Pondering…

Mary Did You Know…you have no doubt heard that song already this season. I don’t mean to make light of the message of it but the simple answer to the question is – no. No…she did not know.

The song mentions some highlights. Walking on water. Miracles. Tender moments. Events for a mom to treasure in her heart.

The fact is that Mary didn’t know and yet she said to the angel “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 2:38)

As a Jewish woman at that time, the concept of what the Messiah would accomplish was framed at least in part by a Roman occupation. When the angel reported that the Son to whom Mary would give birth would have a kingdom that would never end, Mary may have had some preconceived ideas of what that would look like for both her son and herself.

I wonder…Mary, if you had known…would you still have said yes?

Let’s consider some of the happenings in Mary’s life that didn’t make it into the song.

First – no room in the inn. A stable, a barn, a cave – whatever it was, to call that a humble beginning is an understatement. And then the first visitors – not town officials, not family, not religious leaders…just a bunch of stinky shepherds…it is after this we are told that “Mary treasured up all of these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke2:19)

I imagine that Mary pondered more than just that one time.

I get ‘pondering’.

When I ponder, sometimes it is with amazement at what God has done or said or shown to me.

 Sometimes when I ponder there is a sense of trying to figure out how things fit together.

Sometimes when I ponder it is with questions, doubt and uncertainty…did I really hear from God?

When I look at how Mary’s life unfolded, I wonder if she experienced all these types of ponderings too?

Mary & Joseph take the infant Jesus to the temple where they meet Simeon who rejoices at the sight of Israel’s deliverer. He blesses them and then turns to Mary and tells her that “a sword will pierce your own soul too.” I wonder how much Mary pondered that…

Years later, Jesus is ministering to the people and Mary tries to see him. When Jesus is told that he says “Who is my mother and who are my brothers? Pointing to his disciples he said “Here are my mother and my brothers…” (Matt12:48, 49)

That had to hurt just a bit…is this what blessed and highly favoured looks like…or is this again the sword piercing your soul…I would be pondering…

Then we see Mary at the foot of the cross. I can not even imagine her pain…I can not imagine the emotional agony of that scene. We read it and know the outcome…but for Mary who carried and gave birth to this one…this one now broken and bleeding on a cross… to remember that greeting from the angel more than 30 years before… I wonder if the memory of that greeting now seemed a little hollow…even mocking…

No… Mary did not know…

Mary… if you had known, would you still have said “May it be to me as you have said”?

We all have before us the opportunity to say “May it be to me as you have said.” And in that declaration, there is the challenge of continuing when we do not know…when we do not know how it all fits together…when we do not know or we doubt if we have really heard God’s voice…and even those times when we are amazed by how God is moving and wonder why and how he will use us…

We see Mary again – in the upper room with the disciples. This is after the cross, after the resurrection, after the ascension…and now Mary is with the others…waiting…

I can imagine that Mary was still pondering…and what a life to ponder!

And yet – not just pondering…also going forward.

As I type this, Christmas is almost here…and I must spend some time pondering that and what that means…

Soon after Christmas the New Year is upon us…and that too lends itself to pondering…looking back over what was and ahead to what will be…

Are you challenged by Mary’s words? I am. It means I will be willing not to know. It means I will be willing for things to unfold differently than I thought they would. It means I will be okay with things I do not understand.

“I am the Lord’s servant…may it be to me as you have said."

Ruth U.

The Newborn Jesus

“I kiss your tiny fingers and little perfect head,

Lay you in the manger that tonight will be your bed.
Tomorrow you will be King,
But tonight you are my baby.”
- Jeannine Q. Norris, from Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Gift

Last Christmas, I had a 6-week old baby and I gained an entirely new perspective on the humility with which God came and lived among us. I remember looking at my newborn in awe, wondering at Mary’s thoughts and feelings as she navigated the experience of a young first-time mother to a demanding newborn.

Newborns are messy. They are loud. They are exhausting and helpless and completely dependent. As we sing “Away in a Manger” and “What Child is This?” we celebrate the God who came to us in the most unassuming and unlikely way. We sing about the Creator of the Universe who also spit up and pooped and needed his mommy. How amazing is this?! And what does this mean??

What does this mean for those of us who are bound to this human frailty? Who struggle and muddle along day to day? What are we to learn from this about ourselves and our fellow travellers in the world?

In Bible College, I had a professor who said something that I will always remember: Everything we learn in Scripture about Jesus’ life has something to teach us about what it means to be human and how we reflect God through our human experience. Jesus’ humanity speaks about our humanity, and about how God interacts with us IN our humanness. Jesus’ humanity also speaks to us about how to see the people around us through God’s eyes.

As I’ve reflected on this truth in light of Jesus as a newborn baby, I think about my own helplessness and neediness. I think about how different I am today than I was at the beginning of my journey in relationship with Christ. I think about how much I need care and understanding and gentleness from the people around me. I am sensitive and I am fragile. I am growing, but slowly, and with many faltering steps. I need patience as I try and fail, as I seek understanding but often get it wrong…

I’m so grateful for Jesus, who understands these needs, who knows the hesitance and awkwardness of being human. I’m so grateful for God’s gentleness with me, for guiding in tenderness and without frustration as I try and try and try again…  I am humbled by a God who doesn’t demand that I “get it together” and be “fixed” and be a perfect follower all at once.  Instead, there is a Divine Generosity and a grace that allows me to grow in grace and understanding from a “newborn,” gradually changing through ongoing relationship and trust with God and with the people God brings into my path.

I am also prompted to think about how the newborn Jesus challenges me to think differently about other people. How often I am impatient and rush to judgment about where others are (or should be) in their journey with God. How tempting it can be to form assumptions and expectations about how “grown up” others should be when it comes to matters of faith and morality. In the Gospels, we witness Jesus’ development from infancy to youth to adulthood.  His humanity is present in his growth.

As I seek to reflect Jesus in my daily life, I long to cultivate the gentleness and grace with others that God offers to me. I know how long my journey has been, how arduous some stages of struggle have been, and how grateful I am for God’s mercy and patience. I pray that I am able to extend this same mercy and patience with others who are on their own journey. Sometimes miracles happen all at once and change happens overnight. More often, though, change happens slowly. Awareness grows and we gradually become ready to be changed. And, in fact, some of the most profound inner work happens in that process of moving toward readiness. Much happens beneath the soil, in the darkness, before we see the sprout push through the surface of the ground.

My prayer is that we would see the gift of Jesus’ humanity in a new way. Would we reflect on our growth (both physically and spiritually) from newborn. Would we be grateful for the grace we are extended as we grow. And would we offer this same grace to others who cross our paths, trusting that God is moving even when we cannot see change.

Arlene M.

Aprons

Tis the season for busyness in the kitchen! As I am not even in the top three of the talented cooks in my family, what I end up making more than anything is a mess. I really should wear an apron.

When I think about aprons (and – yes – I have actually done that!) I think about two styles.

I remember my mom wearing the smaller version – the kind that just tied around her waist and basically covered her skirt. I really only remember that she wore them on Sunday as she was preparing Sunday lunch after church. This was also the garment on which I learned to iron. (Yes, young one, iron. It is a thing. Google it!) Perhaps that is why this style of apron is not my favourite.

I do like the full aprons – the ones with a strap that goes around your neck and that covers your entire front. These are the ones I remember my grandmas wearing – not just on Sundays but pretty much whenever they were in the kitchen. These are the kind that I should wear.

Susanna Wesley was the mother of John & Charles Wesley and their 17 siblings. That makes a total of 19 children. Nine of those children died in infancy. Susanna’s husband Samuel was a pastor who was often away for extended periods of time which included a stint in jail for failure to pay his debts.

Susanna, often on her own, bore the responsibility for her children’s education – she home-schooled which included lessons in Greek and Latin.

Susanna, often on her own, bore the responsibility for her children’s spiritual upbringing teaching her children the necessity of scripture and prayer.

This was a busy woman!

It has been written that Susanna had committed to spending an hour in prayer for every hour she spent on entertainment. Having given birth to 19 children and having almost sole responsibility for raising the 10 who survived infancy, there was obviously no time for entertainment so Susanna resolved to spend two hours a day in private prayer.

Again with such a full household where was there a place for private prayer? When would there be a time for private prayer?

This is where we get back to aprons. Susanna wore an apron. The story is told that she told her children that when she pulled her apron over her head that it meant she was in prayer and was not to be disturbed.

This was a woman committed to prayer…committed to her own relationship with God…regardless of the busyness of the day…

This is a lesson I need to learn and relearn.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8a)

This is a lesson for the busiest of times…maybe especially for the busiest of times…

While it is true that God is always present, He longs to draw close to each of us in a personal, intimate relationship. And yet in that, He waits for each of us to stop what we are doing and just come to him.

Even as I write this I question how to make this fit into my day. Especially today. Especially at this season.

My mom and my grandmas tied on their aprons as a protection for their clothes. I think that Susanna pulled her apron over her head as a way to insure her heart was protected…that her relationship with her Saviour was protected.

We will protect what we truly value, won’t we?

Don’t wait for your New Year’s resolutions.

 Don’t wait for next week when things have slowed down.

 Don’t wait to do what you need to do to spend some time alone with God…to pray…everyday…

Find your apron.

Ruth U.

Like a Tree Planted…

For the past few weeks at church my pastor has been encouraging us to meditate on Psalm 1. My pastor is a smart, funny and handsome guy. Before you think me scandalous, I’m married to him so I’m allowed to say that stuff! Some of these thoughts are borrowed from the discussions we’ve been having at church. The first part of the chapter (verses 1-3) says this:

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Picture an old tree – hundreds of years old. So ginormous that you can’t put your arms around the trunk with huge, twisted roots drawing strength and health from its life source of flowing waters located beside it. Its deep roots contain a vast store of nutrients. When storms and winds hammer down, the tree is not moved. Its roots are steadfast. In the heat of the day, when the sun beats down, the tree provides shade and relief and fruit. It is a welcome sight to passersby who need protection from the elements.

Now picture this: The tree is you.

As you journey through life with God, you draw strength and wisdom, hope and joy to carry you along.  He is your life source. God’s words of love for you sink deep down and steady you and spill into every area of your life…who you are and how you operate in the world. When negative messages come your way, you are able to set them aside and cling to what He says about you. A driver cuts you off and you’re able to curb the angry blue streak that wants to jump out of your mouth. Your toddler is driving you crazy with tantrums and you’re able to patiently wrap your arms around them till they calm down. There’s a co-worker with a challenging personality that grates on everyone’s nerves and you’re able to resist sharing in the workplace gossip and extend friendship to that person.

Others are drawn to that anchoring strength and lean on you when they need a break from the storms of life. You shelter and shade others when you share a laugh with them and offer joy…when you truly hear them and offer compassion…when you roll up your sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder alongside them…when you remind them they’re not alone and offer love.

You do not offer these things because they come naturally to you or because you’re good at it. You offer them because they have been offered to you. They come from the overflow of your deep connection with God. If you cultivate deep roots and delight in God and His word, there will be an abundant supply of life and health to offer others. Be the tree and point to the Life Source.

Brenda E.

In Tune

“Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace.”

For some time I thought the lyric was “tune my heart to sing thy praise” which is a reasonable thought but the line actually is “tune my heart to sing thy grace”.

I have been pondering this phrase…tune my heart…like the strings of a guitar, my heart gets out of tune from time to time…and when I say from time to time, I really mean all the time.

I asked a guitar playing friend why guitars go out of tune. He told me that the strings stretch as they are played. Then they need to be tuned again. Hmm…

Tune my heart to sing thy grace…when I am stretched…tune me again to sing thy grace…

My default setting is not grace. It’s just not. Whether it is receiving grace or extending grace, I wander from it. Sometimes just a bit – so that the song from my heart sort of sounds okay. The words may still be right but if you listen closely something sounds a little off…a little out of tune.

I forget to remember that God loves me… completely…unconditionally…unfailingly. Period.

I forget that my busyness, my activities, my accomplishments, though all good and supposedly all for Him, do not change a thing. That is, they do not change His love for me. They do not change how He has forgiven me. They do not change the grace extended to me.

And the anger that I justify feeling towards another…my desire for justice when I have been wronged…my unwillingness to forgive…that is not my heart singing his grace either.

Later in the song it says, “Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.”

When I think of the grace I have received…grace and mercy so freely given…I am in debt infinitely beyond my ability to repay and yet so often I am like the ungrateful servant who demands a debt to be repaid even though it is a pittance compared to what he has been forgiven. (Matt.18:21-35)

We know it – don’t we – that we are lost without grace…completely without hope….

And we also know – don’t we – of the need to forgive as we have been forgiven?

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col.3:13)

Grace and forgiveness…oh that that would always be my response…that my heart would be tuned to sing His grace.

Ruth U.

Strength in Weakness

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, 

for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, 

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, 

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. 

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Ughhh. My face still burns when I think about it. Those stunned faces as I lurched toward them with a full tray of sparkling beverages in fancy glasses. The chaos that ensued after I hit the floor and said beverages splattered and drenched formal clothes and carefully styled hair. Ughh. Just, ughhh.

I was an RA in college, there was a formal opening of a new building on campus, lots of important guests, and the student leaders were serving. Whoever decided it was a good idea to put me in formal shoes and hand me a tray of liquid in fragile containers really should have spoken with my mother. She would have told them it wasn’t a good idea. But there I was, eager to do well in my leadership role and telling myself, “You’ve got this.” And then that wretched half-step. You know the one that catches you off guard and sends you stumbling.

For a moment or two after I scrambled to my feet, I stood totally frozen in place, unable to move, just watching the scene unfold in front of me like an out-of-body experience. People were rushing around, grabbing napkins, moving people out of the way of broken glass, probably toweling off (just saying some folks got wet)…

I totally could have stayed cool. I could’ve apologized profusely, made a little self-deprecating joke, helped clean up, and served some new drinks. I could have done that. Or… I could have done what I actually did.

I turned around and ran out of the room. Through the hallways, out of the building and fully across campus to my dorm where I could sneak quietly into my room and be alone with my shame and berate myself in peace.

This would have been a fine plan, if three of my girls were not sitting in the lounge when I rushed in. They saw my wet clothes and stricken face and rushed to me. “What’s wrong???  What happened??  Are you okay??”

And I burst into tears. Me, the older, mature leader, appointed to mentor and guide these young women. In tears. And not delicate tears slipping gently down my cheeks. No. Huge, snotty, gasping, sobbing, ugly-cry tears. Accompanied by angry embarrassment. I distinctly remember saying, “I’m SUCH a clumsy idiot!! Why did I even think I could do it?!”

What’s worse than spilling a tray of drinks on couples in fancy clothes? Bawling like a baby about it and being held and consoled by kids, KIDS, who were supposed to respect me and look up to me and believe I had it all together!! I eventually collected myself, apologized, and slipped to the shower to clean up and cry some more. I was pretty sure I had totally blown the entire year – and it was only the first week…

But somehow, to my utter amazement and astonishment, the year wasn’t “blown” at all. Somehow, seeing me at a moment of total weakness humanized me to these young women. They had seen their leader humiliated and awkward and sad. And in ways I cannot fully comprehend, this opened the way for trust and relationship that would have taken much longer to build if I’d just had it all together. This very humbling experience actually paved the way for much deeper, authentic, and often raw communication in our dorm.

It’s another paradox. With God, we live and we lead most effectively from our places of weakness. This is so upside-down from the culture that we live in, and we resist it all the time. We hold on tight to what we can control. We guard our hearts and build walls to prevent others from seeing our imperfections. We spend an enormous amount of energy managing the image we present to the world. And in so doing, we move further and further from the place of vulnerability and openness where God can shape us and use us.

The reason it is true, that “when I am weak, then I am strong,” is because we give God space to work when we acknowledge that we are not in control. When we are weak and just can’t get it together on our own and everyone around us knows it… we are in the perfect position to allow God to move through us in ways we could NEVER do in our own strength.

May we unburden ourselves from the pressure to have it all together. May we release the need to project and maintain our image. May we be willing to be exposed in our weakness, in order to experience God’s grace and strength in new and unexpected ways.

Arlene M.

JUMP, JUMPER!

What would you DO, if you could do ANYTHING in the world? What would you BE if you could be ANYTHING in the world? What would it take for you to live with sacred joy? What would it mean if we shut out all of the lies that paralyzed us in fear? What would it mean for us to take a flying leap into the unknown, but KNOW that Jesus was right there, right beside us? What would it take for you to know the TRUTH, and have it set you FREE?

“You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31,32 TLB 

“If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31,32 NIV 

“If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”  

John 8:31,32 The Message 

I love the last version of this verse! If you “STICK WITH THIS”. Doesn't it feel like that sometimes? Doesn't it feel like, in certain seasons, that we are just sticking with it, holding on, barely breathing?

The word "hold" actually means: to abide, live in accordance with, dwell within, adhere to, are faithful to...

Most of us could quote John 8: 32 by memory. “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (NIV). It's quoted in movies, songs, on TV and in our churches! But vs 31 is often left out and yet it is the hinge to our freedom. In order to be free, we must abide in, live in accordance with, dwell within, adhere to, be faithful to, HIS WORD!  HOLDING = FREEDOM!! If you want to know truth and want to be free, then we MUST begin to live a certain way. We must begin to stay, remain, give our life. Stay WITH Him. Remain IN Him. Give your life TO Him.  

Sometimes it takes every ounce of strength to HOLD. Sometimes it takes every ounce of patience to remain, to STAY. Sometimes it takes a flying LEAP, to give your life fully to Him. And every. single. time it results in freedom. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Stay - when you feel like running from Him. Hold - when it feels like everything around you is letting go. Jump - because you were born to jump, Jumper!!! When we stick with it, when we stay in His word & in His ways when things get hard (because we KNOW they will), the reward is a beautiful life of FREEDOM! Fight it out. Don't give up. Don't let your guard down for even ONE minute because at the end of this season there is triumph and freedom. This pain you're experiencing will end and with it will come freedom from the lies you've believed, from the weight you've been carrying, from the condemnation you've been feeling. Remain in HIM, in HIS Word, in HIS ways. HOLD to His teachings. Keep your eyes on him.  

So, I ask again. What would you DO if you could do ANYTHING? What would you BE if you could be anything? Often we confuse "DO ANYTHING" with an occupation. Maybe it's teaching that Sunday School class, taking over the Christmas Musical, taking piano lessons for the first time, doing a 5km run for Cancer, maybe it's walking into a church for the first time in YEARS. Maybe 'BEING' is being kind to the person that wounded you, maybe it's loving the unlovable in our cities, maybe it's being honest with ourselves and our brokenness and holding tight to His word because, really, it's all we've got. If holding onto His word results in freedom, then JUMP. If you are a follower of Jesus you are a jumper. YOU. ARE. A. JUMPER.   

JUMP, JUMPER!

Tara W.

Thankful

"Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." Psalm 147:1 ESV

Wishing each of you a lovely Thanksgiving weekend as you enjoy spending time with family and friends and pausing to take time to be thankful for the many blessings we have each day.

Jo-Ann P

Scarves, sweaters, the sound of new sneakers

Backpacks and books hurry to bleachers

Nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and cream

Fill the air with sugary steam

Jack Frost is back and in full swing

Leaves crackle in the breeze, cheeks begin to sting

Hearts overflow with warm festive cheer

But tell me, why doesn't this last through the year?

Kate P

Always There

I love the stories of the Bible. I grew up on them yet am always amazed by how they can continue to speak to me and teach me deeper things.

One such story is that of Jacob in the Old Testament. I was recently reading again the account of the dream that he had – the “Jacob’s Ladder” story (Gen 28:10-22).

Jacob was en-route to his uncle’s place out of necessity. He had deceived his father and his brother and was in a very real sense running for his life. As he lay down to sleep one night he had a dream of a stairway reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending. In the dream, God spoke to Jacob with a promise of blessing and a promise of presence.

On awakening, Jacob makes this statement: “Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it.” (vs16)

To be where God is present and to be unaware…seems sad, even tragic…and yet…

I’ve been there. Have you? Those times when the “Where were you God?” and “Where are you God?” questions fall so easily from our lips and we doubt or forget that He is present.

At this point in scripture, God is not yet described as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but rather as the God of Abraham and Isaac. Jacob had a long road ahead of him, a journey to discover for himself the faithfulness of God.

Many years later, David asked “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psa 139:7) In the following verses he answered his own question. Nowhere. There isn’t a place to flee from his presence.

We turn to the New Testament and read these words:  “I am with you always...” (Matt 28:20b)

Then there is also the reminder that on his return to heaven, Jesus would send Holy Spirit to be present with us. Always with us. (John 14)

These are truths to know and to cling to because the reality is that although God is always present, always with me, I will not always feel it. Sometimes God is silent. Sometimes I am not paying attention.

When those times come, I need to trust in the truth of God’s Word and the faithfulness of his promise…in the faithfulness of God himself.

Immanuel…God with us…this is not just a poetic line for reciting at Christmas time. It is truth…enduring, unchanging and real. A truth that I can know and stand firm in when what I see obscures it and when what I feel denies it.

Jacob, while on a journey that would lead to the God of his father and grandfather becoming the God that he would not let go, discovered that God was indeed with him.

Where are you on that journey? Be assured that even if God is present and you do not know it, he is present. Like Jacob, don’t let go.

Ruth U 

Personal Challenge

I should probably make an admission right from the beginning of this writing. This one is personal.

Secondly, while this also may seem to be targeted to the folks in my age bracket (north of 50!), I don’t think it is exclusive so please keep reading.

In recent years my family has faced some losses. Not dramatic, really, but more just the stuff of life, the regular ebb and flow. My mom, my in-laws and just recently a very special aunt have all gone Home.

There is the usual grieving – if indeed there is such a thing…and the memories that bring both smiles and tears.

Something else came to mind this week though. Actually it was more like receiving a blow…it hit me hard.

With these losses, I and my family and my extended family have lost a significant portion of our regular prayer covering.

With that initial realization, I felt I could hardly catch my breath. I wrestled with the implications of that and my sense of loss deepened.

Then came the challenge:” Are you going to pick that mantle up?”

Immediately I am plagued with self doubt and questions.

I am not capable. What if I forget?

What if I am not faithful?

I am not nearly “spiritual” enough (whatever that means!)

But then a gentle rebuke: “I didn’t ask you if you are good enough or if you will never fail…I asked you if you would pick this up.”

Though of course the ‘right’ answer is yes, I continue to be challenged by these thoughts…am I going to pick it up?

I write this then to share this challenge particularly with those of my generation…we who are quickly heading towards being the older folks. Parent and grandparents are gone. We are becoming that generation. Whether we try to hide our age and defy the aging process at every turn, it is happening anyway. What are we going to do with that?

As the saints who we have come to depend on for our prayer support pass on to their reward, are we going to step into the gap for the next generation?

This does not mean that you are being relegated to the rocking chair! This is not a sidelines kind of thing. This is frontline, fight the battles kind of stuff.

We are told repeatedly in scripture to pray…for one another (Eph 6:18)…to carry each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2)…to pray unceasingly (1Thes 5:17).

Are you up for the challenge…for your children, grandchildren and extended family…for those younger than yourself in your church…for those younger than yourself in your community and outside your church doors?

Are you willing to support in this way the young “Joshua’s” among us who are being prepared and called to finish what our generation has not?

Are you willing to provide the prayer covering for those who are being called to very different, very difficult, even dangerous places and things?

Am I?

Ruth U

Lightness

We are starting up the weekly blog postings after having taken a break over the summer. As we get back into our fall routines, I trust this blog will be an encouragement, a blessing and even a challenging nudge to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

Jo-Ann P

The following blog post is part two from Arlene's June 26th post.

In my last post, I wrote about our dark hours, and how God meets us there. http://bit.ly/YA2pFt The dark hours have gifts to give, if we are receptive and open. I have certainly learned much about God’s grace, patience, and compassionate kindness in my darkest times.

But then, there are moments of incredible lightness, too.

From time to time, without any warning… we are graced with moments that make us almost ache from their unbearable sweetness. When, just for a second, we are not looking forward or backward but actually breathing in the gift of this present moment…

Out of nowhere comes oxygen. A spacious breath of freshness and life. The tiniest whiff of spring after a long, frigid winter.

For a moment, I feel seen. Visible. Found. 

Moments when without a doubt we know that we belong. I am embraced. I am pursued.

Moments when we are fully present in our healing. The past is not my curse. I am not a victim. I am a new creation. And I know this with every fiber of my being.

Moments when there are no comparisons, no competition, no expectations. I am exactly who and where and what I am supposed to be. I am defined by who I am as a child of Creator God, and nothing and no one else.

There were moments after my son was born that felt electric with this lightness. I breathed “thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you” with every healthy wail, every touch of warm baby skin, every squeeze of tiny fingers. I stood in my kitchen, bathing my wrinkled newborn in the sink with tears rolling down my face and my heart exploding. 

The Giver of every good gift grants these surprising instants that shock us into being fully present in this rich, sweet life right this very second.

In both the bitter darkness and the exquisite lightness, God meets us.

Both our darkest hours and lightest moments are saturated with promise. The comforting promise that this dark hour is not the end of the story, that there are better things ahead…

And this sweet delicious moment, this is a promise, too. This flickering instant is a whisper… This is what we have to look forward to. There are even better things ahead.

Arlene M

The Dark Hours

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.”  - Romans 12:15

As I write, I mourn with a family who has just lost a loved young man far, far too early under tragic circumstances. My heart breaks with a family who has had yet another pregnancy loss in a sea of long years of infertility. My gut twists as I learn sinking news from a family in our church community, that the outcome of a crucial surgery wasn't what we prayed and believed for.

What words do we offer in the dark hours? What do we say that doesn't cheapen the depth of hurt, discouragement, even despair? How do we acknowledge that this – all of this pain and fear and grief and disappointment – feels like crashing waves or, perhaps more accurately, a treacherous undertow? 

Why do we sometimes leap to offer bright and cheery, sunshiny words to people in deep suffering? The truth is, those cheery words are much more for ourselves than for the person who is suffering. We try and find something to say that allows US to feel less helpless, or to make sense of something senseless. We feel we have to say something to ease the suffering of another person. In fact, when we really amp up the “positive,” our efforts often have the opposite effect because they can make people feel guilty for not having the right mindset, not having enough faith, not being able to see the sunny side…

When the truth is, even for followers of Christ, there are dark hours. There are hours when we feel despair and don’t know if we can go on. There are hours when, like our Saviour, our soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Can we accept that? What do we do with that kind of darkness?

Contrary to the the phrase that is often said to people who are suffering, scripture never promises that “God will not give us more than we can handle.” Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we will not find ourselves in circumstances that are more than we can bear. The verse often used to back up this platitude is 1 Corinthians 10:13 – which actually refers to our ability to resist temptation, not to our ability to withstand suffering.

One of my favourite authors wrote: “It’s not true that God never gives us more than we can handle. It’s ALWAYS more than we can handle. That’s the point.” And that really, really IS the point! The point is, there are many things in life that are just too much for us to bear alone. That’s why we aren't meant to travel alone. We need God and we need one another to bear it all.

In 12-step recovery support groups, the word ‘HOPE’ is often used as an acronym for Hearing Other People’s Experiences. We become HOPE to one another. It is people who have suffered and come through that are able to share their story and allow us to see that although life hurts and we bear scars… somehow there is a way through. When God seems far away and shrouded by clouds and we are in a deep, dark pit… In these dark hours, we need someone to believe in God’s goodness for us, when we may not be able to feel it or see it for ourselves. And we experience God’s goodness to us through the love and care and comfort of other people.

Often, in our dark hours, comfort does not come in the form of cheery words and promises. Sometimes comfort just crawls into our hole with us and holds our hand... so we know we're not in the hole alone. Sometimes the deepest comfort we can receive is to have someone else join our prayer for help. 

In the upside-down Kingdom of God, we find that (despite what we may have been led to believe from a very young age) we don’t need to run from these dark hours. That, in fact, God can meet us in these hours, right there in the dirt and the darkness. That, actually, unbelievably, there’s something HOLY about these dark hours – if we are willing to be fully present, listen, breathe…

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” ~ Matthew 5:4

Arlene M.

Thankful In Trials

We are guaranteed two things in life – death and change.

With change also come trials… I have one to share with you. My hope is that you embrace your hardships as opportunities to get closer to Jesus.

Months ago, we took a four month vacation abroad. We decided to purchase a vehicle while away. (We were travelling to a country dealing in Euros.) We deposited our funds at the bank, then the next day we discovered an error was made in the exchange rate. The bank was advised of said error and the branch acknowledged their mistake and advised it would be rectified quickly. 

The day before the vehicle pickup, we found out from the bank that not only was the error unresolved, but in order to do so, they withdrew the amount they had initially deposited into our account (despite being the wrong amount, it was the bulk of it). One would think fixing the error, would simply require an adjustment for the shortfall…not so. They had promised us our monies would be available for our use when we needed them, but that didn’t happen. We were so stressed…

More than six weeks had passed and we still had no access to our money. It was now Thanksgiving. I decided I could not go on like this feeling so troubled. I made a list of all the things I was grateful for. I praised God for all his blessings. I made a second list of the goals we had hoped to accomplish while on vacation, and realized they were happening; the vehicle acquisition had not run smoothly, but we still acquired it. I made the decision to fully RELEASE this burden to God! I verbalized my trust in Him. In the midst of this complication, I placed my faith in Him. As I praised Him, I kept hearing the Holy Spirit telling me to read James. 

The New King James Version, James 1:2-4 & 2:6 & 2:12

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith, produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…”

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks; I felt so humbled and loved, knowing that God cared so much for us that He spoke so directly to our situation. This unresolved financial matter over-shadowed our whole trip, but now I slept well, I had peace and joy. Resolution occurred December 27.

Custodia V.

On June 5, 2014 Ann Voscamp wrote another excellent blog post. http://www.aholyexperience.com/ At the end of it she has a link to scriptures from the book of John which can be printed off to memorize. https://s3.amazonaws.com/a.voskamp/BlogFiles/theJesusProject(LARGE)MEMORYPRINTS.pdf

 It took me a few days before I sat down and read through everything; along with the scripture verses. Her challenge for herself and others is to memorize scripture. This quote jumped off the Memory Print page and I think each one of us needs to wrestle with the answer to the question.

"Christ's weapon against Satan in the desert was memorized scripture. And if you aren't memorizing scripture -- what IS your weapon in your battle?"

Good question isn't it?!

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Let's take up the challenge and memorize scripture so we are ready for the next battle!

Jo-Ann P.

Living the Image

One of my favourite hobbies is photography - the challenge of capturing a moment in just the right way really appeals to me. It really is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, and then some; images often articulate what mere verbal descriptions fail to achieve.

The Bible says that God created us in His image - Genesis 1:27. I don't know about you, but I find that so reassuring. No matter what happens in life, or how I feel, I know I possess a kinship with my Creator that can never be taken away! And just like pictures can be incredibly creative portrayals of everyday things and can tell moving personal stories, so are each one of us purposefully designed to reflect our Creator in a profound way. Yet what I find even more incredible is how our great God, our Source, our Photographer, composes each of us in a different angle, light, and focus in order to reveal His same image. Amazing!

Images need angles. Isn't it true that just by changing the angle of the camera towards the object, the whole picture can change? The holiness of God required a payment to be made for our sin, and Jesus' death paid that debt in full. Now "we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). We can live in communion with God and experience His grace, all because God now sees us through the angle of the cross. And because of His grace, our own perspective of ourselves and our lives can be dramatically changed!

Images need light. You can't have a picture without it. The interaction of light and resulting shadow gives a photo its depth. Matthew 5:14,16 says "you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." We all go through times of darkness and doubt, but it's so important to remember our Light Source. Only then do the tough times act like a shadow, giving our lives depth of character.

Images need a focus. Some of the neatest photos I've seen are composed with some of the picture out of focus, with one object in focus. The effect is incredible as the Photographer clearly defines what He wants the picture to be about. We all know the importance of faith and trusting God when situations seem blurry; in fact the Bible says that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). If we can learn to appreciate the fuzzy parts of life that require the most faith to walk though, then we will be blown away as we behold the incredible beauty of that Image once it becomes clear. We simply need to focus on Him.

Since becoming an amateur photographer, the biggest challenge of photography that I have come across is trying to capture a moving object - it's really hard to get a sharp picture unless you have a steady hand and lots of skill. That's a good reminder to us that being still will reveal more of God's image in us than being busy. We all have times when we need to be busy, but too much often speaks 'look at me, see what I can do', while stillness says 'Look at Him, see His image in me.'

Ruth-Ellen W.

Neglected Dwelling

Each May long weekend, our family packs up to go to the cabin.  It is a much-anticipated weekend as our cabin is not winterized and is uninhabited for 6 months. When we pull onto the road leading to the cabin, there is a collective cheer from the children. My husband and I feel differently…we walk up the steps and turn the key with trepidation, murmuring “no whammies, no whammies”. We are hoping for no rodents, no burst water pipes and no water damage from a leaky roof. We aren’t characteristically such Debbie Downers but since these things have actually happened in previous years, you come to expect the worst! These things tend to ensue when your cabin is neglected over a long, cold Manitoba winter.

The good news is that this year none of the previously mentioned annoyances occurred! What we opened the door to find was a dark, dusty, cold, cobweb-filled cabin. I immediately drew the blinds and opened the windows to let fresh air and sunshine in. We turned on the heat to cut the chill. I got to work dusting and sweeping and making beds. I (very hesitantly!) got rid of the cobwebs. The cabin was transformed back into a place of life and warmth. A place where joy and relaxation set in…friends and family gather…meals are shared and games are played…s’mores and bonfires are enjoyed.

It made me think about a quote I recently read from St. Augustine that says:

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart.  Enlighten the corners

of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.

If I think about my heart/soul like the cabin left neglected over the winter then I realize that it needs to be cared for. If ignored, the icy chill of hurt and bitterness settles in and the blinds are closed to shut out people who might potentially hurt me. When the cutting wind of wintery circumstances is constantly battering my heart, it is left grey…dark…bleak. In those moments, I need the warmth and light of God’s mercy and grace to fill up the cold, dark places so there is no room for selfishness or anger or hopelessness. To be left only with a heart made available to God that is filled with a surplus of love, joy and peace that spills out to those around me is my desire. 

Make St. Augustine’s prayer your own.

Brenda E. 

Our Unchanging God

We live in a throw-away society - people would rather make a change for something new than put work into maintaining what they already have. Advertising, media and technology have brainwashed us into believing that 'off with the old, on with the new' is the happiest, most efficient way to live. It's an especially poisonous philosophy when people apply it to their relationships and their faith. As soon as problems arise, many are quick to question their commitments and turn their backs on God, believing that any change they pursue will doubtless lead to improvement and greater happiness. No wonder then, with so much change going on around us constantly, it can be incredibly difficult to fathom a God who is unchanging. Psalm 102:25-27 says "of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end." Wow... how do we love, and inspire others to love, such an eternal Being as that? With so many new ideas coming at us all the time, and knowing that people embrace them believing they have as much validity as the values that society has held for centuries, how do we as Christians sort through it all in order to demonstrate a timeless message in a timely way? 

Here are a few thoughts I have:

Remember that God sees the beginning, the middle and the end. He knows each of us inside out and can see the best path for us to take! People are often reluctant to give up control until they come to a place that is beyond their control. Psalm 33:11 says "the counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations." There is great comfort in reflecting on the fact that God was there at your birth, already knows tomorrow and therefore asks for you to trust Him today.

Understand the difference between change and improvement. Improvement always involves change, but change isn't always improvement. Adam and Eve first sinned because they desired knowledge more than obedience to God, and that thirst for societal 'improvement' apart from God continues to this day. A perfect, unchanging God has given us rules to govern our lives by, and we must choose to maintain that moral compass in order to properly discern what 'improvement' truly looks like. The story of the prodigal son can be found in Luke 15:11-24. The younger son didn't know how good he had it until he lost it all; he didn't realize that 'change' could be bad. God often allows us to rebel and go our own way in order to help us see the value of the life we had with Him.  He then patiently waits for us to return.

Put a higher value on preventative maintenance. Something of enduring value, whether it is a relationship, the environment, or your health, needs to be cared for or else it will disintegrate. It can't be treated like an iPad; you can't upgrade when your old one burns out. God has given us the task of stewardship - so how much time are we investing in the cultivation of what's most important? May God give us the wisdom we need to fulfill this high calling in spite of what society says. After all, buying into the throw-away mindset only means that in the end, you'll have nothing left to throw away.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Ruth-Ellen W.