I wonder what Jesus felt that last week. He knew he was going to be killed. The human Jesus must have dreaded the pain. He was about to lose friendships, life, and future. He had no wife or children, but his mother and best friends would suffer with him. They and their families would always be shamed by association because of his crucifixion as a criminal and rebel.
Mary might have thought, "For this I raised my son? Watched over him, nursed him, wiped away tears, and washed his scrapes? For such a terrible end I prayed for him and listened to him puzzle his way into adulthood as God's son? Surely not this dreadful end. This can't be right? Where is God when I know he could rescue my son?"
We don't read any of that in scripture, but as a mom with a chronically ill child, I've asked those questions. I don't dwell on life as 'unfair,' but I am staggered by the evil and sickness and grief that lurk, waiting for unsuspecting victims. At times, they threaten to overwhelm us with their destructive forces.
Today, reading an update about the young daughter of a friend who will die of cancer today or tomorrow, I can't fathom the rage and turmoil that lie ahead for the family. There may be internal questions, a lack of understanding of God's will, and the fog of uncertainty about God's love - and maybe doubt about his ability to heal.
On the other side of grief lies acceptance of God's goodness and his Presence among us. Though the rivers need to be passed through, the fires lick at our hearts, and the flood rises up, we are not overpowered. He promised never to leave or forsake us in this broken world. And some day, with resurrection power, he will redeem the world, sweep us up to be with him, and show us the scope of his plans and purposes. For now, we hold tight, and remind ourselves we are almost at Easter.
Read more:
*Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:13–15, 23 NLT
*I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
*Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NIV
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Lent Day 36: Chickens and new life
I'm listening to a chicken webinar. Yes, chickens. Two experts with PhDs in agriculture raise chickens. They are online, answering questions. "Know that expense, health, and zoning laws are all part of the picture. Can you legally keep chickens?" I think we can. (Check municodes.com for zoning laws.) In most suburbs, you can have 3 hens as pets or eggs. No roosters allowed.
Do we want to keep chickens? Nope. Sometimes, it's interesting just to examine things that cross the horizon. Chickens have been on my radar all winter. Various friends and blogs keep mentioning them. "Eventually backyard chickens will be as popular as backyard gardens," claims the expert. Maybe, but can you leave a garden for a few days? Usually. Chickens? Not so much. They scatter at the slightest scare and need at least daily attention.
In this week when Easter eggs are being painted, hunted, and part of fun competitions, I'm thinking about the traditions that have crept into a Passover feast celebrating the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. Resurrection - does its renewal and new life focus go with Easter egg hunts? Hmmmm.
We're trying to keep our focus on Jesus this coming week. We're reading the last half of the gospels as a reminder of the sacrifice and loving heart of Jesus as he walked toward death. A man of courage and conviction, kindness and large-heartedness. Bet no one ever called him "chicken." He was generous even to those who despised him and caused him harm. He died for us before we knew we needed a substitute to take our place on the cross.
Read more:
*Hum this to the tune of Danny Boy. Every time we've sung this, we are blown away by what we do and don't know about our saviour.
I cannot tell why he whom angels worship
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why as shepherd he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how nor when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethlehem's manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured;
and so the saviour, saviour of the world, has come.
I cannot tell how silently he suffered
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
nor how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted,
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear,
and lifts the burden from the heavy-laden;
for still the saviour, saviour of the world, is here.
I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of this and every age.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the saviour, saviour of the world, is known.
I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when all our hearts with love for him are filled.
But this I know, the skies will sound his praises,
ten thousand-thousand human voices sing,
and earth to heaven, and heaven to earth,
will answer, "At last the saviour, saviour of the world, is king!"
by W.Y. Fullerton (1857-1932)
*You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Romans 5:6-9 NIV
Do we want to keep chickens? Nope. Sometimes, it's interesting just to examine things that cross the horizon. Chickens have been on my radar all winter. Various friends and blogs keep mentioning them. "Eventually backyard chickens will be as popular as backyard gardens," claims the expert. Maybe, but can you leave a garden for a few days? Usually. Chickens? Not so much. They scatter at the slightest scare and need at least daily attention.
In this week when Easter eggs are being painted, hunted, and part of fun competitions, I'm thinking about the traditions that have crept into a Passover feast celebrating the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. Resurrection - does its renewal and new life focus go with Easter egg hunts? Hmmmm.
We're trying to keep our focus on Jesus this coming week. We're reading the last half of the gospels as a reminder of the sacrifice and loving heart of Jesus as he walked toward death. A man of courage and conviction, kindness and large-heartedness. Bet no one ever called him "chicken." He was generous even to those who despised him and caused him harm. He died for us before we knew we needed a substitute to take our place on the cross.
Read more:
*Hum this to the tune of Danny Boy. Every time we've sung this, we are blown away by what we do and don't know about our saviour.
I cannot tell why he whom angels worship
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why as shepherd he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how nor when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethlehem's manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured;
and so the saviour, saviour of the world, has come.
I cannot tell how silently he suffered
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
nor how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted,
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear,
and lifts the burden from the heavy-laden;
for still the saviour, saviour of the world, is here.
I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of this and every age.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the saviour, saviour of the world, is known.
I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when all our hearts with love for him are filled.
But this I know, the skies will sound his praises,
ten thousand-thousand human voices sing,
and earth to heaven, and heaven to earth,
will answer, "At last the saviour, saviour of the world, is king!"
by W.Y. Fullerton (1857-1932)
*You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Romans 5:6-9 NIV
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lent Day 35: Great expectations
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. I have a box full of bamboo fronds that look like palms, but forgot to ask if a church needed them. For symbolic waving, of course. (If you know someone who could use dozens of decorative fronds, let me know.)
We have such odd bits of history combined in church culture. I wonder what Jesus, or Paul, or Peter, or Mary would have thought of today's views of saints, icons, holy days, people dressing up (or down) for church services, ostracism of those unlike a particular group of believers, and church buildings. Those are a few of the things the church has accumulated in two thousand years.
Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Don't neglect meeting together. Build each other up. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Love mercy. Act kindly. Walk humbly with our God.
What else does God ask of us? Really and truly, his expectations are not that complicated.
Read more:
*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
*As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
We have such odd bits of history combined in church culture. I wonder what Jesus, or Paul, or Peter, or Mary would have thought of today's views of saints, icons, holy days, people dressing up (or down) for church services, ostracism of those unlike a particular group of believers, and church buildings. Those are a few of the things the church has accumulated in two thousand years.
Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Don't neglect meeting together. Build each other up. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Love mercy. Act kindly. Walk humbly with our God.
What else does God ask of us? Really and truly, his expectations are not that complicated.
Read more:
*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
*As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Lent Day 34: His eye is on the sparrow
Flors and her daughter dropped by for a visit yesterday. While my daughter and the young lady went shopping, we 'old women' watched Misty's two active, well-behaved toddlers. They kept us busy enough that we were happy to see their mom walk in the door.
Watching my birds hop around the aviary, Flors mentioned that her dad, recently widowed, might like a little bird to keep him company.
"Would your dad like two birds?" Two zebra finches were isolated in a little cage in my office: the female had been pecked by the flock and the male provided companionship while feathers grew in.
"That would be great. I bet he would love that!" I washed a spare birdcage, popped in an unopened bag of seed and some grit, a birdie bathtub, perches, waterer, and a cuttlestone. All supplies had been a gift to me this winter, but I hadn't understood the purpose of the abundance until then.
We caught the birds and put them into a travel box just before Flors and her daughter left for home. This morning, I got a note that Flors' dad was happy to see the birds. The lively, chirping creatures will be good company. He's had birds before, so knows how to care for them. And he'd been thinking that a feathered friend might alleviate the loneliness in a too-quiet house.
God, who cares for the sparrows, also knows what we need. He even knows when we need a sparrow or two to occupy us and cheer us on lonely days.
Read more:
*Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD: trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. Psalm 37:3-11 NIV
*The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3
*Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
Watching my birds hop around the aviary, Flors mentioned that her dad, recently widowed, might like a little bird to keep him company.
"Would your dad like two birds?" Two zebra finches were isolated in a little cage in my office: the female had been pecked by the flock and the male provided companionship while feathers grew in.
"That would be great. I bet he would love that!" I washed a spare birdcage, popped in an unopened bag of seed and some grit, a birdie bathtub, perches, waterer, and a cuttlestone. All supplies had been a gift to me this winter, but I hadn't understood the purpose of the abundance until then.
We caught the birds and put them into a travel box just before Flors and her daughter left for home. This morning, I got a note that Flors' dad was happy to see the birds. The lively, chirping creatures will be good company. He's had birds before, so knows how to care for them. And he'd been thinking that a feathered friend might alleviate the loneliness in a too-quiet house.
God, who cares for the sparrows, also knows what we need. He even knows when we need a sparrow or two to occupy us and cheer us on lonely days.
Read more:
*Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD: trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. Psalm 37:3-11 NIV
*The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3
*Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
Friday, March 26, 2010
Lent Day 33: Tell the truth
We watched The Invention of Lying the other day. The crude truths told by those who couldn't lie are nothing like the loving truths expected from Christians. But several ideas stuck with me. My brain keeps turning them around and around for views from different angles.
Our culture is accustomed to half-truths and outright lies. Western-style capitalism, where the seller pitches what he or she wants people to buy rather than what they need, is based on lies and greed. Sales are honorable when supplies needed are offered to the person who needs them, at a fair price. But the competition of capitalism, having to sell by pressuring others to buy, is not necessarily built on full disclosure and fairness.
I'm also thinking about words spoken in conversation. Several of our very blunt friends look on the dark side so they have something to "criticize in love" or gossip about. I'm guilty of opening my mouth to speak without thinking, too. "Wise as foxes, but harmless as doves," was Jesus' instruction for believers. My words are sometimes more hurtful than that, though I may not have intended to wield a verbal knife.
We also lie by withholding useful truth. We keep a secret, recognizing that giving someone information would benefit them, give them power or respect in a situation, or be otherwise helpful. We keep it to ourselves for personal benefit, power, or authority.
God tells us all we need to know, and says, "Don't worry about what you don't understand. Live a loving life and follow the things I have told you." We can trust him for enough insight to guide us through life decisions like marriage, jobs, relocations, and relationships.
He is good and True. Wise and kind. I want to be like him.
Read more:
*If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible. Leviticus 5:1
*The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV
*Daniel answered 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
Our culture is accustomed to half-truths and outright lies. Western-style capitalism, where the seller pitches what he or she wants people to buy rather than what they need, is based on lies and greed. Sales are honorable when supplies needed are offered to the person who needs them, at a fair price. But the competition of capitalism, having to sell by pressuring others to buy, is not necessarily built on full disclosure and fairness.
I'm also thinking about words spoken in conversation. Several of our very blunt friends look on the dark side so they have something to "criticize in love" or gossip about. I'm guilty of opening my mouth to speak without thinking, too. "Wise as foxes, but harmless as doves," was Jesus' instruction for believers. My words are sometimes more hurtful than that, though I may not have intended to wield a verbal knife.
We also lie by withholding useful truth. We keep a secret, recognizing that giving someone information would benefit them, give them power or respect in a situation, or be otherwise helpful. We keep it to ourselves for personal benefit, power, or authority.
God tells us all we need to know, and says, "Don't worry about what you don't understand. Live a loving life and follow the things I have told you." We can trust him for enough insight to guide us through life decisions like marriage, jobs, relocations, and relationships.
He is good and True. Wise and kind. I want to be like him.
Read more:
*If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible. Leviticus 5:1
*The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV
*Daniel answered 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
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lent Day 32: In our image
Art reflects the artist's worldview. A Japanese magazine cover from the late 1800s pictured Caucasian traders with slanted eyes and colorless skin. Art between the two World Wars used a lot of black for sorrow and red for blood, the stark ugly horrors of violence captured on canvas. And now, reflecting the abundance of food and expectations, they're super-sizing the Last Supper!
God made us in his image, and part of that is an ability to create and reflect on the world around us with art, music, maths, and words. If you painted your view of your family (or job or church), what would you canvas say - about it... and about you?
Read more:
*O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 NLT
*I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 NIV
*[Jesus said,] "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
God made us in his image, and part of that is an ability to create and reflect on the world around us with art, music, maths, and words. If you painted your view of your family (or job or church), what would you canvas say - about it... and about you?
Read more:
*O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 NLT
*I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 NIV
*[Jesus said,] "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Lent Day 31: Trust me
"Follow my example, though I'm a no-good sinner. Not only that, but I am likely the worst sinner you've ever met!" Would you trust someone who talked like that? Admitted to being thoroughly bad, especially if they said it in public?
Paul wrote a letter to Timothy, who was modeling his life and ministry on Paul's. In it, he said, "Trust me! I'm the worst of sinners, and I know it, but..." Among his fellow countrymen, Paul had been known as one who wanted to please God in every way. He was fanatical in doing what he thought was right.
So why was he such a bad person? Was he a robber? An adulterer? A murderer? He did kill Christians, but only in his zeal to please God.
Paul told Timothy he knew that God showed mercy to him. The point was that Paul WOULD be an example of what God's true love and forgiveness look like. Even when we mess up a church or hurt someone with words that kill the soul and break apart a congregation, God is willing to extend mercy and reconciliation to the willing and repentant.
Maybe you're the one who caused a train wreck in someone's life or ministry. Maybe someone else ruined your reputation under the guise of Christian "honesty and love." Paul's example of repentance and confession encourages us to make it right and to forgive from the heart, like God does. Then all glory and praise goes to God, who does what we cannot fathom and loves beyond our human capacity.
Read more:
*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
Paul wrote a letter to Timothy, who was modeling his life and ministry on Paul's. In it, he said, "Trust me! I'm the worst of sinners, and I know it, but..." Among his fellow countrymen, Paul had been known as one who wanted to please God in every way. He was fanatical in doing what he thought was right.
So why was he such a bad person? Was he a robber? An adulterer? A murderer? He did kill Christians, but only in his zeal to please God.
Paul told Timothy he knew that God showed mercy to him. The point was that Paul WOULD be an example of what God's true love and forgiveness look like. Even when we mess up a church or hurt someone with words that kill the soul and break apart a congregation, God is willing to extend mercy and reconciliation to the willing and repentant.
Maybe you're the one who caused a train wreck in someone's life or ministry. Maybe someone else ruined your reputation under the guise of Christian "honesty and love." Paul's example of repentance and confession encourages us to make it right and to forgive from the heart, like God does. Then all glory and praise goes to God, who does what we cannot fathom and loves beyond our human capacity.
Read more:
*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
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Lent Day 30: Fluency
"Anyone should be able to speak Mandarin. A whole country of children does! I'm an adult, so I should be able to pick it up." So said a friend who hoped to become fluent, tongue in cheek.
It's hard to learn new skills as an adult. Our culture tells us we can become anything we want to be, learn anything we want to know, do anything that interests us. But language, art, and music are intuitive as well as informational. So learning from childhood gives a boost and flexibility to tongue, brush, fingers, feet, and posture that adults may never achieve.
My kids gave me a wonderful Christmas present - a three month trial of www.artistnetworktv.com. Every evening, instead of passing time with a sitcom, I watch a master painter create color and depth and line. It looks so easy as he or she twirls the brush, dances it across the blank page. The colors blend. The artist knows exactly which pigments combine for tones and values. Long experience has taught each painter to manipulate the eye to create a portrait, landscape, or abstract.
I don't really care whether or not I ever acquire the skill to paint something wonderful. Seeing the fluency and instinctive corrections on the videos reminds me of musical improvisation. That I can do without thinking. I've done it since early childhood.
Maybe it is time to try a new art form. To experience the pleasure of another talent, even if I never become proficient. I will at least be further along than if I'd never tried!
Read more:
*Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NLT
*Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
*Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Rev. 4:11 NLT
It's hard to learn new skills as an adult. Our culture tells us we can become anything we want to be, learn anything we want to know, do anything that interests us. But language, art, and music are intuitive as well as informational. So learning from childhood gives a boost and flexibility to tongue, brush, fingers, feet, and posture that adults may never achieve.
My kids gave me a wonderful Christmas present - a three month trial of www.artistnetworktv.com. Every evening, instead of passing time with a sitcom, I watch a master painter create color and depth and line. It looks so easy as he or she twirls the brush, dances it across the blank page. The colors blend. The artist knows exactly which pigments combine for tones and values. Long experience has taught each painter to manipulate the eye to create a portrait, landscape, or abstract.
I don't really care whether or not I ever acquire the skill to paint something wonderful. Seeing the fluency and instinctive corrections on the videos reminds me of musical improvisation. That I can do without thinking. I've done it since early childhood.
Maybe it is time to try a new art form. To experience the pleasure of another talent, even if I never become proficient. I will at least be further along than if I'd never tried!
Read more:
*Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NLT
*Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
*Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Rev. 4:11 NLT
Monday, March 22, 2010
Lent Day 29: Forte
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: March 22
forte \FORT\ noun. Meaning: 1. something in which one excels : one's strong point; FORT-AY 2. Italian musical term = loud
CP is coming to Seattle. This "inspirational speaker" used to be a fiery evangelical preacher who advised presidents and led a church of 6000. Somewhere along the line he had a "Conversation with God" that convinced him that there is no hell. Next week, it costs only $40 to have him scratch our ears with this exciting news.
"Goings-On in Seattle" announces: "If you like your God as the type who gives everyone a pass to eternal rewards, then attend this. According to the speaker, gays, Muslims, and atheists (and presumably, terrorists, too) make it through the pearly gates." The writer mocks this premise, hinting at an obvious conclusion that there is no god or higher power, so why bother wasting your money on the lecture?
Sadly, speaking at 'forte' and CP's popularity doesn't mean he knows what he's talking about. Paul warned that even if an angel would bring another gospel, the Church must ignore it. I'm saddened because there will be eager listeners in Seattle's culture of "customize-your-own-gods." The writer to the Romans prophecies dire consequences for those who work against God's expectations and applaud others who do the same.
The OT prophets scoffed at pagans who took a piece of wood, carved it into a shape, and then worshiped it. "What kind of god is that?" they mocked. Well, apparently it's one that is again popular in the post-Christian West.
What kind of a God would let his creatures make up their own idea of him? Design their future and the universe in their own image? And remake him into an image of themselves?
Not the God of scripture who declares he is sovereign, beyond knowing, the Origin and Finisher of all things. The Same in the past, present, and future. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
He promised he will reign, in spite of the pitiful blathering of "special revelation" that holds him in contempt. His day of reckoning will be the ultimate forte.
Read more:
*Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One [Jesus foretold]. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me [foretelling the rule of Jesus], “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
*Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
...Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:22-25; 28-32
forte \FORT\ noun. Meaning: 1. something in which one excels : one's strong point; FORT-AY 2. Italian musical term = loud
CP is coming to Seattle. This "inspirational speaker" used to be a fiery evangelical preacher who advised presidents and led a church of 6000. Somewhere along the line he had a "Conversation with God" that convinced him that there is no hell. Next week, it costs only $40 to have him scratch our ears with this exciting news.
"Goings-On in Seattle" announces: "If you like your God as the type who gives everyone a pass to eternal rewards, then attend this. According to the speaker, gays, Muslims, and atheists (and presumably, terrorists, too) make it through the pearly gates." The writer mocks this premise, hinting at an obvious conclusion that there is no god or higher power, so why bother wasting your money on the lecture?
Sadly, speaking at 'forte' and CP's popularity doesn't mean he knows what he's talking about. Paul warned that even if an angel would bring another gospel, the Church must ignore it. I'm saddened because there will be eager listeners in Seattle's culture of "customize-your-own-gods." The writer to the Romans prophecies dire consequences for those who work against God's expectations and applaud others who do the same.
The OT prophets scoffed at pagans who took a piece of wood, carved it into a shape, and then worshiped it. "What kind of god is that?" they mocked. Well, apparently it's one that is again popular in the post-Christian West.
What kind of a God would let his creatures make up their own idea of him? Design their future and the universe in their own image? And remake him into an image of themselves?
Not the God of scripture who declares he is sovereign, beyond knowing, the Origin and Finisher of all things. The Same in the past, present, and future. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
He promised he will reign, in spite of the pitiful blathering of "special revelation" that holds him in contempt. His day of reckoning will be the ultimate forte.
Read more:
*Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One [Jesus foretold]. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me [foretelling the rule of Jesus], “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
*Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
...Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:22-25; 28-32
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lent Day 28: Life and death
I've just come back from a funeral. It's a two and a half hour drive to Chilliwack, BC, if the border is friendly. The guards waved me through with little hassle when they found I was at a funeral. But I was over an hour late to the service, arriving just as the family was at the exit door, leaving the service. At least I got to join the graveside service, before a wonderful German lunch. Ohhhhh. Those pastries!
Why so late? My passport had fallen through the back of the storage drawer: I didn't find until I'd ransacked every possible hiding place... for an hour and a half. My shoes were on, coat and handbag sat in the car. The tea thermos waited between the seats. I wasn't too put out because I was planning to spend my day in travel; regardless of outcome, the day didn't belong to me. It was nice to find the little blue passport lying in the trough under the drawer. We travel quite a bit, so what I don't find today I have to search for on another day.
Tante Friedel was in her 80s, released from suffering. We celebrated a life well-lived with her husband, children, and grandchildren. I enjoyed the quick visit with old friends. Everyone's face is showing wear and tear, like my own face. Friends' kids are the age we were when we left town for Seattle. The people who were in their prime 40s are in their late 60s or 70s.
I was reminded that when we're dead, other people decide what they want to do at our memorials. They disburse our stuff without looking back. You can't always choose the time you go home, either. My husband's great-aunt is 104, and has talked about dying for at least eight years. She is sad that my father-in-law and her son went to heaven before her. She wonders, "Why has God taken them, and I am still here?" Her mind is sharp, but her hearing is gone, limiting interactions with others.
Every day is precious, not to be regained or relived. We accept our lifetime in God's schedule and from his hands. There's no fear in facing the transition to the next life. Perhaps eternity will mean we get to redo what we'd like to revisit. (Or maybe eternity is only progressive rather than cyclical.) I don't understand "forever" but know this time on earth is our gift. God lets us choose to love him, whether in life or death.
THAT makes me happy. Soul happy, on a day of au revoir and Auf Widersehen.
Read more:
*But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Psalm 49:15 NLT
*Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13 NIV
*Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:4-8 NIV
Why so late? My passport had fallen through the back of the storage drawer: I didn't find until I'd ransacked every possible hiding place... for an hour and a half. My shoes were on, coat and handbag sat in the car. The tea thermos waited between the seats. I wasn't too put out because I was planning to spend my day in travel; regardless of outcome, the day didn't belong to me. It was nice to find the little blue passport lying in the trough under the drawer. We travel quite a bit, so what I don't find today I have to search for on another day.
Tante Friedel was in her 80s, released from suffering. We celebrated a life well-lived with her husband, children, and grandchildren. I enjoyed the quick visit with old friends. Everyone's face is showing wear and tear, like my own face. Friends' kids are the age we were when we left town for Seattle. The people who were in their prime 40s are in their late 60s or 70s.
I was reminded that when we're dead, other people decide what they want to do at our memorials. They disburse our stuff without looking back. You can't always choose the time you go home, either. My husband's great-aunt is 104, and has talked about dying for at least eight years. She is sad that my father-in-law and her son went to heaven before her. She wonders, "Why has God taken them, and I am still here?" Her mind is sharp, but her hearing is gone, limiting interactions with others.
Every day is precious, not to be regained or relived. We accept our lifetime in God's schedule and from his hands. There's no fear in facing the transition to the next life. Perhaps eternity will mean we get to redo what we'd like to revisit. (Or maybe eternity is only progressive rather than cyclical.) I don't understand "forever" but know this time on earth is our gift. God lets us choose to love him, whether in life or death.
THAT makes me happy. Soul happy, on a day of au revoir and Auf Widersehen.
Read more:
*But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Psalm 49:15 NLT
*Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13 NIV
*Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:4-8 NIV
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