August in Alabama has been particularly hot and dry; three-digit, record-setting-temperatures have sapped our already depleted water supply and sucked the life out of many a blade of grass, azalea bush, and mosquito!
The drought officially began months ago, but mild temperatures and a damp July created perceptions inconsistent with the water conservation warnings. I can't wash my car or water my grass; but hey, didn't it just rain four inches in Gardendale yesterday?
[It seems like I have had a writing drought as well.]
One thought I had about the drought and "living spiritually in the everyday" is that spiritual drought can be similar to the summer drought we are having here in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
First of all, a personal spiritual drought can be masked by occasional religious fervor, activity, or even spiritual feasting. However, just like our bodies need water on a daily basis, our spiritual health must be maintained on a regular basis. If we were to binge eat and then fast for several days, our health would be compromised. Eventually, it would fail.
Living spiritually can also be feast or famine. It is tempting to rely on heavy Sunday doses of Bible, prayer, and fellowship to get through the week. However, this also compromises our spiritual health.
This deficit, or drought, may go undetected until extreme conditions/circumstances beat unrelenting upon us, and we find our spiritual reserves quickly sapped and gone. Only then do we realize how weak our condition.
Unlike the summer drought which leaves us helplessly dependent on unmanageable weather patterns, our spiritual drought can be relieved when we cry out as the psalmist for our thirst to be satisfied by the Water of Life.
Drought recovery takes time and diligence. Distance runners must constantly restore fluids and nutrients lost in a race and in training. You, too, must constantly seek renewal, restoration, and recovery as you make this journey through life. Seek the pure Water of Life, Jesus Christ, for full and deep soul-satisfaction and spiritual health.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." - Sermon on the Mount
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
In the Mist at Niagara Falls
The highlight of our family summer vacation trip to From Falls Avenue, the view of the falls is spectacular, impressive, worthy of its fame in every way.
One could stop at the ledge and be satisfied with the experience. Like the observation deck of the CN Tower in
But when we saw a boat below the falls that actually took you closer to the falls (Maid of the Mist), Geoff and I decided to make a ride on Maid of the Mist our vacation splurge.
And it was truly amazing!
Getting that close to the falls requires some preparation (you have to wear a rain poncho),
respect for the boundaries (close up, but not under the falls), a willingness to pay the cost (waiting in line and the admission fee), and takethe risk.
Very few people have survived encounters with
The whole experience reminded me of how often I am tempted to approach God. I can be very satisfied with encountering God from a respectful distance. He is breath-taking and glorious—the Wonder of the Universe. His awesome power and flawless perfection is worthy of honor. But it is also intimidating. Worship that recognizes all that He is can seem like all that is safe or expected. But it is distant, and not only does my heart long for me—so does His.
So He provided a way, the Cross of Calvary, not the Maid of the Mist. Instead of a rain poncho, the blood of Christ provides the grace for access into the very presence of God, the “mist” of His Spirit. And it is amazing!
Getting that close to God is an invitation extended to all who come under the blood. Christ took all the risk and paid all the cost on the cross, but you have to take the trip.
After salvation, I can get “on the boat” any time and access His throne, but sometimes in worship, I content myself with a view from the ledge: acknowledging His power and station, but not really entering into “the mist.”
The trip to
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Lost keys/rest in the OBX
Last week, our family traveled to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a memorable beach vacation. Home to several historic lighthouses, the Outer Banks is also the location of the Wright Brothers legendary flight on the dunes of Kitty Hawk. Although my parents live just a few hours away near Wilmington, this was the first time our family had visited the OBX - as it is referred to there.
We arrived Friday evening, hopeful and excited, but uncertain about the weather. Like Birmingham, they had been experiencing some drought, but were expecting a bit of rain. Since Sunday was supposed to be clear, we decided to get breakfast out Saturday morning and do some light sight-seeing till the skies cleared.
Geoff and I always rise an hour or more before the kids, so we grabbed our essential cup of coffee for a morning walk on the beach. It was actually sunny out, so we retrieved our sunglasses from the car and headed out. The beach was lovely; the temperature mild. Not the humid muggy conditions we were dreading for the middle of summer.
Unlike our walks on the Gulf Coast beaches, shells were few; instead, the tawny shoreline was lightly littered with a few crab remains and skate egg cases - black plasticky-looking pockets with horned corners, often referred to as a "mermaid's purse." A few folks were already out, stationing their beach chairs in their ideal spot. Perhaps this will be a day for the beach after all, I thought.
Back at the motel, we roused the children for a trip to a local pancake house only to discover that the car keys were missing. They were not in Geoff's pockets. They were not in the motel room. They were no where to be found.
Oh, no! They must have fallen out on the beach! Three of us retraced the morning walk, scouring the sand for the keys and asking around to see if anyone had spotted them.
Nothing.
By now it was late morning. The kids ate the breakfast items I had brought while Geoff called roadside assistance. Bottom line: a local locksmith would not be able to duplicate the key; the closest dealership was in Virginia and wouldn't be able to look at it until Monday (after it was towed today).
Long story short: Geoff's parents mailed us my set of keys (which arrived Monday morning within an hour of our check-out time). Meanwhile, we rented the last available car on the entire island within minutes of the dealership closing! And the rental place was less than a mile away, which was good since Geoff had to WALK to it!
All in all, we still had a wonderful vacation. God provided all that we needed, including spectacular weather (high 70's and low humidity; sunny skies; gorgeous sunsets). We saw all the lighthouses we had hoped to see: Currituck, Bodie Island, and Hatteras. We made it to the ferries to get off the island on schedule and ate some amazing seafood along the way.
Living spiritually in the midst of this drama was not getting angry over the lost keys, placing blame on Geoff for losing them or on me for not bringing my set of keys on the trip. It was tempting to take the frustration of the loss and focus that on each other. But we chose to give each other the grace that recognizes that we are all human and that sometimes things don't happen like we planned.
So, instead of anxiety and tension over lost keys (they're still in the OBX!), we enjoyed rest
and made great memories together in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
We arrived Friday evening, hopeful and excited, but uncertain about the weather. Like Birmingham, they had been experiencing some drought, but were expecting a bit of rain. Since Sunday was supposed to be clear, we decided to get breakfast out Saturday morning and do some light sight-seeing till the skies cleared.
Geoff and I always rise an hour or more before the kids, so we grabbed our essential cup of coffee for a morning walk on the beach. It was actually sunny out, so we retrieved our sunglasses from the car and headed out. The beach was lovely; the temperature mild. Not the humid muggy conditions we were dreading for the middle of summer.
Unlike our walks on the Gulf Coast beaches, shells were few; instead, the tawny shoreline was lightly littered with a few crab remains and skate egg cases - black plasticky-looking pockets with horned corners, often referred to as a "mermaid's purse." A few folks were already out, stationing their beach chairs in their ideal spot. Perhaps this will be a day for the beach after all, I thought.
Back at the motel, we roused the children for a trip to a local pancake house only to discover that the car keys were missing. They were not in Geoff's pockets. They were not in the motel room. They were no where to be found.
Oh, no! They must have fallen out on the beach! Three of us retraced the morning walk, scouring the sand for the keys and asking around to see if anyone had spotted them.
Nothing.
By now it was late morning. The kids ate the breakfast items I had brought while Geoff called roadside assistance. Bottom line: a local locksmith would not be able to duplicate the key; the closest dealership was in Virginia and wouldn't be able to look at it until Monday (after it was towed today).
Long story short: Geoff's parents mailed us my set of keys (which arrived Monday morning within an hour of our check-out time). Meanwhile, we rented the last available car on the entire island within minutes of the dealership closing! And the rental place was less than a mile away, which was good since Geoff had to WALK to it!
All in all, we still had a wonderful vacation. God provided all that we needed, including spectacular weather (high 70's and low humidity; sunny skies; gorgeous sunsets). We saw all the lighthouses we had hoped to see: Currituck, Bodie Island, and Hatteras. We made it to the ferries to get off the island on schedule and ate some amazing seafood along the way.
Living spiritually in the midst of this drama was not getting angry over the lost keys, placing blame on Geoff for losing them or on me for not bringing my set of keys on the trip. It was tempting to take the frustration of the loss and focus that on each other. But we chose to give each other the grace that recognizes that we are all human and that sometimes things don't happen like we planned.
So, instead of anxiety and tension over lost keys (they're still in the OBX!), we enjoyed rest
and made great memories together in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Summertime and the living is easy....easy?
Yes, summertime living is easy in so many ways. Not teaching this summer places me in the enviable possession of unscheduled time.
With June coming to an end, though, you would think I would have accomplished more with my time. Or something. I wish my question of myself was, have I rested enough? Or, have I laughed enough? Are we having fun yet!?! Instead of, have I cleaned everything yet? Has the clutter been organized? Am I caught up yet?
Sure, picture albums are at least 2 years behind and some corners of the house haven't been dusted in, well...a while. And there will be time for all of that.
I have a few summer weddings to direct and fall classes to prepare for. But I can I really just lie around and relax? I hope so. Tomorrow our family leaves to go on vacation. It seems to really help me to get away and out of my routines and especially away from the "to do" list.
Today is also our 21st wedding anniversary. Last year, we went to Italy. So this year will be rather anti-climactic by comparison. Still, we savor the memories of la dolce vita in Italy and the life we have shared for all these years.
With June coming to an end, though, you would think I would have accomplished more with my time. Or something. I wish my question of myself was, have I rested enough? Or, have I laughed enough? Are we having fun yet!?! Instead of, have I cleaned everything yet? Has the clutter been organized? Am I caught up yet?
Sure, picture albums are at least 2 years behind and some corners of the house haven't been dusted in, well...a while. And there will be time for all of that.
I have a few summer weddings to direct and fall classes to prepare for. But I can I really just lie around and relax? I hope so. Tomorrow our family leaves to go on vacation. It seems to really help me to get away and out of my routines and especially away from the "to do" list.
Today is also our 21st wedding anniversary. Last year, we went to Italy. So this year will be rather anti-climactic by comparison. Still, we savor the memories of la dolce vita in Italy and the life we have shared for all these years.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Blessed with the best of both worlds!
I am back from Ohio State University and am still in wind down, reflect, and re-entry back into full-time motherhood after 2 weeks of no dishes, no cooking, grocery shopping, or cleaning. Just majorly intensive study and lab time, reading relevant scholarship, listening to stimulating discussion, taking crash courses in technology, and producing multimodal projects in record time!
Yes, there was the fun parties at Scott's and at Cindy and Dickie's, the socializing at Mad Mex's, art gallery hop with the girls, arts festival with Jami, and some soaks in the hotel hot tub.
But guess what? By the second weekend, I was so ready to come home!!! I was having the time of my life (professionally) and missing my family, church, and friends like crazy!
I am really grateful to have both a stimulating professional career AND a loving, supportive husband, children, family, and friends.
Yes, there was the fun parties at Scott's and at Cindy and Dickie's, the socializing at Mad Mex's, art gallery hop with the girls, arts festival with Jami, and some soaks in the hotel hot tub.
But guess what? By the second weekend, I was so ready to come home!!! I was having the time of my life (professionally) and missing my family, church, and friends like crazy!
I am really grateful to have both a stimulating professional career AND a loving, supportive husband, children, family, and friends.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
School is Out--No, wait...school is In!
The school year is finished for my three children, and they couldn't be happier! Pool time at Granny's and summer vacations are just the highlighted summer treats that await my summertime "bums."
I finished classes early in May and am trying to line up my class schedule for the fall. But wait! School is back in session for me--at least for two weeks.
I'm leaving this afternoon to do some graduate study at Ohio State University by attending the Digital Media and Composition Institute.
During this time, most of my blogs will be posted to my Wordpress.com blog (beckdunk's wordhouse) and will relate to my study. You are more than welcome to join me there! The link is down on the right of this page.
Enjoy your summer!
I finished classes early in May and am trying to line up my class schedule for the fall. But wait! School is back in session for me--at least for two weeks.
I'm leaving this afternoon to do some graduate study at Ohio State University by attending the Digital Media and Composition Institute.
During this time, most of my blogs will be posted to my Wordpress.com blog (beckdunk's wordhouse) and will relate to my study. You are more than welcome to join me there! The link is down on the right of this page.
Enjoy your summer!
Monday, May 14, 2007
I Love being a Mom!
Sunday was Mother's Day. It was nice to be remembered, honored, celebrated for what I do as a Mom everyday, all year.
Mostly, however, I was happy and proud to BE a Mom! Our church also had baby dedication, and my thoughts fondly went back to each of my three children's dedications: Leia wearing a little headband to match her soft cotton dress, Dakota in his little "tux" suit, and Karli in a long baptismal gown. There was no way to know what the days ahead would hold for them or for us. But eager and hopeful, we dedicated each child to God and ourselves, as parents, to God and to that child.
My two oldest children, both teens, honored me by sitting with me and Geoff for the Sunday service. And I did feel honored, humbled, and proud - all at the same time.
This is a picture from last May when I graduated with my master's degree. They were so understanding and supportive as I studied and prepared.
I love my kids and am keenly aware that I have just a few years left with them under my wing, in my home, under my daily care.
Sure, it isn't fun cleaning up messes, washing endless dishes, and chasing schedules. But my kids are really cool! I like being with them. I think their jokes are funny. I think they are the best-looking, smartest kids in the whole wide world!
I love them and I love being their mom. Everything else around me changes. Very little will transfer from this life to the next. But my children will.
They will always be my kids. I will always be their mom. And my prayer is that I will enjoy the present, the future, and all of eternity with them
Mostly, however, I was happy and proud to BE a Mom! Our church also had baby dedication, and my thoughts fondly went back to each of my three children's dedications: Leia wearing a little headband to match her soft cotton dress, Dakota in his little "tux" suit, and Karli in a long baptismal gown. There was no way to know what the days ahead would hold for them or for us. But eager and hopeful, we dedicated each child to God and ourselves, as parents, to God and to that child.
My two oldest children, both teens, honored me by sitting with me and Geoff for the Sunday service. And I did feel honored, humbled, and proud - all at the same time.
This is a picture from last May when I graduated with my master's degree. They were so understanding and supportive as I studied and prepared. I love my kids and am keenly aware that I have just a few years left with them under my wing, in my home, under my daily care.
Sure, it isn't fun cleaning up messes, washing endless dishes, and chasing schedules. But my kids are really cool! I like being with them. I think their jokes are funny. I think they are the best-looking, smartest kids in the whole wide world!
I love them and I love being their mom. Everything else around me changes. Very little will transfer from this life to the next. But my children will.
They will always be my kids. I will always be their mom. And my prayer is that I will enjoy the present, the future, and all of eternity with them
Friday, May 11, 2007
taking a class about blogs!
Today I am in a computer class about blogs! And I'm learning all kinds of uses for blogs beyond a journal use. Some are for educational uses. Blogs are great collaborative tools. Brides are communicating with bridesmaids. Families are staying in touch.
Earlier this week, I set up my Facebook account, complete with photo albums. This is fun! But it takes some time. Blogging, however, is fast, fun, and easy!
Our class will also discuss podcasting, RSS feeds, and widgets.
Earlier this week, I set up my Facebook account, complete with photo albums. This is fun! But it takes some time. Blogging, however, is fast, fun, and easy!
Our class will also discuss podcasting, RSS feeds, and widgets.
Monday, May 07, 2007
What is truth?
The question that Pontius Pilate asked Jesus of Nazareth is still asked today (John 18:38). What is truth? Is it mere facts, supported by empirical data and accumulated observation? Is it based in law or reason? Can feelings also be a kind of truth? Is one’s personal experience simply a personal truth or is it the whole truth about a matter?
Truth cannot simply be a fabrication--a man-made construction based on convenience, preference, or delusion.
Is truth reality? Or is reality just a perception?
Jesus said you can know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).
But how? Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims Himself as the one bringing the truth, being the truth, and speaking the truth. In fact, he told Pilate that he (Jesus) was born with the purpose of bringing truth to the world (John 18:37).
In His final words to His disciples, Jesus told them that He was the Truth (John 14:6), and that He would send the Spirit of Truth to guide them into all truth (John 16:13) when he left them bodily.
Believing such a claim requires some faith, but also some discretion. Not everyone crying “Lord, Lord” is truthful. The Scriptures themselves warn of false Christs.
Note this: Christ’s integrity was never in question as he underwent trial by his accusers. Before the high priests who initiated the arrest of Jesus, he reminded them that all of his teachings and actions were done publicly (John 18:20-22). No covert operations. No clandestine conspiracies. When he was struck in the face for his remark, he challenged them to reveal any evidence that what he had ever said had been wrong, had ever not been the truth (John 18:23). They could not. Not then. Not later. Not ever.
At first, followers failed. Peter denied Jesus that night. Judas betrayed him. All but John abandoned him at the cross. But never once was Jesus Christ found to be anything other than what He professed: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His resurrection removed any doubt from the disciples' minds: they all died a martyr's death for their belief in His truth.
So when I discuss “truth” with my students, what I am really often discussing is man’s various perceptions of truth or his levels of understanding and coping with his realities. These are debatable. Temporal. Earth-bound and situational. Cultural and frequently circumstantial.
Borrowing from the wisdom of Solomon, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3), I believe much truth is discoverable by man over the process of time and testing, but that the ultimate revelation of truth cannot be attained apart from God who knows all and sees all.
Therefore, the pursuit of truth cannot be fully realized without spiritual knowledge. It is the secularized mind that is not fully enlightened.
Can I, flawed and limited, know truth? According to Christ’s own words, yes. But as the Apostle Paul wrote, right now we know only in part, although one day we will know everything completely, just as God knows now (I Cor. 13:12).
Truth cannot simply be a fabrication--a man-made construction based on convenience, preference, or delusion.
Is truth reality? Or is reality just a perception?
Jesus said you can know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).
But how? Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims Himself as the one bringing the truth, being the truth, and speaking the truth. In fact, he told Pilate that he (Jesus) was born with the purpose of bringing truth to the world (John 18:37).
In His final words to His disciples, Jesus told them that He was the Truth (John 14:6), and that He would send the Spirit of Truth to guide them into all truth (John 16:13) when he left them bodily.
Believing such a claim requires some faith, but also some discretion. Not everyone crying “Lord, Lord” is truthful. The Scriptures themselves warn of false Christs.
Note this: Christ’s integrity was never in question as he underwent trial by his accusers. Before the high priests who initiated the arrest of Jesus, he reminded them that all of his teachings and actions were done publicly (John 18:20-22). No covert operations. No clandestine conspiracies. When he was struck in the face for his remark, he challenged them to reveal any evidence that what he had ever said had been wrong, had ever not been the truth (John 18:23). They could not. Not then. Not later. Not ever.
At first, followers failed. Peter denied Jesus that night. Judas betrayed him. All but John abandoned him at the cross. But never once was Jesus Christ found to be anything other than what He professed: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His resurrection removed any doubt from the disciples' minds: they all died a martyr's death for their belief in His truth.
So when I discuss “truth” with my students, what I am really often discussing is man’s various perceptions of truth or his levels of understanding and coping with his realities. These are debatable. Temporal. Earth-bound and situational. Cultural and frequently circumstantial.
Borrowing from the wisdom of Solomon, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3), I believe much truth is discoverable by man over the process of time and testing, but that the ultimate revelation of truth cannot be attained apart from God who knows all and sees all.
Therefore, the pursuit of truth cannot be fully realized without spiritual knowledge. It is the secularized mind that is not fully enlightened.
Can I, flawed and limited, know truth? According to Christ’s own words, yes. But as the Apostle Paul wrote, right now we know only in part, although one day we will know everything completely, just as God knows now (I Cor. 13:12).
Thursday, April 26, 2007
What’s in your dirt?
I used to fancy myself a gardener—back when I actually had a garden. Since moving to a house with more trees and shade than topsoil, my gardening has consisted of rearranging the monkey grass as to keep the yard from washing away. I’ve been rather successful with hostas (which isn’t saying very much). But lately, my cast-iron plants, which are reputed as indestructible, are looking, well, rather shabby.
My old yard had two vital natural elements: full sunshine and fertile soil. Many years ago, the yard had been a cow pasture up on Shades Mountain. Geoff and I spent our first year there putting all the St. Augustine grass clippings into the small garden plot at the back of our long grassy backyard.
Back then, I personally had two vital natural elements: time and energy. Geoff hand-tilled the plot; I took over the planting, hoeing, weeding, watering, and harvesting. For several summers, we enjoyed fresh green beans, cantaloupes, corn on the cob, lettuce, purple hull peas, and watermelon.
Earlier today, I was out in my back yard after a long rain-soaked morning planning to tool about in the flower bed that looked the most despairing. The damp soil should yield to the shovel better than usual, so I attempted to thin out and perhaps transplant my cast iron plants to a happier location.
During our six years here, Geoff and I have done much to amend the soil. We have leaf-mulched, pine straw mulched, and tried re-routing the sloping run-off. Our small patch of grass has actually doubled in the last year or two, but where we have managed to enrich the soil, the weeds have rapidly invaded.
A couple of months ago, I pulled hundreds of cherry laurel seedlings. About that many have returned since. These seedlings rapidly grow into bushes and, left uncut, will create a jungle of trees under the present canopy of oaks, sweet gums, and poplars.
The first analogy for my soul-soil is that its depth must be cultivated over time. Richness of spirit and soul does not come in one heavy dump truck load of spiritual activity, but over the steady and gradual composting of rich spiritual matter.
Another application comes from the observation that weeds flourish in good soil as much as flowers do. The healthier the soil, the more inviting for all seeds. A similar caution must be present in my soul. Enriching my soul will call for an expanding of my horizons and extensions of my boundaries past my comfort zones. In doing so, I must combine enrichment for the health of my soul with filtering mechanisms, such as accountability and consistent Bible study, for its protection and purification.
I do not believe God wants Christians to “play it safe” by circling the wagons and existing within a Christian “ghetto.” In the parable of the talents, the master chided the servant who played it safe by sitting on his talent and hiding it from the world. No risk meant no gain.
So, what’s in your dirt? Chances are, if the soil is rich enough to grow flowers, there will be some weeds that need hoeing as well. And that’s a good sign of a healthy soul-garden.
My old yard had two vital natural elements: full sunshine and fertile soil. Many years ago, the yard had been a cow pasture up on Shades Mountain. Geoff and I spent our first year there putting all the St. Augustine grass clippings into the small garden plot at the back of our long grassy backyard.
Back then, I personally had two vital natural elements: time and energy. Geoff hand-tilled the plot; I took over the planting, hoeing, weeding, watering, and harvesting. For several summers, we enjoyed fresh green beans, cantaloupes, corn on the cob, lettuce, purple hull peas, and watermelon.
Earlier today, I was out in my back yard after a long rain-soaked morning planning to tool about in the flower bed that looked the most despairing. The damp soil should yield to the shovel better than usual, so I attempted to thin out and perhaps transplant my cast iron plants to a happier location.
During our six years here, Geoff and I have done much to amend the soil. We have leaf-mulched, pine straw mulched, and tried re-routing the sloping run-off. Our small patch of grass has actually doubled in the last year or two, but where we have managed to enrich the soil, the weeds have rapidly invaded.
A couple of months ago, I pulled hundreds of cherry laurel seedlings. About that many have returned since. These seedlings rapidly grow into bushes and, left uncut, will create a jungle of trees under the present canopy of oaks, sweet gums, and poplars.
The first analogy for my soul-soil is that its depth must be cultivated over time. Richness of spirit and soul does not come in one heavy dump truck load of spiritual activity, but over the steady and gradual composting of rich spiritual matter.
Another application comes from the observation that weeds flourish in good soil as much as flowers do. The healthier the soil, the more inviting for all seeds. A similar caution must be present in my soul. Enriching my soul will call for an expanding of my horizons and extensions of my boundaries past my comfort zones. In doing so, I must combine enrichment for the health of my soul with filtering mechanisms, such as accountability and consistent Bible study, for its protection and purification.
I do not believe God wants Christians to “play it safe” by circling the wagons and existing within a Christian “ghetto.” In the parable of the talents, the master chided the servant who played it safe by sitting on his talent and hiding it from the world. No risk meant no gain.
So, what’s in your dirt? Chances are, if the soil is rich enough to grow flowers, there will be some weeds that need hoeing as well. And that’s a good sign of a healthy soul-garden.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Greetings - la dolce vita remembered!
Greetings, friends! I have a request for your continued patience as I explore some new computer technologies: a website, a photoshop, and maybe a multimedia project.
I am also currently reading several books, which include John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat, Frances Mayes' A Year in the World, and a Nicholas Sparks' book that I started at the beach a few weeks ago and haven't finished yet.
This is a photo of me relaxing in Italy last May, enjoying la dolce vita at a Tuscan villa. Memories of my visit there continue to enrich my heart and mind almost a year later.
Part of Mayes' book and Ortberg's is an encouragement to LIVE NOW and not get reduced to merely existing and surviving.
I want this to be true in every area of my life: my marriage, my family, my spiritual life, my scholarship/teaching, everything. It does mean choosing some things over others, so I am seeking to make the best choices--the ones that will be sweet today and even sweeter tomorrow.
I am also currently reading several books, which include John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat, Frances Mayes' A Year in the World, and a Nicholas Sparks' book that I started at the beach a few weeks ago and haven't finished yet.
This is a photo of me relaxing in Italy last May, enjoying la dolce vita at a Tuscan villa. Memories of my visit there continue to enrich my heart and mind almost a year later.
Part of Mayes' book and Ortberg's is an encouragement to LIVE NOW and not get reduced to merely existing and surviving.
I want this to be true in every area of my life: my marriage, my family, my spiritual life, my scholarship/teaching, everything. It does mean choosing some things over others, so I am seeking to make the best choices--the ones that will be sweet today and even sweeter tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Spring Herald of Trees
Quiet, still, towering oaks and poplars
stand guard above us, sheltering,
Or among us: small delicate Japanese maples,
friendly dogwoods, cheerful crepe myrtles.
Great trees of the South.
Fragrant pines and magnolias, evergreen and lively;
Blooming tulip trees, flowering redbuds –
Heralds of spring dressed in brightest array.
A tree fell once on my house.
Hurricane Ivan roared in from the Gulf
And ripped the 100 foot white oak
From its shallow bedrock footing.
Its massive stump still scars my yard,
Reminding me of its loss
While its limbs, fallen and broken,
Have warmed my hearth for two winters now.
As a child, I climbed trees,
Built forts beneath them.
They were friends, protectors,
Strong, sturdy, available players
In my make-believe adventures.
Trees wear their scars with grace,
Without shame.
They stand their ground until downed
By disease, or acts of God, or our ingratitude.
Trees stay though cars and people and animals
Move around them, coming and going.
Trees are connected to life, to the soil, to the air.
Their roots reach for water and for an anchor beneath.
Their branches reach for the sunlight
And spread their leaves heavenward.
Oak and maple, poplar and pine.
Dogwood, redbud, magnolia, and elm.
Great trees of the South.
I watch as you awaken to spring
And I welcome you,
Great friends.
stand guard above us, sheltering,
Or among us: small delicate Japanese maples,
friendly dogwoods, cheerful crepe myrtles.
Great trees of the South.
Fragrant pines and magnolias, evergreen and lively;
Blooming tulip trees, flowering redbuds –
Heralds of spring dressed in brightest array.
A tree fell once on my house.
Hurricane Ivan roared in from the Gulf
And ripped the 100 foot white oak
From its shallow bedrock footing.
Its massive stump still scars my yard,
Reminding me of its loss
While its limbs, fallen and broken,
Have warmed my hearth for two winters now.
As a child, I climbed trees,
Built forts beneath them.
They were friends, protectors,
Strong, sturdy, available players
In my make-believe adventures.
Trees wear their scars with grace,
Without shame.
They stand their ground until downed
By disease, or acts of God, or our ingratitude.
Trees stay though cars and people and animals
Move around them, coming and going.
Trees are connected to life, to the soil, to the air.
Their roots reach for water and for an anchor beneath.
Their branches reach for the sunlight
And spread their leaves heavenward.
Oak and maple, poplar and pine.
Dogwood, redbud, magnolia, and elm.
Great trees of the South.
I watch as you awaken to spring
And I welcome you,
Great friends.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Contemplating Simplicity: "dolce far niente"
Near the end of her book Bella Tuscany, Frances Mayes and her husband Ed wonder what they would most like to take back with them from Italy to a new house in San Francisco where they work (pages 268-270):
We ask each other what we could have done differently. And what can we take back to our lives in the new house? What accounts for the dramatic shift in our minds and bodies when we live here? And, in California, aren’t we frequently out of control?
… “Taking buckets of time back is the main thing.” [Ed observes]
“If only we could take back the siesta –free hours in the middle of the day.”
“Wouldn’t you like to call one friend and say, ‘How are you?’ and not hear the answer, ‘I’m so busy’?”
“Well, ‘I’m busy’ means several things—partly it means ‘I’m important.’ But maybe living life is so important that we shouldn’t be busy. At least not busy, busy, with that buzz-buzz sound.”
Ed tells his students to figure out how many weekends they have left, given the good fortune of normal life expectancy. Even to the young it’s a shock to see that there are only 2800 more. That’s it. Done for. Carpe diem, si’, si’, grab the days.
This reminds me of the counsel in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”
Hmmm…if I live another 40+ years (average life expectancy for a female in the U.S. is 87), that means I’ve got roughly 2100 left. Less than 500 of those will be with children at home.
Counting your days may also bring about an urgency that promotes busyness. A pressure to choose quantity of accomplishment over quality of living.
What is the measure of “quality living”? How can we know when we are merely enjoying life for our own self interests, at the expense of others’ needs? And when we are simplifying in order to improve the quality of our relationships?
That one line haunts me: “But maybe living life is so important that we shouldn’t be busy.” What are your thoughts on this?
One more thought/challenge: when was the last time that you experienced la dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing?
We ask each other what we could have done differently. And what can we take back to our lives in the new house? What accounts for the dramatic shift in our minds and bodies when we live here? And, in California, aren’t we frequently out of control?
… “Taking buckets of time back is the main thing.” [Ed observes]
“If only we could take back the siesta –free hours in the middle of the day.”
“Wouldn’t you like to call one friend and say, ‘How are you?’ and not hear the answer, ‘I’m so busy’?”
“Well, ‘I’m busy’ means several things—partly it means ‘I’m important.’ But maybe living life is so important that we shouldn’t be busy. At least not busy, busy, with that buzz-buzz sound.”
Ed tells his students to figure out how many weekends they have left, given the good fortune of normal life expectancy. Even to the young it’s a shock to see that there are only 2800 more. That’s it. Done for. Carpe diem, si’, si’, grab the days.
This reminds me of the counsel in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”
Hmmm…if I live another 40+ years (average life expectancy for a female in the U.S. is 87), that means I’ve got roughly 2100 left. Less than 500 of those will be with children at home.
Counting your days may also bring about an urgency that promotes busyness. A pressure to choose quantity of accomplishment over quality of living.
What is the measure of “quality living”? How can we know when we are merely enjoying life for our own self interests, at the expense of others’ needs? And when we are simplifying in order to improve the quality of our relationships?
That one line haunts me: “But maybe living life is so important that we shouldn’t be busy.” What are your thoughts on this?
One more thought/challenge: when was the last time that you experienced la dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Grace to Be and Room to Become
The thought for today is from Eldredge’s book Captivating: "Real beauty offers others the grace to be and the room to grow."
To me, that best expresses the beauty and grace that Jesus brought to the many he encountered on earth, especially to the sinful: Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery.
And how rare to experience that kind of beauty in a person. The grace to be (acceptance and love for who I am right now, no matter what) and the room to grow (the freedom to be who God designed me to be and not what others want me to be or think I should be, to meet their needs or their expectations). The saying “Please be patient with me. God isn’t finished with me yet” is a longing for that kind of beauty.
Real inner beauty offers others life and rest and hope. That is what Jesus brought to each sinner at the end of his or her destructive path: beauty for ashes, hope for despair, life instead of death.
I have also been pondering what my part in my journey is this past year. With my dog Jazzy (read Sept. 24'06 and Oct. 1'06 blog),I observed how she likes to take the lead, instead of following mine, whenever I try to take her on a walk with me. Her persistence to lead robs us of a pleasant experience together. And yet, I am so like Jazzy when it comes to walking with God. I desire to walk with Him. Follow Him. But I become impatient and lurch ahead---thinking that I have to contribute somehow to the journey process.
This week as I asked God the question (again), what is MY part in all of this? Out of the silence, He answered, “None of it...except to love me—be in love with me. And love others in that way too.”
My head still wrestles with this answer, but not my heart. My heart knows this is the true answer to the question I have been asking.
To me, that best expresses the beauty and grace that Jesus brought to the many he encountered on earth, especially to the sinful: Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery.
And how rare to experience that kind of beauty in a person. The grace to be (acceptance and love for who I am right now, no matter what) and the room to grow (the freedom to be who God designed me to be and not what others want me to be or think I should be, to meet their needs or their expectations). The saying “Please be patient with me. God isn’t finished with me yet” is a longing for that kind of beauty.
Real inner beauty offers others life and rest and hope. That is what Jesus brought to each sinner at the end of his or her destructive path: beauty for ashes, hope for despair, life instead of death.
I have also been pondering what my part in my journey is this past year. With my dog Jazzy (read Sept. 24'06 and Oct. 1'06 blog),I observed how she likes to take the lead, instead of following mine, whenever I try to take her on a walk with me. Her persistence to lead robs us of a pleasant experience together. And yet, I am so like Jazzy when it comes to walking with God. I desire to walk with Him. Follow Him. But I become impatient and lurch ahead---thinking that I have to contribute somehow to the journey process.
This week as I asked God the question (again), what is MY part in all of this? Out of the silence, He answered, “None of it...except to love me—be in love with me. And love others in that way too.”
My head still wrestles with this answer, but not my heart. My heart knows this is the true answer to the question I have been asking.
Monday, March 05, 2007
A Blog Year in Review
This month marks the one year anniversary of my blog so I went back and read my entries from March 2006: the inaugural issue, the questions that launched the journey, the topics that began a digital conversation – even if just within myself and then recorded for others to read.
These are my reflections...
The social networks Facebook and MySpace (March 16 ’06 entry) continue to trouble and fascinate me. Although I have figured out a way to view my child’s pages, it continues to bother me that there is not an automatic parental monitoring feature. Teens can write or post anything, and it is up to them to police it.
My Bible reading (March 20 ’06) is not as systematic as it was a year ago when every hour of my day had to be scheduled to meet the dueling demands of motherhood, marriage, and full-time graduate thesis work. What I have tried to pursue instead is practicing the presence of God throughout my day-breathing Him in and out, as it were-instead of compartmentalizing my devotional time into a fixed time frame.
While I have often enjoyed a sustained sense of spiritual intimacy with God, my intercession for others became sporadic and I fell behind in my reading schedule. This is indeed part of my journey as I desire to live spiritually with and without routined spiritual disciplines to measure or gauge the quality of my spiritual devotion.
What I am contemplating now is a revised reading schedule to maintain consistency within a fluctuating schedule. And an intercession agenda, internally motivated and structured, that will assist my mind to execute what my heart desires: passionate prayer for the people I love.
There are missionaries that I do not want to forget to pray for. There are friends that I want to routinely bring supplication for. And I want to remember to pray diligently on the good days, instead of just fervently on the challenging days.
God has often prompted me to pray for loved ones and specific situations (often in the middle of the night), but I feel He is leading me to be more available to His prompting by planning quiet times to hear His voice.
Scheduling silence will not be easy.
These are my reflections...
The social networks Facebook and MySpace (March 16 ’06 entry) continue to trouble and fascinate me. Although I have figured out a way to view my child’s pages, it continues to bother me that there is not an automatic parental monitoring feature. Teens can write or post anything, and it is up to them to police it.
My Bible reading (March 20 ’06) is not as systematic as it was a year ago when every hour of my day had to be scheduled to meet the dueling demands of motherhood, marriage, and full-time graduate thesis work. What I have tried to pursue instead is practicing the presence of God throughout my day-breathing Him in and out, as it were-instead of compartmentalizing my devotional time into a fixed time frame.
While I have often enjoyed a sustained sense of spiritual intimacy with God, my intercession for others became sporadic and I fell behind in my reading schedule. This is indeed part of my journey as I desire to live spiritually with and without routined spiritual disciplines to measure or gauge the quality of my spiritual devotion.
What I am contemplating now is a revised reading schedule to maintain consistency within a fluctuating schedule. And an intercession agenda, internally motivated and structured, that will assist my mind to execute what my heart desires: passionate prayer for the people I love.
There are missionaries that I do not want to forget to pray for. There are friends that I want to routinely bring supplication for. And I want to remember to pray diligently on the good days, instead of just fervently on the challenging days.
God has often prompted me to pray for loved ones and specific situations (often in the middle of the night), but I feel He is leading me to be more available to His prompting by planning quiet times to hear His voice.
Scheduling silence will not be easy.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Finding my Way
This is a photo of one of the paths between the seaside villages of Cinque Terre. It is narrow, rocky, and its destination obscured. In fact, the path leads away from the Mediterranean (which would be to one’s left) and further into the mountain – away from where I was headed.
So often, this is what my life’s journey feels like—how about you?
The journey by footpath through Cinque Terre is unpredictable. The view is spectacular; but when the road is so precarious, I tend to see just what is immediately around me: the jutting rocks, my footing, the narrowness of the ledge, the obstacles. I lean forward, my heart beating rapidly in my ears, straining to catch the sounds of other travelers. I do not want to be completely alone in my journey.
The red paint that marks the path is rather a blight to the natural terrain, but there is some reassurance in knowing that I am on the right path. This is the way I am supposed to be going. I haven’t wandered off by mistake.
Other travelers do appear. Some with sweaty, but smiling faces. We exchange greetings with German tourists in the language of our shared journey: “Buon giorno!”
A beautiful city waits at the end of my path. In Cinque Terre, it is Vernazza, pictured below at night and at dawn.
Somewhere at the end of my spiritual journey, a beautiful city waits for me as well. It is a city of light, flowing with a river of pure life. It sparkles like a precious gem. The city will bring healing to the nations, and no evil will enter there (Revelation chapters 21 and 22).
The path to get there is narrow, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7: 13-14). Jesus said He was “the way” (John 14:16). His Word will be a “light to my path” and a lamp for my feet” (Psalm119:105).
With my heart, I see the city and trust the path I am on to get there. With my heart, I hope, and love, and believe.
And that… is living spiritually in the everyday.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Beautiful Feet
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”(Romans 10:15)!
Tears welled up in my eyes Sunday morning and the lump in my throat thickened as I watched eleven missionary families march into our church sanctuary bearing the flag of their mission country during slides of their field work.
I was overwhelmed with the beauty of their sacrifice, with the beauty of their humble countenance, and with the beauty of the spirit in them that for the “joy set before them,” they have endured so many things to bring the hope and freedom of the gospel to the least among people around the world.
This is the first Missions Conference (as a missionary participant) for my friend Marge who a year ago this time was diagnosed (twice), then healed of throat cancer. Now a year later, she and her family have been called to Costa Rica, accepted by a mission board, and are raising support for ministry to homeless and destitute Nicaraguan refugees – the least among the people of Costa Rica.
How beautiful her heart, with all its passion and all its pain, is to me. How beautiful her love for her family and her love for those unloved people.
At the Ladies Missionary Luncheon today, I met some of the dear women who labor in difficult locations across the globe to bring food, education, and the love of Jesus to tribes in third world countries or Eurasian countries impoverished by years of communist rule.
For an ice-breaker, I asked them to share the most unusual food item they had ever eaten (I was the emcee for the luncheon). Wasp larvae, eels, sheep heads, intestines of various animals, a fish stomach, fried termites and rats were among those found on the “menus.”
For many the challenge of finding and storing uncontaminated edible food is a daily one. For others, the challenge was keeping up with the laundry when water and power are not always available, even if they did own a small clothes washer (dryers are a luxury).
I learned that ironing your clothes is not only a matter of neatness, but also a matter of health—it reduces the number of invisible bugs that can make their home in your underwear!
I am reflecting on so many things as I write this: gratitude for what I have, awe for these beautiful ladies, and a new wonder about living spiritually in the everyday.
Tears welled up in my eyes Sunday morning and the lump in my throat thickened as I watched eleven missionary families march into our church sanctuary bearing the flag of their mission country during slides of their field work.
I was overwhelmed with the beauty of their sacrifice, with the beauty of their humble countenance, and with the beauty of the spirit in them that for the “joy set before them,” they have endured so many things to bring the hope and freedom of the gospel to the least among people around the world.
This is the first Missions Conference (as a missionary participant) for my friend Marge who a year ago this time was diagnosed (twice), then healed of throat cancer. Now a year later, she and her family have been called to Costa Rica, accepted by a mission board, and are raising support for ministry to homeless and destitute Nicaraguan refugees – the least among the people of Costa Rica.
How beautiful her heart, with all its passion and all its pain, is to me. How beautiful her love for her family and her love for those unloved people.
At the Ladies Missionary Luncheon today, I met some of the dear women who labor in difficult locations across the globe to bring food, education, and the love of Jesus to tribes in third world countries or Eurasian countries impoverished by years of communist rule.
For an ice-breaker, I asked them to share the most unusual food item they had ever eaten (I was the emcee for the luncheon). Wasp larvae, eels, sheep heads, intestines of various animals, a fish stomach, fried termites and rats were among those found on the “menus.”
For many the challenge of finding and storing uncontaminated edible food is a daily one. For others, the challenge was keeping up with the laundry when water and power are not always available, even if they did own a small clothes washer (dryers are a luxury).
I learned that ironing your clothes is not only a matter of neatness, but also a matter of health—it reduces the number of invisible bugs that can make their home in your underwear!
I am reflecting on so many things as I write this: gratitude for what I have, awe for these beautiful ladies, and a new wonder about living spiritually in the everyday.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Beauty: Essential to Spirituality
Beauty as an essential ingredient to living spiritually? I had not considered beauty as a part of developing my spirit until lately as I re-read both Eldredge’s book Captivating and Frances Mayes’ book Bella Tuscany. Beauty, I might have considered, a physical and external distraction to my walk with God, a vain pursuit that revealed a self-centered preoccupation with the temporal and earthly. Certainly not eternal. Beauty is, after all, only skin deep, right?
Still, I could not fully explain the impact upon my inner person that the grand majesty of the Grand Teton mountains or the quiet cathedral-like beauty of the Muir redwoods has. A rural Tuscan countryside or the blue waters of Cozumel. The sun setting on the Gulf.
Now I am beginning to see natural beauty (pristine, pure, and glorious) as an expression of God’s beautiful person. And our attempts to create beauty in this world as an expression of our design: an image-bearer of our Creator.
In contrast, that which has no light or no life has no beauty. Decay, destruction, death; carnage, corruption, catastrophe— results of the fall and the curse, these hold no beauty for us, for they were not part of creation as God intended and purposed. And not part of His plan for eternity.
Have you read the final chapters of Revelations? The ones that describe the city of God, the crystal river, the jeweled foundations, the eternal light and joy? Everything there is beautiful because it is a true expression of God’s love and holiness.
Everything here that is truly beautiful, shining out from this sin-darkened world, is a reminder of who God is and what is in store in His eternal kingdom. Beauty ties the believer, not to the temporal and earthly, but to the spiritual for it stirs a longing for what is good and pure and lasting.
Beauty here is fleeting. In a moment, the sunset fades. The redwoods get ravaged by fire. The view of the Tetons gets obscured by storm clouds. The azure liquid in Cozumel grays when the sun removes its gaze.
The beauty that is in Christ and that is experienced in a relationship with Him is a treasure to be sought every day and to be fully realized in the eternal. Let the beauty that is around you draw you to the One who is truly beautiful and good. And let your life be a beautiful expression of who He is in and through you.
Still, I could not fully explain the impact upon my inner person that the grand majesty of the Grand Teton mountains or the quiet cathedral-like beauty of the Muir redwoods has. A rural Tuscan countryside or the blue waters of Cozumel. The sun setting on the Gulf.
Now I am beginning to see natural beauty (pristine, pure, and glorious) as an expression of God’s beautiful person. And our attempts to create beauty in this world as an expression of our design: an image-bearer of our Creator.
In contrast, that which has no light or no life has no beauty. Decay, destruction, death; carnage, corruption, catastrophe— results of the fall and the curse, these hold no beauty for us, for they were not part of creation as God intended and purposed. And not part of His plan for eternity.
Have you read the final chapters of Revelations? The ones that describe the city of God, the crystal river, the jeweled foundations, the eternal light and joy? Everything there is beautiful because it is a true expression of God’s love and holiness.
Everything here that is truly beautiful, shining out from this sin-darkened world, is a reminder of who God is and what is in store in His eternal kingdom. Beauty ties the believer, not to the temporal and earthly, but to the spiritual for it stirs a longing for what is good and pure and lasting.
Beauty here is fleeting. In a moment, the sunset fades. The redwoods get ravaged by fire. The view of the Tetons gets obscured by storm clouds. The azure liquid in Cozumel grays when the sun removes its gaze.
The beauty that is in Christ and that is experienced in a relationship with Him is a treasure to be sought every day and to be fully realized in the eternal. Let the beauty that is around you draw you to the One who is truly beautiful and good. And let your life be a beautiful expression of who He is in and through you.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Spiritual living in the everyday dramas – my quest
One of my ongoing pursuits this past year has been a deeper understanding of how to live spiritually as a Christian in a physical world. I do not want to compartmentalize my spirituality into a daily or weekly ritual. But my current question is (see the entry Taking the Lead-Jazzy's story-Oct.1'06) what is my part in this journey? How can I be more spiritual as I live in the physical?
How much of being spiritual is the part when I am still, reflective, devotional, and meditating on God’s Word in a private, personal worship time? And what does that look like when a car ahead of me in carpool straddles the two carpool lanes and clogs up the traffic flow!?! Or when my children all take turns getting a virus, just as my copay increases and my part-time income decreases!
While I can see my ability to handle these (minor) challenges with grace and patience grow as I devote myself to seeking a godly, eternal perspective on life, the disparity between the spiritual depths I reach when I am engaged in a heart-to-heart with my Maker and the pettiness at which I can get caught up in any given day is disturbing to me. It is this awareness of my inner spiritual poverty, however, that keeps me on this quest.
This week, a conversation about the movie trilogy Lord of the Rings prompted an insight about this very issue, at least at a symbolic level. In this story by Tolkien, the heroes are engaged in a battle of good versus evil that will determine the fate of Middle Earth. The battle is both spiritual and physical.
Spiritually, the heroes must overcome their own vulnerability to evil, their mistrust of team members (the fellowship), the pain of betrayal, fear of failure, and the temptation to despair in the light of overwhelming obstacles. Physically, they must endure many forms of suffering, and they will all very literally engage in more than one hand-to-hand combat, to-the-death fight. Blood will be spilt, and no one will be spared bodily harm. Not even the main hero, Frodo.
Evil, in the form of Orcs, goblins, and Uruk-hai, is ruthlessly brutal and singularly focused on the annihilation of all forms of life: trees, humans, hobbits, elves. The Uruk-hai, especially, are everything I might imagine a demonic force to look like in a physical form. Truly the stuff of nightmares! I think if we could see our spiritual enemy for who he really is- how utterly bent on our destruction and how abominably wicked he and his demonic horde are—it would look a lot like how evil is portrayed in this trilogy.
Although the battles are fought with real human (and elf and dwarf) effort, even to the death, the victories that are won are supernatural—connected to the faith and hope and love of the heroes in the face of staggering odds.
Through this analogy, I perceive another ray of light in my journey to learn the balance between my human effort and God’s amazing power and sovereignty to work in me:
On this earth, my life here plays out in the physical realm of circumstances, but the battles are lost or won in my heart where I choose either faith or fear, love or anger, rest or stress, hope or despair. These choices are my part in the journey. The outcomes of the external conflicts are His.
…and the quest continues…
How much of being spiritual is the part when I am still, reflective, devotional, and meditating on God’s Word in a private, personal worship time? And what does that look like when a car ahead of me in carpool straddles the two carpool lanes and clogs up the traffic flow!?! Or when my children all take turns getting a virus, just as my copay increases and my part-time income decreases!
While I can see my ability to handle these (minor) challenges with grace and patience grow as I devote myself to seeking a godly, eternal perspective on life, the disparity between the spiritual depths I reach when I am engaged in a heart-to-heart with my Maker and the pettiness at which I can get caught up in any given day is disturbing to me. It is this awareness of my inner spiritual poverty, however, that keeps me on this quest.
This week, a conversation about the movie trilogy Lord of the Rings prompted an insight about this very issue, at least at a symbolic level. In this story by Tolkien, the heroes are engaged in a battle of good versus evil that will determine the fate of Middle Earth. The battle is both spiritual and physical.
Spiritually, the heroes must overcome their own vulnerability to evil, their mistrust of team members (the fellowship), the pain of betrayal, fear of failure, and the temptation to despair in the light of overwhelming obstacles. Physically, they must endure many forms of suffering, and they will all very literally engage in more than one hand-to-hand combat, to-the-death fight. Blood will be spilt, and no one will be spared bodily harm. Not even the main hero, Frodo.
Evil, in the form of Orcs, goblins, and Uruk-hai, is ruthlessly brutal and singularly focused on the annihilation of all forms of life: trees, humans, hobbits, elves. The Uruk-hai, especially, are everything I might imagine a demonic force to look like in a physical form. Truly the stuff of nightmares! I think if we could see our spiritual enemy for who he really is- how utterly bent on our destruction and how abominably wicked he and his demonic horde are—it would look a lot like how evil is portrayed in this trilogy.
Although the battles are fought with real human (and elf and dwarf) effort, even to the death, the victories that are won are supernatural—connected to the faith and hope and love of the heroes in the face of staggering odds.
Through this analogy, I perceive another ray of light in my journey to learn the balance between my human effort and God’s amazing power and sovereignty to work in me:
On this earth, my life here plays out in the physical realm of circumstances, but the battles are lost or won in my heart where I choose either faith or fear, love or anger, rest or stress, hope or despair. These choices are my part in the journey. The outcomes of the external conflicts are His.
…and the quest continues…
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Time in an artesian bottle: la dolce vita
“If I could put time in a bottle….” Do you remember that song? From somewhere in my childhood growing up in the 1970’s, this song lingers in my brain with its haunting lyric of idyllic longing.
The precious commodity of time has been a recurring theme in my reading and in my life this week. Both of the books I am reading by Frances Mayes (her latest, A Year in the World and an earlier work, Bella Tuscany) reference time in quality and quantity as critical components to her travels and life choices. In 2001, Frances and her husband Ed left tenured professorships to travel abroad, visiting all the sites they had ever always wanted to visit “someday.” After the death of a parent, a few friends, and several struggles with cancer among her friends, they decided someday was now or never.
Bella Tuscany takes place a couple of years earlier when for the first time, she and Ed can spend more than just a summer or Christmas holiday at their home in Cortona, Italy. They take a six month sabbatical and arrive in early March to spend their first spring in Tuscany. A line from her preface says it all: “I came to Italy expecting adventure. What I never anticipated is the absolute joy of everyday life—la dolce vita” (xii).
Italians live life differently than Americans. Many would say they live it better. It has a lot to do with how they approach time. Time for a sumptuous meal. Time for friends and for family. Time for a hand-made pair of shoes or a tailored Armani suit.
Time is an essential ingredient for all that is worthwhile. Its quantity inextricably tied to quality.
I do not collect time in a bottle. Everyday the hourglass of time sifts me one moment at a time, at a rate of 24 hours a day—no more and no less. What I do with that time is collected in the mind’s book of memories or it fades to nothingness and meaninglessness.
The time ahead of me still seems like a vast reservoir of opportunity. My grandmother lived to be 90; I am 42. I’m not even halfway there yet. But the number of my days is not guaranteed. I am keenly aware that I have only a few years with my children at home.
What I want is la dolce vita—to find the sweetness in the everyday, whatever the season of my life.
The precious commodity of time has been a recurring theme in my reading and in my life this week. Both of the books I am reading by Frances Mayes (her latest, A Year in the World and an earlier work, Bella Tuscany) reference time in quality and quantity as critical components to her travels and life choices. In 2001, Frances and her husband Ed left tenured professorships to travel abroad, visiting all the sites they had ever always wanted to visit “someday.” After the death of a parent, a few friends, and several struggles with cancer among her friends, they decided someday was now or never.
Bella Tuscany takes place a couple of years earlier when for the first time, she and Ed can spend more than just a summer or Christmas holiday at their home in Cortona, Italy. They take a six month sabbatical and arrive in early March to spend their first spring in Tuscany. A line from her preface says it all: “I came to Italy expecting adventure. What I never anticipated is the absolute joy of everyday life—la dolce vita” (xii).
Italians live life differently than Americans. Many would say they live it better. It has a lot to do with how they approach time. Time for a sumptuous meal. Time for friends and for family. Time for a hand-made pair of shoes or a tailored Armani suit.
Time is an essential ingredient for all that is worthwhile. Its quantity inextricably tied to quality.
I do not collect time in a bottle. Everyday the hourglass of time sifts me one moment at a time, at a rate of 24 hours a day—no more and no less. What I do with that time is collected in the mind’s book of memories or it fades to nothingness and meaninglessness.
The time ahead of me still seems like a vast reservoir of opportunity. My grandmother lived to be 90; I am 42. I’m not even halfway there yet. But the number of my days is not guaranteed. I am keenly aware that I have only a few years with my children at home.
What I want is la dolce vita—to find the sweetness in the everyday, whatever the season of my life.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Book Review: Fresh Faith by Jim Cymbala
I am participating in a monthly book study through our church's women's ministry, led by our pastor's wife, Karon Walls. Karon has come up with an excellent list of Christian books for us to read this year, and I thought it would be good to share some of these with you by way of review.
The book Fresh Faith: What Happens when Real Faith Ignites God’s People by the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle pastor Jim Cymbala is one in a series that includes Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and Fresh Power. Published in 1999 with coauthor Dean Merrill, the book offers a straightforward, roll up your sleeves and take God at His Word approach to living the Christian life.
The power of this book comes not only from its reliance on Scriptural mandates and role models, but on the raw and rugged faithwalk of a pastor and his congregation as they have embraced truth and experienced a transformation among its members that has become legendary among American evangelical churches. However, Cymbala is quick to confess that neither he nor his flock has any special formula that unlocks the mystery of spiritual “success.” And it is that fresh, no-frills transparency that makes this book so appealing.
The book is structured in three sections. The first part, “Something is Missing,” addresses the absence of real vibrant faith in our churches and in our personal lives. Rather than placing blame, Cymbala takes aim at the Enemy who has stolen two of the most important weapons we have: faith and prayer. He asks, “Whatever happened to the core truth of the Protestant Reformation, namely, that we do not earn our way with God but rather receive his grace by faith?”(44). Instead of attacking the symptoms of unbelief, we must abandon our efforts to just try harder and instead place our complete faith in “God’s unfailing promises” (49).
The second section, “Getting Past the Barricades,” speaks to the circumstances and challenges in our lives that have dimmed or challenged our faith. The first is our own hurtful past: the mistakes we have made that make us feel unable and inadequate to receive God’s promises or the hurts and abuses others have inflicted upon us that cause us to doubt God’s goodness. Using Joseph as an example, Cymbala offers the hope of forgetting (“Manasseh”) and finding fruitfulness (“Ephraim”) in the land of our suffering.
Another challenge is the often gray area of how one is actually led by God on a daily basis. Can we trust God to lead us? Or are we mostly on our own? Cymbala calls for “sanctified reasoning” (70) that asks for God’s leading and then follows it as it is revealed. What often gets in the way of this, he says, is our own cleverness and our impatience to wait on God’s timing for a desired result. King Saul failed this test by offering the sacrifice himself. His lack of faith resulted in an act of disobedience that cost him his crown and his legacy. Sometimes, the test comes in the waiting as we become discouraged. Cymbala emphasizes endurance as a key component to a life-changing faith. Ultimately, however, great faith is rooted in an awareness of great grace. Life change is always an act of God’s grace and not our own effort. No matter how destructive the sin-choice or horrific the consequence, life-changing faith realizes that grace trumps it all. No exception. Faith in God’s grace to redeem is a fundamental requirement for a faith that pleases God and changes lives.
Part three, “Following the Divine Channel,” provides some concrete faith principles and paradigms that can be applied by every believer. First, he describes Abraham as a person of faith who followed (and sometimes failed to follow) God, but who endured as a legacy of faith because his faith was focused on the promises of God, rather than His commands. Cymbala’s most compelling insight comes from this emphasis on God’s promises as the basis of our faith. We tend to focus on God’s commands and have faith depending upon our level of obedience to those commands. Cymbala states, “It is true that God’s moral commands teach us where we fall short. That is necessary—but it does not bring a solution to our human dilemma. Only the promises bring us hope, if we respond in faith, as Abraham did” (152). Another key principle for gaining fresh faith is the inevitable refining process. Cymbala calls this “addition by subtraction” and encourages us to embrace, rather than fight, God’s work of purification.
Cymbala ends with a chapter with guidance on cultivating an “atmosphere of faith.” In addition to the practice of Bible study and prayer, we should look back with thanksgiving and forward with anticipation, focused always on the promises of God.
Laced with real-life stories of transformed New Yorkers and flesh-and-blood examples from Scripture, this book takes living by faith out of the theoretical and ethereal and places it right into the everyday, whether we find ourselves desperately at the end of our rope or whether we are just trying to find God in the day-to day challenges in our world.
The paperback published by Zondervan has 210 pages of text, an Epilogue of faith-building Scripture promises, and a study guide.
The book Fresh Faith: What Happens when Real Faith Ignites God’s People by the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle pastor Jim Cymbala is one in a series that includes Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and Fresh Power. Published in 1999 with coauthor Dean Merrill, the book offers a straightforward, roll up your sleeves and take God at His Word approach to living the Christian life.
The power of this book comes not only from its reliance on Scriptural mandates and role models, but on the raw and rugged faithwalk of a pastor and his congregation as they have embraced truth and experienced a transformation among its members that has become legendary among American evangelical churches. However, Cymbala is quick to confess that neither he nor his flock has any special formula that unlocks the mystery of spiritual “success.” And it is that fresh, no-frills transparency that makes this book so appealing.
The book is structured in three sections. The first part, “Something is Missing,” addresses the absence of real vibrant faith in our churches and in our personal lives. Rather than placing blame, Cymbala takes aim at the Enemy who has stolen two of the most important weapons we have: faith and prayer. He asks, “Whatever happened to the core truth of the Protestant Reformation, namely, that we do not earn our way with God but rather receive his grace by faith?”(44). Instead of attacking the symptoms of unbelief, we must abandon our efforts to just try harder and instead place our complete faith in “God’s unfailing promises” (49).
The second section, “Getting Past the Barricades,” speaks to the circumstances and challenges in our lives that have dimmed or challenged our faith. The first is our own hurtful past: the mistakes we have made that make us feel unable and inadequate to receive God’s promises or the hurts and abuses others have inflicted upon us that cause us to doubt God’s goodness. Using Joseph as an example, Cymbala offers the hope of forgetting (“Manasseh”) and finding fruitfulness (“Ephraim”) in the land of our suffering.
Another challenge is the often gray area of how one is actually led by God on a daily basis. Can we trust God to lead us? Or are we mostly on our own? Cymbala calls for “sanctified reasoning” (70) that asks for God’s leading and then follows it as it is revealed. What often gets in the way of this, he says, is our own cleverness and our impatience to wait on God’s timing for a desired result. King Saul failed this test by offering the sacrifice himself. His lack of faith resulted in an act of disobedience that cost him his crown and his legacy. Sometimes, the test comes in the waiting as we become discouraged. Cymbala emphasizes endurance as a key component to a life-changing faith. Ultimately, however, great faith is rooted in an awareness of great grace. Life change is always an act of God’s grace and not our own effort. No matter how destructive the sin-choice or horrific the consequence, life-changing faith realizes that grace trumps it all. No exception. Faith in God’s grace to redeem is a fundamental requirement for a faith that pleases God and changes lives.
Part three, “Following the Divine Channel,” provides some concrete faith principles and paradigms that can be applied by every believer. First, he describes Abraham as a person of faith who followed (and sometimes failed to follow) God, but who endured as a legacy of faith because his faith was focused on the promises of God, rather than His commands. Cymbala’s most compelling insight comes from this emphasis on God’s promises as the basis of our faith. We tend to focus on God’s commands and have faith depending upon our level of obedience to those commands. Cymbala states, “It is true that God’s moral commands teach us where we fall short. That is necessary—but it does not bring a solution to our human dilemma. Only the promises bring us hope, if we respond in faith, as Abraham did” (152). Another key principle for gaining fresh faith is the inevitable refining process. Cymbala calls this “addition by subtraction” and encourages us to embrace, rather than fight, God’s work of purification.
Cymbala ends with a chapter with guidance on cultivating an “atmosphere of faith.” In addition to the practice of Bible study and prayer, we should look back with thanksgiving and forward with anticipation, focused always on the promises of God.
Laced with real-life stories of transformed New Yorkers and flesh-and-blood examples from Scripture, this book takes living by faith out of the theoretical and ethereal and places it right into the everyday, whether we find ourselves desperately at the end of our rope or whether we are just trying to find God in the day-to day challenges in our world.
The paperback published by Zondervan has 210 pages of text, an Epilogue of faith-building Scripture promises, and a study guide.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Wedding Belles
I don’t think I have mentioned this before, but I direct weddings. For the months and weeks beforehand, I work with the bride and her mother to coordinate the plans that they have made for the bride’s special day. Then, the weekend of her wedding, I am there to pull it all together, just as planned.
In addition to directing weddings at my church (Shades Mtn. Independent Church in Hoover, Alabama), I direct weddings in the Colonial Chapel at the historic American Village in Montevallo, Alabama; and I have directed outdoor weddings in various locales: the beach, on estates, in gardens, and poolside.
As part of my spiritual journey, I consider it a great honor to assist couples with their wedding: it is one of the most spiritual commitments they make. Marriage is, in fact, the only human being-to-human being “covenant” relationship that two people will ever form. Upon the foundation of that covenant, a home is made and a family begun.
Elaborate, and often expensive, preparations are made: a question is asked, a promise is made, a ring is given and received, and wedding plans commence. Brides start their search for the perfect dress and the perfect wedding location. Will they walk barefoot in white onto a pristine beach as the sun sets? Or will she have the traditional wedding she has always dreamed of in the church she grew up in? Will the couple ride away to their honeymoon in carriage, limo, or vintage automobile? What color will the bridemaids’ dresses be? What style tuxedo for the groom? For the groomsmen?
So many decisions to be made. So many hopes resting on this one day. So much stress and anxiety for a thirty minute ceremony that will change their lives forever!
I have directed weddings long enough to sadly see some of them come undone. I have also enjoyed watching couples grow into a family as little ones have come along. To watch the mystery of two becoming one and out of that bond flow great ministry, great partnership, great love and family.
Bells in the steeple no longer ring out for each and every wedding, but they should. The belles and beaus that walk that aisle and say their “I do’s” have begun a dance together that is like no other.
Release the doves. Blow the shafar. Throw the flower petals. Strike up the band. Ring all the bells. Hold nothing back. Celebrate the beauty and mystery of it all.
In addition to directing weddings at my church (Shades Mtn. Independent Church in Hoover, Alabama), I direct weddings in the Colonial Chapel at the historic American Village in Montevallo, Alabama; and I have directed outdoor weddings in various locales: the beach, on estates, in gardens, and poolside.
As part of my spiritual journey, I consider it a great honor to assist couples with their wedding: it is one of the most spiritual commitments they make. Marriage is, in fact, the only human being-to-human being “covenant” relationship that two people will ever form. Upon the foundation of that covenant, a home is made and a family begun.
Elaborate, and often expensive, preparations are made: a question is asked, a promise is made, a ring is given and received, and wedding plans commence. Brides start their search for the perfect dress and the perfect wedding location. Will they walk barefoot in white onto a pristine beach as the sun sets? Or will she have the traditional wedding she has always dreamed of in the church she grew up in? Will the couple ride away to their honeymoon in carriage, limo, or vintage automobile? What color will the bridemaids’ dresses be? What style tuxedo for the groom? For the groomsmen?
So many decisions to be made. So many hopes resting on this one day. So much stress and anxiety for a thirty minute ceremony that will change their lives forever!
I have directed weddings long enough to sadly see some of them come undone. I have also enjoyed watching couples grow into a family as little ones have come along. To watch the mystery of two becoming one and out of that bond flow great ministry, great partnership, great love and family.
Bells in the steeple no longer ring out for each and every wedding, but they should. The belles and beaus that walk that aisle and say their “I do’s” have begun a dance together that is like no other.
Release the doves. Blow the shafar. Throw the flower petals. Strike up the band. Ring all the bells. Hold nothing back. Celebrate the beauty and mystery of it all.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
A Passionate Resolve
In spite of the bleak and often dismal backdrop of winter, the start of a new year always brings with it the promise and freshness of a new beginning-a hope for something better than what we have been or experienced before.
Resolutions are made. Or resisted. Sometimes making a resolution can doom an intention to failure, right from the start! How many have been made only to be broken before winter’s end?
A resolution can seem like self-imposed torture as a way of motivating myself to be what I ought to be, but have not been. The die- in diet. The ex- in exercise.
But there is something to be said for resolve. A choice of the will to make a change, for the better.
And to mean it.
Personally, I would love to be governed solely by purity of heart and mind: divinely focused passions that motivate richly intense and fulfilling experiences of love at every level of my relationships. A life overflowing with the goodness and grace of God, guided by wisdom and godly choices.
I fail so often at this, I wonder ever to strive at all for something so out of reach of my humanity. And yet…the hunger and longing for living spiritually in the everyday dramas continues. And tastes of such an indescribable life stir my appetite for more.
Oddly, the bleakness of winter is the best time of all for change. Leaves and foliage all stripped away, my naked backyard is exposed for critical scrutiny. With the removal of Christmas décor, the interior of my house seems stark and bare. Similarly, after all the frenzy of the holidays, my quieted life (however briefly this lasts) lays open and undressed awaiting the garment of a new life, new pursuits. Or resuming the old ones.
And so, I resolve to put on a new garment:
I resolve… to feed the hunger and fuel the passion that moves me in this spiritual pursuit.
I resolve… to nurture my spirit, as I have my mind.
…To tend the garden of my heart with great care and intention.
…To be open to more possibilities.
…To not miss the moment in today while I plan for tomorrow.
…To look in the eyes of another and see the uniqueness of that one immortal soul.
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