A year with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Joanna and I, celebrating together a few years ago

It's cool to know that Jesus had good friends. Not just those he traveled with, that bunch of disciples and women who supported them, but a family where he could hang out, bring friends, and feel comfortable.

The three siblings who took him in, fed him and his disciples, and provided a respite close to Jerusalem were Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The Bible talks about them a few times - and their stories are compelling. One was a homemaker who got tired of getting stuck with all the chores (while her sister hung out with the teacher). Another was an eager learner, pouring out her most precious possession to honor Jesus. The other was a beloved peer who came back to life because of Jesus' intervention.

I'm giving a rare shout-out for a book by one of my friends, best-selling author Joanna Weaver. In her latest book on the family, Joanna offers a year of reflection and devotion with humor, insightful stories, and deep love for God: At the Feet of Jesus.

One of the things I like about Joanna and her writing is that she's real. No pretenses. No masks. I treasure her passion to know God and follow him with all her heart. BTW: She's also really funny in person; I love that she makes me laugh while we're talking about God and the adventures of faith. She's become well-known as a speaker over the past decade, too. Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.

Enter here.

Note: Joanna is hosting a webcast on November 8. She's got some cool prizes, including an IPad and some of her books for a lucky participant. You might want to check in with her that day. Click here for more info.

If you're looking for a special birthday or Christmas gift or just need a treat for someone worthy of recognition, Joanna's book will be a year-long blessing. Order by clicking here.

Peace among the pieces

Snakes and Ladders: guests at the
dining table

The sun’s out after a stormy weekend of rain and wind. Our visitors left yesterday and this morning’s relaxed pace was a pleasure. I took the dogs for a walk, stopped in at various cabins to chat with old friends, washed bedding, and vacuumed. Gradually the construction dust is working its way out of the corners.

All is at peace. Sunshine streams in the windows, an unexpected reprieve from the weather forecast. While I cleaned the cabin, W and another academic discussed the theology of the marriage and societal roles of men and women; the other fellow is submitting his work to a journal.

Noon came and went. W wired the bathroom light and screwed in hooks for hand towels beside the sinks. Jonathan and I chose light fixtures for the stairwell (a funky two-light “crystal ball” chandelier) and considered options for his bedroom. Our choices included glass-blower art, a Montana Western style, and streamlined futuristic halogens.

Jono and I moved a dresser, measured the bedroom, and figured out that the weird little chuckwagon-pattern sofas are never going to fit there. Too bad! Those funny loveseats are incredibly comfy. Were we so inclined (and if we didn’t want the futon features of the IKEA Beddinges), they could serve us another 20 years … after they were handed down as secondhand discards by Chilliwack friends in the early 1990s. We’ll leave them by the camp dumpsters as giveaways once we get replacements. Perhaps someone else will recycle and enjoy them as we have.

Joanna and I at the Lodge

The afternoon unfolded in Costco, Dollar Days, and Lowe’s. Then it was time for a party.

Joanna called, "It's time to celebrate!” and we were off to the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, a beautiful log hotel on the banks of the water. We sat overlooking the pool and the lake beyond as the sun baked the last swimmers and sank below the horizon in streaks of gold frosting across the darkening sky. My friend has completed another book and I’m done with studies. We did a happy dance in the foyer after savoring ribs and huckleberry mud pie. (Joanna always persuades me that crazy things are normal! I soak in her exuberant good will during this waiting season.)

The view from our table: beautiful surroundings

Joanna also reminded me that a servant does not have to be in action to please her Master. Being at the Master’s side, quiet and ready, qualifies as service, just as well as moving forward on assignment. I needed to hear that again, enjoying the peaceful season of rudderless floating between the completed pieces of the past and the new journey ahead.

Read more:

*O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

*But by the grace of God I am what I am. 1 Corinthians 15:10

*This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NKJV

Moravian Prayer: Lord, because you love us, we can remain strong! Be with us especially when we feel your grace, for you give us all we need when we most need it. In God’s grace. Amen.