D5: Direction

“Midlife is a normal developmental life stage. It is essentially positive and has the specific goal of facilitating the process of becoming a “whole” person. Saying it is normal means that it cannot be avoided. Live long enough you will encounter it. As you did not avoid adolescence so you will not avoid midlife. Midlife may be denied but not escaped… In life we have two major identity crises. The first, occurring in adolescence, is to establish an identity. You must get a sense of who you are. The second identity crisis is at midlife when you must give up who you think you are so you can become who you were meant to be. This transition is not easy and is greatly resisted. Midlife is ultimately about the search for true meaning in life. Whenever we ask about meaning we have asked a spiritual question. Midlife is an opportunity for an awakening into a deeper spirituality.”

(http://www.lessons4living.com/what_is_midlife.htm)

WHO AM I MEANT TO BE?

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”  Frederick Douglass

As advised through many psychologists, mid-life is between the ages of 40-60.  In some studies, 42 was the center of when mid-life struggles would begin which is ironically my age on my birthday in March.  The age range later shifted with research and various opinions now claiming it to be later at 45-55.  Whatever the age that a person enters mid-life depends on many variables.

Mid-life transition, or crisis, is one that is experienced when life begins to transition.  Children get older, and responsibilities change.  The question begs to be answered, “What is to become of my life?”  There is a realization of a cross-road, with many choices, and the question being, “Which road do I travel?”  The desire for most is to be on the right road, to progress through life, versus to sit on the side sulking falling into crisis mode and deep depression as if there is no hope.  As stated by Shirley Chisholm, “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”  Ideas, thoughts, dreams, desires, and plans can be many with so many choices.  But absent God’s right plan for our life, hope is absent.  Hope is only found when our feet are firmly planted with the center of each step being focused on God’s Will, and not our own.

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”  C. S. Lewis

How do we know if we are on the right road for our life?  How do we know what the future is to be?  Is God traveling with me?  Or, have I quickly passed him by or thrown him aside in pursuit of my own selfish desires apart from His perfect plan for me?  Am I following Christ as the leader of my life?

Following Christ does not necessarily mean that all in life will be happy, joyful, and smooth absent conflict, disappointment, frustrations, and difficulty.  The circumstances faced in our life do not necessarily mean that we are not on the right path.  At times, God’s plan for our life does contain adversity.  The question remains, “Do I remain with God as the center of my life despite the adversities of life?”

“Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.”  Robert Kennedy

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” Benjamin Franklin

“When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.”  Orison Swett Marden

As stated above, in life, we have 2 major identity crises:  the first in adolescence and the second in mid-life.  I find it quite ironic that in my family which is small involving my son, Brandon, and I.  We are both at an identical yet differing transitional stage.  Perhaps, that is why our relationship is so strong as mother and son.  We both have many questions, and are attempting to seek the right answers for our life.  Answers that will hopefully be found in the guidance and direction of Christ as our leader and center of life with His Will most desired.

Dear Jesus, I praise and thank You for Your presence in the life of Brandon and I.  Help both of us to seek Your Will above our own.  I thank You that You are always guiding us, protecting us, and keeping us safe.  I thank You that You will never leave us alone, and will forever remain by our side.  I ask for Your truth to be known.  I pray and ask You to protect both Brandon and I from the lies of the world, from those who manipulate, and from those who deceive.  I pray and ask for Your direction to be clear.  I ask for more of Your presence to be with us, for You to continue to heal our heart, cleanse us from anything that is not of You, help us to know Your love more deeply, and guide us in Your ways.  I praise and thank You for all the wonderful and awesome ways that You have revealed Your presence and power throughout my life.  I praise and thank you for the many ways that I have seen You in the life of Brandon from just a little child into today, and how You so easily speak through him revealing Your tenderness and deep love.  I thank You for Your ongoing direction and trust You for our future.  Amen.

^“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”  (Psalm 37:3-9)

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;  though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

“Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints.”  (Psalm 37:27-28)

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  (Isaiah 1:17-20)

 

365 Days….

Some years are filled with many blessings.  Other years are filled with many challenges.  At the end of every year, I reflect.

What have I learned in this past year?  What would I have done differently?  What do I desire for my future?  Who am I?

Have I become a better person?  Have I overcome obstacles?  Have relationships been strengthened?  How is my relationship with Christ?

As I close out calendar year 2012, I am stuck in bewilderment as with many other years past.  What do I write in my family newsletter?  How do I document the year?  Where is my focus?

2012 was a difficult year.  Do I document the difficulty to only give glory to its presence, or do I ignore it as if living an unrealistic existence of which none could relate?  There are many things I would choose to remain in 2012 to not enter 2013, but as life would have it I do not have a choice with what follows me into the upcoming year.

What will the new year bring?  2013 sounds as an odd year.  My preference is for ‘even’ numbers seemingly as if the mere fact of an even number creates for a more positive grounding entering the year.  Who likes an odd number anyway?  Does anyone want to be the odd man out?  Or, even worse, the lonesome traveler of ‘party of 1’, yes, ‘it’s just me’?  These seem to not be enticing or even attractive to the ears as if to leave the mind asking, “Something is indeed wrong with this picture!!”

So, I sit with my computer screen before me this night with a rambling of thoughts of a writer left asking many questions and pondering deep thoughts.  And, with that, the main question, “Do I share the ponderings of my heart in writing for all to read?”

For the last couple months, I’ve questioned if I could write for 365 days.  I struggled with the thought to begin in November.  Then, the thought shifted to December.  And, now, the thought shifts to 2013…. 2013 an odd year to begin… a New Year to unfold…

365 days of writing…………… is it possible?  and, what would be written?  I suppose only time will tell……………..

Confidence

Where is your confidence?

In 1Chronicles 28:11-18, David gives his son Solomon outlined details of God’s plan to build the temple.  Every detail was significant to God.  David has confidence in God’s direction, and in God’s appointing of Solomon to build the temple.

 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the LORD’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”  (1 Chronicles 28:19 NIV)

David does not take credit for the plan.  Credit for what is going to be accomplished is given to the Lord.  “The Lord has enabled me to understand…”

“David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.” (1Chronicles 28:20-21 NIV)

David’s confidence and trust in the Lord is spoken to Solomon.  He encourages his son.  “The Lord is with you…”  The words of David are encouragement to Solomon that God has appointed him, and that he will have everything that is needed to do God’s work according to God’s plan.

Is your confidence in the Lord?  Do you seek Christ for the details of your life?  Do you encourage others in their walk so that they can accomplish God’s calling for their life?  Have you been encouraged by others as you have sought to walk with the Lord?  Are you walking in God’s calling for your life?

What can be learned from the relationship between David and his son Solomon in this scripture?

Childlike Wonder

Every morning, my little dog Max is filled with anticipation.  He is jumping and hopping with great excitement.  He gets to go outside to smell the fresh air, see the sunshine, and be distracted in wonder by every movement that exists.  He abounds in anticipation for these simple delights.
 
Growing up as a child, so many things were anticipated with great joy.  I recall the happiness of getting all the neighborhood kids together to play kick the can, flashlight tag, or a game of wiffle ball in the front yard.  There was great excitement planning dress up in the fantasy and imagination of a costume.  Piling leafs in the front yard created anticipation of jumping in the huge pile to have the leaves fly high in the autumn breeze.  The ordering of a pizza to be delivered created anticipation of its arrival of something tasty.  With every holiday, there was great delight and wonder of what was to come.  Who would arrive on Thanksgiving?  What gifts would be under the tree on Christmas morning?  How would we celebrate New Years?  Even in the simplicity of every thought, came the simple longing for the next school year, the next challenge, the making of new friendships, adventure, and all that the world held as opportunity.  There was always something to be anticipated with childlike wonder and great longing.
 
Do you have wonder and excitement for your future?  How would your life be enjoyed if your mind and heart was filled with anticipation of all that God desires to do in your life?  How would your prayers change if filled with hope and trust in God?  Are you excited for what is to come?  Do you seek Christ in childlike wonder and anticipation?
 
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”  (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13 NIV)
 
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)

Fully Equip

For the past 2.5 weeks, I’ve began studying for a certification course involving a series of 8 classes.  I’m in my first class.  It has been difficult balancing my schedule and fighting doubt.  Growing up, I was quite good at math.  I took many college math courses, with statistics being my least favorite and the most difficult.  My first course includes the same statistic formulas of standard deviation, probability, and many others from over 15 years ago.  As difficult as it was many years ago, it seems far more difficult today.  The class is self study, absent the thoughtfulness and expertise of a teacher.  I often feel that I’m reading a foreign language. 
 
I could easily allow for worry to consume me.  What if in 8 weeks, I’m unable to pass the first class?  How will this appear to my employer who has fully paid for the course?
 
In the scheme of life, what is the value of completion and a passing grade?  At this juncture, I do not have the answer.  I do know if completion of this certification program is the Will of God, He will fully equip me for the challenges at hand.
 
I am constantly praying asking God to remove worry, and hoping that I am centered in His Will.  I ask for His help to balance all of life demands.  I ask for Him to give me guidance, wisdom, and knowledge.  If I complete the certification, it truly is not by my doing but through God’s enabling me.  Each day, I have come to realize more and more my need for Christ.  He is fully able to equip each of us to accomplish His Will for our life.  I must trust in Him regardless of the outcome, and regardless of the difficulty of the journey that is traveled.  He must remain my center focus.
 
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

Sweet Pleasures

Being part of a large family, finances were very tight.  Growing up, I learned to cherish the simple things.  Every summer, the excitement was a vacation which consisted of a yearly trip to Great America Amusement Park.  My siblings and I would long for this trip counting down the months, weeks, days, and hours until we would all smash into our little car for the journey of a day full of fun.  When our parents would order a pizza or pick up McDonalds for dinner, this was a feast with every bite enjoyed.  Going to the movies was a rare occasion and would always be filled with amazement sitting in front of a huge screen versus our tiny television set.  The enjoyment of candy, soda pop, cake, or other sweet treat filled us with happiness with our taste buds not accustomed to this type of celebration.
 
As I reflect, there were so many simple things that created for great joy and excitement that others would find to be merely a part of their daily routine and nothing very special.  Our celebration in the eyes of others would have great indifference absent the need for excitement.
 
Is this not the same for many things in life?  Advertisers know this.  The consumer needs to be enticed to see and experience something new.  Consumers need a new experience, a new taste, a new desire, a new temptation, a new look and so much more.  Absent newness, indifference occurs and the once cherished becomes common place and taken for granted as if insignificant.
 
In our relationships, unfortunately, it is often no different.  The passion, energy, and newness in time can diminish to burden, difficulty, conflict, and lack of love.  Deception can easily come to tempt the heart and mind that replacement can easily occur finding the next one to satisfy the heart’s desire.  The heart desires and craves to be recharged and will often turn to something new in the hope to have life resurrected.  Can the desires of the heart really be satisfied?
 
What does this striving of the heart communicate?  Others may not see it, but down deep inside, does your heart contain longing, a lack of satisfaction, and the need for something more?
 
I can continue to live day in and day out allowing for the routine of life to soak away my passion, with life becoming just another day and just another dollar.  Or, does God have something more for believers?
 
Is your passion for God burning brightly for all to see?  Or, is it just a flicker barely recognizable to others?  Does your complacency and indifference actually turn others away from the heart of Christ?  Or, do you have an excitement and love in your heart that burns so strongly that others desire the something more of Jesus that is continuing to transform your soul?  What do others see in you?
 
Have you given up?  Are you still searching?  Has your fire died?  Or, is it burning brightly for all to see?
 
“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”  (Revelations 3:1b-3 NIV)

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”  (Revelations 3:15-18 NIV)

These dreams…

When young, I created a simple defined story for my life.  There was a beautiful house, a loving husband, 4 kids, a couple playful dogs, lush green grass, flowers always blooming, laughter, smiles, and of course, always happiness and love.  My husband was the provider, always employed, and returning from work, he was always filled with energy to greet his happy family at the door with kisses and hugs.  Our needs were always met.  Conflict, tears, sadness, illness, tiredness, stress, difficulty, and tragedy never existed.  The fairy tale, at its best, will create bitterness, resentment, longing, judgment and dissatisfaction.  Loving others is absent in a reality focused on my desires.  My need for Christ is nonexistent living in perfection.

Do you live in the reality of your need for Christ in your life?  When I turn my eyes towards Christ, what happens?

Christ gives me the eyes to see reality.  In this reality, He provides for all of my needs.  He gives me the ability to endure the obstacles, frustrations, and stress of the day.  He gives me the grace to humbly ask for forgiveness when I wrong others.  He gives me the ability to forgive others.  He fills my heart with His love.  He provides the contentment needed despite any circumstance.  He removes earthly idols, refocusing my heart on His Will.  He writes my story in the way that would best bring glory to His name.  He opens my heart to the needs of those around me giving me the ability to love and serve others.  He provides joy, love, and happiness though living in a world that is far from perfection.

“I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned.  I only know at His right hand stands one who is my Savior.  I take Him at His word and deed.  Christ died to save me; this I read and in my heart I find a need of Him to be my Savior.  That He would leave His place on high and come for sinful man to die.  You count it strange, so once did I before I knew my Savior.”  (My Savior My God lyrics by Aaron Shust from the album Anything Worth Saying)

 “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV)

Willful Surrender

“Acceptance says, True, this is my situation at the moment. I’ll look unblinkingly at the reality of it.  But, I’ll also open my hands to accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends me.”  (Catherine Marshall)
 
God knows my heart.  He knows when I feel pain, and sees every tear that I cry.  He knows my hopes, dreams, and desires.  He knows my longings, struggles, and sin.  He knows the places of my heart that still need more of His peace, presence, and love.  He provides for my every need as I travel my life journey with Christ each and every day.
 
Life can be difficult when prayers continue crying out to God with questions desiring answers that will lead to a perfect unchallenged journey.  Do I seek comfort, ease, and no difficulty above God’s Will for my life? 
 
Holly (mother of 5 year old Kate suffering with a brain tumor given only 20-30% chance of survival) writes, “Selfishly, I had always desired a stable life. Simple, with my kids and husband, stationary in one location, enjoying God’s goodness and raising my kids in hopes they would follow and love Him. Little did I know that part of their loving Him, would come at great cost to my idea of stability…  We talk about Heaven like most talk about the weather. This isn’t because we believe she will soon be there. Rather, it is one of the very few things that comforts our aching souls. The knowledge and truth about Heaven.”
 
Do I trust God in faith knowing that my journey has a purpose?  Do I desire God’s Will above my comfort?  Do I love God despite the cross that I may have to bear for His glory?
 
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God!… Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  (Psalm 139: 16-17, 23-24 NIV)

Fullness of Life

This morning I had a vision of a huge amusement park.  There were people enjoying the rides, swimming in the water, shooting down the slides, waiting to jump on that roller coaster despite their shaking knees, as well as those enjoying and participating in many other attractions.  Though, of great concern were the many that were merely observing standing on the side.
 
Some observing were quietly picking up the trash left behind by the others.  They were very intelligent yet satisfied with their current position.  There was sadness in their eyes.  As they looked around, they wondered, “What would it be like to ride that huge coaster?  Would I have the courage?  Would I even be allowed into the line?”
 
Then, there were others sitting around the water.  Every now and then, they would stretch out their leg allowing their toe to touch the coolness.  But, then, they would pull back.  There was an ongoing struggle inside.  I want to jump into the deepest of waters and feel the rushing waves crash into me.  Yet, I know I am safe sitting on the sideline.  Sadness remained in their eyes as well.  What if I had the courage to just run and jump in?  How would I feel?
 
All throughout the park, there were far more who were merely observing versus walking in courage, taking the risk, and allowing for life to happen.  The question, “What if?” suspended the observer from experiencing the fullness of life.  Absent the fullness of life, their eyes remained tainted with a glow of sadness desiring so much more.
 
Do you have dreams?  What if all your dreams were possible?  Pray and ask God to give you a revelation of His truth.  Are your dreams in His will?  If so, how will you respond?
 
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 
 
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
 
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
 
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.”
 
“Come,” He said.
 
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when He saw the wind, He was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”  (Matthew 14:22-31 NIV)

A New Beginning 2010

Last year seemed to contain an abundance of stress, worry, and sadness.  The strain of the economy burdened many families with increased expenses and stagnant to decreasing income.  For several, the year brought the drain of unemployment or the confirmation of hopes dashed with continued joblessness.  Others faced the pain, heartbreak, and exhaustion of relationship troubles.  Some have continued to walk through the pain of prior years attempting to grasp God’s love.  With several, the past year brought horrible illness and to others death of loved ones.  One little girl, 6-year-old Kate, was diagnosed with a brain tumor continuing to fight for her life as her faithful parents cry out to Jesus for His healing power.  The question begs, “Why?”

Faith is easily questioned and fears attempt to absorb every thought.  What if?  For most of us, our ‘what if’ tends to focus on the worst possible scenario.  I wonder, if we came to Christ as a child, how would our ‘what if’ be defined?

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure… Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:25-26, 28-30 NIV)

I wonder how 2010 would change if all were able to come to God as little children.  How would this change our perspective?  I wonder if our life would reveal the spunk and joy of little Kate.  In her pain, this little girl cries out to Jesus for healing.  She fights for her life daily.  Yet, when a bit of healing comes, she is ready to tackle her world.  Her mother’s posts show a little precious girl who despite her circumstances is filled with faith, love, spunk, and enough joy to be dangerous and dance on her hospital bed.  This is truly the joy of the Lord as her little heart trusts in God.

Today, I viewed an interesting commercial.  Two little girls were sitting at a table with an older man.  The man asks the one little girl, “Do you want a pony?”  Her eyes sparkle with excitement and she says, “Yes!”  The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out a

Angel of the Lord

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:8-12 NIV)

How would you respond to meet an angel of the Lord?  I wonder, “Were the shepherds Christian?  Did they believe in God?  Why were they terrified?  What did the angel look like?”  I can speculate the answers to these questions.  Some day, I will know the complete truth when I meet the shepherds in eternity. 

I wonder how this history of events leading to the birth of Jesus, the actual birth, and the history to follow will be told in truth.  In eternity, I will know every detail.  I will know every detail of the surroundings including the color of grass, the sky, the weather, and the appearance of their clothing.  I will know if the shepherds were tired, happy, joyful, sad, depressed, or merely bored.  I will know about their families and their thoughts of the day.  I will learn their dreams, hopes, desires, and the limitations that influenced their belief, or lack of belief in God.  There is so much about the Christmas story that is unknown, yet one day will be fully known by those of us that accept Christ as our Savior and Lord of our life.

Even in all that is unknown, there is beauty in the way that God chooses to communicate to people.  What would it be like for an angel of the Lord to appear?  How would this feel? 

How about today?  Does God still send angels to speak to people?  Do you believe in angels?  If an angel spoke to you, would you communicate this to others to be documented forever in history?  Or, would you fear the judgment of others and question your own sanity?

Recently, I was reminded of a time that I believe that an angel of the Lord spoke to me.  Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree at Trinity International University, I was on fire for God and desiring to continue my education in hopes of

Surrendered Hearts

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.  (Luke 1:57-66 NIV)

Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives knew that the Lord was with her.  They shared her joy with the birth of her son.

Zechariah, unable to speak, follows the Lord’s lead and agrees with the naming of his child, “John”.  In his obedience, he is blessed.  When Zechariah begins to speak, he is praising God.  Through his obedience, the neighbors are filled with awe.  Everyone knew that God was at work.  Praise and glory was given to God as the news spread throughout the hill country of Judea.  I’m sure that the celebration, joy, wonder and curiosity concerning what was next energized everyone knowing the power of God.

God’s power continues at work even today.  He is at work in your life, family, relationships, neighbors, workplace, and especially those whom you most dislike.  Will you be obedient to quietly sit before God, listen, and allow him to lead you?  God desires

Great Expectancy

The Christmas season can bring a variety of emotions.  There can be joy and excitement in the anticipation of purchasing gifts for loved ones, and receiving from loved ones.  Happiness can be found in reuniting with family.  Preparation and anticipation can bring wonder and calmness with the hanging of lights and putting up the tree.  Unity can be found in helping each other make Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, caroling, hanging ornaments, decorating, attending Christmas plays, and other holiday events.

The holiday season can also become a time that emotions are strained by demands.  Sadness, conflicts, frustrations, and stress can attempt to steal joy and happiness.  The holidays can be the busiest time with increased work demands frustrating the ability to enjoy family and friends.  Loss of a loved one, divorce,

Friendly Infestation

In Salt Lake City, I lived in the upper floor of an older house.  My apartment was very pretty with a winding staircase that went up from the living room into the attic.  My bedroom was in the attic, which was very unique with differing levels of ceiling.  Fortunately, for me, I’m height challenged so I enjoyed this uniqueness.  There were small windows that surrounded the upper attic bedroom, with pink carpeting.  The first spring, I was introduced to some new friends.

These new friends were very friendly though not enjoyed.  They surrounded the windows and seemed to multiply at a steady increasing rate.  They were creepy black with red stripes on their back.  Sometimes, they would fly and swarm around in all sorts of places.  They could squeeze into tiny crevices and would welcome themselves everywhere.  My new friends were box elder bugs.  They came uninvited absent politeness.  They were an extreme annoyance, frustrating, and brought creeps with their swarming nature.

Despite many attempts, I could never rid of their existence.  I used every sort of bug spray, fumigated my own home to the extent that I nearly fumigated myself.  My only recourse was to adjust to their periodic visitation and attempt to enjoy their company.  Returning to Illinois, the box elder bug had become a distant memory, a forgotten visitor, until

Overflowing Joy

Shortly after my divorce, my good friend Karen gave me a picture of Jesus laughing.  She wanted the picture to remind me that Jesus is not just there in our tears but also to celebrate with us, to have fun, to rejoice, and to laugh.  In His presence, we find joy.  The picture hangs directly above my computer.

It is easy for me to see Jesus from the perspective of anger as when overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple.  I also can easily see compassion as he heals the blind, cripple, and drives out demons.  Seeing him teaching and convicting the sinner is not difficult to imagine.  I can easily experience his grace through the extension of forgiveness as when the woman wets Jesus’ feet with her tears wiping them with her hair and use of perfume.  Courage, protection, wisdom, and gentleness are also very easy to conceptualize in the gospels.  I can easily relate to the suffering, pain, tears, and sadness through the crucifixion.  I wish I could experience and see a clear picture of Jesus in happiness, joy, dancing, celebration, and singing. 

Scripture is full of the words joy, happiness, and laughter.  Following these words often are praise, dancing, shouting, and singing.  Tonight, I have a great desire to really be able to be in the presence of Jesus and truly enjoy him.  I desire the freedom in my spirit to dance, sing, and laugh.  I cannot think of a more beautiful expression of love than