Friday night is Prayer Retreat #2. To prepare, I'm clearing out old boxes in the basement. A box of journals needed to be moved, but I also needed to prepare my heart, so I read a few. Here is a glimpse back to the restoration in progress, January 2013. (Be mindful, this was a journal entry about a boy...)
"Not only am I holding onto a broken, human hope, but I am placing hope in a broken human. Christ's love brings victory, but I am unwilling to leave the battlefield of my earthly dreams. Eternal hope is for eternal souls. My feet are stubbornly set in the temporary.
By hanging onto a broken relationship with a broken human, I am choosing earthly identity over the Heavenly. My first name or last name doesn't even matter, because Christ has an altogether different name for me as His daughter. I must let go of these fleeting hopes--they only bring pain. His love is unfailing and eternal.
The problem is, I love like a human. My sin is so irrevocably strong--I can't fight it. The answer, though, is so much more beautiful. My Savior is the real and everlasting Champion. He defeated every sin. He defeated death. He purchased me. He makes me whole.
I am a citizen of Heaven. However I worship God, He remains God. Whoever I love as husband, Christ is my Savior. Truth cannot be changed by me. But praise You, Lord. I can be changed by the Truth!"-- January 24, 2013
"Somedays, I am the confident conqueror of the known world. Wanted and loved, there is no challenge beyond my grasp. I am trained and prepared for my tasks and my given name means 'victorious spirit'. On paper, I find myself impressive.
Yet, God in His infinite wisdom champions humility. My Master became an infant in order to save the entire world. My mightiest deeds will pass away without mention in the overwhelm of history, but the fact that God became human brought Heaven into the realm of earth. This is why humility is such a big deal.
Arrogance taints the sweet, fierce reflection of my Savior."--January 29, 2013
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014
summer reading
We read a lot in our house. Sometimes we read fat biographies (Hannah is reading Bonhoffer by Metataxas) but also tounge-in cheek blog posts (like whatever Matt Walsh has to say about the trending social media topic.) I habitually read multiple books at once. Here is the overview of themes in our combined summer reading:
Christianity will never be cool. Jesus promised that His disciples would be hated by the world (John 15:20, 16:2). This is not an ideal of antiquity. Martyrs throughout Christendom stand witness to the truth that Christianity is counter to prevailing culture. Look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's legacy. Still relevant today? Read Next Christians by Gabe Lyons, or if you have less time, read this blog post.
A Christianity that conforms doesn't fit with previous summer reading list picks (Radical by Platt, Fast Living:58 by Todd, Bruchko by Olson.) More importantly, "cool" Christianity doesn't fit with the directives Paul records in Romans:
"Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."-Romans 12:2 NIV
Those of us who grew up with flannel-grams, WWJD bracelets, and WOW! That's what I call music are more than a little excited to finally be considered "cool". The hipster trend is timely, especially for us in communities with a missional flavor. I intentionally say "us" because my church is full of hipsters... and I am wearing a hand-me-down sweater that is suddenly fashionable again.
Christianity, though, is more than wearing a summer camp t-shirt. Instead, Christians are to wear virtues that identify us as belonging to the Savior. Holy means to be set-apart, to be saved for a special purpose.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."-Colossians 2:12-14
Facts change. Truth doesn't. It's only on the reading list still because I didn't finish it over Spring Break, but Samuel Arbresman details the Half-Life of Facts. What we know about the world through science...changes. Adam lent me a book about black holes that is flat-out crazy (Black Hole War by Susskind.) Our understanding of truth can change, with a sudden new event (Flatland by Abbott) or because of measurable differences within our personality (Quiet by Cain). This does not mean that truth changes!!! Just because I cannot understand an infinite God does not mean that He must have limits. It only means that I have limits.
"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."--Job 42:2-3 NIV
Sin is the bigger problem in the world. I don't care about Hobby Lobby or 50 Shades of Gray or the Bachelorette, although my facebook newsfeed insists I should. Yesterday's post referenced a number of news stories about recent global tragedies. News stories are full of bad people doing bad things, around the world. Plane crashes, gas field attacks, plagues and famines. Life is fragile, broken by sin. As long as people are alive to hear about Jesus, what else would we need to talk about?
After a year and a half, I'm finally in the home stretch of Les Miserables by Hugo. It's the good part, too. Action. Integrity. Redemption. Following through on plans for battle. Life is a constant war against death.
The latest read in our house is a little dry (Senator Ryan's budget report) but meaningful in the quest of loving our neighbors. Our literal neighbors lend tools that we don't have, and in return we bring flowers and produce. Maybe that's how poverty ends? Supernatural love transforming communities.
I have nothing left to say tonight. It seems fitting to end this point and post with Gospel:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."--Romans 6:23
Christianity will never be cool. Jesus promised that His disciples would be hated by the world (John 15:20, 16:2). This is not an ideal of antiquity. Martyrs throughout Christendom stand witness to the truth that Christianity is counter to prevailing culture. Look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's legacy. Still relevant today? Read Next Christians by Gabe Lyons, or if you have less time, read this blog post.
A Christianity that conforms doesn't fit with previous summer reading list picks (Radical by Platt, Fast Living:58 by Todd, Bruchko by Olson.) More importantly, "cool" Christianity doesn't fit with the directives Paul records in Romans:
"Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."-Romans 12:2 NIV
Those of us who grew up with flannel-grams, WWJD bracelets, and WOW! That's what I call music are more than a little excited to finally be considered "cool". The hipster trend is timely, especially for us in communities with a missional flavor. I intentionally say "us" because my church is full of hipsters... and I am wearing a hand-me-down sweater that is suddenly fashionable again.
Christianity, though, is more than wearing a summer camp t-shirt. Instead, Christians are to wear virtues that identify us as belonging to the Savior. Holy means to be set-apart, to be saved for a special purpose.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."-Colossians 2:12-14
Facts change. Truth doesn't. It's only on the reading list still because I didn't finish it over Spring Break, but Samuel Arbresman details the Half-Life of Facts. What we know about the world through science...changes. Adam lent me a book about black holes that is flat-out crazy (Black Hole War by Susskind.) Our understanding of truth can change, with a sudden new event (Flatland by Abbott) or because of measurable differences within our personality (Quiet by Cain). This does not mean that truth changes!!! Just because I cannot understand an infinite God does not mean that He must have limits. It only means that I have limits.
"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."--Job 42:2-3 NIV
Sin is the bigger problem in the world. I don't care about Hobby Lobby or 50 Shades of Gray or the Bachelorette, although my facebook newsfeed insists I should. Yesterday's post referenced a number of news stories about recent global tragedies. News stories are full of bad people doing bad things, around the world. Plane crashes, gas field attacks, plagues and famines. Life is fragile, broken by sin. As long as people are alive to hear about Jesus, what else would we need to talk about?
After a year and a half, I'm finally in the home stretch of Les Miserables by Hugo. It's the good part, too. Action. Integrity. Redemption. Following through on plans for battle. Life is a constant war against death.
The latest read in our house is a little dry (Senator Ryan's budget report) but meaningful in the quest of loving our neighbors. Our literal neighbors lend tools that we don't have, and in return we bring flowers and produce. Maybe that's how poverty ends? Supernatural love transforming communities.
I have nothing left to say tonight. It seems fitting to end this point and post with Gospel:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."--Romans 6:23
Thursday, July 24, 2014
don't panic
"And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."-- Mark 13:7 & 8 NIV
Have you watched, read or listened to the news lately? It seems the world is at war.
Nearly 300 people died when their plane was potentially shot down above a war zone. Another 200 died when their plane avoided a dust storm into another active war zone. Over 1,000 people have contracted Ebola in Western Africa.
These are just the numbers from stories in the news today.
The news makes it sound like sin is winning. The news proclaims that death has the victory.
"For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ..." 1 Cor 15:56 & 57 NLT
This is the news we don't hear on TV. This is the news we don't read on social media. But this is the best news of eternity! Jesus wins! Sin is defeated. Death cannot claim victory.
Life! Glorious life! Jesus swallows up death in victory.
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." 1 Cor 15:58 NLT
In the shadow of horrible tragedies today: in Mali. In Sierra Leone. In Gaza.
In the light of Jesus' victory over the grave: Grace. Redemption. Hope.
There will be wars and rumors of wars every day until the end. And, there will be HOPE, glorious hope eternal, even past the end. This is our battle cry, entering into the war with the greatest weapon of all time: hope in Jesus Christ.
Have you watched, read or listened to the news lately? It seems the world is at war.
Nearly 300 people died when their plane was potentially shot down above a war zone. Another 200 died when their plane avoided a dust storm into another active war zone. Over 1,000 people have contracted Ebola in Western Africa.
These are just the numbers from stories in the news today.
The news makes it sound like sin is winning. The news proclaims that death has the victory.
"For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ..." 1 Cor 15:56 & 57 NLT
This is the news we don't hear on TV. This is the news we don't read on social media. But this is the best news of eternity! Jesus wins! Sin is defeated. Death cannot claim victory.
Life! Glorious life! Jesus swallows up death in victory.
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." 1 Cor 15:58 NLT
In the shadow of horrible tragedies today: in Mali. In Sierra Leone. In Gaza.
In the light of Jesus' victory over the grave: Grace. Redemption. Hope.
There will be wars and rumors of wars every day until the end. And, there will be HOPE, glorious hope eternal, even past the end. This is our battle cry, entering into the war with the greatest weapon of all time: hope in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
sweet spot
There is an essay brewing in my soul, but I am too sunburned to write it tonight.
Today is Wednesday of Kid's camp. In camp culture, Wednesday is usually "sin day". It's the day of recognizing the brokenness that invades earth and seeks to destroy God's perfect plan. Wednesdays are the days where the story becomes real, the plot thickens, the darkness is brought into light.
Camp today was beautiful. Kids were asked to invite their friends and neighbors for FREE and our camp was full of first time guests. The Gospel was proclaimed loudly. Pray for students and the families they represent to be touched by God's mercy and grace.
Then, tonight at youth group, the message focused on John 4. The theme was how God brings our darkness into His Light. Truth. Grace. Good news for everyone.
We also had the greatest water fight I've ever witnessed...
Afterwards, a friend mentioned "You're really in your sweet spot" about the water fight I helped plan. We talked about how different this year was from last year. I would have never expected to see God use my gifts in this way. I figured prophets were supposed to share truth, always. But, it seems prophets can plan pretty great recreation activities, too.
God, grant the humility to follow you eagerly into every adventure. I don't have the strength for these challenges, but you plant me in the "sweet spot" for your credit. Camp and youth group. Work at school. Friends, neighbors and family. In every situation, God provides the grace to love with His love.
That's the gist: serving Jesus is the "sweet spot."
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.--Isaiah 66:2 NIV
Today is Wednesday of Kid's camp. In camp culture, Wednesday is usually "sin day". It's the day of recognizing the brokenness that invades earth and seeks to destroy God's perfect plan. Wednesdays are the days where the story becomes real, the plot thickens, the darkness is brought into light.
Camp today was beautiful. Kids were asked to invite their friends and neighbors for FREE and our camp was full of first time guests. The Gospel was proclaimed loudly. Pray for students and the families they represent to be touched by God's mercy and grace.
Then, tonight at youth group, the message focused on John 4. The theme was how God brings our darkness into His Light. Truth. Grace. Good news for everyone.
We also had the greatest water fight I've ever witnessed...
Afterwards, a friend mentioned "You're really in your sweet spot" about the water fight I helped plan. We talked about how different this year was from last year. I would have never expected to see God use my gifts in this way. I figured prophets were supposed to share truth, always. But, it seems prophets can plan pretty great recreation activities, too.
God, grant the humility to follow you eagerly into every adventure. I don't have the strength for these challenges, but you plant me in the "sweet spot" for your credit. Camp and youth group. Work at school. Friends, neighbors and family. In every situation, God provides the grace to love with His love.
That's the gist: serving Jesus is the "sweet spot."
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.--Isaiah 66:2 NIV
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| A reminder of the "sweet spot" for 10 months of the year, loving students for Christ at school. |
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| The team of exchange students from the Basque country who only listen when I give instructions in Spanish (and make fun of it, as they should). |
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| Our Recreation Lead team at camp, serving God together. |
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| Student servant leaders finding their "sweet spot" at the beach we built in our field. |
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
garden
My new favorite place in the world is this garden.
These pictures from my web cam are a little blurry, and backwards, but still capture the life, beauty and excitement that bursts through. The sunflowers in the fence are now seven feet tall, dwarfing my Kia parked behind.
Green beans, green tomatoes, green spinach and green peppers are nearly ready for harvest. The potatoes and cauliflower, too, grow larger each day. The artichokes, asparagus and fruit trees will need more than just this year. And the broccoli... there's always next year.This garden has taught me so much about patience and hope.
In the sweet cohesion of the Spirit, our church leaders are in the middle of a sermon series called "Cultivate." Very important moments in the story of God's love for the world happened in gardens. Like a garden, important relationships take a lot of tender, careful, hard work.
This garden reminds me that God has a larger, unexpected plan. Not just for me. Not just for my house or neighborhood. God has a beautiful, surprising plan to bring life from dirt. He patiently crafts beautiful harvests. This is why I love my little garden so much. It reminds me that God is in control. I just get to be a part of the growing.
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