Up all night and the coming cure

It's 4 a.m. and I've been up for an hour or two. Insomnia. Feeling out of sorts. But I knew that was coming. In fact, I chose to bring it on. Silly me.

Typical Western buffet

Yup, I ate meat and dairy yesterday, after returning to vegan (plant-based) foods when the grey skies and rain arrived in Seattle last week. The worthy occasion last night was a 70th birthday party, after all. Congratulations, BJ! The food was abundant, very Western (heaps of meat and cheese), and tasted GREAT! Worth a cheat? Seemed so at the time though I got a hot flash within 10 minutes of eating the meat slider. (The flush is my first sign of oh-oh!-here-we-go-again.)

I consider my system's rebellion as a food intolerance rather than allergies. Call it what I will, my body signals its unhappiness within a few minutes of eating eggs, dairy, honey, meat, etc. Anything animal-based is out when the weather turns foul in fall. In summer when the sun is out, my system seems more tolerant (though I gain 5-10 lbs within a week or two of returning to a meat-based diet.) In the winter, my choice of food becomes a spiritual discipline, allowing me to function at capacity.

Vegan buffet (not an oxymoron)

Friends seem shocked when they hear what I DON'T eat. Their first concerns are: "Do you get enough calcium? Protein? What can you eat if you don't eat meat or drink milk?" It's incomprehensible that plant-based foods contain nutrients in abundance.

What do I eat? "Everything else!" including grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits. I sub potato flour, bananas, or tofu for eggs in baking and cooking. And there's nothing as tasty as muesli in the morning! (keeps me full until noon.)

The longest-term and most comprehensive research on the relationship of food and diseases was done by top Cornell (USA), Oxford (UK), and Chinese scientists and published as "The China Study. It's worth a download for reading. Here's part of a review:

"The New York Times has recognized the study (China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project) as the "Grand Prix of epidemiology" and the "most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease."

The China Study's researchers examined and reexamined their findings because the results were unexpected and counter-intuitive: evidence clearly showed that plant-based diets warded off cardio, diabetic, and cancerous diseases. Dairy and meat-based diets fostered them. (BTW: The highest ratio of osteoporosis is in countries with the highest protein and dairy consumption.)

"Growing evidence is showing that calcium in milk does not protect against osteoporosis. For example in a 12-year Harvard study of 78,000 women, those who drank milk three times a day actually broke more bones than women who rarely drank milk. Similarly, a 1994 study in Sydney, Australia, showed that higher dairy product consumption was associated with increased fracture risk: those with the highest dairy consumption had double the risk of hip fracture compared to those with the lowest consumption," News-medical.net

Every culture has its own dearly-held myths. Many of ours are deeply rooted in tradition but some of ours are fostered by modern advertising and commerce. We now admit smoking is unhealthy but remember that in the 1950s and 60s, some family doctors promoted it in tobacco ads. Perhaps our desire for extreme fat and protein-rich diets will go the same way, as scientists ponder why eating traditional Western foods makes us sicker rather than healthier as we age.

Warm and deeeelicious! a typical
vegan lunch for me. Recipe: click here.

That said, it's back to bed this morning for me. And back to vegan foods when I get up, occasionally blogged at the Impulsive Foodie (my food blog).

Let's eat with care - our bodies depend on the wise stewardship of this most precious personal resource. "You can have all the money in the world but without good health, you'll be miserable," says my mom.

Whether or not plant-based foods become your choice or you decide to limit rich food intakes, please choose your food wisely. Note what gives you abundant, positive, and sustainable energy. What drains you or makes you feel sluggish and bloated?

God lavished us with his abundance here in North America. Whether we garden, farm, or buy our foods at the grocer's, we have lots of options. Enjoy feasting on his goodness while taking good care of yourself and those you love.

And keep in mind that food is a tool to empower our service of the King, not our focus. It is fuel for our mission, not the mission itself. Peace to you and yours!

Read more:

*The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust" Psalm 103:13–14 NLT

*Do you like honey? Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick!" Proverbs 25:16 NLT

*Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:6

*Jesus replied, 'Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'" John 4:13–14 NLT

*For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:7 NLT

Unexpected danger

Cat attack!

We got ambushed this morning. The dogs and I were walking along like usual when a cat ran across the road in front of us. Ziggy, who loves to trot behind me, is the heavier dog. He keeps Missy, who loves to run and roam, in line beside me. Zig kept Miss Missy from running after the cat, who disappeared ahead.

Except that -- oh ferocious feline -- pouncing -- hissing -- scratching -- THAT CAT jumped out from a fence and attacked my dogs!

Having had a cat, I automatically hissed and pulled the dogs away. The cat retracted the claws she'd caught in Ziggy's raincoat and stalked off, sitting in moody defiance by the roadside as we walked away.

First, I found some red leaves and
a hydrangea someone had tossed

I laughed to myself as we made our escape. Lucky us -- she could have put out an eye, torn up my beasties, and inflicted damage. A cat. Attacking dogs. Two dogs. On a leash with a person.

Who knew? It was a more dangerous morning than I'd suspected and we'd gotten away Scott-free. I celebrated by gathering a gorgeous bouquet of leaves and flowers from the sidewalk.

Sitting at my desk, I'm thinking about a job I had once. My manager would call me into her office and I'd skip down the hall, expecting kudos for a job well done. Almost without exception, I'd get slammed. "That was too small. Too big. Not enough. Too much. What were you thinking? Were you thinking at all?"

I'd leave her office, shaking my head, wincing at the unexpected blow. I'd go back to my desk and think about my lucky escape. I hadn't died. Hadn't been severely wounded even. I'd try harder, look around more carefully, and do my best.

Then I gathered wind-tossed needles, a mossy branch,
and three heads of clover

Eventually, the scratching penetrated my skin. I began to muddle, to second-guess my decisions, to retreat instead of advancing.

I've pondered those interactions. Here are a few things I learned about being a misfit:

1. Danger lurks in unexpected places. Even if you're walking along, doing the work assigned, surprises can jump you. 
2. Blows from a friend can be trusted. Hits from someone defending or defining their turf should be avoided whenever possible.
3. There's a time to stand. When my manager first started attacking, I went back to my office, rethought my ideas, and presented a better proposal.
4. There's a time to hiss back and shake off the attack. After a few unpleasant interactions, I returned to my desk, worked my hardest, and just ignored the lack of helpful input.
5. There's a time to walk away. When my strengths shriveled into defense mode, I quit. I shouted for joy the first morning I didn't have to go into the bunker. I gloriously changed my employment to something where God' gifts and calling reemerged and I could do good work. I bet my manager was as delighted as I.
6. It's important to reflect after a major change. Consider what God is doing in you, what he's teaching you, and how he's disciplining you by failure as well as success. Did you sin? Did you work from weakness rather than strength? Did you cooperate or resist good counsel? 
7. Don't move on without admitting your part in attracting danger. I've considered the weaknesses and flaws in myself that brought out aggression and frustration in my manager. And I've avoided such negativity and similar miss-fits for how God made me: I realized that I work best in a freewheeling, interactive environment where ideas and possibilities are welcomed and encouraged. If you feel thwarted and are frustrating others where you work, would YOU be a better partner elsewhere?
8. Know yourself and your strengths. Find complementary partners. I'm an activator, an idea person, and a resource magnet. My many weaknesses include maintenance and accounting. In fact, the "fiddling details" that go on and on or going round and round during execution of ideas saps my energy. While my guess-timates usually hit close to the bulls-eye, balancing accounts to the penny drives me wild. However, shifting colors, possibilities, and new connections feel concrete, energetic, and hopeful. 

Currently, I seek out partners who revel in management, who love to work out details, and trek along happily toward a goal. I may plan a fundraiser, but he asks for funding. I may design the table and bring the resources, but she tugs the tablecloth into perfect folds. I may find the cheapest U-haul and arrange pickup, but he drives the truck from A to B. I may write copy, but she edits the commas and semi-colons. Meanwhile, we're both ecstatic at doing our job well, working in our strengths rather than weaknesses.

The final bouquet: beauty on my desk

If God is pleased with us and he's our boss, we're happily using our talents, education, and previous experience to do His good work. How about you?

Read more:
*"Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD himself has raised his fist against me. … Don't call me Naomi," she responded. "Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?" Ruth 1:13, 20–21

*He will bring me out to the light; I shall see his vindication. Micah 7:9

*Sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

Moravian Prayer: Light of the world, when we sit mired in darkness or distress, come again to us. Come to our aid, grant us your grace anew and be our morning star, our cheering sight! Amen.

Below the surface - Before & After dog story

Spike. Before.

Ugly. Desperately ugly! That's what Spike looked like in his pet adoption photos.

I looked at the photos many times, thinking what direct and honest eyes this dog had. Could a haircut save him from perpetual "awfulness?" Could visual-me stand to have him around? I was in the throes of deep depression and thought walking outside would help. I was completely unmotivated by myself. Maybe a dog could get me moving. I started to browse Petfinder and SPCA websides.

Ugly and strange-looking.

Spike's second photo (right) nearly put me off. If the first shot looked questionable, the second was creepy. In the end, I capitulated to my gut feeling. W and I drove 100 miles to pick up 3-yr.-old Spikester from the animal shelter.

Turns out that he was black, not brown. The white patch looked smaller when his hair grew out. And since I clipped him once a month, he looked like a perpetual lab puppy. He never shed, loved all people, and was great with kids or adults.

After. What a difference a haircut makes!

Spike was so cute that people stopped us on the street, outside Starbucks, and in the park, asking how old our pup was.

Under Spike's calm exterior lurked a terrier, not a poodle as advertised. After two years of trying to adjust to his constant pacing (during my dissertation work), I had to rehome him. Friends who are mad walkers mercifully adopted him. He happily found his forever home!

Faithful Spike in his
car seat, ready to hit the road

Our family was sorry to see him go. Some days I still miss Spike, who "started it all" re: dog ownership at this stage of life.

I often think about how God cares for creatures and provides them good homes. Spike had a good life with us and found a great home with our friends. He helped get me out the door when I could hardly get out of bed in the mornings. I'd groan to myself, "Spike has to go outside. Let's for his walk!" and clip the leash on him, shrug on a raincoat, and stagger out the door. Spike was God's gift to me at the right time, as I was to him.

Ever had a special pet? Do you remember an animal fondly because it reminded you about God's faithfulness or lovingkindness? How did your care make a difference for one of God's creatures? I'd love to hear about it.

Read more:
*The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:5 

*Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17 NIV

*You know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 

Moravian Prayer: How unshakeable are your ways of love and truth, O God. The earth abounds with your goodness and grace. As beggars we come, as kings we depart; richly blessed and filled with all good things from your hand. Amen.

Flower power

Flower power van

Back in the day, "flower power" was what you painted on the side of a VW bus that you drove to California (picking up hitchhikers on the way, of course.)

I subscribe to the "bouquet of the week" from the German magazine "Living at Home.de" to see what my tribe's doing in Europe. This autumn, the flower power in my yard makes me smile, too.

In September, I browsed Home Depot's clearance racks for summer-end bargains.

Wasabi Coleus

The lime greens of wasabi coleus, drooping and leggy, caught my eye first. Then I spotted the vibrant reds of spiky draceanas, periwinkle zinneas, and drooping white vines (don't know their names).

Dracaena

Zinneas

Plainly perfect: yellow pansies

For a blend of complementary flowers, I bought some pansies and mums, standard fare in fall.

Jonathan (youngest son, paying his rent in labor) took his machete to the rims of the ingrown pots to wedge old growth away from the clay. I could never have lifted the solid root balls! Cheers for young muscle! He mixed peat moss, soil, and compost in a wheelbarrow and refilled the empty pots with fresh medium.

The courtyard in autumn

 By the time we were done, the courtyard, entry steps, and back deck were in fall bloom. Each time I drive home, I am refreshed by the colors and shapes of flowers. They've thrived in the sunny weeks since planting.

Flowers galore

The mums have been glorious bloomers until drizzle started this morning. If the weatherman is correct in his gloomy predictions of rain and more rain splashing on us, those flowers will be mush by week's end. No worries. The rest will be happy until the cold hits us.

This morning, I thank God for the bright spectacles of plants. He allows our hands to work the soil and our eyes to appreciate the beauty that grows there. I'm grateful for the bonus of color ... not only that God lavished color on us, but that he generously created our eyes and hearts with the capacity to enjoy an abundance of reds, yellows, blues, and every shade between.

Notes to self, approaching autumn

Sipping from my "joy" cup today

Do you love autumn? Relish the changing colors of the trees? Take the kids to romp in the winddrifts of crackling leaves? Welcome the chance to put logs on the fire and snuggle close to the warmth?

I'm a summer person myself. I love the emerging buds and bursts of flowers. I cherish each sunny day as though it were my last, even if it's the 100th in a row and I have to seek shelter from the heat. (Then I sit close to a window and thank God for bright light!) I love waking to early mornings and reading without lights until late evening. I think I love everything about summer. But fall? Since my kids were in their teens, I've dreaded it.

Hello, trusty Merrill shoes. Goodbye, beloved flip-flops
until the next sunny autumn day.

This year I've promised myself a better attitude about fall and winter. While the weather was hot, I got a smack-down from a dear friend about my winter whining. "Stop it!" she said. "That's enough already."

I heard her loud and clear. And, oh yes, I believe that "wounds from a friend CAN be trusted," as the wise sage said. So this year I'm going to thank God for the moments I enjoy, while anticipating spring's end and summer's beginning ... only 8 months away. Smiling already at the thought of all that sun and heat.

A cup of the Irish (AG version)
with Pumpkin Spice in our InginuiTea

The dogs and I had a great walk this morning. The drizzle held off until our driveway. Note to self: "The best weather in this neighborhood is before 8am. Get moving early. It will often be raining by 8:30 or 9."

I tore off a laurel branch that was leaning over the sidewalk and popped it into a vase when I got home. Its black berries look great on the kitchen sill. Note to self: "Prune the branches while they're pretty, since they'll be dripping water on you in a week or less. Enjoy their beauty up close and personal."

Opening the tea cabinet to choose
a fragrance for the day

When we got home, I made a cup of Black Irish tea and dressed it with pumpkin pie spice. Note to self: "Add a bit of sugar. Cloves and cinnamon are bitter without it."

While the tea steeped, I poured water from the hot-water tap over mulling spices in a medium pot. It's simmering on the stove, providing the illusion that someone is baking autumn spice cookies. Note to self: "Fragrance matters."

I like layering clothes when the weather turns on us, from those whitest of European undershirts to the thin merino wool tights that snug under jeans. Note to self: "Choose the nicest, warmest clothing. Don't save beautiful sweaters for appointments or pretty socks for special days. Enjoy every generous gift God gives you. And why not put on 3 interesting bracelets if you want to?"

W cuts out the yellow ceiling and a wall of blue

W repainted my office last week. Instead of three walls of cheery but intense medium blue, I have a brightest-white ceiling and facing walls. The mirror wall remains bluest-blue, and the opposite wall shines deep royal blue. It's an update without a loss of personality. Note to self: "Being at home during the cold season is a wonderful gift. Thanks, hon, for making our house live and breathe!"

 I'm happy this morning. The rain's come. The light's fading and days are short. But God renews his mercies every morning. Great is his faithfulness!

New merino wool socks for this cold morning

Read more:
*I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 

*Jesus took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” Mark 5:41 

*But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Great Physician, you speak to us in many ways, bringing both comfort and challenge. Healing God, comfort us, heal us and encourage us. May we share your blessing with others this day. 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.

Plan a Christmas treat in advance

Press release from Heidi Staub at taproot:

Sherlock Holmes is back!

Seattleite John Longenbaugh’s Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carolreturns to Seattle as Taproot Theatre Company’s 2012 holiday production

SEATTLE – October 10, 2012 – He’s back! Taproot Theatre welcomes Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol back to its stage, after a sold out run in 2010. Seattle playwright and author, John Longenbaugh’s clever mash-up of two classics is a moving mystery worthy of becoming a new family holiday tradition. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Scott Nolte,Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol opens on November 23 and runs throughDecember 29 with low-price previews on November 16 and 17 and a pay-what-you-can performance on November 21.

These then are the facts: The year, 1894. The date, Christmas Eve. The location, 221B Baker Street. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve uncovering clues from the detective's past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a dire end? They must "do it all in one night" to accomplish the task. A mystery full of Christmas spirits your whole family will enjoy.

In an interview, playwright John Longenbaugh said A Christmas Carol is one of the few perfect novels out there. This belief, and an interest in the world of Sherlock Holmes, is what sparked the idea of this literary fusion. John was interested in creating an original kind of Christmas Carol, taking a different character and putting him through the same trials that Scrooge faces with unexpected twists that would surprise the audience.

Taproot isn’t the only theatre to have noticed this creative approach to a classic tale—three other theatres are producing Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol this holiday season, including Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland, bringing it back after a successful run last year.

Taproot Theatre’s production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol features four returning cast members: Terry Edward Moore as Sherlock Holmes, Stephen Grenley as Watson, along with Aaron Lamb and Pam Nolte. They are joined by Ryan Childers, Ricky Coates, Alyssa Kay and Parker Matthews. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Brian Engel. Lisa Hermanson serves as stage manager, Kate Forster as dialect coach and Anne Olsen as dramaturg.

###

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol

By John Longenbaugh

Directed by Scott Nolte

WHEN: November 16-December 29 (Wednesday-Thursday, 7:30 pm; Friday-Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday matinees, 2 pm)

Dates to note:

Previews: November 16 & 17, 8 pm

Opening night: November 23, 8 pm

Pay What You Can: November 21, 7:30 pm

Senior Matinee: December 12, 2 pm

Student Matinee: December 4 & 5, 10 am

Post-play Discussions: Wednesday nights, excluding preview

WHERE: Taproot Theatre Company, 204 North 85th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

TICKETS: Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/ and through Taproot Theatre’s box office, in person or by phone at 206.781.9707. Tickets range from $22-37, depending on the performance. Taproot offers a $5 senior/student discount off regular priced tickets (excludes previews). Tickets for the senior matinee are $20. Discounts are available for parties of 8 or more through Group Sales; call 206.781.9708. Tickets for the pay-what-you-can performance are available day of show at the box office window; contact the box office for details.

ABOUT: These then are the facts: The year, 1894. The date, Christmas Eve. The location, 221B Baker Street. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve uncovering clues from the detective's past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a dire end? They must "do it all in one night" to accomplish the task. A mystery full of Christmas spirits your whole family will enjoy.

Contact Heidi Staub at heidis@taproottheatre.org for more information or if you would like to review the show.

ABOUT TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY

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 the 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 Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association.

Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2012 Mainstage season is generously provided by The Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, ArtsFund, 4Culture, Fales Foundation Trust and Nesholm Family Foundation.

Round and round we go...

I don't often write theology and seldom publish what I write when I'm ticked off. Today I find myself very angry about ideas from a book circulating in the churches... again. Similar reoccurring heresies pop up every once in a while, deceiving believers with half-truths and outright lies. So here goes.

I recently was given Lew White's self-published "Fossilized Customs" as a go-to book on how to serve God better. "You'll love it. It will open your eyes." Well, it opened my eyes all right. I couldn't believe the nonsense I was reading. What goes around, comes around ... including heresies. What did I think? (Note: I checked my ideas with a few theologians before writing this.)

What rubbish. By the time I'd finished the second page, it was clear that this was a rant of legalism and church-bashing, not a scholarly work. Fanciful claims appear on photo captions as well as in the text. (For example, that archaeologists have discovered 3-4 meter skeletons, supposedly the Nephilim of Genesis 6:4, and hidden the evidence. Where are the studies to prove the claims? The photographic "evidence" is badly Photoshopped.) Most stridently, the book shouts that a Saturday Sabbath is commanded by God. Obviously the author gives no credibility to Galatians 5, Colossians 3, or Romans 14, where Paul forbids arguments over the day of the Sabbath.

When I got to page 7, deriding baptism as "dunking," church attendance, and tithes and offerings as "pay pay pay," I began to steam at the sarcasm. Then I read, "Arise, shine, for your light has come!" (i.e. "My book of exposes and facts is here!") The author adds: "Soon you'll know more than your denominational pastor does." I get nauseated by arrogance and anti-intellectualism that disrespects pastors who study scriptures and feed their flocks with solid biblical truth rather than sensationalism.

The pictures and choices of illustrations are aggressively offensive and insulting and some sketches look demonic (75). The book looks and reads like a National Enquirer mixture of fact and fiction: historical customs and traditions are viewed with a sick sexual bent. The Christmas tree or a civic memorial pillar? A phallic symbol of course. Santa Claus with kids on his lap? Clearly alluding to the idol Moleck and the custom of putting children "on his lap" to offer them as child sacrifices. A snapshot of a mayor cutting the ribbon for a new building? Symbolically cutting a hymen... OK, that's enough. But you get the picture. I was offended, grossed out, shocked, and mortified that evil syncretism caused by personal perversion was presented as God's caution for believers.

The author refuses to reference the scholars or studies he disses, making up some history or ignoring facts (i.e. the early NT church - including Paul - and second-century churches already celebrated "on the first day" or Sunday. That was not a new invention forced on Christians by Constantine, as White claims (7, 80, etc.)

God occasionally used rituals familiar to Israelites from surrounding contexts to help them understand worship. Building altars with burnt sacrifices, erecting memorial pillars, etc. are only a few. Missionaries today similarly contextualize the gospel into new settings. If the book's ideas were followed to their natural conclusions, we'd have to live in Israelite tents, worship at the temple on the Sabbath, and be bound up again in ceremonies that foreshadowed the Savior. I'm grateful that the apostles put no such burdens on Gentile believers (Jerusalem Council, Acts 15).

Eve's sin was trying to acquire "more knowledge" than God gave, discerning "good and evil" beyond God's instructions. She disobeyed God by going against his instructions to leave with God the "secret things." (Note the principle of Deuteronomy 29:29). When we warp our speculations and half-truths into "facts" and claim that God has spoken, we fall into original sin.

You've probably figured out that I really get mad when someone twists the truth and harms the flock of God. I say, "Stay away!" from ANY such pseudo-scholarship. May God have mercy on Lew White's soul and keep the unwary from falling into this snare of deception.

Read more:
*Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14: 1, 5-9

*You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV

*Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:16-23

*I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11 NLT

Doing life together

Time away isn't always this much fun. I'm feeling refreshed and renewed by our WPPR retreat to Cedar Springs in Sumas, WA.

Two of us on a garden path

Three of us went on our first retreat in 1993 and our fourth and final accountability partner joined us that winter. I found our first "program" for that retreat 19 year ago, the record of what each individual wanted to work on within the group. Astonishing! While we've made good progress in those areas, we currently continue to work on them.

We stayed in the Ranch House, a sprawling 6-bedroom, 3-bath accommodation with beds for 12, plus a crib and more foam mattresses tucked in closets. Lots of room. We walked woodland trails, paddled the ponds, and sat on benches and swings, admiring the beautiful flowerbeds in Cedar Spring's lavish landscaping. (Little put-put trucks moved to and fro, disgorging young people who weeded and watered.)

Each of us loves to decorate, so we were surprised by the retro furniture and pictures. "Look! Granny decor from the 1970s!" we exclaimed. Over three days, we settled in and found our comfy spots on sofas and armchairs, around the dining table, and flopped on our beds.

We're all good cooks. As we unpacked kitchen supplies, we noted that few groups would have hauled along so much food. The counter, cupboards, and fridge filled with salads, cheeses, breads, sliced meats, salmon, rice, and snacks. Avocados and tomatoes lined the window sill. We didn't even think of going to a restaurant, feasting in-house on paninis, bagels and lox, poached salmon, hot cereal and fruit, etc. Mousetraps were everywhere and someone saw a mouse run across the dining table, so we packed away everything at night. No big deal. We've been through so much together that few things scare us anymore.

We love God and eagerly share what he is teaching us. We ask for feedback so we can follow God better. Again, each of us presented "what God is doing in our lives," receiving encouragement and correction. I learned enough to work for weeks.

Paddling the pond

Information shared is confidential, entrusted to the group. We don't always like what we hear back, nor are we always comfortable with other viewpoints. However, after so many years, we love and trust each other. No one will ride a hobby-horse through another's heart. God often uses a question, a loving word of rebuke, or corrective discipline to turn the direction of our walk with him back to balance and wholeness.

My friends have taught me many things, from funny to fundamental. Here are a few:

• Scripture lives and breathes as we seek God's face. His Word most truthfully and lovingly directs our journey of faith.
• "Women usually interact this way." (I grew up with brothers and continue to be amazed by the feminine perspective.)
• God is pleased to make us unique. Each of us has a place and a role in his kingdom. 
• My assumptions on how things function are only my perspective. I might tackle an issue one way. Others view life differently and react differently. That's okay. Watching them helps me consider other ways of doing things myself.
• Life is wonderful. Celebrate!
• Life is hard. Pray and surround yourself with godly companions so you don't become derailed.
• God is good. He stays with us through thick and thin, when our heart leaps with joy or breaks with sorrow.
• Along the way, they've tried to spruce me up. "Rosemee, wear makeup. Though you don't have to look in the mirror again, we're looking at you all day." haha Yup, since that talk, I apply makeup. It's minimal. The process is quick and pared down to a few swipes and brushstrokes, but it's seldom missing. (I know: thank the WPPRs.)

Looking backwards while moving ahead

We WPPRs function in our giftings, even in such an intimate setting. The counselors affirm and correct. The nurturers make us feel loved. The administrators keep us on track. The learners bring information and perspective. It's not always easy to be together, given the strength of our convictions and personalities! Along with comfort, there is iron sharpening iron. Still, we've found a safe place to toss out ideas and get feedback. No one loves us less if they disagree with us. No one shuns us if we react badly to their idea. No one wishes us harm because we're different than she is.

Who is sharing your heart? Do you have trusted advisers who complement your strengths and provide balance when you face opportunities and challenges? Where is your safe spot, where you can ask, "Is God in it? Am I on the right track?"

If you are interested in setting up a group with similar goals (trust, balance, and safety as you mature in faith), contact me. Either as a WPPRs group or as individuals, we'd love to encourage you to find such a safe haven of others who love God, value confidentiality, and want to serve God with all their hearts.

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*Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a crafty man. A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. Proverbs 12:1-3    NIV

*O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you. Psalm 41:4

*Then some people came, bringing to Jesus a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:3,5  

*Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, 'Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas' (which means 'Peter')." John 1:42

Moravian Prayer: We pause now to become aware of the many ways in which we sin, both by our actions and inactions. Forgive us, heal us and grant us your peace. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

Of all the stupid things...

Man gets head stuck in bin

We weren't aloud to say "stupid," growing up. It was considered vulgar. Mom would have washed our mouths out with soap.

But once in a while something comes along that's so ridiculous that "stupid" applies. For example, Scottish emergency responders had to separate a man from the bin into which he'd pushed his head. Dumb fellow!

I haven't gotten my head stuck in a public trashcan but I've done my share of silly things. As I was waking yesterday, UCB Ireland programming was highlighting the value of fear in preventing us from doing stupid things or putting our lives at risk. The speaker also noted that youth is known for risk-taking rather than the wisdom of fear. Experience and age produces caution. Probably true: I'm less willing to take risks as I age.

Back in the day: at a son's wedding

However, there are three other reasons that produce caution in me. Their names are Wilhelmina, Phyllis, and Patti. I'm going on a retreat this week with them. We've met for 18 years (if I'm wrong, they'll correct my dates). The first ten years, we met every 3 weeks and did 2 annual weekend retreats. The conditions for admission to the group?

• female
• wholeheartedly seeking God
• able to keep confidences
• willing to share life

Those gals know me inside-out, and I can predict their responses to life as well as they can anticipate mine.  We've shared things our husbands don't know (mostly girl-things, attitudes, and actions that wouldn't benefit our marriages if we told the guys).

I look forward to the retreats but also dread them. God puts a finger on my heart each time, pointing out where I am spiritually dense or unwilling, where my nature is not aligned with his, and where I've been disobedient. Oh how I hate to be put on the spot.

2012

And how I welcome God's love and the kindness of the WPPRs in pointing out my faults as well as boosting me for accomplishments. It's hard to make progress when ours are the only eyes permitted on our inner beings. We are too forgiving of ourselves, either overlooking flaws and sins, or excusing them with, "That's just how I am," or "If only they would ... , then I would be different/ respond differently/ etc." An outside look of compassion or finger pointed in love have made a great difference in my life.

Do you need similar accountability? Here's a checklist of questions to clarify your answer:

• I'm in a position of responsibility. Scripture says those in leadership will be judged more carefully and severely than others.
• I wrestle with an issue or issues that I haven't been able to resolve. This might be a hidden sin, a destructive habit, or stymied progress in spiritual maturity.
• No one knows me inside and out. This self-protection usually hides the issue above.
• My spouse or roommate or friends are tired of listening; I talk in circles or only to them ... without resolving issues. A good accountability group will challenge you if you make no progress or keep bringing up the same patterns. My search for the WPPRs began after my husband asked me to "find some girlfriends" because, as he noted, "I'm not Jesus. You need someone else to talk to."
• I need input from others. Your view of ministry or job or family life may have become myopic: your in the forest so you can't see anything but the nearest trees. Trusted counselors provide perspective and balance.

Finally, here's a summary in how the WPPRS have repeatedly hauled "off the stupid truck," as a Texan friend eloquently put it. WPPRs is not a Bible Study or friends' day out. What WPPRs does provide for each of us:

• a safe haven, confidential accountability
• regular meeting; you know you will be called to talk about your life about every three weeks; provides caution in life
•  prayer partners
• insight into being a wife, mother, daughter, sister
• balance, perspective – everyone has “something,” thank God for the shape of my own cross!
• retreat – “girl time” for talking, study, laughter, movies
• unexpectedly: deep, close friendships

I'd encourage you to ask God to bring you the joys of deep connections!