She often tells funny stories about grandchildren antics. My youngest had gone with her to do a little shopping.

My mom singing with my youngest as they drive home. "Victory in Jesus, my savior, forever..." Words she passed to me. Words she now passes to my children.



My youngest says in the middle of the tune, "My mom really loves Jesus."

She told me the story and smiles. I feel like I have been slugged in the stomach and tears come to my eyes. Where did he get that? How does he know? I rack my brain trying to remember when I said those words out loud.

I continue to wonder through the day. Do I love you enough Lord? Could it be that I really love you? It doesn't feel like it at times. Is it a love that reaches deep inside? Yet he sees, my youngest, he looks past my faults, failures, short comings and recognizes it. Why can't I?



This lukewarmness has always been with me. This tendency to be about the doing to find value. I read scripture, talk about faith, treat others with love all to be worthy. My son's words they remind me of why I do these things. I will never be worthy in my own strength, in the doing of all the good things. He is love and all the love that I have for Him only comes from Him.

I find myself saying the words before my feet hit the floor. Lord, I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I smile because it is true. "I really love Jesus."


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A Light Shines

The choir stands and they sing..."People need the Lord, people need the Lord". The light ushers in on young feet and a scripture comes to my mind.

"He said, "I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life." John 8: 12

Funny thing about darkness. We get used to it. Walk out on a dark night and soon your eyes will adjust. You can see shapes, even shadows when the moon is out. If you are not careful, you can get pretty comfortable there in the dark. So comfortable that when light is introduced the first instinct is to cover your eyes. Shield yourself from the brightness.

Those that don't know the Light, they have no idea they are in darkness. A clear reason why we must take the Light into our world.

The lyrics of the song strike me.

"People need the Lord, people need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door. People need the Lord, people need the Lord. When will we realize that people need the Lord."

Realizing that people need Jesus...there is light in that. Loving others where they are shines into darkness.

May we walk each day lighting up the darkness of our world until others join us in saying those same words Isaiah wrote:

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them the Light shines." Isaiah 9: 2



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Willing Hearts

I smiled when she said it. 
The little girl I picked up to go to church.  The new one who had only been in worship with us twice.  I watched as she joined in the singing, watched the words on the screen.
I watched her as we said the creed. When we finished she leaned over to the one standing beside her and said, "They read too fast."
I listened to the two beside me.  Two young boys who are new to church too.  We begin the Lord's prayer and I hear the boys begin.  From farther away you would not have noticed but I did.  If you sit close enough you realize that they do not know all the words.  The mumble what they do not know and speak the rest.  Yes, the teacher in me wanted to figure out how to help the little girl read faster...teach the boys all the words to the Lord's prayer. There was something about their innocent approach to worship that stops me.

My kids have a favorite coach.  He coaches cross country among other things, and the reason they like him.
He runs with them. 
In the early morning hours before school you will often see him running with the kids he is coaching.  Setting the pace.  Encouraging them.  They like him because his style of leadership is to join those he is leading.  They like him because when they see him doing it they believe they can do it too.

My heart overflows with joy at the new sounds I hear in worship.
A whisper from a little girl.
Mumbles from boys beside.
These are the sounds that remind me that leading others to Jesus is as simple as sitting beside them in church, setting the pace, running beside them, cheering them on.  They don't need to know all the words...to read faster. God looks into their hearts and see a willingness to try even if they don't get all the words right.

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." 1 Sam. 16: 7

A List That Changes Everything

"Know that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting. His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations." Psalm 100: 3-5

Resting doesn't come easy for some us. We are used to doing...being productive. Getting things done. Resting is more than taking a nap, sitting around. It has more to do with our attitude about time then what we are actually doing. Resting is about the being with God and others. Really "being". Connecting with the person of God and those around us. The scripture tells us we are God's. It encourages us to enter His gates with thanksgiving. It is the first step towards building a relationship with him.

The discipline of giving thanks...I learned of its important from an author, a word artist so to speak. Her writing inspired me to begin a list of 1000 things to be thankful for. Three things a day...for the entire year.

The day of rest...I look over my list...remember those gifts that come from God's hand.





33...the sun coming up each morning
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37...baseball games



39...scriptures written on the inside of walls.
41...the finishing of a loved one's new home.

Maybe we too should write His word on the walls of our hearts. Words that push us past our own desires to reveal and remind that "It is He who made us, not we ourselves."

Only God Makes Things Grow

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, only God, who makes things grow." 1 Cor. 3: 7

They were given as a gift...tiny trees to plant.




Twigs really..just wrapped up in a small cloth sack ready to be planted. They sat on the table a while waiting...needing a way to begin their life. And so the task began.

My brother's youngest and I we planted...choosing pots...putting in soil...watering.









Giving the trees a chance to grow was our job. I wait and watch to see evidence of growth. Wondering if I got the needed things just right. Wishing I could see if the roots were lengthening through the darkness.

Reminding myself..."only God makes things grow".

Ephesians says it differently. "Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day, and, having done all the crisis demands, stand firmly in your place".

I remind myself continually...only God makes things grow...just stand. These are battle cries of my soul. My flesh yearns to get in the way. Make it happen faster to get the results I want. Fix the crisis...grow the hearts.

This portion, it is not our job, it is only God's. And so stand firmly in my place shouting like those around the walls of Jericho...

ONLY GOD MAKES THINGS GROW!