It's My Birthday... Again.

Just like one season after the next, these birthdays just keep rolling around. And now, here's another one and I'm wondering who do I write to unsubscribe?

Think I'd be happy to stay at the year I'm at. It's been all right. Not one of my best, but not one of my worst, either.

Actually, a friend posted this on my facebook wall:

HaPpY bIrThDaY

And I thought, Gosh, that looks like a roller coaster, which is kind of what this year has been like.

So that seemed appropriate.

And I'm thinking that Man's best laid plans really must be a joke to God. I mean, I had a plan. I knew where I was going and what I was going to do this year and that darned roller coaster took a sharp turn I didn't see coming.

I remember a scene from the movie Parenthood with Steve Martin where the grandma is talking about how some people like the merry-go-round. (I had my hand up saying, "Oh, me, me!) While some love the dips and turns of the roller coaster. She, on the other hand, had found the roller coaster more exciting.

I beg to differ. I've never been a roller coaster fan. Never. I even hated the kiddy ones when I was young.

Yet... I guess, in the long run, the dips and turns are what makes life interesting.

Well, here's to another InTeReStInG year!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
(Prov. 3:5&6 MSG)

Seasons Pass

Here is a glorious truth I once heard a pastor friend say: “It doesn’t matter how bad things get now, for those of us who are on our way to heaven, this is the worst it’s going to get.”

I got into my car the other day and noticed that the temperature read well over a hundred degrees.

And I thought about how just a few short months ago, Texas looked like winter wonderland.
For those of you sweltering under the heat, these next pictures might cause you to let out a yearning sigh.
For those who see this for the better portion of the year, I don’t want to know what you’re thinking right now.

It might be rude.

Feeling a little cooler now?

A Realization

During one of my morning walks- which has to be started nearly at the crack of dawn or I’ll pass out from heat exhaustion- I noticed the oaks were covered with little nubs of pale green acorns.

I smiled, knowing soon those leaves would turn gold, red and brown, those acorns would begin to ripen and the squirrels will go crazy-mad over them. They’ll be throwing late night BYON parties. (Bring Your Own Nuts- for those who don’t understand the ways of squirrels like I do.)

It’s a happy time with cooler temperatures and pumpkins and sweaters. Despite the many nights I have to stick my head out the window and yell, “Keep it down you squirrely little nutcases, you’re making too much noise with your partying!”

SEASONS CHANGE
Praise God that this world and all that’s in it is ruled by seasons, by the rising and falling of the sun, by change day in and day out. Nothing stays the same. Nothing. How many times have you saw someone after many years and thought, “Whoa! Look at you…”
We change. Seasons change. Circumstances change. Problems go from bad to worse, and more often than not, to nothing at all.

Once I was in a troubling predicament and remember staring out the window at the leaves dancing around on a wind stream and asking God to show me what I was to do about that situation. A friend saw me standing there and wrapped her arms around me, resting her chin on my shoulder. Then she said the most profound words that I so needed for that moment. “Just as these leaves will fall, and this season will turn into winter, this too will pass into something else. You only need to hang in there a while longer. You can do it.”

YOU CAN DO IT
Whatever’s happening right now, whatever season we find ourselves in, this too shall pass.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5


I can rejoice in this truth: That as long as I’ve asked Jesus to live in my heart, and I’m trip-skipping along the Kingdom road, then whatever I face now is the worst it’s going to get. I’m on my way home. Where I’ll spend eternity with God. Where there’s a big, for-real Jesus hug waiting for me.

In the meantime, He’s got me by the hand, walking through the high places, and the muck. Getting me through each season and on to the next.

Hang in there friends, fall and winter shall pass as well, and then spring is just around the corner.

Blessing to You!

J.

Take-Away Value: The Twilight Series

OK, I admit it, I'm a huge Twilight fan.

And I'm kind of tired of getting flack for that, without people bothering to ask me WHY I'm such a fan.

This isn't my regular manner of post, but I've been thinking of doing something different on Fridays anyway. So, since this is my blog and my place to state my thoughts, I'm going to explain what I see in these teen-crazed books that might help you see things in a different light... or Twilight, or by a New Moon, or ...

Well, let's get on with this.

I got into Meyer's series because of my teenage daughter. She wanted to read them, and I'd heard mixed reviews about the stories. And knowing, at the age of 16, if she wanted to read something, she would find a way. So I bought a copy as well.

Twilight literally grabbed me by the shirt front and dragged me through the story of an unlikely couple and it didn't let me go until the very last page. Dazed and confused, I picked up the next one and was even more hooked as Edward- the vampire boyfriend- leaves Bella- the human main character and a bit of a twit. (if you ask me.) I honestly couldn't put them down until the end. As the books got longer, that became bothersome.

What really got me, wasn't the intense action - there was none at first. Nor the intriguing literary style - her stories are very easy reads. But the story beneath this twisted love story.

The Take-Away Value:

The first thing that intrigued me was the vampire family themselves. There's a scene in the first book when Bella comes to meet the vamp family. I thought it was funny how they're making her a dinner and the underlying tension is everyone is hoping she doesn't become the main dish.

Sorry, let me get back on track.

Edward begins to explain how none of them chose this life. Carlisle, the "father figure" of the clan, was actually a pastor's son. When he became a vampire, Carlisle fought against what he'd become. In the book Twilight, Edward explains how Carlisle found he could satisfy his hunger by feeding on animals and realized, "He could exist without being a demon. He found himself again." (pg. 337 Twilight)

As the others were turned, they too didn't wish to be demons. Hating the life they now found themselves born into, they found another way to exist without harming humans, without causing damage. Though, their choice came at a sacrifice on their part. It was a sacrifice they found they could live with.

I've pondered over this story for some time. Being a teacher in a title 1 school, I've come across many children from low socio-economic homes, plagued with drugs, gangs and little hope of making much of themselves. Working with these kids is a big challenge because they have little drive to learn academics when their main concern is what they will eat when they get home, if they have a home when they get out of school and what chaos will they face when they walk in the door.

Yet I see them, some even as young as fourth graders, carrying around these books. When I get a chance, I like to sit down and say, "Hey, you know what I really like about that story?" First, they are usually impressed that I've even read it, and second that I actually like them. But it opens a door for discussion about rising out of whatever bad circumstances we find ourselves in and making choices to do the right thing.

Stephenie Meyer has created a story world where Choice is what makes or breaks you. Where sacrifice and selfishness are in constant battle with each other, and isn't that true in real life?

Edwards view on the sanctity of marriage is often at odds with Bella's more modern view of young romance. There's a scene in Eclipse where they are arguing over the issue of marriage. Bella is dead (excuse the pun) set against it. But Edward, being from another place and time, remembers the value of it when he says, "I was that boy, who would have -- as soon as I discovered that you were what I was looking for -- gotten down on one knee and endeavored to secure your hand. I would have wanted you for eternity, even when the word didn't have quite the same connotations." (pg. 277 Eclipse)

I liked how he desired Bella, but even more, desired to have something real, despite the unreality of their situation, something lasting and committed. When I talk to young girls about relationships, I want to point out that Edward had it right. It's more than just sex, more than just "being together" its deeper than that. It's a commitment. A commitment that last for one's eternity.

Opening Doors to Discussion:

Most importantly, I'm glad that I took the time to read these books because of the opportunity it's created to discuss some deep issues with my daughter s. Like how Bella is a bit too worshipful of Edward, and too careless about her soul. Not every part of the books speak good, as I said earlier, I find Bella to be somewhat of a twit. However, it's created some great debate about her and other characters and what they stand for.

Maybe, as parents and educators, we need to not slam to door to things we haven't read ourselves. I encourage parents to monitor what their children read, but understand, if they are older, it's nearly impossible to keep them from reading what they want. I could have avoided the book, but I would have missed out on a chance to connect with my teenager and other young kids as well.

So that, in a nutshell, my friends is why I'm a Twilight fan.

Be blessed and if you feel the need to respond, please do. I only ask that you keep your words kind and not condemning.

Thanks,

J.

Wonderment Wednesday - John 15

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:5-7

May we cling to Him with all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our spirits and with everything else we have within us...

Amen.

Be blessed,

J.

photos are from Charis Canyon retreat, walkway up to the main house.

Feeling Stepped On?

A friend sent this picture in an email and the caption read, "How to tell if you're Mom's favorite."




As I looked at it, I wondered, was the fed bird actually the favorite? Perhaps the other sibling was a glutton and snagged all the worms and she needed to hold him down? Perhaps she had stepped on this one's head the last time to feed the other bird. Perhaps this really was her favorite and the other one was destined to always be last.


The possibilities are endless... especially in a writer's mind.





Thing is...
Things aren't always what they seem.


I'm thinking of the times I've felt in last place, looking around at others who have more, do more, are given more and win more. Much as I hate to admit it, I've cried, "But God, look at them. They have two and I have none. What's up with that?"


I'm not proud, but there it is.


Awhile ago, I remember reading in the Bible of when Jesus commissioned Peter to feed his sheep. (John 22) Peter looks back behind them and says, "But what about him?" And he indicated John, who considered himself to be the one Jesus loved. Maybe John was one of Jesus' favorites. He stuck with Jesus all the way to the cross while the others fled. Either way, John knew where he stood with his master and Peter seemed to not be so sure, especially after Jesus asked him three times if he really loved him.

I love Jesus' answer which was basically, "What I chose to do with him isn't important to you. What's important is that you follow what I say for you to do." (My paraphrase- go read it yourself to see if you think I've interrupted it right.)

Jesus had big plans for Peter. He was the rock the God would establish his church upon. Peter had a bumpy road ahead and he needed to just focus on what God had called him to do and not worry about what others were going to do. This is the point, I think, Jesus was trying to make to him, and us.

Individuals...
We are who we are. God is no respecter of persons. The sooner I can learn to keep my eyes focused on Him and not my circumstances, and definitely not other's circumstances, the more my steps become firm. For he promises to guard our steps and to walk with us always. (Ps. 91)


We were created with a heavenly plan and purpose in mind. Each of us unique with our own quacks... uh, I mean quirks. For good or bad, we are who we are.


Since He doesn't make mistakes, then what are we so concerned about?


J.

Wonderment Wednesday - Job 38

And the Lord spoke out of the storm...

"Have you ever given orders to the morning,

or shown the dawn its place--

that it might take the earth by its edges and shake the wicked out of it?

The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment.

The wicked are denied their light and their upraised arm is broken.

What is the way to the abode of light?

And where does darkness reside?

Can you take them to their places?

Do you know the paths to their dwelling?

Father, help me to remember that when I question You, I question who You are and what You've done. That is was You who set the foundations of this earth. You who lights up the night sky. You who brings the dawn to wake us. Each and every day is a gift. May I cherish You and the many gifts You've bestowed on my life. May I trust that just as You formed the earth with your very hands, You also have formed me. I know You love me and desire only the best for me. I will trust in that. I will face each obstical knowing I'm cloaked in that love. Amen!

J.

(Scripture taken from Job 38:12-15 &19-20 NIV)

Pictures of my orchid soaking up a morning sunbeam

Compassion That Never Fails

Pulling this from the archives. Some things bear repeating... enjoy and be blessed!

Lord, I feel so weighted down. So weary of it all. I know you require
me to lay these hurts, these burdens, down at your feet, but I'm at a
loss. How do I let go when they seem to be made of a sticky substance and wont
let me go? I want to shake off the frustrations, but they seem so binding I
can't break loose...

So I stood, head bowed in church as the worshippers encouraged everyone to sing praises, to let go of the things hindering true and free worship. Eyes closed, I begged for answers, at a loss of what to do.

How, Father do I find freedom? How, my Lord, do I break free from these
situations that drag me down?

Suddenly, the worship team went into this song. Sit back and listen, take in the words. Be sure to turn off the music on the sidebar. Because as this song played, I began to understand....

I began to understand that it didn't matter what was going right or going wrong. Because Oh, how He loves us. His love for us is a jealous love. It's powerful like a hurricane. It's beautiful. It's overwhelming like the deep seas.

If I really thought about it, like the song says, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about... the way...

He loves us..."

Lamentations 3:20-26- (NIV)
My soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

You Tube Video of Kim Walker from Jesus Culture singing "Oh How He Loves Us"

Photo of sunrise over elementary school where I work.

Wonderment Wednesday- Ephesians 6

Therefore
Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...


And after you have done EVERYTHING

TO STAND FIRM

Then...

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request.

Support yourself with TRUTH

Cover your heart with RIGHTEOUSNESS

WALK in the ways of the Gospel of Christ and His teachings.

PROTECT yourself with FAITH in God and His word.

Set SALVATION firmly in your mind....

And when the enemy comes against you, fight back with the WORD OF GOD.

(Complete scripture found in Ephesians 6)

The Chair

It sat in our garage for over a year, a $5 price tag on it. In its present shape, no seat, splintered, scratched... it wasn't even worth that.

But I needed a chair for a quiet place to sit. A corner to stop and contemplate. Pray. Meditate.

I looked at the battered piece of once-considered-furniture and thought, "Yeah, I think I can fix it."

Husband cut a seat for it and I began sanding away the rough spots. I didn't want it too perfect. I wanted a rustic, old look, so I just made sure to make it smooth. Then after rummaging through the cabinet of stains, I found one to match the table it would sit next to.


I didn't have much hope at first of it looking all that great. But as I began to rub in the walnut pigment, something amazing happened.

The woods grain began to show and I couldn't help but think, "Wow, this is really a beautiful chair."

Then another thought struck me. How often does the world look at us and think, "That person isn't worth the trouble."

Yet, Jesus paid such a high price. And when God gets his hands on us, begins to rub away the rough spots, brings out our natural beauty and talent, the results can be staggering.

Just as my little chair was to me.

Staggering...

And now it sits in a quiet corner next to the prayer table. Its a place I felt God asked me to set in my house in the midst of all the redecorating and painting and moving items around. "Set aside one spot where the family can come sit and meet with me when they get tired."

Of course, God is with us wherever we go. But it's good to have a place to sit and meet. A place meant to find nourishment when we get spiritually thirsty. A rock to cling to during the storms.

In this quiet corner, we give God the opportunity to smooth our rough edges, to bring out our natural talents and beauty, to polish our spirits so they can shine in a dark world. Here, His word can speak through the various devotional books, the scripture cards, or the Bible itself. Here, we can journal our prayers and thanksgivings, our fears so others can pray.

Its a special place, put together with cast-away furniture remade new, for a cast-away soul to find renewal.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil. 4:6 NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

J.

Wonderment Wednesday- Jeremiah 17

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord...

whose confidence is in Him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Heal me Lord and I will be healed.

Save me and I will be saved.

For you are the one I praise!



Jeremiah 17:8&14 (TNIV)