Philippians 4:8
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Friday, February 27, 2009
watch and wait
Our Lenten devotional (for kids!) is about watching and waiting for the risen Christ....watch and wait...ok Lord...please help me to do that today. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna hosanna!"
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Re-joice. Re-New. Re-Jessica!
Amen.
From Mary Whelchel...
Becoming a Wise Person
I wonder if you can remember a decision you made or some words you spoke that you now recognize were wrong. We’ve all made wrong decisions and said things we wished we had not said, and those things linger, sometimes for a long time, causing all kinds of issues and problems that we have to deal with.
Becoming a Wise Person
I wonder if you can remember a decision you made or some words you spoke that you now recognize were wrong. We’ve all made wrong decisions and said things we wished we had not said, and those things linger, sometimes for a long time, causing all kinds of issues and problems that we have to deal with.
Can you imagine being such a wise person that you always make wise decisions; you never speak foolish words; you are always perceptive and discerning and have wise judgment? Just imagine how different your life could be if you were a very wise person!
Well, here’s the good news: You can become a wise person. God wants all of his children, those of us who are born from above, to be wise and discerning, and he has provided all that we need to be wise. But this wisdom will only come to us if we pursue it, if we desire it, if we acquire it. And how do we do that? Through God’s Word and prayer.
There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, so by reading a chapter in Proverbs every day and you will be gaining wisdom. Journal what that chapter teaches you about wisdom, and then pray that wisdom into your life. My friends, this could really be a pivotal moment in your life, where you intentionally seek to be a wise person by pouring God’s wisdom into your mind and praying it into your life.
Again...RE-Jessica!
Again...RE-Jessica!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
morning bell for the start of Lent
Luke 6:17-19
Crowds come to Jesus to hear him and to be healed.
Listen for Christ today, ask for the healings you desire.
I begin this journey of Lent today. I am eager...Day 1. I do pray for healing in my own life and for healing in the lives of others. I pray that the Lord would prune my heart this season.
I am humbled by my own sin, cognizant of it, and repentant. I want to turn, and am turning! Turning my back on besetting sins for good! That's the beauty of Christ and his sacrifice for us. To relieve us of our sins, or burdens, to set us free.
Speeding...one of the things I am 'giving up' for Lent as symbol of my reflection...my devotion, my Love for Him...Day1! I know that this one act will help me to slow down, listen to God, wait on Him, not be rushed, impatient or hurried.
Praise Him! 45 MPH (or less!)...wahoo!
Luke 6:17-19
Crowds come to Jesus to hear him and to be healed.
Listen for Christ today, ask for the healings you desire.
I begin this journey of Lent today. I am eager...Day 1. I do pray for healing in my own life and for healing in the lives of others. I pray that the Lord would prune my heart this season.
I am humbled by my own sin, cognizant of it, and repentant. I want to turn, and am turning! Turning my back on besetting sins for good! That's the beauty of Christ and his sacrifice for us. To relieve us of our sins, or burdens, to set us free.
Speeding...one of the things I am 'giving up' for Lent as symbol of my reflection...my devotion, my Love for Him...Day1! I know that this one act will help me to slow down, listen to God, wait on Him, not be rushed, impatient or hurried.
Praise Him! 45 MPH (or less!)...wahoo!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
1 Corinthians 13
Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Friday, February 20, 2009
I love you!
For Valentine's Jamie and I spent a great day together which culminated in going over to Beaufort and enjoying his good friends, good food & drink and simply put, being romantic! I loved it and here are the pics. We hung out for a long while with Rex at his first art gallery show at the "Gallery" where all of his beautiful furniture was on display. Then, Jamie and I went to eat dinner at Saltus. We sat at the bar and were able to see some of his good surfer friends, including the owner of the restaurant, Lance, and also we were joined for a while by Bill and Emily.
I love you Jamie!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Rest!
Rest...it is a beautiful thing!
Genesis 2:2
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Monday, February 16, 2009
He set eternity in our hearts...
2 Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Freedom to Reject Him 02/16/2009 - John Elderedge
Wild at Heart
n an attempt to secure the sovereignty of God, theologians have overstated their case and left us with a chess-player God playing both sides of the board, making all his moves and all ours too. But clearly, this is not so. God is a person who takes immense risks. No doubt the biggest risk of all was when he gave angels and men free will, including the freedom to reject him—not just once, but every single day. Does God cause a person to sin? “Absolutely not!” says Paul (Gal. 2:17). Then he can’t be moving all the pieces on the board, because people sin all the time. Fallen angels and men use their powers to commit horrendous daily evil. Does God stop every bullet fired at an innocent victim? Does he prevent teenage liaisons from producing teenage pregnancies? There is something much more risky going on here than we’re often willing to admit. Most of us do everything we can to reduce the element of risk in our lives. We wear our seat belts, watch our cholesterol, and practice birth control. I know some couples who have decided against having children altogether; they simply aren’t willing to chance the heartache children often bring. What if they are born with a crippling disease? What if they turn their backs on us, and God? What if . . . ? God seems to fly in the face of all caution. Even though he knew what would happen, what heartbreak and suffering and devastation would follow upon our disobedience, God chose to have children. And unlike some hyper-controlling parents, who take away every element of choice they can from their children, God gave us a remarkable choice. He did not make Adam and Eve obey him. He took a risk. A staggering risk, with staggering consequences. He let others into his story, and he lets their choices shape it profoundly.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Freedom to Reject Him 02/16/2009 - John Elderedge
Wild at Heart
n an attempt to secure the sovereignty of God, theologians have overstated their case and left us with a chess-player God playing both sides of the board, making all his moves and all ours too. But clearly, this is not so. God is a person who takes immense risks. No doubt the biggest risk of all was when he gave angels and men free will, including the freedom to reject him—not just once, but every single day. Does God cause a person to sin? “Absolutely not!” says Paul (Gal. 2:17). Then he can’t be moving all the pieces on the board, because people sin all the time. Fallen angels and men use their powers to commit horrendous daily evil. Does God stop every bullet fired at an innocent victim? Does he prevent teenage liaisons from producing teenage pregnancies? There is something much more risky going on here than we’re often willing to admit. Most of us do everything we can to reduce the element of risk in our lives. We wear our seat belts, watch our cholesterol, and practice birth control. I know some couples who have decided against having children altogether; they simply aren’t willing to chance the heartache children often bring. What if they are born with a crippling disease? What if they turn their backs on us, and God? What if . . . ? God seems to fly in the face of all caution. Even though he knew what would happen, what heartbreak and suffering and devastation would follow upon our disobedience, God chose to have children. And unlike some hyper-controlling parents, who take away every element of choice they can from their children, God gave us a remarkable choice. He did not make Adam and Eve obey him. He took a risk. A staggering risk, with staggering consequences. He let others into his story, and he lets their choices shape it profoundly.
Friday, February 13, 2009
whom do we serve
From "Who do you surf for?"
THE BREAD
You are starving, and I am life-saving bread. I am your sustenance, the basic staple you need to live.If you eat me you will live.
THE LIGHT
You are stumbling in darkness, and I am illuminating light. If you follow me you’ll stop stubbing your souls.
The VINE
You are little branches, and I am the only vine that reaches the ground and has roots in the rich soil. If you don’t anchor yourself in me, you will be a brittle, dead branch. If you make a home in me, you will bear fruit. That’s the whole point of a branch.
YOUR FATHER
You are my beautiful children, and I am your provider and forgiving comforter. If you live with me, you’ll grow up in strength and wisdom. You’ll grow up in the freedom of knowing you’re always loved and treasured."
THE BREAD
You are starving, and I am life-saving bread. I am your sustenance, the basic staple you need to live.If you eat me you will live.
THE LIGHT
You are stumbling in darkness, and I am illuminating light. If you follow me you’ll stop stubbing your souls.
The VINE
You are little branches, and I am the only vine that reaches the ground and has roots in the rich soil. If you don’t anchor yourself in me, you will be a brittle, dead branch. If you make a home in me, you will bear fruit. That’s the whole point of a branch.
YOUR FATHER
You are my beautiful children, and I am your provider and forgiving comforter. If you live with me, you’ll grow up in strength and wisdom. You’ll grow up in the freedom of knowing you’re always loved and treasured."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The sacred romance
An excerpt from the book by John Eldredge (below), Sacred Romance...I read this many years ago and it opened my eyes to the wonderful way in which Jesus invites us to himself...to be a part of something larger than ourselves. He pursues us, not the other way around. We simply have to be willing to let Him in.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." - Jesus
"What is God like? Is his heart good? We know he is the initiator from first to last. As Simon Tugwell reminds, God is the one pursuing us:
So long as we imagine that it is we who have to look for God, we must often lose heart. But it is the other way about; He is looking for us. And so we can afford to recognize that very often we are not looking for God; far from it, we are in full flight from him, in high rebellion against him. And He knows that and has taken it into account. He has followed us into our own darkness; there where we thought finally to escape him, we run straight into his arms. So we do not have to erect a false piety for ourselves, to give us the hope of salvation. Our hope is in his determination to save us, and he will not give in.
When we feel that life is finally up to us, it becomes suffocating. When we are the main character, the world is so small there’s barely room to move. It frees our souls to have something going on before us that involves us, had us in mind, yet doesn’t depend on us or culminate in us, but invites us up into something larger. "
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." - Jesus
"What is God like? Is his heart good? We know he is the initiator from first to last. As Simon Tugwell reminds, God is the one pursuing us:
So long as we imagine that it is we who have to look for God, we must often lose heart. But it is the other way about; He is looking for us. And so we can afford to recognize that very often we are not looking for God; far from it, we are in full flight from him, in high rebellion against him. And He knows that and has taken it into account. He has followed us into our own darkness; there where we thought finally to escape him, we run straight into his arms. So we do not have to erect a false piety for ourselves, to give us the hope of salvation. Our hope is in his determination to save us, and he will not give in.
When we feel that life is finally up to us, it becomes suffocating. When we are the main character, the world is so small there’s barely room to move. It frees our souls to have something going on before us that involves us, had us in mind, yet doesn’t depend on us or culminate in us, but invites us up into something larger. "
Monday, February 9, 2009
My book report...
I had to do a book report for my leadership class. Here it is!
Book Report of Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell
I found this to be a very good book, yet a very challenging book to get through. I liked it and begrudged it all at the same time. John Maxwell no doubt has a complete grasp on the heart and pulse of leadership. He has studied it a thousand ways and probably offers one of the most concrete road maps for leadership out there. Yet, this is also why it is hard to read. The content is thick and dense and it took me two months just to get through the first 2 chapters!
Of the 10 topics of which he has divided into chapters, Maxwell focuses a whole lot of time throughout the book on character development and people development. He does quote several times that, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” What I think he is saying is that the type of leader you are (character), and how you lead others (people development), will determine the influence you have and the success or failure of your organization (whether that organization be your job, your volunteer work or even your family). So, here in this brief summary, I will focus on these two subjects.
In terms of character, there is no surprise that integrity is the highest essential. Integrity is defined as, “completeness, wholeness.” In order to lead others effectively, you personally need to operate from a place of integrity. Integrity is developed by, and causes to be created, several qualities including a great moral compass (Godly values), self-discipline, organization and attitude. Also, when someone is “whole,” they know where they are going (they have goals), why they are going somewhere (priorities and knowledge) and how to communicate these effectively to others (their team.) Maxwell says, “The more credible you are, the more confidence people place in you.”
Flowing from integrity is also the ability to love. A great love for people, for the team and for the organization will be evident in a great leader. Great leaders care more about others than themselves. Great leaders make time to deal with important issues relevant to the people they work with. Although great leaders must prioritize their time spent with people, it shines through that if they focus on key people in their day-to-day, that that will filter throughout the organization.
Regarding people development, Maxwell quotes, “People don’t want to be managed. They want to be lead.” This means, again, that the leader clearly regards people as his most valuable asset, not his position or title. Effective management of people comes from the bottom up, and a leader will never rise in the organization unless they realize that people come first. I loved the following quote, “A leader must never place themselves above others except in carrying responsibilities.”
And last, combining the two ideas, character and people development, I find this quote from the book suitable, “In order to be a good people manager, one also must carefully manage himself.” When a leader can deal with himself first, then they are ready to deal with, and lead, others.
Book Report of Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell
I found this to be a very good book, yet a very challenging book to get through. I liked it and begrudged it all at the same time. John Maxwell no doubt has a complete grasp on the heart and pulse of leadership. He has studied it a thousand ways and probably offers one of the most concrete road maps for leadership out there. Yet, this is also why it is hard to read. The content is thick and dense and it took me two months just to get through the first 2 chapters!
Of the 10 topics of which he has divided into chapters, Maxwell focuses a whole lot of time throughout the book on character development and people development. He does quote several times that, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” What I think he is saying is that the type of leader you are (character), and how you lead others (people development), will determine the influence you have and the success or failure of your organization (whether that organization be your job, your volunteer work or even your family). So, here in this brief summary, I will focus on these two subjects.
In terms of character, there is no surprise that integrity is the highest essential. Integrity is defined as, “completeness, wholeness.” In order to lead others effectively, you personally need to operate from a place of integrity. Integrity is developed by, and causes to be created, several qualities including a great moral compass (Godly values), self-discipline, organization and attitude. Also, when someone is “whole,” they know where they are going (they have goals), why they are going somewhere (priorities and knowledge) and how to communicate these effectively to others (their team.) Maxwell says, “The more credible you are, the more confidence people place in you.”
Flowing from integrity is also the ability to love. A great love for people, for the team and for the organization will be evident in a great leader. Great leaders care more about others than themselves. Great leaders make time to deal with important issues relevant to the people they work with. Although great leaders must prioritize their time spent with people, it shines through that if they focus on key people in their day-to-day, that that will filter throughout the organization.
Regarding people development, Maxwell quotes, “People don’t want to be managed. They want to be lead.” This means, again, that the leader clearly regards people as his most valuable asset, not his position or title. Effective management of people comes from the bottom up, and a leader will never rise in the organization unless they realize that people come first. I loved the following quote, “A leader must never place themselves above others except in carrying responsibilities.”
And last, combining the two ideas, character and people development, I find this quote from the book suitable, “In order to be a good people manager, one also must carefully manage himself.” When a leader can deal with himself first, then they are ready to deal with, and lead, others.
What really matters
What really matters in this life is the life of faith in Jesus Christ. What really matters is that I love God and love others. What really matters is that this journey continues to get sweeter and sweeter, no matter what the circumstances. I praise Him for his benevolence and miracles. I praise Him for allowing me to be at work with Him in this life. I praise Him for the love he has shown me through people and through opportunities (and through heartfelt love). I pray that I would honorably and faithfully continue to minister in his precious Name. Amen.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thoughts on obedience
I had an opportunity to be obedient in a recent circumstance, one that I was struggling with being obedient in. But, ultimately, I obeyed (with help and conviction), and so thus this triggered my thoughts here.
God calls his people to a heart and life of obedience. Does this mean that we cannot, "have fun?" No, but it does meant that the fun we have should be in line with Him, and that we do our best to follow along with what He says. God is a God of order, not of disorder. God wants us to live our lives in an orderly fashion in order to bring Him glory and honor and praise.
And in so doing, in being obedient, I find that I have my greatest freedom and happiness in life. Life just IS better when I am following Him, being daily obedient to His call. When I am living "in step" with the Spirit. Then my mind is at peace, and I am not living under condemnation. When I feel like I 'get right' before God I 'get right' with myself and others.
It is supposed to be a part of our love relationship with Christ. He is the bridegroom, we are the bride. It is about that love that spurs us on to be obedient.
When we are 'out of step' with Christ, we become out of step with life and with each other. We don't think clearly, act clearly., etc. We lose trust.
When we act in faith, and follow His leading, we walk in peace and harmony, and in love. And that enables us to, "...do the work He has given us to do, to love and serve others, faithfully administering God's grace."
Am I obedient perfectly? No. But I aim for that goal, in humility, mercy and grace.
God calls his people to a heart and life of obedience. Does this mean that we cannot, "have fun?" No, but it does meant that the fun we have should be in line with Him, and that we do our best to follow along with what He says. God is a God of order, not of disorder. God wants us to live our lives in an orderly fashion in order to bring Him glory and honor and praise.
And in so doing, in being obedient, I find that I have my greatest freedom and happiness in life. Life just IS better when I am following Him, being daily obedient to His call. When I am living "in step" with the Spirit. Then my mind is at peace, and I am not living under condemnation. When I feel like I 'get right' before God I 'get right' with myself and others.
It is supposed to be a part of our love relationship with Christ. He is the bridegroom, we are the bride. It is about that love that spurs us on to be obedient.
When we are 'out of step' with Christ, we become out of step with life and with each other. We don't think clearly, act clearly., etc. We lose trust.
When we act in faith, and follow His leading, we walk in peace and harmony, and in love. And that enables us to, "...do the work He has given us to do, to love and serve others, faithfully administering God's grace."
Am I obedient perfectly? No. But I aim for that goal, in humility, mercy and grace.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Post from a friend
My friend Tierney is in India...here is her post from today. She inspires me.
Passage of time
Today marks two weeks in this strange new country, which seems little bit more familiar each day. Well, familiar is a relative term. I'm still seeing, doing, smelling or trying something strange every single day. And I think that trend will last for awhile (I hope so at least). For instance, this weekend in Bangalore:
I saw the infamous sacred cows wandering not only the crowded streets, but in and out of shops. No beef here, only animals begging (and getting) food for themselves. Often the horns of the cows are painted blue--which of course has some religious significance. Ahem.
I slept in the middle bunk of a three-tier sleeper car. I also had my first "touch of india" on the overnight train and was running a fever--on the bright side, I was so desperate to curl up and sleep it off I didn't have energy to be nervous of the other passengers bunked up all around me. I did, however, sleep with my backpack strapped to my body underneath my own sheet, so sanitary and soft, thanks to a little planning ahead. (Thanks Mom! And Meggie, Anna, Uncle Chuck, etc, aren't you proud of my street smarts?)
I smelled dozens of delicious flowers, as colorful as they were fragrant, in the giant City Market featured in photos below. Jasmine, Roses, some type of Peonies--my favorite flower--and many others I can only identify as Vibrant, Sweet and Colorful. Seriously, heaps everywhere.
I went to the grocery store today during my lunch break and even this was an adventure! One store for produce (which must be thoroughly soaked in dish detergent or mild bleach solution), two trips to the confusing store for basic stuff like milk (which isn't refrigerated until you open it at home), and then a trek to a hotel bakery or "French Loaf" for some bread. Lots of funny looks along the way. Serious sense of accomplishment unloading one and half bags of food that doesn't necessarily go together, at all.
Some things have been strange because they are familiar. Which is strange. Like going to KFC for one of the Legal Fellow's farewell dinner--she was dying to try it! Or buying my first souvenir, a book called "America and Americans." (1st ed. coffee table book by John Steinbeck--big photos of America in the 1960s with fascinating essays throughout on what it means to be American. Who knew I would meet a favorite author here, learn about my American heritage, or find a stellar three-story bookstore teetering with used books?)
Yesterday marked another point in fleeting time: one year since I lost my dear friend Jess. She has been constantly on my mind since I've arrived here. To be honest, somewhat surprisingly so. I long to share my silly stories, listen to her freak out about the street crossing chaos and commiserate over getting lost and not understanding directions; I wish I were reading her blog and learning vicariously through her ministry to Muslim women in Spain. So I remember her patience and compassion, inspired to emulate these even as my heart lurches against this disorienting reality of death.
In spite of fluctuating emotions--bittersweet memories of my friend Jess, exposure to intense stories of heartbreaking dehumanization through work, and sensory overload on a mere walk across the street to pick up some variation of rice for lunch--I have found solid ground to stand firmly upon in the first few chapters of Isaiah. My soul literally clings to the passages which paint a picture of Zion--a place/concept I've never really thought much about. The prophet Isaiah explains that the once faithful and just city of Jerusalem has rebelled and abandoned the weaker members of its society. But then, somewhat inexplicably, God chooses to redeem and restore this very people to become a place of righteousness and harmonious dwelling: Zion. I've searched for other bits of Scripture alluding to "Zion," and my mind is being stretched to consider the realm(s) beyond this life. Not just the ugliness of death, but the beauty of a new earth and the just community that is to come.
I am also grateful for and growing a deeper understanding of the "communion of saints," which is not restricted by time-zones or bound by the passage of time. Thanks be to our God, who has dwelt among us and shared our sorrows--but who powerfully reigns today that He might fulfill many promises to all of His saints.
Posted by Tierney
Passage of time
Today marks two weeks in this strange new country, which seems little bit more familiar each day. Well, familiar is a relative term. I'm still seeing, doing, smelling or trying something strange every single day. And I think that trend will last for awhile (I hope so at least). For instance, this weekend in Bangalore:
I saw the infamous sacred cows wandering not only the crowded streets, but in and out of shops. No beef here, only animals begging (and getting) food for themselves. Often the horns of the cows are painted blue--which of course has some religious significance. Ahem.
I slept in the middle bunk of a three-tier sleeper car. I also had my first "touch of india" on the overnight train and was running a fever--on the bright side, I was so desperate to curl up and sleep it off I didn't have energy to be nervous of the other passengers bunked up all around me. I did, however, sleep with my backpack strapped to my body underneath my own sheet, so sanitary and soft, thanks to a little planning ahead. (Thanks Mom! And Meggie, Anna, Uncle Chuck, etc, aren't you proud of my street smarts?)
I smelled dozens of delicious flowers, as colorful as they were fragrant, in the giant City Market featured in photos below. Jasmine, Roses, some type of Peonies--my favorite flower--and many others I can only identify as Vibrant, Sweet and Colorful. Seriously, heaps everywhere.
I went to the grocery store today during my lunch break and even this was an adventure! One store for produce (which must be thoroughly soaked in dish detergent or mild bleach solution), two trips to the confusing store for basic stuff like milk (which isn't refrigerated until you open it at home), and then a trek to a hotel bakery or "French Loaf" for some bread. Lots of funny looks along the way. Serious sense of accomplishment unloading one and half bags of food that doesn't necessarily go together, at all.
Some things have been strange because they are familiar. Which is strange. Like going to KFC for one of the Legal Fellow's farewell dinner--she was dying to try it! Or buying my first souvenir, a book called "America and Americans." (1st ed. coffee table book by John Steinbeck--big photos of America in the 1960s with fascinating essays throughout on what it means to be American. Who knew I would meet a favorite author here, learn about my American heritage, or find a stellar three-story bookstore teetering with used books?)
Yesterday marked another point in fleeting time: one year since I lost my dear friend Jess. She has been constantly on my mind since I've arrived here. To be honest, somewhat surprisingly so. I long to share my silly stories, listen to her freak out about the street crossing chaos and commiserate over getting lost and not understanding directions; I wish I were reading her blog and learning vicariously through her ministry to Muslim women in Spain. So I remember her patience and compassion, inspired to emulate these even as my heart lurches against this disorienting reality of death.
In spite of fluctuating emotions--bittersweet memories of my friend Jess, exposure to intense stories of heartbreaking dehumanization through work, and sensory overload on a mere walk across the street to pick up some variation of rice for lunch--I have found solid ground to stand firmly upon in the first few chapters of Isaiah. My soul literally clings to the passages which paint a picture of Zion--a place/concept I've never really thought much about. The prophet Isaiah explains that the once faithful and just city of Jerusalem has rebelled and abandoned the weaker members of its society. But then, somewhat inexplicably, God chooses to redeem and restore this very people to become a place of righteousness and harmonious dwelling: Zion. I've searched for other bits of Scripture alluding to "Zion," and my mind is being stretched to consider the realm(s) beyond this life. Not just the ugliness of death, but the beauty of a new earth and the just community that is to come.
I am also grateful for and growing a deeper understanding of the "communion of saints," which is not restricted by time-zones or bound by the passage of time. Thanks be to our God, who has dwelt among us and shared our sorrows--but who powerfully reigns today that He might fulfill many promises to all of His saints.
Posted by Tierney
Hope abounds
Kisses. Smiles. Love. -Hope.
And the Lord's hope also abounds. He is merciful and kind. A gentle healer. A tender gardener of souls. He loves us.
Psalm 27:14
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Isaiah 43:2
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Philippians 4:6-7
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And the Lord's hope also abounds. He is merciful and kind. A gentle healer. A tender gardener of souls. He loves us.
Psalm 27:14
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Isaiah 43:2
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Philippians 4:6-7
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Coffee
Ok so I had been off of coffee for a long time. Found it great for my body and mind. Well, then I started 9 months later drinking occasionally again. And now I just want my coffee again! It is just something to look forward to in the mornings when I get to work. It also has an immediate jumpstart for me for my brain.I still like tea though, which I had switched to, and tea has such a beneficial effect (green tea that is.) My skin, body, etc. just feels better when I am drinking it. But hate to say it but green tea just isn't quite as pleasurable. (Although I really started really liking it.) Maybe its the sugar and cream I put in my coffee...
Can I control this urge? yes. Do I want to control this urge? Hmm. Unsure. Goodness gracious me!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trusting is also daily
Trust - This is also a daily thing. Giving to God the issues for the day and trusting Him to take care of the details. Do we really believe that He is good? Do we really have no fear because He has conquered the grave? Daily I think I stress and strive to figure things out, when really God says, "Let me do the striving. All you need to do is rest in Me."
Now that doesn't mean that we are not to do the work he has given us to do or that we are not to think. For work, there are many Proverbs that speak against laziness and complacency. And for thinking, He gave us a mind, not a marshmallow, for a brain. But, I think it does mean do what you can do and leave the results of your efforts in His hands. Be guided by His 'still small voice' (and sometimes He hits you over the head with a two-by-four if you are not listening.) Last, don't overexert, because then you are just trying to be God.
Now that doesn't mean that we are not to do the work he has given us to do or that we are not to think. For work, there are many Proverbs that speak against laziness and complacency. And for thinking, He gave us a mind, not a marshmallow, for a brain. But, I think it does mean do what you can do and leave the results of your efforts in His hands. Be guided by His 'still small voice' (and sometimes He hits you over the head with a two-by-four if you are not listening.) Last, don't overexert, because then you are just trying to be God.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Fixing my eyes on Jesus
Everyday is a new day to greet the world and greet the Lord. Each morning I wake up to a new set of circumstances that challenge my tendency to focus on myself rather than on God and His purposes.Jesus says to fix our eyes on Him. That kind of laser beam focus I know is what I need to greet each new day.
Also, this kind of focus gives me His perspective on my circumstances, versus my own perspective. What would I rather have to direct my day...His mind or my own? Well, I believe He is a lot smarter than I, so I it would be prudent to seek his mind first.
He says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How? By fixing on Him.
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