I meant to post this quote around Easter. Alas, my life (the new job, mostly) got in the way and I failed to do so. But I love it and it is Easter-y and I refuse to wait until next year to post it. Also, we're Easter people, people! In fact, our pastor is still doing Easter messages at church right now. The series is on "Easter's Enduring Message." It was borne out of a deep conviction that we ought to embrace that we are truly Easter people. We're still singing all the Easter hymns that are often reserved for one Sunday a year, too. I am LOVING it.
I encourage you to embrace this season we call Eastertide in the church. Never heard that word? Join the club...unfortunately. It is a beautiful season. Research it. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. It is a lovely word and a most blessed season. It is all about what this quote says...returning to our heart.
So, here's the quote. Hope it helps you to embrace Eastertide and the triumph that is Easter!
"And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here." ~St Augustine
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I ♥ my job.
I ♥ my job. It is like nothing I have ever done and everything I have ever prepared for in life. It uses all of my training and background (something my amazing husband has prayed for since before we got married). It is very busy, at times quite difficult...and the perfect choice for this time in my life. I have felt more at ease here from the very beginning than I ever have at previous jobs. This is interesting considering I entered with a measure of trepidation. I worried (as always) about the "what ifs" in the week between accepting the job and actually starting. I was completely overwhelmed at the enormity of the task before me that very first day (largely because I was unsure exactly what my responsibilities would be on a day-to-day basis). That all began to dissipate within the first few days.
I have already encountered a number of things I would have never considered myself prepared for if I had been warned of them beforehand. I have trusted my instincts on these and other things and it has worked for me. I have given myself more grace and space to figure it all out over these next few months than I have ever given myself in the past. I am relatively sure this is due to the fact that my work environment is grace-filled. I work with pastors and people who are all about the ministry of peace and presence. This, for me, makes all the difference in the world.
So I ♥ my job. It is wonderfully complicated, deeply humbling, and exceptionally challenging. It is just what I never knew I always wanted.*
*I do not mean for this to cheapen my experiences in student ministry over the years. I believe that was where God wanted me then...and this is now. Our ultimate call - to God Himself - never changes. Our vocational calling is ever-evolving, even if we find ourselves in the same sort of ministry throughout our lives. God uses us in different ways and through a variety of avenues throughout our lives. And besides...the student ministry stuff is already coming in handy, too and I feel certain God will continue to use those experiences in this one. :)
I have already encountered a number of things I would have never considered myself prepared for if I had been warned of them beforehand. I have trusted my instincts on these and other things and it has worked for me. I have given myself more grace and space to figure it all out over these next few months than I have ever given myself in the past. I am relatively sure this is due to the fact that my work environment is grace-filled. I work with pastors and people who are all about the ministry of peace and presence. This, for me, makes all the difference in the world.
So I ♥ my job. It is wonderfully complicated, deeply humbling, and exceptionally challenging. It is just what I never knew I always wanted.*
*I do not mean for this to cheapen my experiences in student ministry over the years. I believe that was where God wanted me then...and this is now. Our ultimate call - to God Himself - never changes. Our vocational calling is ever-evolving, even if we find ourselves in the same sort of ministry throughout our lives. God uses us in different ways and through a variety of avenues throughout our lives. And besides...the student ministry stuff is already coming in handy, too and I feel certain God will continue to use those experiences in this one. :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Right on Time
"We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:3-5
I have been clinging to these verses and others like them for months now. Any verse with the word hope in it has been close to my heart and forefront in my mind. I'll go ahead and tell you right now that though verses of hope and confidence in God were constantly playing in my head, my heart and life did not always follow. I have been discouraged, disappointed, despairing and downright depressed along the way. But somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I knew that hope would not disappoint...
I have learned (and re-learned!) a lot of lessons over the last eighteen months as I have searched for a job. I am still processing it all and promise to share more as I do. Suffice it to say for now that I find myself humbled and hopeful once again. My confidence in God's timing has been renewed and my trust in Him is stronger than ever. After a lot of uncertainty and many tears, I find myself at the beginning of what looks to be a wonderful new job and journey. I am excited...and so is Jason! More on everything as it unfolds!
Let me leave you with the beautiful Message translation of the above passage for your benefit (italics mine):
"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Christ arrives right on time to make this happen." - Romans 5:1-5
I have been clinging to these verses and others like them for months now. Any verse with the word hope in it has been close to my heart and forefront in my mind. I'll go ahead and tell you right now that though verses of hope and confidence in God were constantly playing in my head, my heart and life did not always follow. I have been discouraged, disappointed, despairing and downright depressed along the way. But somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I knew that hope would not disappoint...
I have learned (and re-learned!) a lot of lessons over the last eighteen months as I have searched for a job. I am still processing it all and promise to share more as I do. Suffice it to say for now that I find myself humbled and hopeful once again. My confidence in God's timing has been renewed and my trust in Him is stronger than ever. After a lot of uncertainty and many tears, I find myself at the beginning of what looks to be a wonderful new job and journey. I am excited...and so is Jason! More on everything as it unfolds!
Let me leave you with the beautiful Message translation of the above passage for your benefit (italics mine):
"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Christ arrives right on time to make this happen." - Romans 5:1-5
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A Lenten Reflection
This challenged me this morning, so I thought I'd pass it along to you. It is worth thinking about as you consider what to "give up" during this Lenten season. I certainly found myself convicted by these words! My first thought after reading it? That all sounds way too difficult! That is when I knew this must be my resolution during this season. And hopefully this sacrifice will leave a lasting impression on my life and extend far beyond the 40 days of Lent...
A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism- become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments- think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry- trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement- be full of hope.
Give up bitterness- turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred- return good for evil.
Give up negativism- be positive.
Give up anger- be more patient.
Give up pettiness- become mature.
Give up gloom- enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy- pray for trust.
Give up gossiping- control your tongue.
Give up sin- turn to virtue.
Give up giving up- hang in there!
- Unknown
WARNING: Catherine Marshall, best known for the novels Julie and Christie (and for being the wife of great preacher/teacher Peter Marshall) once wrote about her own experience of fasting from complaining. I'll try to find the book where she speaks of it and post some of her thoughts. For now, just know that she said that this one experience really exposed how negative she had become and how often complaint and pettiness consumed her. Be prepared to be humbled by this experience!
A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism- become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments- think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry- trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement- be full of hope.
Give up bitterness- turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred- return good for evil.
Give up negativism- be positive.
Give up anger- be more patient.
Give up pettiness- become mature.
Give up gloom- enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy- pray for trust.
Give up gossiping- control your tongue.
Give up sin- turn to virtue.
Give up giving up- hang in there!
- Unknown
WARNING: Catherine Marshall, best known for the novels Julie and Christie (and for being the wife of great preacher/teacher Peter Marshall) once wrote about her own experience of fasting from complaining. I'll try to find the book where she speaks of it and post some of her thoughts. For now, just know that she said that this one experience really exposed how negative she had become and how often complaint and pettiness consumed her. Be prepared to be humbled by this experience!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Moxie?
The major theme in my life right now is perseverance. That being the case, I thought I'd visit the trusty dictionary.com for a definition of this loaded word. I found myself encouraged and infused with strength from my visit. Who knew the dictionary could provide that? :) I've included the definition and some synonyms below. I've italicized the stuff I found particularly delightful.
perseverance [pur-suh-veer-uhns]: - noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. Theology: a continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
Synonyms:
1. Doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory.
2. Guts, moxie (which implies courage, hope, and spirit...), pluck, spunk, stamina, steadfastness, immovability, stick-to-itiveness
This word occurs more than thirty times in the NT alone. There are countless references to steadfastness throughout the Bible. Incidentally, this is a favorite word of mine and the chosen title of a devotional I hope to write one day. :) Here's the Greek definition for you:
ὑπομονή (hü-po-mo-nā')
1. steadfastness, constancy, endurance
a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his
loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
b) patiently, and steadfastly
2. a patient, steadfast waiting for
3. a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
perseverance [pur-suh-veer-uhns]: - noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. Theology: a continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
Synonyms:
1. Doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory.
2. Guts, moxie (which implies courage, hope, and spirit...), pluck, spunk, stamina, steadfastness, immovability, stick-to-itiveness
This word occurs more than thirty times in the NT alone. There are countless references to steadfastness throughout the Bible. Incidentally, this is a favorite word of mine and the chosen title of a devotional I hope to write one day. :) Here's the Greek definition for you:
ὑπομονή (hü-po-mo-nā')
1. steadfastness, constancy, endurance
a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his
loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
b) patiently, and steadfastly
2. a patient, steadfast waiting for
3. a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
Southern Chick Lit
Just finished reading this delightful book the other day. Fun, Southern chick fiction at its finest. Pick it up today and enjoy!
Up next? More Southern chick lit for this girl!
Up next? More Southern chick lit for this girl!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Yikes.
It has been three full weeks since my last post. Sorry about that. I vow to do better this month. Thoughts are swimming around in my head as I type, but I haven't got time to write a full post at the moment. More later, I promise...
Monday, January 11, 2010
That Place
When you see God, it will not be a new discovery. It will be a profound recognition of that heart and soul of yourself that is already in union with God. All contemplation, all true prayer, is an attempt to go back to that place. – Richard Rohr
I want to find that place Rohr is talking about here. Daily. I am searching for my "Upper Room," as Beth Coppedge put it in a chapel message one morning in seminary. I have never been able to escape her words or that concept. Your "Upper Room" is that place that is just yours and God's. Once you find that, everything else in your life will be His also. It is a place of surrender, a place of peace. Mostly, it is a place for you to "be" with the Father...openly and honestly. Raw. Unrestrained. Filled with praise and prayers and listening and loving.
I am desperate for that place right now. I want to find a real space where I can meet God everyday. Those times in my life when I have experienced the most peace are those in which I have carved out a time and space for intimacy with God. This is lacking in my life right now. Oh, I still "do my quiet times" and "say my prayers" as I should. But I still feel a little empty spiritually, which only leads to emptiness, unrest, and frustration in other areas of my life.
I am determined to find my "Upper Room" and establish residency in the place Rohr is speaking of in the quote above. I am certain that once I do, I find the peace I seek. And eventually "that place" will be everywhere...
I want to find that place Rohr is talking about here. Daily. I am searching for my "Upper Room," as Beth Coppedge put it in a chapel message one morning in seminary. I have never been able to escape her words or that concept. Your "Upper Room" is that place that is just yours and God's. Once you find that, everything else in your life will be His also. It is a place of surrender, a place of peace. Mostly, it is a place for you to "be" with the Father...openly and honestly. Raw. Unrestrained. Filled with praise and prayers and listening and loving.
I am desperate for that place right now. I want to find a real space where I can meet God everyday. Those times in my life when I have experienced the most peace are those in which I have carved out a time and space for intimacy with God. This is lacking in my life right now. Oh, I still "do my quiet times" and "say my prayers" as I should. But I still feel a little empty spiritually, which only leads to emptiness, unrest, and frustration in other areas of my life.
I am determined to find my "Upper Room" and establish residency in the place Rohr is speaking of in the quote above. I am certain that once I do, I find the peace I seek. And eventually "that place" will be everywhere...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it...
~ Mother Teresa
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it...
~ Mother Teresa
Saturday, December 26, 2009
"Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ You gave Yourself to the world. Grant that, by being born in our hearts, He may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen." - Laurence Hull Stookey
This lovely prayer is nestled between some traditional Christmas carols in the UM Hymnal. I love finding these things and being blessed by them. We read this one at our Christmas Eve Service this year. I found it to be very moving. May it bless your heart and soul this Christmas season.
This lovely prayer is nestled between some traditional Christmas carols in the UM Hymnal. I love finding these things and being blessed by them. We read this one at our Christmas Eve Service this year. I found it to be very moving. May it bless your heart and soul this Christmas season.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Coming Home
As I thumbed through some old Advent devotionals, I stumbled across this one from a former student. She is now teaching school with "Teach for America." She is one of those students who has always challenged and inspired me, two things that are rare. She is headstrong, but she is really all heart. I love her because she is...real. She cannot help but be completely honest (sometimes too...like me!) and I dig that about her. It is because of these things that she walks so closely with the Lord. She simply lays it all out there for God and others in a way that is disarming and inspiring. You'll see all of that in this excerpt from the devotional she wrote on Zephaniah 3:14-20.
"Zephaniah's message of hope screams of all that I am to be thankful for: a God FULL of mercy, a God worthy of praise and honor, an God who removes our sorrows and frees us from oppressors. The most beautiful part comes at the end of this passage in verse 20. Our God is a god who gathers us and brings us home. We are never left to walk alone in this world.
Christmas to me has always meant coming home. When I was younger it was because aunts, uncles and cousings would come home. Now it is because I go home for the holidays. Zephaniah has given a new image to associate with the advent Season, one of coming "home" to Christ. This passage gives me an image of coming home to a right relationship with the Lord and of being rightly related to my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is an image of being part of the family of God.
Advent prepares us for the coming of the Christ child and for the cmoing of a new year, or new birth. As we go home for Christmas, may we forever be reminded to make sure that we are also "home" in Christ. What is more hopeful than knowing there is always room for us to come "home" to Him?"*
Isn't that beautiful imagery? Advent as homecoming. It is just good theology, really. Jesus birth was indeed like coming home. And because of that first Christmas we are able to be a part of God's family forevermore.
Even if you are far from home this Christmas (Holli!), know that Christ himself is nearer to you than ever before. Christmas is nothing if not a homecoming. For "The Word became flesh and came home among us..." and He is with us still (John 1:14).
*The devotional was written by Miss Olivia. You can learn more about her delightful life at her blog, Honestly.
"Zephaniah's message of hope screams of all that I am to be thankful for: a God FULL of mercy, a God worthy of praise and honor, an God who removes our sorrows and frees us from oppressors. The most beautiful part comes at the end of this passage in verse 20. Our God is a god who gathers us and brings us home. We are never left to walk alone in this world.
Christmas to me has always meant coming home. When I was younger it was because aunts, uncles and cousings would come home. Now it is because I go home for the holidays. Zephaniah has given a new image to associate with the advent Season, one of coming "home" to Christ. This passage gives me an image of coming home to a right relationship with the Lord and of being rightly related to my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is an image of being part of the family of God.
Advent prepares us for the coming of the Christ child and for the cmoing of a new year, or new birth. As we go home for Christmas, may we forever be reminded to make sure that we are also "home" in Christ. What is more hopeful than knowing there is always room for us to come "home" to Him?"*
Isn't that beautiful imagery? Advent as homecoming. It is just good theology, really. Jesus birth was indeed like coming home. And because of that first Christmas we are able to be a part of God's family forevermore.
Even if you are far from home this Christmas (Holli!), know that Christ himself is nearer to you than ever before. Christmas is nothing if not a homecoming. For "The Word became flesh and came home among us..." and He is with us still (John 1:14).
*The devotional was written by Miss Olivia. You can learn more about her delightful life at her blog, Honestly.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Little Town of Bethlehem
Read Micah 5:2-5Bethlehem was an insignificant village of Judah, very undistinguished. Eugene Peterson calls it "the runt of the litter" (Micah 5:2, The Message). There was nothing remarkable about this little village.
And yet God chose this, the most ordinary of places, for one of the most extraordinary events: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. God delights in using the commonplace to accomplish His uncommon purposes. And announcing little Bethlehem as the birthplace of the King was just the beginning.
Micah's prophecy tells us that the coming King will enter in the most common of ways. He will be a "shepherd," the most ordinary of men. He won't come with any fanfare and he won't even be here for himself. He will reign with strength and majesty in the name of the Lord. The marks of his reign will be security, safety, and peace. He will come to fight for God's people and save them.
We know this Savior to be Jesus Christ and we walk in the confidence that all of this is true. We know he was born in Bethlehem only to die for our sins and be raised again. We also know that he is coming again.
May we experience the same anticipation Micah's readers had upon receiving this prophecy so long ago. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us keep our eyes, ears and hearts open in expectation of seeing him in the most unlikely places. And may we look forward in holy expectation for His return!
"Remember who you are. We are not commoners, but heirs waiting for our King's coming - preparing for His coming!" - Unknown
{Side Note: Bethlehem = "house of bread" in Hebrew. How's that for holy imagery?!}
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Beautiful Task of Advent
"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.
It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."
- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above
It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."
- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above
Sunday, December 06, 2009
I ♥ Advent
Advent is the best. It is like coming home for me. It is at this time of year that I am reminded in the most tangible of ways that God's love for us is absolutley limitless. Every year I learn in a new way just how far-reaching his love is. It amazes me that it can all feel fresh and new with each passing year. Somehow this great God of ours finds a way to show me again and in surprising ways what a miracle that first Christmas truly was and still is for us.
Here are some of the ways he's shown that to me over the past several years.
- The lyrics of that wonderful song "Welcome to Our World" by Chris Rice always bless my heart and soul. I recommend his version if you can find it. It is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful Christmas songs I have ever heard. Incomparable in its theology and its melody. Listen to it and tell me you aren't moved.
- The beautiful words of the first chapter of John's gospel always speak to me. It is so poetic and drenched with meaning that I find a little something new each time I read it. It is a rich representation of the heart of Christmas and Advent. It is one to commit to memory during this season so that your heart can recall it throughout the new year.
- My dear friend Lisa has been the earthly representation of that first Advent candle to me this year, "Christ, our hope." She is holding unswervingly to that part of Him as she fights breast cancer this year. She is shining His light more than she could ever know.
- Visit here for some of my previous thoughts on this glorious season.
- These words of wisdom from Mother Teresa, whose life was the embodiment love, really inspired me today:
"Don’t think that love, to be true, has to be extraordinary. What is necessary is to continue to love. How does a lamp burn, if it is not by the continuous feeding of little drops of oil? When there is no oil, there is no light and the bridegroom will say: “I do not know you”. Dear friends, what are our drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things from every day life: the joy, the generosity, the little good things, the humility and the patience. A simple thought for someone else. Our way to be silent, to listen, to forgive, to speak and to act. That are the real drops of oil that make our lamps burn vividly our whole life. Don’t look for Jesus far away, He is not there. He is in you, take care of your lamp and you will see Him.”
- There are countless other pockets of realization I've had along the way. I'll admit that I've also had memory lapses where I have failed to fully participate in this season I love so much. But God always brings me back with His nudges of grace and love in the most subtle of ways.
May He come anew into your heart this Advent season. Make room for Him this day and each day of this beautiful time of year. Look for Him in the little things and in the most unlikely of places...that's where He'll be. Look for Him in...you.
Here are some of the ways he's shown that to me over the past several years.
- The lyrics of that wonderful song "Welcome to Our World" by Chris Rice always bless my heart and soul. I recommend his version if you can find it. It is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful Christmas songs I have ever heard. Incomparable in its theology and its melody. Listen to it and tell me you aren't moved.
- The beautiful words of the first chapter of John's gospel always speak to me. It is so poetic and drenched with meaning that I find a little something new each time I read it. It is a rich representation of the heart of Christmas and Advent. It is one to commit to memory during this season so that your heart can recall it throughout the new year.
- My dear friend Lisa has been the earthly representation of that first Advent candle to me this year, "Christ, our hope." She is holding unswervingly to that part of Him as she fights breast cancer this year. She is shining His light more than she could ever know.
- Visit here for some of my previous thoughts on this glorious season.
- These words of wisdom from Mother Teresa, whose life was the embodiment love, really inspired me today:
"Don’t think that love, to be true, has to be extraordinary. What is necessary is to continue to love. How does a lamp burn, if it is not by the continuous feeding of little drops of oil? When there is no oil, there is no light and the bridegroom will say: “I do not know you”. Dear friends, what are our drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things from every day life: the joy, the generosity, the little good things, the humility and the patience. A simple thought for someone else. Our way to be silent, to listen, to forgive, to speak and to act. That are the real drops of oil that make our lamps burn vividly our whole life. Don’t look for Jesus far away, He is not there. He is in you, take care of your lamp and you will see Him.”
- There are countless other pockets of realization I've had along the way. I'll admit that I've also had memory lapses where I have failed to fully participate in this season I love so much. But God always brings me back with His nudges of grace and love in the most subtle of ways.
May He come anew into your heart this Advent season. Make room for Him this day and each day of this beautiful time of year. Look for Him in the little things and in the most unlikely of places...that's where He'll be. Look for Him in...you.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Happy Birthday, Jenny!
Happy 32nd Birthday, Jenny Robertson Shelby! I hope you know how very loved you are this day. You AMAZE and INSPIRE me in more ways than you'll ever know. You might be my little sister, but your influence on my life has been huge. Thanks for being a wonderful sister and friend. I love you!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Little Graces
Did you know that the Greek word for "grace" in the New Testament also means "thanks"? I love that. I learned it a long time ago and, unfortunately, I am quick to forget it. Isn't that just the most fascinating and convicting thing ever? Something to think about this Thanksgiving and Christmas season...
What are some of the little graces you are thankful for this holiday season?
Me? I am thankful for my husband, my family, my friends, and a whole lot of lesser things like spiced tea, a good book, and a nice, long walk. I am thankful for my heritage. Growing up in a strong, Christian home is a gift that is not lost on me. I am thankful for the many people who have shaped my life thus-far and the countless others who will, no doubt, shape it in the years to come. I am thankful for all of the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me over these first few decades of my life. I am thankful for hazelnut coffee at Panera Bread and any of a number of diet drinks (with the exception of Diet Pepsi...ew). I am thankful for inspiring movies like Julie &Julia and even Surf's Up (which I saw the other day...cute and encouraging). I am thankful for moments of silliness with my husband. I am thankful for friends who will come together in prayer at a moment's notice. I consider myself blessed to live in an age where there are not one, but TWO dance shows on TV. :) I am thankful for a lot of little, unimportant things that bring a little slice of joy to my life. I am also thankful for the communion of saints, a good quote, and a heartfelt prayer.
Most of all, I am thankful to be a child of the King. I may not always show my gratitude to Him for all He has done, but I am constantly aware of my need for Him. He is the Author of all hope, the Giver of all good things, and a Constant in this ever-changing world. My cup overflows in thanks for all that He has done and is doing in my life. I pray for the grace to be more and more thankful with each new day, regardless of my circumstances.
"And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:16
What are some of the little graces you are thankful for this holiday season?
Me? I am thankful for my husband, my family, my friends, and a whole lot of lesser things like spiced tea, a good book, and a nice, long walk. I am thankful for my heritage. Growing up in a strong, Christian home is a gift that is not lost on me. I am thankful for the many people who have shaped my life thus-far and the countless others who will, no doubt, shape it in the years to come. I am thankful for all of the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me over these first few decades of my life. I am thankful for hazelnut coffee at Panera Bread and any of a number of diet drinks (with the exception of Diet Pepsi...ew). I am thankful for inspiring movies like Julie &Julia and even Surf's Up (which I saw the other day...cute and encouraging). I am thankful for moments of silliness with my husband. I am thankful for friends who will come together in prayer at a moment's notice. I consider myself blessed to live in an age where there are not one, but TWO dance shows on TV. :) I am thankful for a lot of little, unimportant things that bring a little slice of joy to my life. I am also thankful for the communion of saints, a good quote, and a heartfelt prayer.
Most of all, I am thankful to be a child of the King. I may not always show my gratitude to Him for all He has done, but I am constantly aware of my need for Him. He is the Author of all hope, the Giver of all good things, and a Constant in this ever-changing world. My cup overflows in thanks for all that He has done and is doing in my life. I pray for the grace to be more and more thankful with each new day, regardless of my circumstances.
"And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:16
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wonderful Article(s) Link
A lot of what I've been thinking/feeling lately can be found in the two articles found here. The articles are Inconvenient Thanks and The Real Joy Secret (just in case you read this after they've changed the front page articles). I love the website {in}courage and would encourage you to add it as a link on your blog. There is always something worth reading on this site. These two posts were especially inspiring to me. I hope they do the same for you.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Listening to Life
I think I was a little spoiled in Kentucky this time of year. The colors during the Fall are indescribably beautiful. While I love it here in Alabama with the decidedly warmer weather and extra sunshine, I do so miss the Fall season in Kentucky. I love the colors, the breezes, and the overall way God speaks to you in the changing seasons. His voice, His creation speaks so clearly and audibly to me in those times.
Here in Alabama, the seasons change almost abruptly. There is no real progression of things, you just wake up one morning and it is cold. The same is true with most seasons here. I miss the in-between-ness that is Fall in Kentucky. It stretched out a little and, certainly, the leaves were majestic. {The only place I've been where it was even more exceptional was Asheville, NC. The Billy Graham Retreat Center offered some of the most beautiful trees and leaves I have ever seen. Largely because they built the retreat center amidst the trees instead of clearing them all.}
I am thinking of all of this today because I took a quick walk through Chewacla, a State Park that is just minutes from our home, this afternoon. I love it there. It is peaceful and wonderful and filled with creatures and creation that never fails to make me smile. Just today a chipmunk quickly crossed my path on my journey. Those little guys make me laugh! But one thing was missing on my journey: the bright colors of a Kentucky Fall. I saw one - just one - tree with leaves that had changed colors to a bright yellow. It was gorgeous, radiant. And yet it made me kind of sad and nostalgic, too. I'll say it again - I miss those Kentucky trees!
But then a thought occurred to me. So, the colors and trees and the obvious signs of the season aren't as bold and bright as they are in Kentucky. What if that is part of God's message to me in this season of my life? I believe His word to me today was that sometimes we must look for the blessing, for signs of God's love, for the radiance of His light. God so often speaks to us subtly in that "still small voice" rather than the loud voice we long for. I needed that message today and God gave it to me in my longing. I love that He works so creatively...
{The first two pictures were taken by my outstanding husband and the last by the incomparable photographer Rob Baird. All are pretty exquisite, don't you think?}
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