The Light of life

Missionary women often wrote about converts who were "rescued from darkness," and "brought into the glorious light." The repetition of language is striking as I'm re-reading letters and updates sent by early Pentecostal women to their supporters and families.

It's highly unpopular today -- offensive even -- to refer to other religions as "dark" or their adherents as being "blinded by the Devil." Further, it's considered prejudicial to say they have "come to the light of Christ" upon becoming Christian believers. But missionaries in the early twentieth century had no such hang-ups or demands to be politically correct. They said what they believed, that those without Jesus were utterly without salvation or spiritual sight.

I've noticed a pattern in most denominations: there's no point in being a missionary when missionary language is "cleaned up," where thinking shifts from bringing good news to the desperate to adding Christian myths to people who already are doing pretty well, and when the desperation of sharing the gospel dissipates. There's good in serving as a social worker, psychologist, educator, or helper. 

But following a call as a missionary thrust into a harvest with apostolic fervor to "rescue the perishing" and share the light of the gospel of Christ? Nope. Those fanatics disappear into a milieu of denominational do-gooders. The Story becomes secondary or vanishes altogether.

I'm refreshed by reading the letters. Through their suffering, through their rejection by the people they love, through their hardships, and because of their stamina, the women ground me in reality. 

They show that no matter how culture changes, human nature stays the same. Our condition is blindness, lostness, corruption, and an inclination to wickedness.

Yet, Truth also remains. The need to share God's loving provision through Jesus Christ endures.

Whom will you tell the Story today? Who is desperately in need of Good News? 

Read more:

*You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:28–29 NLT

*When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 NIV

Dream bed

When I was a kid, this could have been my dream bed. Imagine, waking, stretching, rolling over, and reaching out with your favorite book at hand!


If you could design your dream bed, somewhere you could keep resting while doing what you love, would it have a work table, hammer, and electric drill fastened to the side? A rolling pin and pie tin? An easel, brushes, and paints? A trowel and trug?


Each of us finds our true self and is made whole in meaningful work. It's part of the curse and the blessing of being human. The work we choose and that makes us thrive isn't always the work we are paid to do. Sometimes we draw a salary so we can volunteer, dream, create, plant, and build.


What are you working on, that brings you joy and delight?


Read more:
*My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

*Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.  How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Prov. 6: 6-11 NIV


*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 speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”-- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 NIV

Dog days

Two weeks ago, a top poodle breeder gave me a 6 lb little bundle of energy, an adult white doggie. Today, I gave her back.

I really like our dog, a black toy poodle named Missy. She's laid back, loves to walk or run alongside the bike, and barks up a storm when someone comes to the door before plopping down at my feet. She loves men and boys - her favorite person at her home-before-us was a 17 year old boy. She's not really a kid's dog, though she loves when the Romanian Pentecostal kids chase her around the park on Monday nights. It's become a tradition - they show up with their parents: the women chat while the men play sports. So the kids are left to run around and make up their own games, including "Catch the Poodle." (Not a chance, Missy is a very quick and athletic 8-pound doggie!)

I thought a companion dog would be nice. But our new addition raced in nervous circles that distracted me from studies, had halitosis that almost knocked us over some mornings, and got carsick. I looked in the rearview mirror last week to see her doing a handstand on front paws, avoiding food returned as you-know-what. (Pull over, clean her seat, ugh.) She learned to walk on a leash, stuck to me like a shadow, and even tried to defend me Saturday by attacking my brother's dog. Luckily her jaws are so small she couldn't get a grip on his sturdy Jack Russell Terrier muscles.

It's been funny and fun to have another animal around. Seeing how God gave Sugar a marvelous personality and a unique temperament reminded me that he loves his creatures. Each of us is special in his sight. I won't miss the anxious pacing or the bad breath. But I wish Sugar well, wherever she ends up. Thanks to Joann for her generosity in giving and receiving back.

Read more:
*Even the sparrow has found a home,
        and the swallow a nest for herself,
        where she may have her young—
    a place near your altar,
        O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  Psalm 84:3

*Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 NIV

The world. A strange place.

When you run out of horses...

And when your neighbors can see what your treasures are...

 

The world. A strange place.

Because it's populated by people.

Real place to play

Just saw it all: a kitchen, complete with cupboards and counters. The sink and stove are gone. The homeowner turned the whole area into her office and studio. 

What a great idea. So many lovely kitchens languish because people don't cook. Why waste the space by squirreling yourself away in a back bedroom when you could bring your work and art to the gathering place? It's somewhere to cook up a storm of creativity and plop down your chopsticks and Chinese takeout container, too.

What next? God has made us endlessly inventive, like himself. I like it. 

What room would you turn into your playroom, if you could? 

Read more:

*Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

*Here is another illustration Jesus used: 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.

*Jesus also used this illustration: 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.' Matthew 13:31–33 NLT

*Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

One good reason to stop running late!

This is a repost of a blogger I enjoy. The other reason is to stop annoying all those who have to schedule their lives around your lateness. Please have the good manners to be on time when possible. After all, we're not in Africa where "late" is "timely! Enjoy the post.

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One Good Reason to Stop Running Late

Posted: 22 Jun 2011 12:42 AM PDT

Photo by Evan Sharboneau, Photo Extremist; found on Flickr; licensed through Creative Commons.

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. — Michele Novotni in ADDItude MagazIne, quoting the 1951 Disney movie, Alice in Wonderland

How many of us are in this situation regularly — because we didn't plan our leave-the-house routine well enough, or because we fell prey to what Kathleen Nadeau, also in ADDItude Magazine, called one-more-thing-itis?

We know that running late can become a bad habit, but these words from Laurie Perry, also known as Crazy Aunt Purl, remind us just how serious a problem this can become:

This is what happened last month when that lady hit my Jeep. After the crash she sat in her car, writing out her phone number for me, saying, "I was late for work." I remember looking at her with absolute disbelief, thinking You almost killed me because you were late for work?

That line keeps coming back to me at the oddest times. I'll see someone blow through a red light and hear that lady saying, I was late for work. And then I think, I hope they don't kill someone just because they couldn't bother to leave on time for work today.

Related Post:
Stop Being Late

Spiritual smarts

"Just getting straight-A's doesn't mean you'll be successful."

Some people are book-smart. Others, people-smart. Others can be administratively gifted, good with finances, or have an eye for design.

Joseph in the Bible is an interesting character. Here's part of his story. The country's ruler had asked him to interpret two troubling dreams:

"It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease." [He asked God for help, and proceeded to interpret.]

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours."

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:16, 39–41 NLT)

People "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit have spiritual smarts. They understand God's ways. It may be easy to mistake such godly wisdom for intelligence.

However, when knowledge and wisdom are combined as in Joseph's case, the person becomes a valued part of a team, provided the leader is not threatened by someone bigger and better than themselves. Pharaoh proved his own leadership skills by elevating a younger man to greatness. Thereafter, he could relax and leave the administration in capable hands.

Smart Joseph. True. But smart Pharaoh, too!

Want to do adult improv?

Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio offers new Adult Improv Intensive

SEATTLE – June 9, 2011 – Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio introduces the brand-new Adult Improv Intensive this summer, taught by esteemed actor and director Marianne Savell. In this four-week intensive, students will learn the building blocks and fundamentals of this challenging and creative theatrical play. They’ll explore how to listen while improvising with others—and have fun in the process. Adult Improv Intensive takes place on Tuesdays, July 5 through 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. The location will be announced soon.

Savell has years of experience directing and acting on stages along the West Coast and Chicago, teaching and coaching, and has served on the staff and boards of a number of theatre companies, including Hollywood’s Actors Co-op and South Coast Repertory Conservatory in Costa Mesa.

Summer quarter at Taproot’s Acting Studio also features over two dozen camps for kids and teens. Registration is now available online, along with class descriptions, at www.taproottheatre.org, or contact Taproot’s Acting Studio at (206) 529-3668 or studio@taproottheatre.org.

About Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio
Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio offers year-round classes for youth and adults taught by local theatre professionals. Budding thespians will find classes to help them develop their acting skills, while more seasoned actors can build on their knowledge and learn new techniques. Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

Seasonal support provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, The Seattle Foundation, 4Culture, ArtsFund and PONCHO.

Father's Day to a loving meanie

 

What do you think of when someone says, "Dad"? Is your dad someone who makes you think of God as a loving advocate or an overbearing authoritarian? Is there no middle ground?

We always hear how "good dads" go to sports games, play with their kids, and spend time with their families. My dad participated in our lives, but he did more. He established boundaries of authority and respect that have served us abundantly into adulthood. I'd like to say a big thank you today to a dad who took his fathering seriously. While he enjoyed us, nurtured us, and provided well, he also instilled in us high morals and godly principles.

My father was strict. We all knew he said what he meant and meant what he said. He proved it to us with spankings, groundings, and restrictions.

Yet we never doubted his love. When we had disobeyed and received due punishment, we quit doing wrong, knowing he cared about us enough to set us straight. Being the second child, I landed in the first wave of "this is how good children behave." I guess my older brother and I caught the brunt of "good training." It didn't help that I had a flash temper and minimal self-control as a youngster! Our two younger brothers fared better at the end of the rod. Probably L and I wore Dad and Mom down: surprisingly, our other two siblings turned out fine.

The youngest remarked to me a few years ago, "You know, I never saw Dad discipline us in anger. Dad's attitude was, 'You deserve this punishment, so here it is.' Then we'd be done. He never held over hostility to us kids afterwards or showed his frustration."

Today most Americans would call strict parents like mine "mean" or "cruel." Spanking is out of fashion and illegal as the government overreaches into normal families to try to prevent abuse by evil parents. I deplore abuse and cruelty, let's be clear about that.



However, Dad truly demonstrated how a good parent behaves. Never malicious, he allowed a good appeal. We had open discussions about anything we wanted to talk about around the kitchen table. We weren't afraid of him... unless we knew we were deliberately disobeying. Then we looked over our shoulders, knowing we'd earned what was coming.  

Thanks from the bottom of our hearts, Dad. We love and trust God today because we learned to love and trust you completely.

As a mom of grown kids and an appreciative daughter, here's a word to young dads on their special day of honor. A great parent will not let their child rule the roost and abdicate their responsibility by letting a child run wild. Watching some kids sass and hit their parents, I shudder to think of these crazy adolescents on the loose in a few years. Employers, coworkers, and even prison guards may be cursing these children's irresponsible parents in the future.

Dads, please do your duty. Scripture not only encourages, but demands that you establish and enforce worthy rules and boundaries! Pray and read the Bible with your kids. Go to those games. Hug your kids. Hold down a steady job - even if it's not your dream work - to provide for the family. But don't neglect the core character training God has entrusted to you. No one else can - or will - do it for you. Your kids and their future depend on it! 

Read more:
*Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Deut. 8:5 NIV

*Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? Psa. 94:10   NIV

*The LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Prov. 3:12 NIV

*The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Heb. 12:6 NIV

*Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. Heb. 12:10 NIV