Lent Day 1: Ash Wednesday

Lent is here. 40 days of celebration, deprivation, or both. Depends on your viewpoint. I'm sitting in an airport, typing on a tablet rather than my speedy keyboard. Our ticket said that our 7:30 flight might fly out at 9. We were rebooked with another airline after the original one was delayed twice and then cancelled. The current plane was just been put into maintenance, so who knows. The attendant says the flight doesn't come in until later, so we will miss our connection.

Life is full of inconveniences. But for some who wear the cross of ashes on their foreheads today, any inconvenience would be more tolerable than their daily life of suffering. As did the Apostle Paul, they identify with the persecution and rejection of Christ. Many don't know each morning if they will be killed or punished that day for their faith in Jesus.

Listening to the demands of disgruntled passengers around us, I reflected on the difference between deprivation and inconvenience. We were sitting in a warm lounge, leather seats conforming to weary bodies. The hot cup of tea steamed beside me, and my stomach was full from a good meal at a Vietnamese restaurant earlier. This Ash Wednesday ushers in the Lenten season with more favor and abundance than we could ever earn. May God's blessings be with us all as we begin the journey of remembering the price paid for our salvation.

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*Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 ESV

*O Lord, you are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Psalm 142:5 ESV

*In Christ Jesus we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Loving Savior, we look to you when troubles arise, when our spirit grows faint. You, Lord, are our safe haven and our protector. Help us not to be discouraged when sufferings occur, but to come to you with freedom and confidence. Thank you for always being our strong support. Amen.

An observation made in the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis: Screwtape outlines a fundamental deception:

"Men are not angered by mere misfortune but by misfortune conceived as injury. And the sense of injury depends on the feeling that a legitimate claim has been denied. The more claims on life, therefore, that your patient can be
induced to make, the more often he will feel injured and, as a result, ill-tempered. Now you will have noticed that nothing throws him into a passion so easily as to find a tract of time which he reckoned on having at his own disposal unexpectedly taken from him. It is the unexpected visitor (when he looked forward to a quiet evening), or the friend’s talkative wife (turning up when he looked forward to a tête-à-tête with the friend), that throw him out of gear. Now he is not yet so uncharitable or slothful that these small demands on his courtesy are in themselves too much for it. They anger him because he regards his time as his own and feels that it is being stolen. 

"You must therefore zealously guard in his mind the curious assumption ‘My time is my own’. Let him have the feeling that he starts each day as the lawful possessor of twenty-four hours. Let him feel as a grievous tax that portion of this property which he has to make over to his employers, and as a generous donation that further portion which he allows to religious duties. But what he must never be permitted to doubt is that the total from which these deductions have been made was, in some mysterious sense, his own personal birthright."

Leadership genius

King David's name is familiar to anyone who has read the Bible. Kids who know Bible stories have heard of the teenager who felled a seasoned warrior - a giant at that - with a well-placed stone flying from his sling.

Off the top of my head, I think of David as:

• shepherd boy, defending the flock from lion and bear
• killer of Goliath, with a faith that is both bold and innocent
• younger brother of soldiers, eager to get the scoop on battlefront news
• musician and composer, harpist, singer, poet, and dancer
• leader of a rebels, living on the run in the hills
• replacement for a disobedient king
• polygamist and adulterer
• schemer and strategist
• someone who came from a simple life to extravagance and leadership perks

I am always surprised to read that God considered this flawed man his friend. We'd never elect him to a church board or (horror of horrors) let him pastor a church or lead a denomination. He wasn't of the priestly class in his day, either. He was a warrior of his time, accepting as his due the privileges of clan chief - the right to servants, wives, and wealth. Because David's reign was so bloody, God refused him his desire to build a temple.

Something I rarely connect with David is his genius for leadership. He had the charisma and skill to attract rough outcasts into a band of brothers, complete with families and belongings. Later, he united tribes with little in common into a strong nation.

Reading 1 Chronicles 23-27 is eye-opening. Near the end of  David's reign, the details of the king's wealth are impressive. But my eye is caught by the men listed as overseers. These "mighty men" and strong-willed, gifted leaders reported to the king and did the king's business. Even when his personal life became a mess, when his children were indulged and spoiled, when political turmoil ousted him for a season, the administration of his dominion ran like clockwork.

It's easy to assume that God is blessing a ministry or business when it's running smoothly and money is flowing. Inexplicably, God gifts some for leadership of tens, hundreds, thousands, and beyond.

When God blesses with leadership genius, the person must work extremely hard to stay centered on the core values of integrity and friendship with God. Without character, success goes to one's head, destroying a gifted leader with a wash of self-indulgence and dissipation.

W and I were talking about how hard it is to finish a life well. It seems even more challenging for those who start gloriously and achieve a lot early on.

A good name is more valuable than riches, said the sage. It's a good idea to guard our hearts and reputations even more zealously in seasons of success than in times of anonymity or struggle. 

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*Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

*Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT

*What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4 NIV

Women who lead

Today, 32 women leaders presented a webinar on leading change ("Turning Points") by Leadership Network. Many of them used the same wording or had similar insights:

1. Change is inevitable and constant.
2. God is before and in change, working in us, through us, and with us in change. Nothing takes him by surprise, and he uses everything that comes our way.
3. Know your strengths and giftings. God will call you to "impossible" things that you are designed for. Don't settle for lesser or diversionary things that might make you miss the wonderful opportunities he brings your way.
4. Lean into, rather than away from, change, regardless if it is change that was planned or unexpected. God is our security, our wisdom, and our leader in times of change.
5. Be a change agent for others, as well as being transformed into Christlikeness by change.
6. PRAY. Pray. And then pray some more. A reworked quote: "If God has plans for the world, the Church, and us, why do we spend 15 minutes praying and 7 hours planning. Shouldn't it be the other way around?"
7. Trust God. He knows more than we do and is able to bring about his purposes.
8. Trust people to do the best they can with the information they have. Sometimes leaders have to make decisions based on knowing more than the rest of the team does. Others may grumble or complain because they don't have all the facts.
9. Tell your leadership team the heart and reason for changes. They will find difficult decisions easier to follow if they understand the reasoning and spirit behind the change.
10. Every relationship and new insight is connected, whether at home, work, church, or in education. God uses every change to move us toward him, even when we are not aware of the end goal. Sometimes God tells us only enough to get us moving along. (Again, TRUST.)

There were many observations from personal life, ministry, and business. Summing it up?

• PRAY. 
• TRUST. 
• It's about God and PEOPLE, not agendas or goals.

Thanks to the women leaders who shared their hearts, vulnerabilities, and life lessons with the thousands of attendees - men and women. Among them, our own Jodi Detrick (now leader of women's ministries for the national AG) and Christina Gard, children's pastor and faculty specialist at Northwest U for Children's Ministry. Kudos, ladies!

There is no doubt that experience supports God's call for women leaders in scripture. Thanks be to God.

One more time...

Anything worth pursuing is worth hard work. Maybe even worth excruciating effort! That's a common assumption, along the lines of "No pain, no gain."


I think Christians in various fields forget that it is not our duty to make things harder for people to succeed. Just because something is challenging in our past, we don't have to make others' paths more difficult. As part of the same family, loving and working to build the Kingdom of God, we should be striving to make God's words and work more accessible for those inside and out.

Two of us are working toward the same goal. Neither of us are mentally inept. We like the people we're working with. But we're both having trouble understanding written instructions and conversations designed to help us with our project. Rather than making our task easier, every interaction seems to muddle our thinking more. We get one part right, only to be asked for additional changes in the other areas (more than once or twice). Part of the problem is that our project and its guidelines are evolving, a bit of a moving target as the team searches for clarity and focus.

When I suggest to my coworker that the instructions themselves might be the problem, I hear a sigh of relief via IM. "You just gave me a virtual hug," said my friend. "I thought I was going crazy." Yeah, so did I.

Some people - like my husband - are excellent at converting convoluted realities into simple truths. They provide administrative freedom along with clarity of task. They are fun to work for... and with, because it's easy to track progress, understand instructions, and move toward clearly defined goals.

Have you ever had a boss or coach with these skills? If so, how did that affect the quality and speed of your performance? If you're in process, what would you like to hear from those overseeing your work?

Or if you're the overseer, how can you be more clear and specific in mentoring or assigning tasks? What resources could you make available to streamline a process and help people move ahead?

Meanwhile, our duo is reworking the project one more time. "Maybe this is what they want?" we say to each other hopefully.

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*I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  Psalm 121 NIV

*For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

*If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NEV

Career confusion

Studied: Communications. Works at: Meat packer.
Studied: Biblical Literature. Works at: Waiter.
Studied: Business. Works at: Pastor.
Studied: Education. Works at: Self-employed artist.

I find it amusing to read Facebook profiles. There's no telling how our calling, upbringing, and education will be related to our career. There are few things more confusing to a young graduate than job interviews. A degree doesn't necessarily match job openings, and sometimes "the perfect fit" slams shut in our face before we even get our foot in the door.

My husband and I have done a lot of different jobs over the years. Not all of them seemed related to our call to Christian ministry. Gas station attendant. Preacher.  Sales clerk in the men's department. Bible teacher. Harpist. Dog walker. Writer. Physical ed teacher (both of us. really.) Real estate office receptionist. Piano teacher. Library page. Principal of a Christian school. Motivational speaker. Summer preschool worker. Administrative Pastor. Door-to-door government census taker. Alumni director. Landlady. Choir director. We hunted down employment, but some work found us.

Our policy has been, "Yes." That makes for an interesting life.

We've been open to whatever God has for us. My husband was working within his calling and field within a decade, but my own path has been more circuitous. We've learned from every task God has put in our paths and from every tool shaped to our hands.

It can get very discouraging to find dreams disappearing and feel trapped in the routines of work, year after year. Many people give up and think they've missed their calling in life. Some plunge into the sea of possibilities and swim with the fishes. Others abandon safety nets and wash up on the shore in a heap of wreckage. Only God, who renews us daily, knows what lies ahead. 

• The product that you thought would sell itself and now fills your garage? God knew. 
• The boss who seemed so open to ideas and turned out to be cautious and obstinate? God knew. 
• The classroom full of bright faces who turned out to be willful troublemakers? God knew. 
• The church that seemed so exciting an opportunity and now seems just a drudgery? God knew.
• The hopes of making a difference in a community when you feel like you've faded into the background? God knew.

Our responsibility is not to be famous or well-known. We are expected to be God's letter to the world, wherever he places us. No matter how unexpected the current context, God calls us to faithfulness in line with our gifts and training. Sometimes his plan for us doesn't look anything like what we'd thought it would... but would we have been willing to engage life if we'd known all the details?

We'd love to  hear about some of the jobs you've held, and what your job title is today.

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*The poor are despised even by their neighbors while the rich have many 'friends.' It is a sin to belittle one's neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. Proverbs 14:20–2 NLT

*Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26 NKJV

*Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This 'letter' is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3:3–6a NLT

The cost of belonging

Deuteronomy, Ezra, the beginning of Nehemiah. I flipped on UCB Bible (radio) and drifted above sleep to the readings. The sun hadn't come up yet, but W was prepping for his day of teaching, and I'd had a restful night.

I listened to the blessings God promised his people. Followed by... "You will be cursed if..." (idolatry, intermarriage with non-Israelites, etc.) The people had wandered out of slavery with few manners and no godly culture. They were prone to building idols, sacrificing improperly, and treating others poorly. Moses set up a code of law in conjunction with his relationship and communication with God. Many of the laws might have been a response to bad behavior, like today's civil laws tend to be.

But the laws and restrictions also functioned as separators from other cultures. There were many unique aspects of living in the nomadic tribe that God had chosen. Not all of them were easy or intuitive in daily living. In fact, many of them were opposed to natural human desires and a mystery to the Israelites. They kept going back to what seemed right to them, disobeying and reaping the consequences.

I got up thinking about that it costs us EVERYTHING to be truly, holistically Christian. I asked myself some questions about my own relationship to God and the world:

• Have we asked God for the benefits of his provisions and his blessings without expecting to use those to bless others?
• Do we expect his interventions in our troubles without  surrendering to the lessons and disciplines of hardship and trials?
• What would it cost us to live with total integrity among people who hate what God demands from humanity? Are we willing to stand apart from our friends and neighbors on the "unpopular pedestal" with Jesus?
• What compromises have we allowed to have a comfortable life rather than living out our radical, transforming faith?

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*Then God said to Abraham, "Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants." Genesis 17:15-16 NLT

*As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. 2 Samuel 22:31-34 NIV

*LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

• He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous,
• who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue,
• who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
• who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD,
• who keeps his oath  even when it hurts,
• who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15 NIV

*Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

Creative wool-gathering

I flipped open a notebook from six years ago, filled with diagrams, creative writing, ideas, and observations. It used to be a natural part of life to jot things down "just in case," and "for some time later," as a matter of course. I was taken aback at the wide range of interests and thinking in my little grey book.

Somewhere along the way, I got tired. Routines, permissions, and parameters wore down my norm of creativity and unfettered roaming of the brain. In the process, I got smaller, constrained by boundaries, and less inclined to free range in the world and its possibilities.

When I pulled out my little book, I almost shouted aloud with glee. Somewhere, buried not too deeply, I must still think in terms of potential rather than merely toeing the line of propriety and others' expectations. I'm not out to set the world ablaze just to see an explosion, but fire might sometimes be just the thing to warm and light my corner of the world. What I hope to have learned is the possibility of producing without burning down the house. And my heart knows now that God isn't pleased when I blow out the candle he gave me because someone else fears the flame.

My notebook reminds me that no person is like another. God is pleased with us all as we live out his plan for us. He sends some of us to tend the sheep, some of us to shear them, some will gather and card the wool, and some of us spin it into cloth. Some of us even get to draw the pattern so others can cut and sew a garment. Not one effort is wasted. No specialty of education and experience can be valued above the other, although perhaps only the tailor puts her name into the finished coat.

The trick is to love our own part of the process and not put anyone else down for doing what they are called to do. After flipping through my ideas, I feel like slinging a bright red coat over my shoulder today, delighting in the color, cut, and texture. How about you? (The photo left made me laugh, too! None of my notebook covers are this noisy.)

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*Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NLT

*Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:3–5 NEV

*For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV

Come to life

It takes a while for some ideas to come to life. Some propositions fall into the conversation many times, rejected as impractical, silly, or unworkable. Then someone picks up the idea again, turns it in a new direction, and it is suddenly brilliant!

Many scientific hypotheses and theological speculations started that way. Gradually as they are explored, they come into the mainstream, not only as possibilities, but as logical reality. The law of gravity, planets revolving around the sun instead of the sun moving around the earth, God as Creator... these--among many other ideas--seem far-fetched or well-accepted, depending on the culture and time in history. They have been hotly contested. Some people still don't believe them, sticking to childhood fantasies over evidence, faith, and probability.

What's glaringly obvious in my life that has still to be embraced as truth? What are you holding onto, either from the past or from lack of information, that is shaping your reality? 

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*For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. . . . He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride." Job 33:14, 16–17 NLT

*Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 NLT

*Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV

A good reputation

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

~ John Wooden

USA culture used to be based on a man or woman's word, and a handshake as a firm promise in business or personal life. In a BBC article, all kinds of factors were cited decrying the demise of the United States as a nation that other countries admired. There was banking failure, overspending and military interference, and all the usual hot buttons pressed by international peers.

But I was struck more by the positive things that made this nation great. A belief in opportunity, the value of the person next door as a friend and brother, and legal and moral systems built on Judao-Christian faiths. As those eroded through moral devaluation, corruption, political maneuvering, and wealth disbursement back to the rich, new values emerged: "free" love, looking out for #1, and the one with the most toys wins, among others. Others lost their respect for us as we became selfish and self-centered.

Christians build character by looking always to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We compare ourselves to him, not to the world around us. It's hard to stay focused in a materialistic world, where getting brings more prestige than being.

But we stand out among our friends and acquaintances with good reputations, not by being slightly better than others, but by being different. Honest. Kind. Loving. Even when telling the truth is to our detriment. Or when kindness costs us ease. Or when love demands sacrifice. In other words, our reputation must be built on sound character.

That's the kind of reputation I'm interested in having. How about you?

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*And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there nor will any ferocious beast get up on it they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return.They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:8-10 NIV 


*Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 NIV 

Not so fast

I thought today was Ash Wednesday. My body needs a rest from all the rich food we've been eating, and Lent is a good time to combine mental and physical health with spiritual disciplines. Since Lent fell on Feb. 17 last year, I figured today was the day for this year. Nope, we have 3 weeks to go until the memorial days begin.

As a Protestant, I didn't grow up with Lenten observances. Our church fasted Good Friday with a special service in the morning and evening. I seem to remember most of them being rainy and blustery, appropriately yucky weather for the darkness of the remembrance. Easter, which was nearly always sunny, started with a Sunrise Service at the local cemetery and progressed through several church services into the evening.

But no Lent. When I studied for my Masters degree, I prayed Catholic and Orthodox prayers for a season, familiarizing myself with other Christian practices. I reveled in the richness and beauty as the Spirit breathed into the old traditions!

Lent came alive that year as I accepted a new discipline of daily Lenten writing. As I read through the scriptures, I posted observations to an initial list of 150 people (before blogging was popular). The list grew into my blog, first on a now-defunct site, then at xanga, now at www.peacefulones.blogspot.com.

Some years I love writing, some years I dread the merciless demand of each new morning at the computer keyboard. As I read through those years, I marvel at God's faithfulness in opening scripture and allowing spiritual disciplines to shape my life. (Though today I'm glad I don't have to begin fasting nor daily writing because of a three-week reprieve.) 

I'm looking forward to meeting God again within the special attention that Lent offers, starting March 9 this year. I need the solitude, meditation, and examination more than ever, after the challenges of the past year. How about you? 

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*O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2 NIV

*I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him.  Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope.  Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.  Lamentations 3:19-32 NIV

*Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV