Peace on earth...good will towards men
Peace be with you...and also with you
Shalom...
..and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will be yours..
Peace. It's a beautiful term we throw around often. In the 70's, it was an icon. Today, it's more a state-of-mind. Do you have it? Where do you get it? How does it come? How can you make it last?
Most of my life I've viewed peace as an emotion or a feeling. Almost like an overwhelming calmness that saturates every inch of my being, inside and out. Regardless of situation, circumstance or any external forces...peace is being 'ok' in spite of those. Right?
Jesus talked about peace often.
"the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives." John14:27
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me" John16:33
"go, in peace" Mark5:34
"live in peace with one another" Mark9:50
Paul, one of the major New Testament authors, greets his readers repeatedly with the phrase, "grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus!"
What does it mean, exactly? What was Jesus (and Paul) trying to communicate with that word? Was it merely the absence of affliction, conflict or turmoil? A warm, fuzzy feeling or emotion? Maybe, but maybe it's more...
Romans tells us that 'the wages of sin is death.' That without the sacrificial covering and work that Jesus did for us on the cross and the power held in His resurrection..we are enemies of God. Enemies. At war. Our sin-nature is literally at war with the holiness of God...where there is sin there cannot be peace. We cannot be friends. In Him there is no sin, so because He is holy and without sin, He cannot be with it...it would mean He was no longer holy...effectively making Him no longer God.
THIS is what makes the gospel aka 'the good news' of Jesus not just good but GRACE! Jesus accomplishes for us, what we cannot do on our own. His payment of our sin (not His own, He led a sin-less life) on the cross and resurrection not only defeats sin and death on our behalf but it allows us to be friends with God. The battle was won...where there was once war and death, we now have peace..and life! Picture Israel right now if they were in a time of peace, instead of war.
Jesus told us that He doesn't give us peace like the world gives...the peace He brings isn't a mere emotion or state of being, though it can be those things too. It's not just the absence of conflict or affliction, though it can encompass that. But the peace we have in Jesus is that the war of sin and death is over...defeated...He is victorious! And in Him, we are too. No longer enemies of God, but friends, at peace...and even better...adopted, beloved children!
I'm not sure I'll be able to throw the word around as much now that I've seen a bigger picture of just what peace we truly have in Christ! The next time you pray for peace in someone's life or circumstances...remember that we're praying for the battle of sin to be won in their lives through Jesus, more than a warm fuzzy feeling in their heart...though, sometimes the two go hand in hand :)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Reminder
My son is 5...well, he'll be 6 very soon. He is rambunctious, curious, energetic, creative, rambunctious...! Sometimes I forget that this sweet, kind, very big hearted little boy is just that-a little boy! Sometimes I expect him to act like a big kid or to remember the 25 times previous (in one day) that I've told him to stop fighting the sofa with his light saber! But the truth is, he's 5. Sure he can be a 'selective listener' (a skill I'm pretty sure he's learning from his daddy), and he can be rebellious and defiant. But 98% of the time, he's just a little boy, who is so enthralled and enchanted by his surroundings and his imagination that he needs to be lovingly lead...carefully reminded who he is and the boundaries of his world.
I'm not 5 anymore, by a lot of years! I'm reliable on most days to behave, listen and not entice the couch to a light saber battle. But I still forget. I still lose sight of who I am, and the boundaries of my world. I still need to be lovingly lead, carefully guided and reminded. It's a task I can't do for myself the way I can for my own son and daughter, while they are young.
Romans 1:3-4 says:
'Concerning the Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord'
Paul needed to remind his fellow believers in Rome just Who this Jesus that they were building their faith upon and church around, was. He wasn't just a good Rabbi, though He was the best to ever live. He wasn't just a performer of miraculous signs and wonders, though He revealed the absolute power of God in amazing ways during His life. He wasn't just a prophet as they had learned of in previous generations. Jesus is the Messiah! He's the One the scriptures have been pointing to, revealing and prophesying about! He is fully man-descended from the line of David, just like scriptures foretold. He's also fully and powerfully God's own son-shown in His all-powerful defeat and victory over all sin and death itself in His resurrection from the grave! This Jesus, isn't just good and helpful, He IS life itself, the reason we are here and the rock on which we build our faith, our church, our everything!
I needed this reminder today, just as those in Rome did so many years ago. I need this reminder everyday as I forget who I am, or should I say whose I am. This story isn't about me. But because of who He is, I get to be a part if it. This isn't about my perfection or successes, but His perfection for me! I'm sure to forget, but He is faithful to remind.
I'm not 5 anymore, by a lot of years! I'm reliable on most days to behave, listen and not entice the couch to a light saber battle. But I still forget. I still lose sight of who I am, and the boundaries of my world. I still need to be lovingly lead, carefully guided and reminded. It's a task I can't do for myself the way I can for my own son and daughter, while they are young.
Romans 1:3-4 says:
'Concerning the Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord'
Paul needed to remind his fellow believers in Rome just Who this Jesus that they were building their faith upon and church around, was. He wasn't just a good Rabbi, though He was the best to ever live. He wasn't just a performer of miraculous signs and wonders, though He revealed the absolute power of God in amazing ways during His life. He wasn't just a prophet as they had learned of in previous generations. Jesus is the Messiah! He's the One the scriptures have been pointing to, revealing and prophesying about! He is fully man-descended from the line of David, just like scriptures foretold. He's also fully and powerfully God's own son-shown in His all-powerful defeat and victory over all sin and death itself in His resurrection from the grave! This Jesus, isn't just good and helpful, He IS life itself, the reason we are here and the rock on which we build our faith, our church, our everything!
I needed this reminder today, just as those in Rome did so many years ago. I need this reminder everyday as I forget who I am, or should I say whose I am. This story isn't about me. But because of who He is, I get to be a part if it. This isn't about my perfection or successes, but His perfection for me! I'm sure to forget, but He is faithful to remind.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
identity
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures," (Romans 1:1, 2 ESV)
I typically glaze over introductory words like these. Even in study, I would expect to find the 'meatier' words found within the middle of books/chapters. But have you ever started to read a book from the middle? Oh sure, most times we can catch up to what the author is saying, who each character is, storyline etc...but if we miss those first introductions, we miss richness and context that enhance and enlighten the words that follow after. In fact, it might even change the whole story.
If you read much Scripture, the first words in this chapter can seem redundant. Paul is credited with writing many New Testament books. He often begins in this same manner, introducing or reaffirming who he is to the audience of his letter. But this isn't just a generic reminder of his genealogy or an apathetic spring board so he can get to his point. These words contain his very identity, and it's within this identity that the rest of his words, found in many letters written to many new testament churches, find their meaning and authority.
Identity. It's a pretty hot topic in our culture right now. Who am I? Why am I here? These questions have been asked by every living soul since the beginning of time--literally. What Paul is communicating here is that the message he brings to the believers in Rome isn't his own. In fact, he isn't his own. He belongs to Christ (see first post on Romans), has been called to 'go and teach/make students' of Jesus by Christ himself. The message of rescue and freedom he is bringing is a message straight from God-for the glory of God..not from Paul, for the glory of Paul. It is the message of hope that has been told since the fall of man as recorded in earliest of Scriptures. Every word, every person, every law spoken through prophets in the holy scriptures (old testament) has pointed to and proclaimed the coming rescue, redemption and reconciliation for us-to God-in Jesus.
Without this introduction, Paul's identification, the words that follow don't hold water. If Paul was just Paul-a guy trying to make a name for himself, his readers wouldn't have found life and hope in the words that followed. The rest of the letter wouldn't make much impact. Who we are, reflects in what and how we speak and act and how our lives play out. Are we the main character or is Christ?
Identity. Who am I? Why am I here? These aren't just cliche words. If I were to examine every facet of my life- Who/what am I identified by?
What propels how I live and the choices I make every day?
Am I here to try and make a name for myself or is there more?
As a follower of Jesus, a student-called by God, am I living to tell others about Him, as an ambassador of His great love and freedom?
This thing called life...it's His story...let's not skip the introductions and miss out on who we are and why we're here.
I typically glaze over introductory words like these. Even in study, I would expect to find the 'meatier' words found within the middle of books/chapters. But have you ever started to read a book from the middle? Oh sure, most times we can catch up to what the author is saying, who each character is, storyline etc...but if we miss those first introductions, we miss richness and context that enhance and enlighten the words that follow after. In fact, it might even change the whole story.
Identity. It's a pretty hot topic in our culture right now. Who am I? Why am I here? These questions have been asked by every living soul since the beginning of time--literally. What Paul is communicating here is that the message he brings to the believers in Rome isn't his own. In fact, he isn't his own. He belongs to Christ (see first post on Romans), has been called to 'go and teach/make students' of Jesus by Christ himself. The message of rescue and freedom he is bringing is a message straight from God-for the glory of God..not from Paul, for the glory of Paul. It is the message of hope that has been told since the fall of man as recorded in earliest of Scriptures. Every word, every person, every law spoken through prophets in the holy scriptures (old testament) has pointed to and proclaimed the coming rescue, redemption and reconciliation for us-to God-in Jesus.
Without this introduction, Paul's identification, the words that follow don't hold water. If Paul was just Paul-a guy trying to make a name for himself, his readers wouldn't have found life and hope in the words that followed. The rest of the letter wouldn't make much impact. Who we are, reflects in what and how we speak and act and how our lives play out. Are we the main character or is Christ?
Identity. Who am I? Why am I here? These aren't just cliche words. If I were to examine every facet of my life- Who/what am I identified by?
What propels how I live and the choices I make every day?
Am I here to try and make a name for myself or is there more?
As a follower of Jesus, a student-called by God, am I living to tell others about Him, as an ambassador of His great love and freedom?
This thing called life...it's His story...let's not skip the introductions and miss out on who we are and why we're here.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Mutually Encouraged
I'm an optimist by nature. An idealist and encourager. This doesn't just mean that I see the glass as half full (most days) but that I see it as completely overflowing as God pours abundance never-ending into it! I believe that He's given me a desire to help others see that same fullness and abundance in Christ in their lives as well. Not blowing smoke or building ego, but discovering the reality of tangible freedom and life we have in Christ. But as any encourager can tell you...there are times when we lose our exuberance or run out of steam. Times where weariness replaces excitement and our thoughts are shadowy instead of seeing and savoring God's marvelous Light. It's a rough place to be, but often an indicator of need for more regular and consistent 'filling' of those same freedoms and realities in my own life.
I'm getting a bit out of step here, skipping to verse 12 in Ch1 of Romans. There's still a lot to be had from the first 10 verses, but this one keeps coming back to me:
Romans 1:11-12
1For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—12that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
Paul is longing to be with and see the believers in Rome not only to continue to build and strengthen their faith but to encourage his own! What a sweet joy, and never more full than when the gospel of sweet grace is shared!
We often think that the gospel is only a starting point. That we must move on from it in order to grow and mature as believers in Christ. And while Paul speaks often of graduating from spiritual milk to solids, from babies to maturity...it is not without the gospel that this growth can be seen. Indeed, it is its continual revelation, and constant delight of, that mutually encourages followers of Jesus to continue on in our journeys, struggles and triumphs.
My heart is never more full than when I can see and share how the undeserved Love of God is pouring out through the person of Jesus. To be able to watch Him moving, working and transforming lives...redeeming and rescuing His beloved children..there is nothing that makes my joy more complete...my own faith more encouraged!
Are you walking with Him today? Are you returning to the story that started it all? Go there often, and share who He is and what His undescribable grace is doing around you. You can be sure that it will mutually encourage you and those around you!
I'm getting a bit out of step here, skipping to verse 12 in Ch1 of Romans. There's still a lot to be had from the first 10 verses, but this one keeps coming back to me:
Romans 1:11-12
1For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—12that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
Paul is longing to be with and see the believers in Rome not only to continue to build and strengthen their faith but to encourage his own! What a sweet joy, and never more full than when the gospel of sweet grace is shared!
We often think that the gospel is only a starting point. That we must move on from it in order to grow and mature as believers in Christ. And while Paul speaks often of graduating from spiritual milk to solids, from babies to maturity...it is not without the gospel that this growth can be seen. Indeed, it is its continual revelation, and constant delight of, that mutually encourages followers of Jesus to continue on in our journeys, struggles and triumphs.
My heart is never more full than when I can see and share how the undeserved Love of God is pouring out through the person of Jesus. To be able to watch Him moving, working and transforming lives...redeeming and rescuing His beloved children..there is nothing that makes my joy more complete...my own faith more encouraged!
Are you walking with Him today? Are you returning to the story that started it all? Go there often, and share who He is and what His undescribable grace is doing around you. You can be sure that it will mutually encourage you and those around you!
Monday, November 5, 2012
A walk through Romans
For a few months, I've been dabbling through the first chapter of the book of Romans. Yes, I just said FIRST chapter. Actually, I think I'm about 6-10 verses into Chapter 2 as of today! What a MEATY book...slightly intimidating to be honest. But I think it's the power in the words that entice me to dive in! So, instead of traversing alone, I thought I'd jot a few thoughts down here as I go and maybe you can join me...it's always more rich when we study together :)
I like to read out of the ESV (English Standard Version) but will sometimes refer to the NLT (New Living Translation) for slightly different verbiage.
Paul is the author of the book of Romans. We discover who he is and see his encounters and missionary activities throughout the book of Acts, just before Romans. I highly recommend doing your homework on Paul...he's a beautiful example of God's incredible grace and mercy...and desire to use our weaknesses for His good!
Ok, ready to get going??
In my rush to get to the 'good parts' of the story, I've always overlooked the first few verses of Romans-- Paul's introduction or greeting. What a big mistake! There is so much richness in how Paul describes himself to his audience in these first 7 verses. Note to self-not ONE ounce of God's Word is useless! Savor.every.bit!
Romans, Chapter 1: 1-7
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Besides being possibly the longest run-on sentence known in history, it's easy to get lost in these words. Let's disect it a piece at a time.
Vs1: "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus"
Servant isn't exactly a politically correct term in 2012...hasn't been for decades, thankfully. But the greek word here 'doulos' translates better as bondservant or slave. Slave most closely identifies with Paul's intention here. While we consider ownership of another human being to be horrific (and it is, when the ownership is forced) Paul is letting us know that he no longer belongs to himself. He has handed over to Jesus, his entire self...rights, possessions, desires...everything. He wants to convey to his readers in Rome that following Christ isn't just an acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah but a complete transfer of one's ownership.
I wonder what owned Paul when he was Saul...before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus? What owns you? I'm asking myself the same question. Even as a Christ-follower...have I made the transition (only with the power and help of the Holy Spirit) from being a slave to sin & rebellion--ie: my own way to being like Paul...a slave of Christ Jesus? He won't take it from me, I have to hand it over to Him...willingly, with gratitude. Are we there yet?
I like to read out of the ESV (English Standard Version) but will sometimes refer to the NLT (New Living Translation) for slightly different verbiage.
Paul is the author of the book of Romans. We discover who he is and see his encounters and missionary activities throughout the book of Acts, just before Romans. I highly recommend doing your homework on Paul...he's a beautiful example of God's incredible grace and mercy...and desire to use our weaknesses for His good!
Ok, ready to get going??
In my rush to get to the 'good parts' of the story, I've always overlooked the first few verses of Romans-- Paul's introduction or greeting. What a big mistake! There is so much richness in how Paul describes himself to his audience in these first 7 verses. Note to self-not ONE ounce of God's Word is useless! Savor.every.bit!
Romans, Chapter 1: 1-7
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Besides being possibly the longest run-on sentence known in history, it's easy to get lost in these words. Let's disect it a piece at a time.
Vs1: "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus"
Servant isn't exactly a politically correct term in 2012...hasn't been for decades, thankfully. But the greek word here 'doulos' translates better as bondservant or slave. Slave most closely identifies with Paul's intention here. While we consider ownership of another human being to be horrific (and it is, when the ownership is forced) Paul is letting us know that he no longer belongs to himself. He has handed over to Jesus, his entire self...rights, possessions, desires...everything. He wants to convey to his readers in Rome that following Christ isn't just an acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah but a complete transfer of one's ownership.
I wonder what owned Paul when he was Saul...before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus? What owns you? I'm asking myself the same question. Even as a Christ-follower...have I made the transition (only with the power and help of the Holy Spirit) from being a slave to sin & rebellion--ie: my own way to being like Paul...a slave of Christ Jesus? He won't take it from me, I have to hand it over to Him...willingly, with gratitude. Are we there yet?
Friday, November 2, 2012
Something New
Happy November!
Typically, on this site you will find my ramblings about what God is teaching, showing and challenging me with as I journey with Him. Today, instead of my normal spiritual rant, I'm sharing a new recipe that I had so much fun making yesterday and thought you might enjoy it too :)
In all fairness and honesty, this recipe actually has TONS to do with what God is doing in my life..it is clean, fresh and healthy...and I'm sure I'll share more about that work in my soul later, but for now...here's the goods on the grub!
Typically, on this site you will find my ramblings about what God is teaching, showing and challenging me with as I journey with Him. Today, instead of my normal spiritual rant, I'm sharing a new recipe that I had so much fun making yesterday and thought you might enjoy it too :)
In all fairness and honesty, this recipe actually has TONS to do with what God is doing in my life..it is clean, fresh and healthy...and I'm sure I'll share more about that work in my soul later, but for now...here's the goods on the grub!
Veggie marinara
4 lg tomatoes
6 campari or plum tomatoes
1 lg zucchini
2 lg carrots (bugs bunny style)
1 c vegetable stock
6 garlic cloves
1 sm white/yellow onion
basil as desired
olive oil
Quarter the tomatoes and place in a roasting pan w/ 1/2 the garlic cloves (whole). Drizzle with olive oil, salt/pepper and roast on 425 for 20-30min--stirring halfway thru. Saute the rest of the garlic (minced) and onion (diced) in olive oil until transparent. Lower heat to med--Grate in (fine) the zucchini and carrots. Add veg stock and roasted tomatoes (w/ all juices!) to the veggies (feel free to take the skin off the tomatoes here...I didn't and ended up straining them out later...pain!) Add chopped basil leaves here...I used fresh, but I'm sure dried would be great too..just don't use as much! Up the heat to med-high again and let boil for 1min. Lower heat to low and let simmer for as long as desired...the longer the better!
Thinking that once everything is cooked, it'd be a great one to stick in the crockpot for the day to simmer/combine :)
Eggplant & Zucchini Lasagna
1 lg eggplant
2 good size zucchini
2 c. spinach (fresh)
olive oil
salt pepper
2c. mozz cheese
parmesan cheese to top
2 c. veggie marinara sauce (give or take depending on how saucy you like it!)
Slice the eggplant and zucchini vertically in 1/2in strips. Place in roasting pan (or you could stick on the grill for a few min each side!) drizzle with olive oil, salt/pepper and broil for 5min each side.
While roasting, place 1c mozz and spinach in food proccessor and pulse til spinach is finely chopped and combined w/ cheese--set aside.
In a 12x9 dish, spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of roasted eggplant slices on top of sauce across the dish. Spoon 1/2 the spinach-mozz mixture over the eggplant, then layer zucchini slices on top, adding more marinara sauce overtop. Spread remaining spinach-mozz then layer last layer of eggplant slices. Top with remaining cup of mozz cheese and top w/ parmesan.
Bake at 425 for 30min (I up'd the heat to 500 for another 5min to brown the cheese the way we like it at the end :)
Let cool for 5min, then gobble! :) YUM!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
New (part2)
Lately my prayer life has looked a lot like this:
"God, please make me a better mom. Help me to be more patient, compassionate and nurturing to K&B. Please help me to yell less and listen more. Please protect their tender hearts from my insufficiency as their mom...or at least let them have a really great therapist when they get older ;)"
What? You don't think God likes to laugh too?? ;)
But truly, no matter the day or hour, that is about the tone of most of my prayers these days. Any of that sound familiar? Or am I the only crappy parent out there?
Most of my frustration in this cycle is that I haven't seen much response from God on this. I mean, I guess I have better days than others, but for the most part, I'm not really seeing much-if any improvement in these 'areas of concern' that I've been praying about. So, after throwing a lovely temper-tantrum (which I won't dialogue for you) in His direction recently I think He might have tapped on my shoulder a bit. No dramatic changes in my temperament, etc...but sort of a re-examination of the prayer I've been pleading for.
What if His answer is NO? And..this is a bigger one...what if that's BEST?
BAM. Not to mention Ouch!
Here's what I think God is trying to chisel away at my extremely tough head (and heart...ok fine, and ego too!) Do my kids need to see perfection in me? Do they need (truly) that I respond perfectly, react perfectly and BE perfect in everything? OR...do they need to see a mom that is in fact NOT perfect? So not perfect that I mess up, screw up and all around make a royal mess of things and sin DAILY! Culture or ego might say 'heck-to-the-no' but what does Scripture say?
The Gospel is this: We are sinners. God is Perfect, Holy. And His holiness cannot be compromised by sin (not just in deed but in nature-see the Fall of man-Genesis3) or He would no longer be God. And only a perfect, holy God can 'fix' a broken relationship due to sin. So He does. He sends us Jesus-His Son-fully God and fully man to pay the price that our sin demands in order to repair our broken relationship. Jesus, the perfect One in all deed and nature-flawless in every way, gives His very life for our ransom. He not only bridges the gap sin gorged between us and God, but He defeats the very death that sin requires. And His sacrifice, is our gift. Our connection back to God, back to relationship we were created for! It's only HIS perfection, His strength, His grace (His work, our gift) that brings us back into God's family, as sons and daughters, forever.
THIS is what I want my kids to see, know, soak up and look to as they grow and learn. I want them to know that it won't ever be anything that they can 'do' that will ever be good enough to earn them a seat in God's lap of favor, love or rescue. That it will ONLY be in accepting the gift of grace, offered only through the sacrifice of Jesus and His victory over all sin and death that will grant them access into His family. I don't want them to spend their lives striving, pining and exhausting themselves trying to do enough, be enough or earn enough favor on their own. I want them to rest and submerge themselves in Jesus' perfection FOR them. And I want them to cling to His grace in everything they do, they see and they grown in. I want them to know that there is NO life outside of Him and that He is truly the 'way the Truth and the life!' That they don't have to live under standards and expectations set by others or by themselves even. I want them to fully believe and know that in Him and His grace is freedom. Freedom to truly live, truly love, truly follow the One whom they were made for!
So what if my original prayer actually conflicts with this idea Scripture shows us as the Gospel of Jesus? What if, instead of praying to be a 'better me' I start claiming Christ's perfection and grace on my behalf as well? That instead of praying that I be the perfect mom, wife, friend...that I pray that they see Christ in me. That they would see that He's taking my brokenness and instead giving me His holiness. Not because I deserve it or earned it, but because it is the very essence of Who He is, that He came that we could be called 'beloved children.' What if they actually heard me confess my sin and brokenness (yes, out loud) and ask for forgiveness. What if they heard when I struggled to want what God wants and ask Him to bring my heart and His into alignment through repentance? What if they watched the power of the Holy Spirit working and reconciling my brokenness through a more genuine, real relationship...one that's not just horizontal, but also vertical?
He's making all things new. Taking my dingy, arrogant prayers and replacing them with His bright-shiny grace. Truly amazing. Ours for the taking.
"God, please make me a better mom. Help me to be more patient, compassionate and nurturing to K&B. Please help me to yell less and listen more. Please protect their tender hearts from my insufficiency as their mom...or at least let them have a really great therapist when they get older ;)"
What? You don't think God likes to laugh too?? ;)
But truly, no matter the day or hour, that is about the tone of most of my prayers these days. Any of that sound familiar? Or am I the only crappy parent out there?
Most of my frustration in this cycle is that I haven't seen much response from God on this. I mean, I guess I have better days than others, but for the most part, I'm not really seeing much-if any improvement in these 'areas of concern' that I've been praying about. So, after throwing a lovely temper-tantrum (which I won't dialogue for you) in His direction recently I think He might have tapped on my shoulder a bit. No dramatic changes in my temperament, etc...but sort of a re-examination of the prayer I've been pleading for.
What if His answer is NO? And..this is a bigger one...what if that's BEST?
BAM. Not to mention Ouch!
Here's what I think God is trying to chisel away at my extremely tough head (and heart...ok fine, and ego too!) Do my kids need to see perfection in me? Do they need (truly) that I respond perfectly, react perfectly and BE perfect in everything? OR...do they need to see a mom that is in fact NOT perfect? So not perfect that I mess up, screw up and all around make a royal mess of things and sin DAILY! Culture or ego might say 'heck-to-the-no' but what does Scripture say?
The Gospel is this: We are sinners. God is Perfect, Holy. And His holiness cannot be compromised by sin (not just in deed but in nature-see the Fall of man-Genesis3) or He would no longer be God. And only a perfect, holy God can 'fix' a broken relationship due to sin. So He does. He sends us Jesus-His Son-fully God and fully man to pay the price that our sin demands in order to repair our broken relationship. Jesus, the perfect One in all deed and nature-flawless in every way, gives His very life for our ransom. He not only bridges the gap sin gorged between us and God, but He defeats the very death that sin requires. And His sacrifice, is our gift. Our connection back to God, back to relationship we were created for! It's only HIS perfection, His strength, His grace (His work, our gift) that brings us back into God's family, as sons and daughters, forever.
THIS is what I want my kids to see, know, soak up and look to as they grow and learn. I want them to know that it won't ever be anything that they can 'do' that will ever be good enough to earn them a seat in God's lap of favor, love or rescue. That it will ONLY be in accepting the gift of grace, offered only through the sacrifice of Jesus and His victory over all sin and death that will grant them access into His family. I don't want them to spend their lives striving, pining and exhausting themselves trying to do enough, be enough or earn enough favor on their own. I want them to rest and submerge themselves in Jesus' perfection FOR them. And I want them to cling to His grace in everything they do, they see and they grown in. I want them to know that there is NO life outside of Him and that He is truly the 'way the Truth and the life!' That they don't have to live under standards and expectations set by others or by themselves even. I want them to fully believe and know that in Him and His grace is freedom. Freedom to truly live, truly love, truly follow the One whom they were made for!
So what if my original prayer actually conflicts with this idea Scripture shows us as the Gospel of Jesus? What if, instead of praying to be a 'better me' I start claiming Christ's perfection and grace on my behalf as well? That instead of praying that I be the perfect mom, wife, friend...that I pray that they see Christ in me. That they would see that He's taking my brokenness and instead giving me His holiness. Not because I deserve it or earned it, but because it is the very essence of Who He is, that He came that we could be called 'beloved children.' What if they actually heard me confess my sin and brokenness (yes, out loud) and ask for forgiveness. What if they heard when I struggled to want what God wants and ask Him to bring my heart and His into alignment through repentance? What if they watched the power of the Holy Spirit working and reconciling my brokenness through a more genuine, real relationship...one that's not just horizontal, but also vertical?
He's making all things new. Taking my dingy, arrogant prayers and replacing them with His bright-shiny grace. Truly amazing. Ours for the taking.
Monday, July 23, 2012
New (part1)
Who doesn't like new stuff?? Whether it's a new piece of clothing or a new gadget (or fly rod, reel, kayak or well..the list is endless for my husband) it's so fun to have something 'new.' Ironically, once you acquire that 'whatever it is' it automatically starts becoming, un-new. Might not be old yet, but it's headed in that direction and quite irreconcilably NOT in the other. I like bright, shiny things. Not a diamond girl (I know...just one of the MILLION reasons my husband is sooooo lucky!) but I love a bright, shiny object. Big, small, tangible or even a new shiny experience...I love it. The all encompassing feeling of newness is intoxicating. So much so, that as a culture we've completely taken consumerism to it's 'finest' places and demanded so much 'newness' for ourselves that we're likely stealing borrowed time. But that's another post.
What if there was a gift that we could obtain where that intoxicating 'newness' never had to fade? What if there was a 'thing' that we could have forever in our clutches but it never stopped feeling, smelling or existing as new? It never gets old. Not in wear, tear, no matter how much you use it, abuse it, neglect it or sleep with it...it stays perfectly 'new.' In fact, what if this gift starts making the other 'things' in your life feel, seem, smell newer too? What if just by it's existence in your ownership, all other things you have and acquire past and future, look brighter-shinier too?
I think there's a reason we as human-beings like new things. I think we were made for renewal. Made for the intoxicating refreshment that newness brings. Whether it's a new season or a new sweater, newness is knit into our very being. It is mine. And when my heart feels tattered-old-abused and just broken...I long for newness, renewal.
Jesus is that gift, that 'too-good-to-be-true' treasure. The newness we long for is actually a longing for God. We were made for Him. Made to exist in the presence of His Glory and in relationship with Him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And since the beginning of creation, when all existed in perfect harmony-we were created by Him, for Him. We've come a very long way from that sweet time in the garden together before the Fall. So far, in fact, that we often can't see that this need, this longing within us isn't actually for a new sweater, new job or new countertops (dirty confession.) Even more disturbing is that most days we don't see a 'need' at all. I do a pretty decent job of things on my own. And when I don't...well, I try harder, right? Except when I'm tired, weary and have exhausted all my own strength. My need for newness is my inherent need for God...greater than even my need to breathe, do I need Him, long for Him.
There's always a 'but' right? But...sin. But, our own wayward desires and self-indulgences have taken us far from the place where 'all things are made new.' Enter Jesus. That sweet, shiny, perfect gift. A gift, not penance or an earned wage for a job well done....a gift. One that cost God everything, so that we could come back. Wipe the smudges and dirt from our eyes, our hearts, and allow Christ's bright, shiny life to bring us back into harmony with the One we truly yearn for.
I don't need more 'stuff.' I need more of Jesus and His sweet and perfect grace to infiltrate every inch of me. I need His newness to bring my sin-tattered, arrogant and self-reliant soul back to life with His very breath. I don't need a 'better' me...I need more Jesus.
What if there was a gift that we could obtain where that intoxicating 'newness' never had to fade? What if there was a 'thing' that we could have forever in our clutches but it never stopped feeling, smelling or existing as new? It never gets old. Not in wear, tear, no matter how much you use it, abuse it, neglect it or sleep with it...it stays perfectly 'new.' In fact, what if this gift starts making the other 'things' in your life feel, seem, smell newer too? What if just by it's existence in your ownership, all other things you have and acquire past and future, look brighter-shinier too?
I think there's a reason we as human-beings like new things. I think we were made for renewal. Made for the intoxicating refreshment that newness brings. Whether it's a new season or a new sweater, newness is knit into our very being. It is mine. And when my heart feels tattered-old-abused and just broken...I long for newness, renewal.
Jesus is that gift, that 'too-good-to-be-true' treasure. The newness we long for is actually a longing for God. We were made for Him. Made to exist in the presence of His Glory and in relationship with Him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And since the beginning of creation, when all existed in perfect harmony-we were created by Him, for Him. We've come a very long way from that sweet time in the garden together before the Fall. So far, in fact, that we often can't see that this need, this longing within us isn't actually for a new sweater, new job or new countertops (dirty confession.) Even more disturbing is that most days we don't see a 'need' at all. I do a pretty decent job of things on my own. And when I don't...well, I try harder, right? Except when I'm tired, weary and have exhausted all my own strength. My need for newness is my inherent need for God...greater than even my need to breathe, do I need Him, long for Him.
There's always a 'but' right? But...sin. But, our own wayward desires and self-indulgences have taken us far from the place where 'all things are made new.' Enter Jesus. That sweet, shiny, perfect gift. A gift, not penance or an earned wage for a job well done....a gift. One that cost God everything, so that we could come back. Wipe the smudges and dirt from our eyes, our hearts, and allow Christ's bright, shiny life to bring us back into harmony with the One we truly yearn for.
I don't need more 'stuff.' I need more of Jesus and His sweet and perfect grace to infiltrate every inch of me. I need His newness to bring my sin-tattered, arrogant and self-reliant soul back to life with His very breath. I don't need a 'better' me...I need more Jesus.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Bieber Fever?!?! No really, please keep reading....
A few weeks ago now, Chad and I watched Justin Bieber's documentary movie, "Never Say Never." It wasn't my choice. BUT, there's no denying the insane amount of natural talent, skill and personality this kid has! I think our intention was to just catch a few minutes of it to see what all the hype is about and before we knew it we were sucked in!
Chad, being a crazy-talented artist/musician/crafter himself was glued to this kid's mad abilities. As a kid, he would just sing, LOUD...and with so much beauty and charisma that people would just stop what they were doing and just take him in. I think the movie said he can play 7 instruments and until he was in the middle of his first album, hadn't received ANY vocal coaching whatsoever?!? Whoa. No matter where you fall on the side of Bieber-fever...there's NO mistake, this kid has skillz!
But the thing that had me enamored and glued into the movie wasn't the Bieb. Sure, he's cute, got great hair, adorable personality, etc...but I was keyed into all of his fans. This teenage boy has filled more stadiums, amphitheaters and concert halls than any his age before him. And by 'filled' I mean...FULL of screaming, shouting, crying...SOBBING little girls who are convinced that HE is the one who will make all of their dreams come true! Even the creepy ones who know a bit too much about him to be considered 'normal trivia' or those who swear that they'll marry him someday...are head over heels, madly passionate about this boy and the 'love' that he sings about in his songs.
My heart was breaking.
Let me just hit pause on Justin for a minute and take you back to Amy, circa 1990. You know what's next....NKOTB baby! That's right...I was one of those crazy girls who had posters plastered over every inch of my room, t-shirts, pillows, blankets and every single cassette tape they released (be sure to google what a cassette tape is if you're under the age of 30 reading this post!) My parents, bless their souls, got my sisters and I tickets to see them in concert one year for Christmas. I LITERALLY thought my whole life would change that night! I screamed, cried, and waited....for Danny to catch a glimpse of my face...and whisk me away off to our happily ever after. I just knew that as soon as he saw me, he'd feel the same intensity for me as I had for him...and the rest would be history. I was 10.
As I watched those girls screaming, with tears streaming down their faces as they sang along to every word of every song he sang...I literally felt that twinge in my heart again. I could actually feel that same longing, that same passionate emotion...so full that I literally thought I might explode...all over again.
And then it hit me. We were made for this. We were literally knit together by a Love so crazy, so passionate, so insanely intense that we simply CANNOT settle for anything less!! We are programmed to pursue it. We spend every waking moment of our lives looking for it...sometimes in people, sometimes in things, relationships, reputations..you name it! Sadly though, the objects of our affections often times leave us wounded, empty and alone...still wanting, still longing still passionately in pursuit...of something--most of the time we aren't even sure of what.
The intensity with which those sweet, precious (even creepy!) girls have is good..it's right..it's pure. Yep, that's right...we are all made to find a safe place for our hearts, a home for the love that's within us all. It's the object on which they are hanging every hope in their hearts, every dream of their own happily ever afters that misses the mark. Justin Bieber is a cute, talented boy. But he won't fill the longing that those girls are reaching for. He won't even come close!
Only a Love so perfect, pure, unfailing, never-ending/never-changing and HOLY can give our hearts the safe place of fullness, abounding joy and passion that we so desperately search for! And only the person of Jesus can bring us such a Love. We were made for it. We were made by it. It's good!
What I wouldn't give to have known then, when my heart was being broken, wounded and given away to those who didn't know how to handle it...just where it would be safe. Moms and Dads...tell your girls Who to give their hearts away to. Tell them (over and over and over) where their hearts can find the resting place, the safety the unspeakable JOY and perfect Love that they are so desperately looking for! Affirm them for their passion and over-flowing hearts of emotion...and point them to the strong, safe arms of Christ where that passion finds it's fullness! Remember...He never grows weary! Even with teenage emotions ;)
I'm not sure when my daughter will catch the 'fever..' but I can't wait to watch her run into the open arms of her heart's greatest Desire! And I hope that she learns by watching me...
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