A reflection

I was listening to a teaching by T. Keller on hope.  He mentions Tolkien’s writings on fairy stories.  He say's the reason for their popularity is they convey what we are longing for: to step outside of time; to escape death; to love without parting; to hold communion with non-human beings and to see good triumph over evil.  These stories bring out a certain kind of joy.  For the Christian that joy is a memory trace of how life was meant to be – and will be again.

I think this is also the reason we find such beauty in creation, we are moved by nature singing the praises of its’ Maker.  It calls us in to be united with its beauty in worshiping our Maker and a reminder that our Maker loves us.

Getting Old

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the LORD upholds him with His hand. 

I have been young, and now am old… (Psa 37:23-25)

They say there are three signs of old age. The first is your loss of memory. I forget the other two. 

 As this year draws to an end and another year of my life is behind me, I find this psalm quite comforting.  For though at times I miss the days of my youth, I would not trade them for the days I am now in – there is a peace and contentment I never knew then – and a knowing that keeps me secure.  As David says, I may stumble but He is always there to lift me up with a gentle touch and a warm embrace.  And while there are things I may forget, I know that I am never forgotten and that He will always remind me of those things that I need to know – which is mostly Him.

Don’t worry about anything . . .

but throw your worries upon God.

This was part of my reading this morning.  I must confess, worry is something I’ve always struggled with.  I don’t want to worry because I do believe God is not pleased when I do but I’m not sure, once it starts, just how to stop it.    

This morning the last half of the verse really caught my attention – it was almost like a challenge, a test me and see sort-of-thing.  So I decided I’d give it a go and the following is my testimony.   

          

We’re currently in the mountains.  Several months ago I bought a shirt at a local thrift store.  It was a bit big, but perfect for wearing around the house with a pair of sweat pants.  I just leave it here, it’s my mountain shirt and in a funny way I look forward to wearing it when we’re here.

Well the last time we were here I couldn’t find it when we were getting ready to leave.  No big deal, but it “worried” me a bit.  When we got here this time, I immediately began looking for it and still wasn’t able to find it. 

This is where my testimony comes in.  After the reading from Philippians and pondering a bit, I decided that since I didn’t know where it was and that not knowing was “worrying” me, I would simply throw my worries upon God – after all, I was sure He knew where it was – so I left it with Him and went about my day.

As I was taking my morning shower, which I truly love on a cold winter’s morn in the mountains, out of the blue it occurred to me “look behind the dresser”.  And so that is what I did . . . and guess what was there.  Hidden and just barely visible –  was my shirt.

Now I realize with all the problems in the world today, finding a shirt is not a high priority.  But for me it was just an example of my Father’s love and care . . . and a bit of humor as well.  Isn’t He just amazing <3

A remembering and a prayer

I was reading this morning about a situation of a girl in high-school, shy and uncertain, and how she was bullied by others.  Remembering how in my youth others (even those who were supposedly my friends) would point out, with great delight, any flaws in personality or appearance.  For me it was having light facial hair, big breasts and even the fact that I wouldn’t “put out” for my boyfriend.  Those words and actions left open wounds that have healed over time as I’ve learned that I am not defined but what others think of me, but it has taken a life time and the love and grace of a loving Father.  And while the wounds have healed, the scars remain

But I have also come to accept these scars as trophies, blessings in disguise, because I am stronger and more secure because of them.  What the world may say is not who I am.  I am a daughter of The King, loved and adored and cherished: He has turned ashes into beauty, sorrow into joy and made whole what was broken.

My prayer is for those who have been bullied by the world, that they would come to know and accept that they are loved unconditionally; that they have a heavenly Father who is longing to embrace them and rejoice over them – if they will let Him.

A Personal Thanksgiving

Abba, we’re here.  Once again we made it safely to the mountains and thank You that they are still here.  I want to thank You for all that You do, have done and are doing in my life.  It was this time of year, so many years ago, that I surrendered my life to You and I am forever grateful for You calling me to be Your child.  Thank You for Jesus, for His life, death and resurrection.  For forgiving me and for desiring to be in relationship with me, for Your Spirit and His indwelling within my sinner’s heart.  For Your faithfulness even when I am not and for Your AMAZING Grace that has brought me thus far and will at last bring me home.  I just want to spend each and every moment loving You and being loved by You.  There is no greater joy than knowing I am Yours and You are mine.

Praise

Praise has the power to heal.  Praise = admiration.  To not admire would mean to miss out of something.  To admire is to simply be awake, to have entered into the real world.  (Keller quoting CS Lewis)

This morning I started the day listening to the Prayer (David Archuleta), a recording I admire greatly.  Just hearing him sing, his voice joined with the other vocalist, the instruments and the words  . . . caused a response of such peace, joy and a surrender -  to be lost in the moment.  I’m just so grateful for the experience.  Such is admiration.  

This is what praising our Father is like.  It touches something so deep within us that we are changed by the experience.  It’s not something we can muster up or make happen.  It’s something we can enter into when we give Him the opportunity, to listen and just be present with Him, when we give Him our focus and attention . . . He is there with us and we are forever changed.

The Prayer

Morning time in the mountains

As I sit here in the stillness of the morning I am so grateful just to be alive – physically and spiritually. To be able to experience all the beauty that surrounds me.  The chorus of little birds singing their songs, a cool breeze gently blowing in through the open windows, darkness slowing giving way to light, puppies at my feet and my life’s companion, my soul mate sitting in the next room. I have no need of anything because I all things in Christ. 

We’ve had some small trials while here.  The AC went out, we had to do some work for some clients while here, two of the puppies went on an adventure and we had to go and find them. Small things but each one created some stress – but with each one a blessing as well.  The weather has been very pleasant, so the AC is not really needed.  We have clients and they have provided us with a living.  And the puppies were found all safe and sound.

I desire to live each day with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving for whatever may come my way.  I’m not there yet, but I’m confident that as a child of the living God, He will make it happen - by turning the ashes into beauty, by making a way where there was none, and by giving me a peace beyond understanding simply by trusting in Him.