The summer months aren't all that have heated up! This year has been chocked full of, as Paul said, affliction after affliction, one on the heels of the last. Not just run of the mill difficulties, but downright spiritual warfare. These seasons of trials are never easy, but are mercifully followed by a season of harvest. And this harvest promises to be a doozy!
Have you ever read much about PSI? Pounds of pressure per square inch. The pressure exerted against an object by air, water, or a host of other things. There are mathematical equations to determine the amount of PSI. My husband factors for it when he designs bridges. The glass windows of a submarine must be inches thick as the water pressure at great depths flattens the glass to a fraction of an inch. The Plexiglas walls of the aquarium at the zoo, as well. PSI of one form or another is exerted against everything around us, day and night. It's a constant of life. Standing against never-ending pressure is fatiguing.
Especially during the afflictions of this year, I've been more aware of the constant negative pressure the secular world bombards me with. Externally from the radio, TV shows and commercials, movies, the generic criticism and negative attitudes of people around me, selfish complaints, bickering, manipulating, a long list of stressors, and countless other things. Internally from sneaky shadows of doubt, traces of fear, insecurities and the like. Negative PSI is designed to distract us from keeping our eyes on our Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and to get bogged down in the mire.
God reminded me that instead of praying for the worldly PSI to subside or to be removed, I should deliberately push back. Exert a pressure of my own. Neutralize the negative. The duty is mine to censor my surroundings and edit my reactions to them, as God guides. Over time, He has clearly led me in the ways below. And I'm so glad He did!
Things:
* Create computer or phone passwords to be phrases like "believeGod" or "trustGod", so that each time I type them, I am reminded to do so.
* When writing a check, instead of drawing a straight line from the dollars and cents through to the end of the line, I draw the Jesus fish, right there on my check. This was God's way of reminding me to be thankful there was enough money to cover the check!
* Instead of sticking my Jesus fish on the back of my car so others would realize a Christian had just blown past them on the interstate or angrily honked when they cut in front of me, God had me place it on a chain and hang it over my rear view mirror INSIDE the car. It reminds ME, that I should behave like a Christian in every situation. Regardless if others see.
* While rushing through my morning routine like a mad woman so I can get to work on time, I BLAST upbeat Christian music in the house. (This was especially gratifying when my sons asked me if I could turn the music down, it was hurting their ears!) The positive message of the songs starts my day off right!
* God helped me seriously examine the types of movies, TV shows, and non-Christian music I expose myself to. It's another form of GIGO.
* After getting a new battery for my car, God prompted me NOT to re-enter the code to resurrect the radio, but instead to go without it for a while, and revel in the "found" quiet time, to pray (eyes open!), to meditate on a devotional thought or scripture, or simply to listen for His voice. That was three years ago. Now, I LOVE being in my car for any length of time!
* Keeping a prayer journal, made from a simple table on the computer, with spaces for the date of the prayer request, actual prayer request, a scripture, the way it was answered, and the date it was answered. Nothing has been better for showing me how faithful God is!
* Practice Beth Moore's favorite saying about a prayer request or a desire God places in our hearts: We have to believe it before we can receive it!
Places:
* There are simply some places in this world that are a stumbling block for me. One such place is downtown and called "Cupcakes". 'Nuff said. There are just places I should not let me go! An ounce of prevention is better than a month of damage control.
* God stressed the benefit of corporate worship services. I may not remember all the sermons, but like the thousands of meals I've eaten and forgotten, each has aided in the nourishment of my physical body. Sermons, with my spiritual body.
* God restores my soul when I bask in the beauty of His handiwork. A walk in the woods. A day at the beach. A sunrise or sunset. Actually listening to the song of the birds. Creation sings its praises. And my soul wells up with hallelujahs.
People:
* God reminds me to spend time with other believers. Yes we are to be salt and light to nonbelievers, but it is often restorative to be with other believers.
* God revealed that not everyone who crosses my radar screen was meant to be a lifetime friend. Some are there for one reason alone. When the reason is accomplished, they are removed. Some are there for a season. When that season has passed, they are removed. But some ARE there for a lifetime. Blessed is he who has a friend such as this!
* God is teaching me to avoid "energy vampires". You know, those folks who leave you feeling physically, emotionally, or spiritually drained. This becomes problematic when the EV is a family member. :)
* God stressed the need to have Paul/Timothy relationships at all times. Someone who is a little further down the spiritual road than us, who can pour lessons learned into our lives. And someone we can, in turn, pour our lessons learned into. Such a continual pouring creates a precious cycle of renewal and growth.
* God provided a few wonderful accountability partners. People who know me well enough to lovingly question my actions and words, when necessary. Iron sharpens iron.
* And lastly, while there are many exceptional folks I admire and long to be like, God warns against it. He created me with a unique set of traits and capabilities. Nobody can do things exactly like me. I am not to fight this, but to learn to accept it. And revel in it. (Not there yet, but trying). Only then can I be all He wants me to be.
Adopting these changes and new habits during my current period of trials and struggles, helps me flex spiritual muscles against the damaging effects of the world's PSI. Following God's guidance lessens the stress of this world. And keeps me focused on the Most Important Thing. Obviously not there yet . . . but flexing, flexing, flexing.
How has God directed you to combat the effects of this world?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
One of Those Days
Everything that could go wrong, did. Impossible work load. Critical deadlines. Crucial emails and phone calls fighting for priority. Juggling tasks for too long lessened my attention to detail, and I had dropped everything I picked up. There was no break for a shower or to even put the contacts in. There was only time to plow straight through the schedule. Frustrations and all. Before I knew it, suppertime loomed on the horizon and the fridge was empty. There was barely time to make a frenetic run to the grocery store before the hubs was due home.
Circling the parking lot, the only empty spot was a sliver between two SUVs. Doesn't that just figure? The space was so tight I could barely open the door to get out. Exiting my car sideways, I lost my balance and nearly fell into one of the SUV owners and her bag of groceries. Managing an apologetic "sorry" and a half-smile, I aimed at the front door.
A disheveled mess on a mission, I prayed not to bump into anyone I knew. Grabbing the supper ingredients, I rushed for the checkout counter. One thing was certain, if I could made it safely back to the car and then home, this day would seen just be a bad memory.
Approaching the car, a folded piece of paper under the wiper blade caught my eye. There weren't any fliers on other cars and it couldn't be a parking ticket. I grabbed the paper, tossed the groceries inside, and collapsed into the driver's seat. Finally opening the paper, I read:
"If that was the best you could do for a smile, why bother? You obviously think you're better than everyone else, but let me tell you, you are not. Do us all a favor and get over yourself."
Complete shock! The note clearly had to be from the SUV woman. Was this a joke? We couldn't have exchanged more than one second of time in that brief encounter, yet it was time enough for her to make a serious judgment. And present the verdict to me. I have a deep-seated need to be understood. You don't have to agree with me, but just try to understand why I did or said what I did, and I'm good. This woman had terribly misunderstood my behavior, and left angry. There was no chance to explain. No chance to make this right.
Years ago, my reaction might have been to crumple the paper in my fist and let loose with dialogue questioning the woman's sanity. And calling her every name I could think of. Back then, my self-esteem and self-worth were so minimal that this fiery arrow would have pierced my heart. I would have become lost in those unhealthy feelings and emotions for days on end. That was "then".
"Now", since God has faithfully worked in my head and heart, this note provided an opportunity for a serious check. Did she have grounds? Was there any validity in her words? Does my human nature still deposit traces of false superiority in my life? If so, I had to address it right there, before going home. After searching my heart and motives, I realized that God impresses on me daily, check-it HOURLY, just how good I am on my own. Not pretty, that. Then, He shows me all I am through His Son. The difference is painfully clear.
As I calmly reread the note, the Holy Spirit filled me with the deepest sympathy for the woman. Is she unhappy? Does she wrestle with insecurity? What is going on in her life that such an obscure event would cause her to write an even-the-score note to a total stranger? Why was it so devastating when an off-balanced ragged-looking girl who didn't smile satisfactorily in that brief second?
Father God, I will never know all she is dealing with, but You do. Please work her through her issues. Be with her in a fresh new way. Thank You for this opportunity to check my heart. Please continue to dig out any self-righteous grit you see in me.
What unusual opportunities to check your heart has God allowed in your life? How has He refined your reactions to unfair situations? Changed your heart to pray for others? Be assured that He is ACTIVELY digging crud out of my life even as I type these words. And He will never stop, this side of the throne. It isn't pleasant, but crucial if I am to be the person He wants me to be. I am grateful for His refining, and for His disciple. Evidence of His love.
Circling the parking lot, the only empty spot was a sliver between two SUVs. Doesn't that just figure? The space was so tight I could barely open the door to get out. Exiting my car sideways, I lost my balance and nearly fell into one of the SUV owners and her bag of groceries. Managing an apologetic "sorry" and a half-smile, I aimed at the front door.
A disheveled mess on a mission, I prayed not to bump into anyone I knew. Grabbing the supper ingredients, I rushed for the checkout counter. One thing was certain, if I could made it safely back to the car and then home, this day would seen just be a bad memory.
Approaching the car, a folded piece of paper under the wiper blade caught my eye. There weren't any fliers on other cars and it couldn't be a parking ticket. I grabbed the paper, tossed the groceries inside, and collapsed into the driver's seat. Finally opening the paper, I read:
"If that was the best you could do for a smile, why bother? You obviously think you're better than everyone else, but let me tell you, you are not. Do us all a favor and get over yourself."
Complete shock! The note clearly had to be from the SUV woman. Was this a joke? We couldn't have exchanged more than one second of time in that brief encounter, yet it was time enough for her to make a serious judgment. And present the verdict to me. I have a deep-seated need to be understood. You don't have to agree with me, but just try to understand why I did or said what I did, and I'm good. This woman had terribly misunderstood my behavior, and left angry. There was no chance to explain. No chance to make this right.
Years ago, my reaction might have been to crumple the paper in my fist and let loose with dialogue questioning the woman's sanity. And calling her every name I could think of. Back then, my self-esteem and self-worth were so minimal that this fiery arrow would have pierced my heart. I would have become lost in those unhealthy feelings and emotions for days on end. That was "then".
"Now", since God has faithfully worked in my head and heart, this note provided an opportunity for a serious check. Did she have grounds? Was there any validity in her words? Does my human nature still deposit traces of false superiority in my life? If so, I had to address it right there, before going home. After searching my heart and motives, I realized that God impresses on me daily, check-it HOURLY, just how good I am on my own. Not pretty, that. Then, He shows me all I am through His Son. The difference is painfully clear.
As I calmly reread the note, the Holy Spirit filled me with the deepest sympathy for the woman. Is she unhappy? Does she wrestle with insecurity? What is going on in her life that such an obscure event would cause her to write an even-the-score note to a total stranger? Why was it so devastating when an off-balanced ragged-looking girl who didn't smile satisfactorily in that brief second?
Father God, I will never know all she is dealing with, but You do. Please work her through her issues. Be with her in a fresh new way. Thank You for this opportunity to check my heart. Please continue to dig out any self-righteous grit you see in me.
What unusual opportunities to check your heart has God allowed in your life? How has He refined your reactions to unfair situations? Changed your heart to pray for others? Be assured that He is ACTIVELY digging crud out of my life even as I type these words. And He will never stop, this side of the throne. It isn't pleasant, but crucial if I am to be the person He wants me to be. I am grateful for His refining, and for His disciple. Evidence of His love.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wisdom from the front porch
In true southern fashion, there are hanging baskets of ferns across my front porch. In the midst of 100+ degree heat for the last few weeks, the ferns have required a little more water than usual. They can last a few days in this weather, but when they become too dry and stressed, their deep green fades to translucent jade. At that point, if they don't get water soon, they will surely die. In this heat, they really need daily watering.
Today, while misting the fronds and soaking each fern until water ran from the bottom of the pot, I was struck with the similarity to my life. My spirit will be soaked to overflowing with living water and I'll be thriving. Then, I'll take a step or two away and try to manage on my own. Before long, the heat of the world saps my strength, depletes my resources, and I find myself highly stressed. If I don't get back to the living water soon, I'll be in serious trouble.
This wandering, even slightly from God, surely is human in nature. This running back to Him when troubled, purely spiritual. My long term goal, of course, is to reach a depth of spiritual maturity so I cease to roam at all. The short-term goal is to experience greater periods of time between the wanderings. My salvation remains secure, but in reality considering the heat of this world, I really need daily watering. Daily refreshing. Daily restoring.
Where are you today? And what do you need to do to become refreshed in the Spirit?
Acts 3:19 says, "Turn to God so that . . . times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Praying now for your spiritual refreshment.
Today, while misting the fronds and soaking each fern until water ran from the bottom of the pot, I was struck with the similarity to my life. My spirit will be soaked to overflowing with living water and I'll be thriving. Then, I'll take a step or two away and try to manage on my own. Before long, the heat of the world saps my strength, depletes my resources, and I find myself highly stressed. If I don't get back to the living water soon, I'll be in serious trouble.
This wandering, even slightly from God, surely is human in nature. This running back to Him when troubled, purely spiritual. My long term goal, of course, is to reach a depth of spiritual maturity so I cease to roam at all. The short-term goal is to experience greater periods of time between the wanderings. My salvation remains secure, but in reality considering the heat of this world, I really need daily watering. Daily refreshing. Daily restoring.
Where are you today? And what do you need to do to become refreshed in the Spirit?
Acts 3:19 says, "Turn to God so that . . . times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Praying now for your spiritual refreshment.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
SBNR
Want a catchy phrase to describe a life of faith apart from the hassle of organized religion? How about "spiritual but not religious"? The acronym is all the rage. There's even a Facebook group for it. True, we are cautioned against being like the Pharisees--religious, but not spiritual--living by the letter of the law, but having no love in our hearts. But that is not what this movement is about.
SBNR is borne of folks who saw the uglier aspect of the church and were displeased. Disappointing things like Christian misconduct at business meetings, focusing on people's sense of fashion or lack of it on Sunday mornings, and jockeying for position or power in every circumstance, just mention a few. This "spiritual" movement is being reinforced by a daytime talk show host who proclaims that God is in each of us. Therefore, we are God. So, whatever we do is holy. As such, there is no sin. No need for redemption. Or forgiveness. End of story.
Apart from sounding just "right" enough to lead the masses astray, what are the main problems with this line of thought? First, when we take corporate worship out of the mix, spiritual complacency sets in like algae on the surface of a pond. We are as happy as larks in our stagnation and don't even recognize the building green stuff. Second, it removes the valuable tool of the refining accountability of godly friends completely from our lives. I don't know about you, but I need God speaking to me through my friends! They help keep me on track. Third, forget any possibility of spiritual growth as we would cease to gather together to delve deeper into God's Word. We simply wouldn't sense the need to do it. Fourth, there would be no compunction to feed the hungry or clothe the poor as God's Word clearly commands us. Or really to adhere to the commandments at all since whatever we do is holy. And, forget about tithing that 10 percent. That's old school!
Between teaching a ladies Sunday School class twice a month, choir obligations, the homeless ministry needs, and preparing to speak and sing to groups, a good deal of my time is consumed with practices, studying, administration, and busyness. Sadly, there have been far too many times when I was so weighed down by the business of these noble things that the reason behind them grew fuzzy. And my depth of worship, both private and public, suffered. In my own way, have I been in danger of becoming SBNR?
Father God, please do not let me hop down this bunny trail. I crave a life of faith, but not one of my own definition, only Yours. Thank You for the freedom to come to Your house and learn how to love You more, along with other people. Please help me dig deeper into Your Word, each day. Please inspire my godly friends to speak with me through Your love and discipline, that I might be further refined. Please do not let me become so caught up in the motions of all these worthwhile ministries that I forget why I'm involved in the first place. Do not let me drift. Or become complacent. Pull me to You like a strong magnet. And hold me there! With a conversation that lasts all day. Every day. So that I may hear Your gentle whisper as well as your loving discipline. Thank You, Father, for flashing this SBNR movement across my radar screen so that I could study it, make a choice, and take a stand. In the powerful unchanging name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.
SBNR is borne of folks who saw the uglier aspect of the church and were displeased. Disappointing things like Christian misconduct at business meetings, focusing on people's sense of fashion or lack of it on Sunday mornings, and jockeying for position or power in every circumstance, just mention a few. This "spiritual" movement is being reinforced by a daytime talk show host who proclaims that God is in each of us. Therefore, we are God. So, whatever we do is holy. As such, there is no sin. No need for redemption. Or forgiveness. End of story.
Apart from sounding just "right" enough to lead the masses astray, what are the main problems with this line of thought? First, when we take corporate worship out of the mix, spiritual complacency sets in like algae on the surface of a pond. We are as happy as larks in our stagnation and don't even recognize the building green stuff. Second, it removes the valuable tool of the refining accountability of godly friends completely from our lives. I don't know about you, but I need God speaking to me through my friends! They help keep me on track. Third, forget any possibility of spiritual growth as we would cease to gather together to delve deeper into God's Word. We simply wouldn't sense the need to do it. Fourth, there would be no compunction to feed the hungry or clothe the poor as God's Word clearly commands us. Or really to adhere to the commandments at all since whatever we do is holy. And, forget about tithing that 10 percent. That's old school!
Between teaching a ladies Sunday School class twice a month, choir obligations, the homeless ministry needs, and preparing to speak and sing to groups, a good deal of my time is consumed with practices, studying, administration, and busyness. Sadly, there have been far too many times when I was so weighed down by the business of these noble things that the reason behind them grew fuzzy. And my depth of worship, both private and public, suffered. In my own way, have I been in danger of becoming SBNR?
Father God, please do not let me hop down this bunny trail. I crave a life of faith, but not one of my own definition, only Yours. Thank You for the freedom to come to Your house and learn how to love You more, along with other people. Please help me dig deeper into Your Word, each day. Please inspire my godly friends to speak with me through Your love and discipline, that I might be further refined. Please do not let me become so caught up in the motions of all these worthwhile ministries that I forget why I'm involved in the first place. Do not let me drift. Or become complacent. Pull me to You like a strong magnet. And hold me there! With a conversation that lasts all day. Every day. So that I may hear Your gentle whisper as well as your loving discipline. Thank You, Father, for flashing this SBNR movement across my radar screen so that I could study it, make a choice, and take a stand. In the powerful unchanging name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Cathy's Inspiration
In October of 2007, my singing buddy Cathy Ritchie, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer which had metastasized to her brain, liver, and left hip. An otherwise healthy woman who had never smoked, the doctors theorized she had only been sick six months or less. The cancer was that aggressive. They "gave" her 3 months. She "took" 19 which, by the way, was exactly like her.
During those 19 months, she lived life to the fullest. She sang solos, fed the needy, and came to choir practice when she really didn't feel like it. She and her husband rode a motorcycle to Mile Marker 0 in the Florida Keys, went to the mountains, and to the beach. She was pulled all OVER the lake in an innertube. She rodes horses and shopped until she dropped. She hosted bridal and baby showers. She hosted Thanksgiving brunches and grandkid sleepovers. There were birthday and anniversary parties to attend, and a wedding to dance at. And mostly, there was an ongoing chance to publically share her faith through the platform of her battle.
As I am lucky enough to work from home, during Cathy's last four months I was able to spend weekday afternoons with her in order to provide care, deepen our friendship, and give a little rest to her family. We laughed, cried, and occasionally bumped heads during those wonderful afternoons. During one of our "therapy sessions", we discussed how much there was left to say to the ones she loved, and so little time. Despite my eagerness to assist her in capturing her thoughts, somehow, the mental exercise was unbearable. Coming to terms with one's mortality can be devastating.
Cathy "graduated" 4/13/09 and is terribly missed. Thank you dear friend, for reminding me there are things left to say.
During those 19 months, she lived life to the fullest. She sang solos, fed the needy, and came to choir practice when she really didn't feel like it. She and her husband rode a motorcycle to Mile Marker 0 in the Florida Keys, went to the mountains, and to the beach. She was pulled all OVER the lake in an innertube. She rodes horses and shopped until she dropped. She hosted bridal and baby showers. She hosted Thanksgiving brunches and grandkid sleepovers. There were birthday and anniversary parties to attend, and a wedding to dance at. And mostly, there was an ongoing chance to publically share her faith through the platform of her battle.
As I am lucky enough to work from home, during Cathy's last four months I was able to spend weekday afternoons with her in order to provide care, deepen our friendship, and give a little rest to her family. We laughed, cried, and occasionally bumped heads during those wonderful afternoons. During one of our "therapy sessions", we discussed how much there was left to say to the ones she loved, and so little time. Despite my eagerness to assist her in capturing her thoughts, somehow, the mental exercise was unbearable. Coming to terms with one's mortality can be devastating.
Cathy "graduated" 4/13/09 and is terribly missed. Thank you dear friend, for reminding me there are things left to say.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
