Lent Day 36: What excites you?

Jodi Detrick is one of three master coaches teaching us principles of coaching. She exclaimed, "When I took coach training, I found what I was made for." (R paraphrase)

I'm with Jodi. I would be honored to copycat her any day of the week, but this instance would actually be a good fit. At the end of the day, the coaching practise (on fellow class members) felt relaxing AND energizing. As I listened to the stories and watched the process of coaching, I experienced God's delight at the various journeys of His children. For me, coaching and observing the coaching process resonated as an act of worship.

Many came to the class already gifted in helping others find their way. These learners are filling their toolbox with new tools.

For some, the coaching ideas were new and a stretch: "I didn't know what questions to ask." "I didn't know what to say as the coach." "I found myself giving advice from my experience instead of listening to what the person I was coaching wanted to talk about." Luckily, we have a few more days to clarify expectations and methodology.

Have you ever had someone say, "Find and follow your passion!" That's a stale-sounding buzz-phrase. What's passion, after all?

Whatever God has wired us to do will resonate from the tip of our head to the soles of our feet. We will find joy and completeness - or "our passion" - when we function in our design. It's worth taking the risk to fulfill the niche for which you and I are here, in this place, at this time, with our education (or lack of it), our personality, and our experience.

Whether or not you are an emotionally "passionate" person, embracing God's calling in YOUR work - whether that is at an assembly-line job or a creative flinging about the world - will produce harmony, peace, and wholeness. Jesus showed us how a human could live in perfect alignment to the Father, moving with joy and expectation through each wonderful and terrible day.

Our spiritual act of worship includes offering our bodies to God. We use our bodies to work. To play. To create. To restore. To produce. To rest.

Does the way you use your body each day glorify God and bring you healthy and holistic pleasure?

Read more:
*The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6 NLT

*God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV

*Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

Moravian Prayer: In you, O Christ, all boundaries have fallen away. You taught us to see each other as siblings and friends, and invited us to see you in the faces of those in need. This day, may it be so. Amen.

Lent Day 31: Hello and goodbye

Do you ever get attached to something, only to have it move on or change? Maybe you've had:

• friendships that nurtured you become broken or diminished by a move, a change of life-season, or other reasons.
• a child with aspirations and dreams, except they were born with (or acquired) limitations that throw normal life out the window.
• a job that was a perfect fit ... until it wasn't.
• a financial plan that somehow turned into financial chaos.
• a church that used to be home and became toxic for you or the family.
• a trusted mentor who ended the relationship and told you to go elsewhere.
• Or ?

From Real Simple Daily Thought

Life swarms with changes. Some of them are so wonderful that we remember them with a smile, embellishing them in memories until they take on epic status. Some changes are so devastating that our scars hurt for years.

"Hello"s and "Goodbye"s share our dreams, our hopes, and our fears. There's no perfect year. Maybe not even a perfect month or week.

Let's focus on the day that is, regardless of the past or future! How?

1. Be grateful for THIS time and place. I keep repeating the "gratitude" mantra, because it resets our complain button to acknowledge that God loves us. Here. Now. This way. THIS IS the day He made; we shall rejoice and be glad IN IT.
2. Take time to evaluate what needs doing and what can be left alone. When life is in motion, I don't have to follow unnecessary rituals. You don't have to tie yourself to every routine.
3. Which resources do you need to negotiate the hello or goodbye? A flowsheet? A mindmap? A trusted adviser? A new car?
4. Look at what you have at hand. Can you partner with friends who are experts in what you don't know? Can you borrow or rent a tool or vehicle? Can you make do with what you have stored?
5. Move through the day. Some days it's enough to put one foot in front of the other. Other days I'll have to swim a deep stream. You'll have to climb a mountain. Or we'll only have enough strength to drop on our knees to beg for wisdom. Show up, whatever your motion!
6. Celebrate the hellos and mourn the goodbyes. No new beginning is perfect. No ending is without its grief. 
7. How mindful can you be? Notice the food you eat, the way your body cooperates, and the feast of possibilities. 

Wishing you a wonderful day in which you live and move and have your being in the Father's love.

Read more:
*You saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as one carries a child, all the way that you traveled. Deuteronomy 1:31 NLT

*He was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. Isaiah 53:8 NLT

*Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. Isaiah 58:8-9 NIV

*Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? Luke 24:26 NLT

*So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. 1 John 4:16

Moravian Prayer: Jesus, our Brother, in your suffering we see the extent to which love can go. You invite us to walk the path of servant love with you. We hesitate, but you promise that we will not be alone as we bring your healing love to a hurting world.

Carry us today, O God, as a loving parent. Encircle us in your arms so we may feel a child-like trust and joy in knowing that we are fully and freely loved and that nothing will ever separate us from you. Amen. 

Lent Day 24: Abundance

We don't always get what we expect. Sometimes we get ... MORE. Much more!

I've been looking for a wooden dollhouse for our granddaughter: she's been carrying around a few miniature furniture pieces and she organizes things. So I thought a dollhouse might be fun for her.

We never got a callback from the people with this one.

I was really disappointed. It looked like exactly what I wanted.

Today I browsed CL again. For half the price (and half the distance of travel), I saw something else:

The seller happily included TWO dollhouses (the small one on the right is like the original one; the big one is 2 1/2 feet tall!), furniture, dolls, stairs, a garage, a truck, and other extras ... for $25.

Once in a while, God pours such abundance on us that we shake our heads in wonder. Though this time was just a dollhouse (or two) for our little Miss K, I'm smiling at God's generosity.

Like every other blessing God pours out, this was undeserved. Unexpected. And completely cool. A little detail gone completely over-the-top.

All of us have memories of God's surprises. What favorite gift or occasion still reminds you of God's interest and love?

Read more:
*Once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish. Isaiah 29:14 NIV

*[Jesus said,] "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! …

  "At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." John 14:13–14; 16:23–24 NLT

*God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4 NLT

Moravian Prayer: As we move through and reflect upon this day, O Creator of all, help us to notice all the wonders of your world and to remind others of those incredible gifts. Amen.

Are you okay with changing times?

A quiet corner in the living room

It's the quiet morning after the party.

Last year I could not bear the thought of "interrupting" my writing with Christmas. I took two days off to prep the feast and celebrate with our family; then it was back to work. Everything else was off the calendar.

This year I began to anticipate Christmas festivities in October. I could hardly wait for USA Thanksgiving to be over so we could put up the tree and decorate the house. The guys hauled up 11 bins of ornaments, garlands, and lights from the basement. I had fun sorting and giving away the ones I didn't treasure. (6 bins full!)

A peek through the sliding windows
to the conservatory

It took a week to get Christmas-y things settled throughout the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

My husband and sons moved the LR sofas to the conservatory in preparation for our annual faculty and friends party. (Hmmm. I overheard our married sons telling their wives how wonderful they are because the gals leave their furniture in place, unlike I do.)

This was the best week of all. Out went everyday necessities from countertops and windowsills. In came the festive tablecloths from the guest room closet. In came the bin of ornaments reserved for table decor. In came the Christmas dishes and serving pieces. In came the tasting cups and cake plates.

Tables are set for company

As usual, there were a few hiccups. Breathe in. Move forward.

Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law got the stomach flu so wild-baby-mover-and-shaker slept at our house overnight. Good Opa went to pick BabyK up while her parents suffered in peace. W got up a few times Sunday night to check on her while Oma slept with earplugs and a clear conscience. This rested Oma went to an early exercise class, cooked the meat stuffing, and when BabyK woke, added her to my party prep. BabyK played in her bath with her light-up duckies and Tupperware measuring cups after the brined and stuffed turkey left the big kitchen sink for the oven. Good Auntie Kirsten returned our granddaughter to her parents after lunch. A family effort and unexpected fun!

Appetizers: ranch dressing topped with
salty and savory

Once the turkey was baking, the counters cleaned, and the baby toys were put away, I relaxed by putting appetizers into tasting cups. Beautiful things feed my soul: ordering the food, colors, and rhythm of cups on glass trays energized me rather than feeling like "work."

We love having our guests here. We had some first-time guests this year, but some have attended every one of the last 25 parties. We've cancelled only two times in 27 years: the first to move into this house and the second to write my dissertation. Several old friends have sat at our table in little rentals before we moved into this home 18 years ago.

Those gifted for hospitality know it's not the size of the place but the intentions of the heart that call company to our homes. We also learn when it's time to play and time to do other things.

Glass cake servers re-purposed as
appetizer trays

Whether you are a carer, a pastor, a host, a server, or an administrator in a season of "Can't this year!" please don't worry. Your gifting will be renewed in due season. The God who made us soothes us and settles our hearts in changing times. Whether grief, loss, or other obligations overtake you, WHO you are will reemerge when things settle down.

This year if you're in the chaos of crisis, rest in God's goodness. He is enough. False guilt over others' expectations cannot help us move through busy times, stress, or unplanned challenges.

Candy canes hung on a painted
Royal Doulton vase

You'll be all the happier when you once again can "play" at what is most natural and satisfying to you.

I'm feeling utterly rested, utterly content this morning. Thanks, dear friends, for coming over to create another great memory with W and me! (And a special thanks to our whole family who work together to make such pleasures possible.)


Read more:
*Job answered the Lord: “See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.” Job 40:3,4

*The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 NIV

*Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12 NIV

*Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Moravian Prayer: Gracious God, at times we feel unable and unworthy to speak on your behalf. We feel ashamed or afraid. Instead, Lord, fill us with your words and your power and strength and we will speak. Amen.

The hazards of God's "Yes"

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you begged God for it? Kept asking, perhaps even trying to blackmail God into a response using the parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge (who gave in to her request because of her nagging)?

Be careful what you ask for.

Jesus promised that His followers that if they lived in truth, doing the work of the Father, that they could ask anything in His name and it would be given.

That's a lot different from things we really really want because they sound good to have, move us forward in ambitions, or seem to prove to us that God likes us. We don't want to be ill. We don't want to lose our jobs. We want a bigger house (or to keep the one we have). Don't we deserve a good life if we are Christ-followers?

The Israelites thought they knew what would help them stay on track. They asked Samuel to find them a king like the nations had around them. Samuel prayed about their request and listened to God's response:

So Samuel passed on the LORD's warning to the people who were asking him for a king. …

But the people refused to listen to Samuel's warning. 'Even so, we still want a king,' they said. 'We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.'

So Samuel repeated to the LORD what the people had said, and the LORD replied, 'Do as they say, and give them a king.' Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home." 1 Samuel 8:10, 19–22

Even though God warned the nation about what would happen if He gave permission, they recklessly persisted in their request. So God said, "Yes." Subsequently, Israel's kings turned the nation to idolatry and war. Within 3 generations, the tribes split into two countries. After a few centuries, both were dragged into captivity and the Promised Land lay in ruins.

He also allowed Lot to become the father of two enemy nations of Israel through his daughters: we're talking about Lot, the nephew of Abraham (who was promised great blessings.) Moabites and Ammonites were Lot's descendents. 

God also let Hagar become the mother of Abraham's son Ishmael. And what a mess that's made of Middle East peace!

God allowed Hosea's wife to be a prostitute. He let Judas betray Jesus. He let well-intentioned Pharisees kill Stephen. And let churches choose to be lukewarm and indifferent. 

He warned against all of these things but didn't' prevent people from making choices that had severe consequences. 

Are we insisting God give us something (or allow us to indulge in behavior) that may bring more harm than good? Let's be careful what we ask for this Christmas season!

Read more:

*Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8

*Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God's patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it" Psalm 106:13–15

*“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20 NIV

*Through Jesus forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38

Moravian Prayer: O God, we sin, we speak too quickly, we give in to anger, we hold hate in our hearts, but you stand calm. May we feel the calmness of sin forgiven and may we be made clean now, today. Amen. 

Feeling 50 items lighter ... just in time for Christmas

I bought into the challenge to "Throw Out Fifty Things," offered by Gail Blanke. (Link here) I also decided to keep track of the first 50 things I tossed or donated or sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

After a week, I'm only on #12. Mind you, we count 20 magazines as "magazines" (= 1 item not 20.) It's not like things haven't been moving out of the house before that, either. This past year, every time "the Blind" or "Disability Services" or whatever charity called, I promised them at least one bag of stuff. You know, I can't remember what was in those bags. I haven't missed any of it.

Many of us feel gorged by stuff. We've purchased without thinking ahead, adding to our collections instead of replacing the old with the new. Now we're drowning in things. Consider this:

• Possessions take time to clean, store, and use. Therefore, they take time from relationships and other priorities.
• Things may offer false self-esteem. People won't like us more because we set a pretty table or drive a fancy car.
• Stuff costs money, which we earn by working. Before buying, consider how many hours of your future you'll invest in your new plaything or clothes.
• Gluttony is not just about food. We can over-indulge in God's blessings, encouraged by materialism and advertising. Then we feel food, obese and unable to move, trapped by too much "good stuff."
• Could we invest in others as we clear out our lives? Can we bless someone less well off who needs our excess bedding or furniture? If we have adequate resources, would someone unemployed be able to sell our collections and live off the proceeds? (I have a few of these: any takers?)
• Consider a No-Purchase month. Mine is until Christmas. I admit I've filled several online shopping carts, then hit the delete button. WHEW. Purchasing is addictive and I need to STOP IT! How about you?

My house clearing started two years ago by shedding 18 bags of books and magazines from ONE enormous bookshelf. Since, I've dumped clothing, furniture, rugs, bedding,  lamps, fabric, cleaning supplies, and more. The house is still full. (Let's not talk about the basement and garage.)

I can breathe in a few rooms. The living room and dining room now usually await guests, tidy and picked up. I'm rarely embarrassed about the state of the kitchen, though hosting last Sunday's lunch while the walls were being painted was a challenge. (Things normally on the walls and counters lay in piles, helter-skelter.) My office wouldn't please a perfectionist but everything I need is at hand and the floors and desks are clear. Our bedroom is emptier.

I'm pleased by the progress to date. I'm also aware that there are more things that need sorting and giving away. After Christmas, I'll purge more ornaments (currently down to 9 bins from 15, lucky me. I know. I know. But our tree is 10' tall! Let me know before Monday if you need gold ball ornaments and I'll have one bin less.)

I gave several of our kids the annual ornaments Grandma and I bought for them each year. They weren't grateful. Or nostalgic. It was just stuff. One couple traditionally has a 1' tree, hardly big enough for 25 years of two ornaments a year. Whether they keep it or not is up to them: once one becomes an adult, "precious" things get to be your own decision! "Keep or toss. It's up to you, kids!"

What are your challenges as you look through closets and examine your rooms and offices? Have the blessings become burdens?

What are you going to do about it? Why not start with the Throw Away Fifty Things workbook: find it here. I'd love to hear about your initial reaction and any progress in the comments below.

Black Friday of the heart

The sign of Thanksgiving is a turkey, a reminder of gratitude for the food that helped American pilgrims survive a harsh winter nearly 400 years ago. I doubt that the survivors would recognize their simple feast in our gluttony of food and deserts. Thanksgiving gives cultural permission to eat too much among the comfort of family and friends. I'm glad we have the abundance here to enjoy the feast!

After Thanksgiving, the country goes mad. The sign of post-thanksgiving is "Retail = $X; BUT SALE = $x" on what we call Black Friday. I joined the fray a few years ago to see what the "fuss and fun" was about. The jostling, anxious faces, and greed appalled me. I've never had the stomach to participate again.

Some families or girlfriend groups make a sporting tradition of the occasion, taking the day to compete for bargains and shop together. That's cool -- sort-of. Great that it gets families together. Great that it helps the economy shake off a lethargic fall sales. But ...

I'm going to issue an unwelcome challenge today, based on this question: "Are our traditions and celebrations built more around American values than God's pleasure?"

Every tradition celebrates a core value. Thanksgiving demonstrates our gratitude for God's provisions and human relationships. In the Church, the Eucharist (or Communion) celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus and our ensuing salvation. Baptism showcases the commitment of believers to live for God within the community of faith for the rest of his/her life. We have valuable family traditions, community traditions, and national traditions.

But what does Black Friday memorialize, with its rituals of spending precious life/time marking out deals and routes to stores? Of lining up in the early morning hours for the best bargain? Of spending beyond our budgets to buy things we want but don't need? Of pushing others aside for our "right" in a competition to snatch up temporal goods?

How much time have we (myself included) spent mapping out how to reach our neighbors for Christ? Have we arrived early to church to volunteer for set-up or to welcome those coming to our community of faith? Have we spend beyond our budgets to meet missionary appeals or support church projects? Have we pushed other volunteers and attendees to the forefront for recognition that they are serving and worthy of notice, regardless of our part in serving (or do we snatch the glory "due us" as volunteers or coworkers)?

SOME of you have! And kudos to you. God recognizes the honor due you and will reward every deed done in secret, every effort done for his Glory. He has said he will not share his glory with any others, gods or human. So when we glorify ourselves and stuff, how will God respond to us?

Confession time: I've overspent on things I want, just like you have. When my husband has noted our credit card entries, I have given him "good reasons" for expenditures. But God has been speaking to me about the values of time spend earning that money, time invested in maintaining the goods acquired, and the clutter in our lives because I've focused on acquisition of goods rather than on "treasures in heaven," things that matter to God.

At SBL last week (a conference of Bible scholars), presenters commented on the rituals of societies. Like us, the peoples of scripture celebrated passages of time, rites of birth, puberty, marriage, and death, and other significant times of life. The Canaanites of biblical times ritually sacrificed humans, as did later Aztecs, to appease their gods and ensure prosperity.

Today, on Black Friday in the USA, I'm examining the expenditures, the full house, and time spent on things that don't last. We've set up the tree and hauled the decoration boxes into the living room. A friend comes Monday to celebrate the beginning of the season by helping me decorate it. However, I will take time today for soul-relief, quietly reflecting on scripture, searching my heart to consider the month ahead in light of my spiritual formation. I'm asking:

1. What is important? - to God - and to His Church - and to us / me? Do these values align?
2. How am we demonstrating our core values? Has the world pressed us into its mold?
3. How can we glorify God and bless others in the coming Christmas season by living by true and eternal values?
4. Once the shopping season and Christmas celebrations are over, what will remain? Trash and wrapping paper? Excess stuff jammed into closets and cupboards? Fights over who got the best gift? Disappointment that we didn't get the present we hoped for? 

Will you and I waken to the New Year with a sense of satisfaction, brimming with soul treasures and memories of God-among-us in His Presence and Glory? That's my desire! What's your deepest wish for Christmas this year?

Read more:
*God said, “I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13

*Show me your glory, I pray. Exodus 33:18

*Then Jesus took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to the disciples, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” Mark 14:23-24

*Jesus revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:11

Moravian Prayer: Lord, we admit that it is often personal glory that we seek. Today let us seek your glory; for when we see it fully we will be blessed. That blessing is far greater reward than any personal achievement. Together we look both outward and inward to see your presence.

Father, you give us signs of your promises each day. Help us to be aware of the signs you show us today. Amen.

Recognizing undeserved gifts

Sometimes we act as though all the good gifts of God were earned. Deserved. Coming our way because we did something to achieve them.

I read about a pastor on a mission trip. He saw a starving Indian man pushing a wheelbarrow. As the wheelbarrow passed him, he saw inside it another man, almost dead, pleading with his eyes for food and care. The pastor almost fainted from "transferred hunger" but did not help. He wrote that the gift of compassion he felt was his greatest gift from his India trip.

I've been thinking about that story for a few days. My first question, because the pastor had food, was, "Why didn't the pastor help? Why not share, giving the little he had to those who had none?" Was he overwhelmed by needs everywhere so he did not see the point? Is learning compassion enough? Was sharing his resources thwarted by caste (could the men accept his food)? Did religion prevent the sharing of one person's bounty with another's dearth?

I began considering were the underserved favors that come our way by God's hand. Why was the pastor (and I) well-fed, while the two men lived at death's door? Why was one educated and working in a rich land while the others subsisted in poverty? I have no answers.

My list of undeserved benefits is long. For example:

• We attend a church where freedom of worship is encouraged and the pastor examines scripture with us
• We recently spent a relaxing weekend with friends, boating the islands, talking about God and his ways
• Our children serve the Lord
• I find ministry in unexpected places, that fits the gifts God's given
• Networking is a joy and God often surprises me with connections that I or others need
• We have so much food that we could throw out some if we wanted
• Our house is warm, my office nice, and we have useful work
• We enjoy "bonuses" like finding the exact futon model for our guest room - free on www.FreeCycle.org

There are too many other abundances to count.

So, how do we gratefully accept the undeserved gifts?

1. Recognize that life itself is a gift. Not a day can be added or taken away by sickness, health, or other circumstances. God knows how long we'll live.
2. God has put us where we are. If we live in the West, we live among abundance, regardless of our bank balance. Wherever we reside, we may be surrounded by a big family or a loving community. We may have work that uses our gifts and talents. None of these can be taken for granted.
3. God has given us everything we have, whether or not we've "worked for it." The psalmist says the cattle on 1000 hills are his. Many others work harder, longer, and have crushing stressors beyond what I could bear ... yet I may have more than they do.
4. God alone protects us, the ones we love, and our stuff. When God removes his covering shelter, lives and wealth are swept away in an instant. All the burglar alarms and police in the world cannot protect us if God does not.
5. God gives abundance that may not be obvious at first glance. We may not have a lot of money, but do we have friends? I may have lost your job, but do I still eat? I have wish for things you can't afford, but do are my true needs met? 

Let's be grateful. On this weekend when we've celebrated the freedoms won and preserved by our countries' soldiers, we acknowledge that the world is both dangerous AND wonderful. Freedom of spirit and body cannot be taken for granted. It is hard-won, whether by spiritual giants or military engagement.

And no good thing in life is deserved or can be taken for granted. It is the gift of God, whose everything is and to whom everything belongs.

Read more:
*Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy. … Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. … As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands." Psalm 119:138, 140, 143 NLT

*Mortals look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

*As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct. 1 Peter 1:15
*Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Lord, you find that little spark inside of us that grows into a burning flame for you. We want to work for you, the one who knows us inside and out. We know you have given us everything we need to complete the tasks you call us to. Amen.

Full to the brim

Ever feel like exploding with possibilities? Or are you dragging your heels?

"Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed your hands have provided.


GREAT is your faithfulness, Lord, unto me."

That's the music track in my head this morning after a week of spiritual nourishment and physical rest. My spiritual accountability group spent three days on retreat. Then W and I relaxed for three days with dear friends -- on a boat in the middle of God's creation. This morning, I finished a 4-week "Get Unstuck Bootcamp" designed by Kim Martinez.  (I'll write more on that self-coaching system another day.) Wow. What a time of refreshing! (Thanks be to God, especially as the weather changes to Seattle autumn.)

What makes you feel "full" and ready to engage the world? For me, it's interaction with people that is paced by quiet times alone. Without friends and collaborators, I languish and circle in place. Without time by myself, I become exhausted and irritable, numb to stimulation and new ideas.

How do you refill your tank when you're weary? Here are a few observations:

1. Extroverts gather energy by being around people and introverts gather energy from time alone.

2. What you love to do aligns with at least one of your personal strengths or talents. Pay attention the next time you experience joy.

3. What you hate to do may align with a personal weakness. Do you have more choices about things you dread than you think?

• When possible, delegate the task. For this option, accept someone else's "done-well-enough." Don't micro-manage what you hand off to others.
• If YOU have to do it, emphasize parts that line up with things you love. Dislike driving to work but love to pray? Take the cause of travelers in cars next you to God -- while you sit in traffic. 
• Take a mental vacation while you work. Hate maintenance but have to change the oil on your car? Take a great book along or listen to a podcast while someone else does it. While you work, plan a reward that "rings your bells." Washing floors? Look around to see what you can redecorate or reconfigure in the room. (Decor possibilities were my pleasurable mind-escape this morning while cleaning bathroom floors.) 

4. Look around to see how people with your temperament or job cope. Copy copy copy. "There is nothing new under the sun," said the wise sage. What works for others may work for you, too.

*5. Most importantly, recognize and appreciate that The One Who Made Us is interested in developing our full potential. Whom or what has God already brought near you to help you refuel and kickstart the day or the next season?

Read more: 

*I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints—but let them not return to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:8-9 NIV 

*He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 103:7–8

*I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD." Proverbs 22:19

*Declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it forth to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!” Isaiah 48:20

*God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by

making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)  

Moravian Prayer: Great and loving God, you bring us redemption and reconciliation and we respond in joy to your great faithfulness. Thousand, thousand thanks to thee, dear Lord. Amen.

Hello hello! beautiful rest

Do you remember the transitions after reaching your goals? I'm in one of those heavenly lulls after a steep climb.

"So what are you doing now?" people ask me.

It feels like I'm doing nothing. The pressure is off, though I'm writing, mentoring, and planning events (a reception, 2 summer reunions, and a couple of occasions between).

The list of to-dos is long and getting longer. But the deadlines are weeks apart and I get to decide how those goals are reached. YAY.

I love seasons of productive rest. I've checked everything off the must-dos today and it's 6pm. Supper dishes are done.

PJs and feather duvet it is! I'm off to watch a few episodes of a Korean drama with a cup of peppermint tea and leftover tinned chocolate Christmas cookies. Those of you with kids will never know how sweet this time of life is until you get here :-)

... Just sayin' ... "You were right, Mom. This really is the best time of all."

Read more:

*God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands. Genesis 31:42

*Indeed, you are my lamp, O Lord, the Lord lightens my darkness. 2 Samuel 22:29

*Christ says, "I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness." John 12:46

*Paul wrote, Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Moravian Prayer: Christ Jesus, let your light continue to be a beacon to us as we move from darkness to the hope and joy and peace of your light. Illuminate our way with your grace. 

Steadfast Lord, show us of small vision that our work for you is never in vain. Show us you are our rock and we know we can trust in you forever. Amen.

Watered deserts

"The desert isn't really empty, It teems with life. Few animals live in it that we'd recognize from forests and meadows, so people assume that nothing survives there. But the desert has its own creatures and plants."

I was a bit skeptical about that until I started looking at photos of desert plants and animals.

Wow. Not only do many things live in the desert, but they have their own beauty and adaptive grace.

We assume daily life includes good health, enough money to pay the bills and a bit extra, luxuries like hot water and warm shelter, and people whom we love and who love us back. 

But that's not always the case. Suddenly, where we planted a lush garden, the desert surrounds us. A child runs away from home. Spouses neglect and abandon the family. Parents get dementia or die. Investments fall through or we overspend and get into financial trouble. Houses burn down or are swept away by natural disasters. What then?

We celebrated granddaughter Kinsey's baby dedication at Creekside Church yesterday. Pastor Don Ross preached about the splendor of God among us, becoming human and understanding our weaknesses and pain. We ate a wonderful meal prepared by our daughter-in-love Melissa, assisted by another d-i-love Rebekah. My parents even drove a few hours from their home in Canada to be with us. (Watching great-grandma hold Kinsey = fantastic.) Then we spent the evening with our daughter, safely moved to a rehab facility for therapy and skilled nursing care after foot surgery last week. 

On the way home, my heart swelled with praise that God gave this daughter to us, so I could rub her back and pray with her, so W could help her work out medical issues and sit by her bed, so her brothers could learn to care for others besides themselves. My Dad and Mom make a special effort over and over again to celebrate life moments with us. Indeed, my memories of the day are sweet, unexpected pleasures in the wilderness.

God promises his followers streams in the desert. Instead of the death we expect, parts of us that we never knew existed may start to flourish. Friends come alongside to help. People we haven't heard from in years offer resources we need.

If you are in a fruitful, flourishing period, find someone who needs the bounty you can share. And when the sun beats down with unrelenting heat and you think you cannot bear it, ask God to lead you to a well of refreshing water.


Read more:

*Waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:6 MV

*This is what the LORD says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:2-4 NIV

*How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues." Psalm 31:19–20 NLT

*Christ says, "I came that my sheep may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 MV

Joy in scarcity, not a spirit of poverty

Jesus said a rich person would have a hard time getting to heaven. "How can that be?" asked the disciples. I asked myself that today, too. Why is that true?

In a country of incredible abundance, we are hooked on food (or avoiding it), money (or lack of it), and sex (or a perversion of it). How do we serve God in the middle of his lavish provisions?

We get distracted by the cares of life and by acquisitions. I recently read a  blog on "The Benefits of Scarcity", written by a guy who's not a Christian. When they ran into debt, they sold their house (they moved to a great apartment in the city, close to everything,) sold the car and take public transit or walk (good way to meet people, to really see those around him, as well as exercise.) The family also sold their excess furniture (ah, the ease of sitting in an uncluttered room, the relaxation of not having to move junk when cleaning.) They volunteered their extra time not spent shopping and maintaining things (felt useful serving, and had fun besides.) And finally, he talked about the health benefits of cutting back food (he cut back to eat 2 meals a day to remember those who don't have enough to eat.)

In summary, in the process of shedding extra stuff, he became appreciative of the few things that remain, lost 60 lbs, is in great health, and enjoys his neighborhood. He wrote that their family has never been happier than living in what others might term "scarcity." Just enough. Abundance without piles of "stuff." I was amazed, reading it, surrounded by thousands of papers and lots of things in my office.

Christians sometimes feel entitled to More, to Lots of Stuff, and to The Best. We feel cheated when we lose our house, experience financial stress, and can't purchase the latest fashion. We are consumed by things that should serve us. Overwhelmed by too much. Distracted by trivia that interests us only until it joins the other superfluous possessions in our houses.

"Faith without works is dead," my husband reminded me in a conversation about who is "saved." So if we just say we've made a commitment to Christ without being different from those around us..., so what?! If our lives and priorities don't change from cultural greed and materialism to loving/serving God and others, we show that we are not serious about living in a relationship with God.

I'm not talking about a spirit of poverty or deprivation. God promised a life of abundance, though abundance depends on a focus on God. It includes serving others with what we are given, and taking our portion rather than the portion of others.

It's healthy to ask ourselves, "Are our things distracting or helping us to serve and love God?" What can we give away, share with others, resist purchasing, or sell off to narrow our gaze on Him who is lovely? What can we put aside to see the lonely and needy around us? 

Read more:

*Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 

I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:20-23 NIV

*Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I'll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'

The disciples were astounded. 'Then who in the world can be saved?' they asked

Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.' Matthew 19:23–26 NLT