I read it in a Dora book (of all places), and I had to pause for a moment to reread the truth of what was written. My daughter begged me to keep going. I just stared. It said, "In the Forgetful Forest, you can forget all kinds of things. It's important to remember who you are, what you want, and where you're going."** The characters in this book were traveling through dangerous terrain which made them forget all kinds of things. To open the door which led them out, they had to recite who they were, what they wanted, and where they were going. To ensure they would not forget, they kept repeating these truths over and over.
Now, I have no idea if that writer is a believer, but what a picture of the world we are in now and the importance of claiming truth! Some days it is easy to be caught up in all that is going on in the physical world around me. Demands do not stop coming my way. Distractions beg for attention left and right. It would be easy for me to forget what is true, what is more real than what my senses tell me.
I have to fight to remember who I am, what I really want (what God wants), and where I am going someday. It takes time in the Bible, pouring over God's promises and basking in His love. I go to God in prayer and ask, "What do you want in this situation, in my life?" When situations around me look grim, relationships are hard, and evil seems to be winning, I claim the truth of how this story is going to end. Victory is sure! Love incarnate has already had the final say, and when our eyes are opened to a world more "real" than the one we live in now, we will say, "Yes, this is where I have been heading the whole time."
Who am I? I am sinner saved by grace, fully reconciled to God through his gift of Jesus. I am confident the Holy Spirit is inside of me, guiding me into all truth. I am a force for the Devil to reckon with.
What do I want? I want to radiate God's love to as many people as I can. I want to walk so closely with Jesus, that the peace I experience can not be explained any other way. I want his glory to shine as others follow behind me on this adventure toward eternity.
Where am I going? Step by step I am moving closer to the love of my life. One day I will see him face to face and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Remember what the Lord your God did... Deut. 24:9a
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. 1 Chron. 16:12
He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations. 1Chron 16:15
Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome... Neh. 4:14b
So, what is the danger in forgetting? What do I do if I have strayed from the straight and narrow?
They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them. Neh. 9:17*
Return to truth. Thank God for his forgiveness provided for you two thousand years ago. Then keep walking through this forgetful forest, repeating who you are, what you want, and where you are going.
Almighty God of love, may we never forget your truth. I pray you will help us to hold onto who we are in you, to be mindful of what you want for us, and to rest in the hope that this forest will one day pass away. What you have for us is a home so full of love we can not begin to comprehend. Amen.
* All scripture referenced from the NIV Bible
** "Dora in Wonderland" by Mary Tillworth
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
One Day Closer
The wonder of twenty-four
Always forward, flowing
Increments given to me
In amazement I see
One day closer to you
Eternity beckons
Glorious day without end
A secure home awaits
A glimpse of your face
One day closer to you
Tick follows tock
Comes back round again
My future is set
Far from finished yet
One day closer to you
Not only the days
Clarity shines through
My heart aligned above
More filled with your love
One day closer to you
One day nearer in time
One step closer in spirit
Every moment a choice
Today I hear your voice
One day closer to you
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Casting My Cares, Reeling in Peace
My whole family gathered around the table to celebrate my Father's birthday. His favorite cake was passed around as laughter rippled down the long table. Yet, one person could not be there: my Dad.
Honoring his memory that evening was my Mother's idea. She wished for each of the grandkids to share a happy time they remembered with him. Some were too young when he passed to know him, except through the eyes of others and pictures that hung on the wall. Many positive things were said. I am grateful for that focus.
See, my Father got many things wrong, but he got the most important thing right. He said yes to Jesus many years ago. I have no idea who I would be today if it were not for this decision he made. I do not agree with a lot of choices he made after that, but I choose not to let that be my focus. I am eternally thankful that he followed his heart and found the cross.
When I dwell on what is going wrong around me, my downturned eyes and heart make it difficult to praise my maker. Freedom comes when I turn to thankfulness, and joy quickly follows.
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. (Proverbs 11:27 NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
So, in memory of my Dad and his love of fishing, I commit to:
Cast all [my] anxiety on [Jesus] because he cares for [me]. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
And I will reel in joy, peace, and thankfulness.
Jesus, thank you for orchestrating the events of my life as you have. You have all wisdom and knowledge far beyond my understanding. Help me as I continue to give you my cares and receive your peace. Amen.
Honoring his memory that evening was my Mother's idea. She wished for each of the grandkids to share a happy time they remembered with him. Some were too young when he passed to know him, except through the eyes of others and pictures that hung on the wall. Many positive things were said. I am grateful for that focus.
See, my Father got many things wrong, but he got the most important thing right. He said yes to Jesus many years ago. I have no idea who I would be today if it were not for this decision he made. I do not agree with a lot of choices he made after that, but I choose not to let that be my focus. I am eternally thankful that he followed his heart and found the cross.
When I dwell on what is going wrong around me, my downturned eyes and heart make it difficult to praise my maker. Freedom comes when I turn to thankfulness, and joy quickly follows.
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. (Proverbs 11:27 NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
So, in memory of my Dad and his love of fishing, I commit to:
Cast all [my] anxiety on [Jesus] because he cares for [me]. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
And I will reel in joy, peace, and thankfulness.
Jesus, thank you for orchestrating the events of my life as you have. You have all wisdom and knowledge far beyond my understanding. Help me as I continue to give you my cares and receive your peace. Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Whiter Than Snow
Dirty snow banks lined our street. The plow had come through and thrown salt, dirt, and snow in heaps, leaving more than a few mailboxes hanging on for dear life. One of my least favorite parts about winter, I thought. Coupled with cloudy days on end and frigid temperatures, I had had enough.
Then a less than jolly weatherman broke the news: brace yourself for six more inches overnight. Great, just great. Now I know why someone planned a feel-good holiday smack dab in the middle of this dreary month.
When I glanced out the window the next morning, I was mesmerized. Piles of pure white fluffy snow graced every tree, every branch. Sun glistened diamonds sang a song from every corner of my yard. *"Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."
The filth from the day before was gone. Everywhere I looked, I saw a fresh beginning. And I thought, What if I started every day in this way? What if I actually believed what the Bible says about his mercies being new every morning? What if I gave those around me the same grace?
Can I start each day as it's own possibility, rather than hanging onto the mistakes of yesterday or trying to figure out tomorrow? Do I understand forgiveness enough to believe that a perfect man on a cross + crimson blood = a pure heart?
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:19-24 NIV)
Jesus, your blood covers all of me. Somehow in that process, I come out clean. Thank you for a tangible reminder of your grace and love. Help me to extend that to those around me who need it most. Amen.
Then a less than jolly weatherman broke the news: brace yourself for six more inches overnight. Great, just great. Now I know why someone planned a feel-good holiday smack dab in the middle of this dreary month.
When I glanced out the window the next morning, I was mesmerized. Piles of pure white fluffy snow graced every tree, every branch. Sun glistened diamonds sang a song from every corner of my yard. *"Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."
The filth from the day before was gone. Everywhere I looked, I saw a fresh beginning. And I thought, What if I started every day in this way? What if I actually believed what the Bible says about his mercies being new every morning? What if I gave those around me the same grace?
Can I start each day as it's own possibility, rather than hanging onto the mistakes of yesterday or trying to figure out tomorrow? Do I understand forgiveness enough to believe that a perfect man on a cross + crimson blood = a pure heart?
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:19-24 NIV)
Jesus, your blood covers all of me. Somehow in that process, I come out clean. Thank you for a tangible reminder of your grace and love. Help me to extend that to those around me who need it most. Amen.
*"Whiter Than Snow," Hymn by James L. Nicholson
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Who He Says I Am
I am an expert at letting myself down. I have high standards which I routinely fall short of. Too often I listen to the lies that are whispered, most certainly, by the enemy of all things good. Then, I start to doubt who I am and what I am here for. Continuing down this train of thought, I arrive at worry and fear.
How do I turn the impending wreck around before it is too late? I return to truth. I fill my mind and heart with what the Word of God says about me. Here are some reminders I needed today.
I am:
I can be at peace because of who he is and what he has done for me.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
(Psalm 139:1-5 NIV)
Thank you, Lord,
for timely reminders
of truth, and wisdom
to turn from lies.
Amen.
How do I turn the impending wreck around before it is too late? I return to truth. I fill my mind and heart with what the Word of God says about me. Here are some reminders I needed today.
I am:
- designed by him
- the crown of creation
- very good
- created in his image
- loved
- forgiven
- promised eternal life
- fully known
- free to choose
- redeemed
- never alone
- a reflection of him
- not hidden from him
- encouraged to come to him boldly
- a daughter of the king
- a dwelling place for his Spirit
I can be at peace because of who he is and what he has done for me.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
(Psalm 139:1-5 NIV)
Thank you, Lord,
for timely reminders
of truth, and wisdom
to turn from lies.
Amen.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Answered but Unaware
I heard a story many years ago at a Hearts at Home conference. It planted a seed of truth so deep within me, I am sure the sprouts of hope are still coming up years later.
A woman was sick for many months, unable to take care of her family and home. Everything around her seemed to be falling apart. In the depths of her despair, she cried out to God for a miracle. A few days later, her infant son became sick, requiring expensive medicine. She did not understand how her family could handle this on top of the hardship they were already going through.
Slowly, both became stronger and life as they knew it returned to normal. Years later, a doctor discovered her son had a rare disease, which is most often fatal within the first year of life. Astonished that this boy was as healthy as he was without symptoms of the illness, the doctor wanted to understand why. He poured over the boy's medical records and found that the child had received the exact medication required for that rare disease "coincidentally" when he was ill before the age of one, when his mother had been praying for a miracle.
She did not know her prayers had been answered until many years later, and in a way she did not expect. God was indeed working all things for good in their lives, but her revelation was not immediate.
Fast forward to this week at my house. We woke up to discover our heater had broken during the night, and the air was hovering just below fifty degrees. Balmy for summer, but this January day had a wind chill advisory attached to it, with the weatherman advising all to stay indoors. I hate being cold. I've even told my husband my love language is heat. So, I was not happy. The news that the solution was a new furnace did not help.
Three quotes, three days, and many space heaters later (with a lighter savings account), we no longer have to sleep with nightcaps. And the repairman had discovered misaligned duct work and a crack in our old furnace, which was leaking small amounts of carbon monoxide gas into our basement. Coincidence? I think not.
Sometimes I am allowed to understand why seemingly bad things happen to me. Other times, the truth is hidden from view. Just because it is hidden, does not mean that a greater good is not occurring.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)
...I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Matthew 11:25 NIV)
Almighty Lord, I choose to trust you when things are hard. Help me believe you are good and are in control even when circumstances around me testify otherwise. Give me the joy that sprouts up from deeply rooted truth. Amen.
A woman was sick for many months, unable to take care of her family and home. Everything around her seemed to be falling apart. In the depths of her despair, she cried out to God for a miracle. A few days later, her infant son became sick, requiring expensive medicine. She did not understand how her family could handle this on top of the hardship they were already going through.
Slowly, both became stronger and life as they knew it returned to normal. Years later, a doctor discovered her son had a rare disease, which is most often fatal within the first year of life. Astonished that this boy was as healthy as he was without symptoms of the illness, the doctor wanted to understand why. He poured over the boy's medical records and found that the child had received the exact medication required for that rare disease "coincidentally" when he was ill before the age of one, when his mother had been praying for a miracle.
She did not know her prayers had been answered until many years later, and in a way she did not expect. God was indeed working all things for good in their lives, but her revelation was not immediate.
Fast forward to this week at my house. We woke up to discover our heater had broken during the night, and the air was hovering just below fifty degrees. Balmy for summer, but this January day had a wind chill advisory attached to it, with the weatherman advising all to stay indoors. I hate being cold. I've even told my husband my love language is heat. So, I was not happy. The news that the solution was a new furnace did not help.
Three quotes, three days, and many space heaters later (with a lighter savings account), we no longer have to sleep with nightcaps. And the repairman had discovered misaligned duct work and a crack in our old furnace, which was leaking small amounts of carbon monoxide gas into our basement. Coincidence? I think not.
Sometimes I am allowed to understand why seemingly bad things happen to me. Other times, the truth is hidden from view. Just because it is hidden, does not mean that a greater good is not occurring.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)
...I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Matthew 11:25 NIV)
Almighty Lord, I choose to trust you when things are hard. Help me believe you are good and are in control even when circumstances around me testify otherwise. Give me the joy that sprouts up from deeply rooted truth. Amen.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Conflict is Not a Four Letter Word
Conflict is not a four letter word, nor should it be avoided at any cost.
I've been pondering the good that can come from a situation where I might be tempted to worry? Good? Yes, good. Trouble causes me to slow down and sometimes pull over on the road I call my life. I can be going along at a decent pace, thank you very much, and suddenly: conflict. My thoughts are redirected and I don't usually like it. But here's the thing - sometimes I need it.
Change comes out of conflict. I'm not a huge fan of that either, but how else is God going to get me to move sometimes, or see things in a new way, or (gasp) venture out of my comfort zone? Here is what I am feeling led to do right now: thank God for conflict.
I know, I know, it's crazy. But, it's something I have not tried before. Plus there's that whole part in the Bible about giving thanks at all times. It doesn't exactly leave an escape clause for except for when life is really, really hard. So...
from others who have walked this path before us.
over the last decade. And I am learning to share my heart more openly.
My list could cover several more pages. As I think about each struggle that I am dealing with right now, I can see some sliver that God could use for good in my life if I allow him to. Perhaps speeding through life at my pace is not what is best for me. Perhaps.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)
Lord, I know there is a reason for what I am going through. I do not need to know the exact purpose even though I would like to most times. I trust that you are in control. Thank you for giving me road bumps as I journey through life. They force me to look to and rely on you more. Amen.
I spoke this week with a group of young moms about worry. Struggle in our lives has a purpose in our hearts, I said. I could see it in their eyes even as the phrase was leaving my lips - I'm not so sure about this. Does that mean I have to like it?
- Thank you, God, that I am out of ideas for what to do about my son's disobedience.
from others who have walked this path before us.
- Thank you, God, that my husband and I disagree about some big issues.
over the last decade. And I am learning to share my heart more openly.
- Thank you, God, for misunderstandings between friends.
My list could cover several more pages. As I think about each struggle that I am dealing with right now, I can see some sliver that God could use for good in my life if I allow him to. Perhaps speeding through life at my pace is not what is best for me. Perhaps.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)
Lord, I know there is a reason for what I am going through. I do not need to know the exact purpose even though I would like to most times. I trust that you are in control. Thank you for giving me road bumps as I journey through life. They force me to look to and rely on you more. Amen.
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