I’m not sure exactly what that means, but life at the beach is definitely one of my favorites. I am spending my spring break here at the beach and can certainly attest its much nicer writing papers and grading with an ocean view!
I will clarify by saying it is still cool here. It is not take your chair to the beach and soak up the sun weather, but none the less, I am at the beach. While walking along the beach the other day I came up to a family who had indeed brought out their chairs and were determined to enjoy the beach life for the day. I was passing them in my sweat pants and hooded sweatshirt (which I happened to have over my head to keep my ears from getting cold). As I got closer I watched as two little girls in their swimsuits and swimming masks approached the water’s edge with great confidence. They kept up the pace as they entered the water and got about knee deep before making a swift “about face” and walked just as quickly and with as much confidence out of the water. As they made their exit I heard one of them say, “I think I’ve had enough for today.” I had to chuckle out loud. They had just gotten in the water, but had had their fill.
It made me think. I wonder if that’s how many of us treat much of our Christian life—bible study, church, prayer, relationships... We barely get started but sense a little discomfort (or maybe more than a little) and decide, “I think I’ve had enough for today,” as we turn our attention elsewhere. Life is certainly not always comfortable, or understandable, but to be sure our loving Father is waiting, even wooing us to walk with Him in all of it as He teaches us about Himself. He wants us to see Him as greater than the struggle and capable of getting us through. He wants us to connect in our spirits with His to wait, and listen, and to endure what life will bring our way each day.
I get to live the beach life for a few more days, but...I don’t think I’ll ever have enough.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
true love
Now before anyone gets too excited give me a minute to explain. This past Sunday we studied one of the "have-to-have's" of faith--a firm belief that God loves completely and is looking out for my good. My response to this "true love" is my life's daily-ness (and yes I know that's not a word!). My living every day, my reactions, and interactions all should be based on the Gospel...the good news of Jesus and His love for me. Go figure this week in my 1 Peter class the topic was also "true love" (its incredible how God weaves life together!). The first chapter is Peter's reminder of the salvation his readers possessed and how that should make a difference in their lives' purpose as well as interactions. To help illustrate I used a video clip from the classic movie "Princess Bride". Definitely not known for its theologically deep story line, but none the less this clip has great application for our lives as we think of our "true love".
For those of you unfamiliar with the movie, Buttercup and her true love Wesley have been on the run from the "will be king" Humperdink. He wishes to marry Buttercup but to do this must get rid of Wesley. After being chased into the fire swamp (a fate no one has survived) the couple emerges on the other side only to be apprehended by Humperdink's men. So that Wesley will not be killed, Buttercup agrees to marry the prince if he will release Wesley (she knows Wesley will return to rescue her). Humperdink agrees, but of course does not follow through and instead sends Wesley to the dungeon for torture. While she is held in the castle awaiting her rescue, Buttercup has nightmares about her decision. This clip is the nightmare. She is haunted by her decision to give up "true love".
My "True Love" lives! And I will not marry another. May my life's reality show that as I walk by faith.
For those of you unfamiliar with the movie, Buttercup and her true love Wesley have been on the run from the "will be king" Humperdink. He wishes to marry Buttercup but to do this must get rid of Wesley. After being chased into the fire swamp (a fate no one has survived) the couple emerges on the other side only to be apprehended by Humperdink's men. So that Wesley will not be killed, Buttercup agrees to marry the prince if he will release Wesley (she knows Wesley will return to rescue her). Humperdink agrees, but of course does not follow through and instead sends Wesley to the dungeon for torture. While she is held in the castle awaiting her rescue, Buttercup has nightmares about her decision. This clip is the nightmare. She is haunted by her decision to give up "true love".
My "True Love" lives! And I will not marry another. May my life's reality show that as I walk by faith.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
living my reality
The snow came as predicted today. That is amazing considering the past 2 storms have ended as empty threats for this area. This year it seems we are too far NORTH for the snow. Funny. Though my parents, who live in South Jersey aren’t laughing.
I am continuing on my pursuit to answer the question, “what does faith look like?” We’ve been answering it in our Bible study time on Sunday mornings and this week we looked at Hebrews 11:6; particularly the part of the verse that says, “He who would draw near to God must believe that He is…” So, to have faith I must believe that God exists. Ok, I know, “captain obvious” strikes again! But stop and think about it. Is this truly how we live our lives? Wendy Horger Alsup, in her book, Practical Theology for Women, comments that many of us are much more convinced of the reality of our problems than we are of the reality of our God. I don’t know about you, but that hit me pretty hard. (By the way, I highly recommend the book!)
Chapter 11 of Hebrews begins with the author’s definition of faith and then 4 examples of those who were commended for having faith. The “people of old,” are the first group. They simply believed God each day. When God explained who He was to Moses in Exodus, He called Himself the “I AM.” (Ex 3:14). Go is does not need help, or support. He does not get life from any other source. He Himself is the source of all life. He exists. He is real!
Today, faith looked like doing homework, grading, shoveling snow, even a little nap…just basic everyday stuff. But in the midst of it, I have to remember, God is real. He is not a myth, or thought, or philosophical idea that may or may not be true. If I say I want to know God, and draw near to Him, I’ve got to believe…I’ve got live like…God is real.
I am continuing on my pursuit to answer the question, “what does faith look like?” We’ve been answering it in our Bible study time on Sunday mornings and this week we looked at Hebrews 11:6; particularly the part of the verse that says, “He who would draw near to God must believe that He is…” So, to have faith I must believe that God exists. Ok, I know, “captain obvious” strikes again! But stop and think about it. Is this truly how we live our lives? Wendy Horger Alsup, in her book, Practical Theology for Women, comments that many of us are much more convinced of the reality of our problems than we are of the reality of our God. I don’t know about you, but that hit me pretty hard. (By the way, I highly recommend the book!)
Chapter 11 of Hebrews begins with the author’s definition of faith and then 4 examples of those who were commended for having faith. The “people of old,” are the first group. They simply believed God each day. When God explained who He was to Moses in Exodus, He called Himself the “I AM.” (Ex 3:14). Go is does not need help, or support. He does not get life from any other source. He Himself is the source of all life. He exists. He is real!
Today, faith looked like doing homework, grading, shoveling snow, even a little nap…just basic everyday stuff. But in the midst of it, I have to remember, God is real. He is not a myth, or thought, or philosophical idea that may or may not be true. If I say I want to know God, and draw near to Him, I’ve got to believe…I’ve got live like…God is real.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Living the Reality
It’s the 10th on the first month of 2010. Since 10 happens to be my favorite number I thought I would write a bit tonight; besides that it’s the eve of the start of a new semester and there’s no telling when I’ll get a chance to do this again!
The theme I’ve chosen for this year is “LIVING THE REALITY”. I’ve been meditating on the whole concept of “faith” and I think that phrase really sums up what living by faith is all about. I started thinking about faith and its importance a few months ago when I read in Hebrews 11:6, “and without faith, it is impossible to please God.” If faith is really that important, we’d better figure it out. It seems to me that there are many people who are trying to please God without faith and their efforts are totally in vain.
Jesus also put much emphasis on faith when He walked this earth. He healed some because of their faith. He commended some because of their faith. He rebuked and showed disappointment to some who had little faith. One man in particular, was pointed out as having more faith than Jesus had seen in all Israel.
When you think about it, it really is pretty basic to this thing we call the Christian life. But the most important aspect of faith, (hold on, this is going to be profound!)…is doing it. I guess it’s similar to exercise. Because I teach Physical Education I have been asked many times what the best abdominal exercise is. Well, the answer really is pretty basic…it’s the one you do. No sarcasm there, just straight up honesty. And with faith perhaps there are times when we need to stop just talking about it or reading about it and start doing it. We need to choose to live in the reality that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do despite how I feel at any given moment.
Let’s face it, life doesn’t look much like what we really want sometimes—its not comfortable or easy—but that really means MY perspective is off, not God’s. Why do I work so hard to try and make life comfortable or control things that never were, nor ever will be my responsibility? Things like relationships, where I work, financial provision, daily needs, who I can serve when and where, aren’t for me to control. They are God’s work and He is orchestrating all things for my good and His glory.
So this week, whatever our weeks may hold, let’s live in the reality. Let’s walk in faith. For starters this week I’m choosing to believe God loves me purely and completely. Live that reality!
The theme I’ve chosen for this year is “LIVING THE REALITY”. I’ve been meditating on the whole concept of “faith” and I think that phrase really sums up what living by faith is all about. I started thinking about faith and its importance a few months ago when I read in Hebrews 11:6, “and without faith, it is impossible to please God.” If faith is really that important, we’d better figure it out. It seems to me that there are many people who are trying to please God without faith and their efforts are totally in vain.
Jesus also put much emphasis on faith when He walked this earth. He healed some because of their faith. He commended some because of their faith. He rebuked and showed disappointment to some who had little faith. One man in particular, was pointed out as having more faith than Jesus had seen in all Israel.
When you think about it, it really is pretty basic to this thing we call the Christian life. But the most important aspect of faith, (hold on, this is going to be profound!)…is doing it. I guess it’s similar to exercise. Because I teach Physical Education I have been asked many times what the best abdominal exercise is. Well, the answer really is pretty basic…it’s the one you do. No sarcasm there, just straight up honesty. And with faith perhaps there are times when we need to stop just talking about it or reading about it and start doing it. We need to choose to live in the reality that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do despite how I feel at any given moment.
Let’s face it, life doesn’t look much like what we really want sometimes—its not comfortable or easy—but that really means MY perspective is off, not God’s. Why do I work so hard to try and make life comfortable or control things that never were, nor ever will be my responsibility? Things like relationships, where I work, financial provision, daily needs, who I can serve when and where, aren’t for me to control. They are God’s work and He is orchestrating all things for my good and His glory.
So this week, whatever our weeks may hold, let’s live in the reality. Let’s walk in faith. For starters this week I’m choosing to believe God loves me purely and completely. Live that reality!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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!
I hope your day has the joy of a snow day! Keep your eyes open. You never know what God might do!
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