world peace and computers

I started this morning off reading and thinking about “peace.” You gotta love God’s sense of humor sometimes. I’ve been thinking about the birth of Jesus and how it is consistent with His life all the way to the end. For instance, have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus’ name given in Matthew 1 is “Emmanuel”—God with us. Then at the end of His time here on earth Matthew records some of His final words to His disciples. They include, “Lo, I am with you always…” Isn’t that great?! Jesus God in human flesh who came and walked among sinful man, His own creation, then promised to never leave. THAT is a definite source of encouragement to me when I think life is too hard sometimes. Jesus came, because of love, and remains, because of love. I am not alone.

You’re probably wondering where “peace” comes in. Well, this week, I’ve been thinking about the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom God is pleased.” Perhaps I’ll write some thoughts on the first part some other time, but today was a continuation on my “peace processing”. There are several other places in the NT where peace is talked about being given (John 14:27 and Phil 4:7 for example). This morning my thoughts went something like this:
Jesus brought peace. The angels proclaimed it the night of His birth as they announced to the shepherds; yet it is not automatic. The peace is in Christ Jesus. Peace is not an invisible force field that protects me from all that is happening—making me oblivious or insensitive or untouchable. Peace is a state of heart and mind found when my yieldedness allows me to see beyond the clamoring of requirements and appointments and demands and “have-to’s” and allows me to see Jesu;s to know I am loved without strings attached and then to love others the same way—actually to allow Him to love others through me. I want peace. I think mostly, I want Jesus.

That’s how my morning started. For some reason this week I have been feeling stressed. I have no reason really. I think its hormonal actually, but for whatever reason, things seem to be landing on my “buttons” quicker than usual.  Well, late this afternoon I had an opportunity to meditate on the word “peace” as I talked with and sat on hold with a computer company for close to 3 ½ hours (I really don’t know how long it was it seemed like most of my day though!). I’m sure some of you can relate.

I recently purchased a small laptop and needed to upgrade my operating system. This should have been a simple process…ok, I’m not THAT ignorant, but surely it did not need to take that long. The first download would not complete, I know this because a pop-up box—that I could not close!—appeared on my screen approximately every 15 seconds to tell me. Even when I opened a different window the box would reappear with its “gentle” reminder. So, I did the logical thing…called for tech support. I won’t bore you with all the details, but needless to say it would make great comedy material…now. I should have known it wouldn’t be good when I’m speaking with a technician, whom I know was sitting in his cubicle in an office somewhere in Asia, and the hold music (when there was hold music) was definitely not English…it was Latino.

Do you have something (or someone) that could be considered a “button”? For me, it is definitely computers. I don’t know why…no, I think I do know why. I really don’t like being so ignorant and helpless. It seems like each time I try to do something with any technical bent to it, I end up needing to ask for help and it seems so simple in the end. Argh! The pop-up box was screaming at me, “you are sooo stupid! How hard can this be? Just follow the directions and click on the appropriate box.” My inadequacy is flashing with neon lights. So,…what about that “peace”?

Here I sat with my computer on my lap, talking with someone thousands of miles away who seemingly would supply the answer to my needs, and tension mounting by the minute. While I was trying to interpret what was being said (or played on hold) God was right here…with me…offering peace. It is not the resolution of life’s circumstances that equal peace. It is not how well I do, or how much I know. It is WHO I know and the difference His presence makes in my life. I learned a little about computers today, but more importantly God reminded me about His peace today.

I want peace. I think mostly,…I want Jesus.

Its the music!

THAT's what makes this time of year so good! We've just finished our final program for this year's COS. Gotta admit,...its been a little tiring at times, but hey...most things that are worthwhile are. It's also been invigorating! What a great reminder of what's really important.
This week will be filled with exams and grading just trying to finish the semester. I am also hoping to do a little shopping. All this singing has kept me out of the stores...probably a good thing! :)
I think this next week will be a reflective time as the year comes to a close. Being a closure person processing is important to me. It's good to think through what has been learned through the year and also to look ahead and think about what changes may need to be made. To be sure, God is at work, without this processing, chances are I'll miss it. If my heart's intention is truly to continue to deepen in my relationship with God, this processing is an important part of that growth.
The other thing I've been thinking about lately is the whole idea of "faith". What will it look like in my life this coming year?
Merry Christmas to you. May you truly see Him this season. And may others see Him in you.

it doesn't matter how old you are...

...a snow day is a great thing! The weather here today was bad enough that the powers that be deemed it necessary to give us the day off. What a treat! I got up this morning and checked the website to find the announcement that school was indeed closed for the day. I had to read it twice! I felt like a little kid. Of course part of the day's activities included shoveling the snow and slush, then icing my back from shoveling the snow and slush. But it was great! One other thing I'll share tonight: while I was shoveling a clump of snow fell from one of the tree limbs and hit me on the head. I had to laugh out loud...God hit me with a snowball. hehe! :)
I hope your day has the joy of a snow day! Keep your eyes open. You never know what God might do!

today's best thing

This week will be full of another one of the best things about Christmas...music! I have been working with the ensemble in my church on this year's Christmas musical since September. This week will be full of practice and then the 3 perfomances this weekend.
Music is so powerful, and when you couple it with the most powerful message...its a double whammy (does that have 2 "m's" or one?!)! The music of Christmas seems to communicate right from the start. It stays cooped up all year long and then spreads its wings once we let it out of the box. You hear it in stores, on the radio, in churches...its like life's background music this time of year.
So when you are listening to the music this time of year, remember that there actually is a reason to all the melody.
I hope your singing is an overflow of your heart!

What's the best thing about Christmas?

I was asked that tonight. There really are so many “bests” this time of year. But tonight I will write about just one—maybe tomorrow we’ll do another.

The best thing about Christmas is the reason for the celebration in the first place. The story of Christmas—the angel coming to Mary, Jesus’ birth in stable, starry nights, angels, shepherds on the hillside… The whole story is perfectly orchestrated and timed. Jesus came at the “right” time, grew up and accomplished exactly what He came here to earth to do…to serve and to give His life as a ransom. Our Christmas musical this year has the song entitled, “We are the Reason” in it. Think about it. The Christmas season is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and the reason He came in the first place was for you and me.

So tonight…the best thing about Christmas is knowing that I am truly loved. God’s love is unshakable, unchanging, and always secure. It is this love that allows me to truly love others—without a need for reciprocity. I hope you know that love too.