A Gift to My Spirit

In spite of trying to shop early for gifts, purposefully setting aside time to focus on the birth of Jesus, baking a few treats, and gathering around the table with friends and family, each and every year this extraordinary holiday, Christmas, seems to sneak up on me just a bit. Like most years, the Sunday night before Christmas presented itself quickly in 2013. This year my husband was asked to preach at the evening services for a local church due to their Christmas play being unexpectedly cancelled (secondary to bereavement of one of the families). He was, of course, humbled and happy to oblige.

Lovely Christmas wreaths welcomed us as we entered the doors. Balsam and holly proudly hung over the small entry hall, greeting those who crossed the threshold. Large scarlet poinsettias were bountifully placed around the altar and instruments. One colossal sized, deep crimson flower was strategically positioned in front of the podium – the “old sacred desk” as it is often called.  It seemed to set a majestic tone for the sanctuary. A little country church – on the side of a highway – honoring the birth of Christ in atmosphere - It was a wonderful place to be!

I smiled as I looked at the twinkle-light candles in the long windows. They were surrounded by pine boughs and bows. What a quaintly beautiful and serene setting to hear the Gospel. I thought of Mary and Joseph as I sat down on the pew. This outwardly plain little country church I was in was by far, more regal and comfortable than they were, the night the Christ child was born. ‘I love you, Lord,” crossed my mind as I took off my coat and greeted those around me. (There’s just something even more special about being in God’s sanctuary during the Christmas season isn’t there?)

As the service progressed, my husband called me up to sing O’ Holy Night…our absolute favorite Christmas song. (I noticed a gentleman in a crisp dark suit move closer to where I was standing, but I knew I needed to blot out my immediate environment and just focus my heart and thoughts on God. Tune out the world, so to speak, and just focus on HIM). I didn’t really think anything else of it.

I heard the base notes of the music as my husband’s fingers hit the keys…I take a deep breath and inwardly ask God for His help and tell Him that I’m singing for His glory. I take notice of my signal to begin... “Oh holy night…the stars are brightly shining,” I began to resonate. Soft and low.

Out of my peripheral vision, I see the gentleman in the suit move. His hands and arms were moving. I see him make the sign for Christ with his fingers. In that split second I understood he was interpreting for the deaf by using American Sign Language. He was signing as I sang. As I got to the chorus, my voice grew as the song builds. “Faaalllll on your kneeeeees…Oh hear the angels’ voices…OOooh Niiiiight devine!” I look to the interpreter – his hands and arms fully consumed with the words he was communicating too. I cannot articulate just how moving and beautiful it was. Not my singing – but his signing. Oh, how it stirred my soul!

I kept going. I tried not to tear up, knowing I needed to hit the high notes soon. I saw tears spilling out from the man’s eyes. His eyes were closed – lost in the music – he was signing from his heart. He was signing AND singing with silent lips too. Humbly and boldly, so beautifully translating the words. And the message of Christ’s birth. 

After the song ended, I looked out at several wet faces. People were wiping away tears. The spirit of God had manifested and the hearts of the people seemed to be touched. (Not by me as a person, but through the Holy Spirit). I put the microphone down and walked back toward the pew. The gentleman had re-seated himself. He made eye contact, softly smiled and whispered, “I hope you didn’t mind…”

Didn’t mind?! It was one of the most beautiful Christmas gifts I’ve ever received! In my privilege to minister to others in song, God had ministered directly to this ole’ wounded, sinful, unworthy heart. He blessed me beyond words. Beyond music. Beyond the physical ability to hear.

The gentleman went on to interpret for my husband as he delivered the message out of the Bible. His fingers worked extremely skillfully and poignantly as he matched the words departed by my husband. It’s a blessing to see a Christian doing something from their HEART. Clearly working for nothing more than to give glory and honor to God!  I’m sure most of us have seen interpreters for the deaf in services before…it is always a moving and stirring experience to see. In my opinion at least. But this Christmas gift, it goes beyond words. Beyond hands. Beyond my earthly comprehension. It was a gift to my SPIRIT.

I will carry this experience in my heart for a long time…please join me in praying for this gentleman and his wife as they minister the Gospel (as missionaries) to the deaf in Australia. What an exceptional and much needed work!

But the best part for me was that this gentleman’s tears communicated as much as his hands. Aaahhhh, the love language of God!

Look UP my friends!

Clarity in the Fog

Isaiah 35:9 – No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:  (KJV)

My thoughts and prayers today are for clarity. Webster’s Dictionary defines clarity as follows:

clar·i·ty

noun \ˈkler-ə-tē, ˈkla-rə-\

: the quality of being easily understood

: the quality of being expressed, remembered, understood, etc., in a very exact way

: the quality of being easily seen or heard

Many of us have persistent problems (such as health concerns, job pressure, financial woes, people dynamics, being misunderstood, family stressors, or spiritual situations).  Even though it’s Christmas time, the time of year when people are typically a little nicer and a little friendlier, yet, perhaps you feel like you’re in a fog or just going through the motions. You’re in a bit of a daze and perhaps you’re stressing-out over different things. Your thoughts might even be a little scattered this week. Maybe you’ve experienced a type of fog mentally.

I pray for a clear path and a clear vision for the end of this year, and the one ahead. As Webster defined clarity, “The quality of being easily seen or heard.” Let’s pray for a clear ability to walk down the paths that God would have us walk. Let’s ask God to allow others to easily see our love for Him. Let’s seek clarity spiritually and mentally. Ask God to clear our minds and trust in Him alone for His will.

Let’s keep walking – moving forward –until the fog begins to lift and the sun (and SON) starts to shine through. God will guide us clearly. Without confusion or chaos.

The sun is right behind the clouds…with clarity we can be reminded the Light of the World is with us, shining down, guiding our paths.

Look UP my friends!

Shine -- Poem

Hiding our Joy

"As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool." Proverbs 26:1

I darted into the grocery store for a few items about a week or ten days ago - typical emergency snow/inclement weather items – bread, milk, butter, and cereal. (Not sure why milk is a mandatory item, but it’s an unspoken law in my neck of the woods!) As I was hustling from one isle to the next, I bumped into an old acquaintance in the diary isle. My heart went out to him as he spoke of his daughter’s fight with cancer. His inability to buy Christmas gifts for his grandkids this year. I think my heartfelt sentiments spurred his thoughts in a particular direction.  He offered encouraging words of support to me, and his thoughts and speech marks stuck with me. (I think he was quoting a pastor he heard on the radio, but I’m not certain.) I’ll paraphrase the gentleman’s words as best I can.

“God wants us to be an example of His goodness.”  He looked me directly in the eye and very somberly said, “You now understand that you don’t have to apologize if you get a handful of purpose and blessing and somebody else doesn’t.” I just stared back…trying to absorb his comments.

“Don’t feel bad because you’re blessed. You don’t have to hide your gifts. When God is good, don’t hold back your blessings. Be bold!” he adamantly stated.  Christians don’t have to hide their joy, peace, victory, or earthly possessions. You don’t have to dress down and “look poor and pitiful” to show people that you are really humble. Most real Christians are automatically humble. When you exude your blessings with gratitude, giving God ALL the credit, focusing on talking about HIS goodness, thanking Him for all He’s done, you’ll bring honor to God. It’s not prideful. True friends will share in your joy – not judge.”

“Thank you for trying to help me feel better,” he quietly said as he patted my shoulder.

I admit it…there have been times I’ve been hesitant to share exactly how blessed I am, for fear of hurting someone else’s feelings. I’ve “felt bad” on occasion for not struggling in a certain area that my sister or brother in Christ may be struggling in. (We ALL have trials – they just tend to vary from household to household). There have been times I’ve felt really bad for someone else who has struggling very hard - but I wasn’t in a valley that particular moment, so I didn’t tell them about my blessings. Maybe I held back when I shouldn’t have. I’ve been too shy, or fearful, that people would misperceive my actions or deeds as braggadocios or selfish. Materialistic. Fears of judgment ring a bell to anyone other than me? (Shame on me for not giving God His worthy praise!)

Let’s not HIDE our gifts from God…Let’s share HIS goodness this Christmas season! It’s about Him anyway – not us – so it’s okay to be thankful and tell people about our thankfulness!

Look UP my friends!

Our Imperfections

Visiting a friend in the Hospice House yesterday was a stark reminder for me, that time is short. I don’t believe it was that long ago that I thought 72 years of age was old! Well, as I’ve aged myself, I’ve been reminded that 72 years out of eternity, isn’t even a blink! The Scripture more accurately tells us that life “is a vapor.”  James 4:14 (KJV) says, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Life is short!  We might want to “get about” to our business of living a happy life. Not a perfect life, but a happy, thankful, and God-filled life.

With Thanksgiving behind us, and the end of the year drawing nigh, I wanted to be mindful (to myself as well as the reader) that our season of “giving thanks” has not concluded. There are blessings and reasons to give thanks through our imperfections.

Such as…

My job can be stressful and difficult – but I’m thankful to even have a job.

The job might be exhausting some days – but I’m thankful to have the health to work.

My health status has infirmities – but I’m alive and I have a few people who love me.

I have made many mistakes – but God has forgiven me and lifted me up to try again.

I have been disappointed in people – but God has never disappointed me.

I have let God down at times – but He loves me anyway.

My vision isn’t great even with glasses – but I can see what is in front of me. And I have truly seen the Light of the world, Jesus!

My bones ache and resist motion sometimes – but I can move about of my own accord.

The problem of not knowing what to wear – really means I have a lot of selection in my closet.

Each meal I prepare may not be restaurant quality – but I don’t go to sleep hungry. My cupboards are not bare.

I may complain about the cost of gasoline – but I’m thankful to have a car to drive!

People may hurt me through word or actions – but we have a Comforter in Christ Jesus.

My abundance of imperfections – gives me reason to thank God for His perfection.

Let’s take a moment…pause…and thank God for our imperfections. Through them He teaches us, He demonstrates His love toward us, and He draws us closer TO Him.

Look UP my friends!

Don't Want To

I Don't Want To - By Rosebud

I do not want to clean my room I cannot close the door; There's so much junk piled here and there I cannot see the floor. I do not want to cut the grass It's almost one foot high; And the weeds are so abundant I just don't want them to die. I do not want to get the mail I haven't in many a day; The box is probably full of junk And many bills to pay. I do not want to rake the lawn I haven't since last fall; There are plenty of leaves left over Hidden in the grass so tall. I do not want to do my work! Have I got that clear to you? I'll get it done some other day Have I got that through?

Reader, let’s ask ourselves what types of things do we avoid in our daily walk with Christ? What are we delaying? Are there things we keep postponing and putting-off until tomorrow? And another tomorrow? And then another week, followed by another month?

I loved the poem I posted by Rosebud…it prompted me to dig deeper. Other than the ordinary mundane things of life (like grocery shopping or doing the laundry), are there things in my Christian life that I just simply do NOT want to do?

I know for myself, I tend to put off paperwork as long as I can, hence the picture at the top of this post. Not ALL the time, but I may wait until 24 – 36 hours before a deadline at work, to complete the task. I don’t want to be late, but I don’t mind hitting the deadline right on time or a day early. That quality drives some people crazy; other people say, “Oh, we’ve still got 45 minutes. We’re good!” People are quite different, aren’t we?

Sometimes when God prompts us into action, it can be easy to dismiss His instruction. Let’s be aware of the here and now…as you understand, we aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow. Say your “I love you’s” today!

A Few Funny Quotes about Procrastination

After all is said than done, more is said than done - Anonymous

Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow – Mark Twain

Someday is not a day of the week – Anonymous

Procrastination is like a credit card…it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill! – Christopher Parker

One of these days I’m going to get help for my procrastination problem – Unknown

I like work! I can sit and look at it for ours - Unknown

Let’s be obedient to HIS voice! Do SOMETHING this week that you’ve been putting off…I’ll start by cleaning off my desk at work <grin> and I need to send a few encouragement notes/cards ASAP…What will you do?

Look UP my friends!

Top 4 Wishes

I came across a funny picture on Pinterest ® which said, “My top 4 wishes are to: Earn money without working; to be smart without studying; to love without being hurt; and to eat without getting fat!”

The longer I read the quote, the deeper it became for me. There’s some truth in that funny quote…perhaps, there’s a couple of truths for many of us! Wouldn’t it be grand to get paid for NOT working? Or to be an encyclopedia of knowledge without having to study? To eat a box of Krispy Kreme Donuts and not worry about a high glycemic index or gaining weight? (If you haven’t had a Krispy Kreme then you’re definitely missing out! They’re a decadent treat of ooey-gooey goodness! I hope they have a location in your neck of the woods!)

Ya’ know, we can apply this principle to our Christian walk as well. If we don’t live consistently; attend God’s house faithfully; or read His Word, then how can we expect to grow and mature as a Christian? It requires dedication. Sometimes sacrificial commitment. If we don’t work at being Godlier people – then we simply won’t be! (Of course, understanding that our salvation isn’t based on good works).

Is it realistic to think accurately of ourselves – that we’re devout, righteous, or “On fire for God!” type people – if we really only give God our leftovers? The easy stuff?  If we expect His Word to absorb into our daily living through osmosis? It doesn’t work that way.

How can we treasure the Word if we don’t read it – if we don’t love it? If we don’t study it? John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus IS the Word!

So, how can we GIVE to God; faithfully LIVE for Him if we’re not doing the required work… if we’re typically the take, take, and take type individual?

Let’s ask ourselves…what are my top 4 wishes? It’s a very personal question. Are they centered on God’s will for our lives?

I know for myself – One wish is to point others to the Cross of Calvary in an consistentlyencouraging way. One wish is to think less on myself and more about HIM.

My 3^rd wish would be to be a special blessing to each person in my life. And lastly, I’d wish for a KK Donut right now… (Laugh out loud) See! That’s what I meant in wish #2…LESS about myself.

But seriously, my 4^th wish is rather private but in my way of thinking, if I’m in the center of God’s will, then that’s the safest and best place to be…and God has done the work for me!

Look UP my friends!

A Dog's Nap

I REALLY hope the font on the picture above is large enough for you to read... I downloaded the picture (from Pinterest®) that goes along with today’s post. It really made me laugh. I hope it provided you with a good chuckle as well.

Now that you’ve read the little story about this tired doggie, what did you think? Wasn’t that great?! And precious! Could you relate to the mom?

It just goes to demonstrate to me that dogs, like people, need rest too!

I started thinking about that sweet dog and its innate need for rest…we should really take a lesson from that guy’s book!

You may have read my comments about tiredness before - that when we’re truly tired – weary – we’re vulnerable. Try to recognize when you need a break BEFORE you’re totally exhausted. (And with the holiday season in full swing, it's easy to happen!)

It’s important to take 5 minutes out of our day and unwind. Spend a few minutes with our heavenly Father. Pray about things you have on your heart. Make a decided effort to de-compress. Maybe it’s exercise, maybe it’s music, maybe it’s time with a good book, maybe it’s THE Good Book, or Facebook,® or something as simple as a peanut butter sandwich. Something you enjoy is the point.

If our bones, muscles, and our minds are overly tired and weary – we’re not able to focus on our day’s goals. We may miss God's handiwork.

If we don’t recognize our need for mental and physical rest, we might just be like the dog in today’s post and take off with a stranger! (I don’t recommend it)

Look UP my friends!

 

 

Part II ~ Half-Full Living!

In the words of Dr. Bob Jones Sr., “The character of a person is measured not by what he attempts, but what it takes to stop him.” That literally stopped me in my tracks when I read that comment! We often hear quotes about “getting up again,” but I hadn’t heard or read a whole lot about what it takes to stop a Christian. It’s a good time to take a moment to examine ourselves.

You recall the story of the 12 spies told to us in the Bible don’t you? When the twelve spies returned from their sojourn into the Promised Land, all of them gave witness to seeing the same things – a land of milk and honey! The land they saw was fertile! It was producing, growing, flourishing.

On the same token, they all saw the same obstacles. They would be quite difficult to miss…The giants - Walls surrounding the cities - Massive pagan crowds.

I think there’s a noteworthy lesson to be gleaned here: within the two groups of spies, there was a key difference. Ten magnified the obstacles and two focused on the opportunities. Two saw the half full glass and ten saw that glass as half empty.

The glass half-full people are clearly outnumbered! Even though we serve an Almighty God, we often live with the daily attitude that real victory cannot come to our life or our God-called purpose! Dr. Jones said, "It’s our minds that partially deceive us – our own downtrodden thoughts and fears! Too often our fear of the obstacles that lie before us becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy." Even though the obstacles can be overcome (HE has never lost a single battle!) by the grace of God, we often don’t push through the obstacles to claim and live a victorious Christian life.

I have developed a small list of simple truths to help remind the Christian that living a glass half-full life is not only possible, but probable, when you let go of your hurt and fears, and give it over to God for His divine healing.

 Six Simple Truths:

I)            It’s good to be alive!

II)          Not only is it GOOD to be alive, but it’s GREAT to have the following:

A place to rest at night, clothes to wear, food to eat (it may not be the ‘best’ as perceived in the eyes of man, but it’s granted by God)

III)        Earth is temporal - Heaven is eternal. This means all sorrow, pain, and earthly tears are all temporary, fleeting, passing.

IV)        If you have ONE true friend or family member to rely on unconditionally, then you’re blessed! {Also, the Christian knows FIRSTHAND that Jesus is our dearest friend}

V)           We will be given both obstacles AND opportunities. Do your best with both.

VI)        Discouragement and negativity are contagious! Try to refrain from influencing others in a way that doesn’t honor God.

You’re familiar with a great lady named Helen Keller? I hope so! If you are, then you also know that Helen was both blind and deaf from approximately 1 year of age. She was unable to communicate in any way with anyone. As quoted from past articles, "Miss Sullivan was retained and challenged with her education – Helen’s parents were hoping that Miss Sullivan would be able to teach her SOME kind of communication."

You know the story – after multitudes and months of tantrums, hissy fits, fights, depression, and episodes of violence, Miss Sullivan was able to teach Helen the alphabet through a “touch language.” Sign language! Helen went on to become a tremendous blessing and tool for God! She helped change the world. She taught humanity that what LOOKS impossible isn’t always impossible! (That’s our God!)

Helen Keller left many profound life lessons with us, but let me share one of my favorites by her -  “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but no vision.” Profound, right?! The Bible says in Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish

Purpose your heart ~ Let YOUR vision be Half-full!

Look UP my friends!

A Wonderful Life

 

 

“Story starters” are sometimes something all writers need - there are times when the words just refuse to come out. We write a few words, delete (or toss our notes into the bin), try again... nothing...you stare blankly at the page or screen. 

Other times, we can sit down and write automatically, with no hesitation, for several hours…I think God grants those moments. Those times when the “ink to pad” flows. I know for myself, if my thoughts don’t come easily, I try to walk away, pray about what is impressed upon my heart, and I try again later.

My story starter today goes back to a sign that hangs in our home at all times. It’s an old board, painted a deep crimson red with black lettering that says, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I purposefully enjoy reading it as much as possible. It just speaks to me during times of struggle or discouragement.

You’re probably familiar with the movie starring James/Jimmy Stewart, who plays George Bailey. George intends to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, the movie does not have a tragic ending - partly due to Clarence Odbody, his guardian angel. Clarence intervenes and shows George how his life affected the family and friends around him.

After much anguish, George realizes that in spite of himself, in spite of his hardships and struggles, his life has been a blessing to many people. His prior intent to jump off a bridge instantly changed, and he returned to his family. (And Clarence earns his wings…announced by the ringing of a silver bell). Aaaahhh what a beautiful ending! It isn’t the typical “beautiful story,” but I don’t mind. Because our lives don’t always feel beautiful, right?!

The movie reminds me that our lives are FULL of good things; innumerable blessings that can be easy to take for granted. But more than that…many times we don’t see how our lives have a REAL meaning to those around us!

Unfortunately, the holiday season can be extremely difficult for tens of thousands of people. Sometimes, we just need a genuine kind word. A friend. A nugget of encouragement. Tell people you love them. Say thank you. Be selfless on occasion. Ask if you can help them with something needing done. Listen. Try to focus less on yourself – and more on being a blessing to others.

Our family experienced the suicide of a family member many years ago – possibly over 23 years now. Hubby’s great-aunt and uncle and extended family members just spoke about it at a recent family reunion. It’s still painful for them to recall. Hurt still lingers. Sadness persists.

Oh, how I do wish that the person would have known what George Bailey learned to know…that our lives were better for having him with us!

YOUR life DOES make an impact to those around you…You DO matter. Tune OUT the nay-sayers. Those that may attempt to make you feel worthless or undervalued. Those who might hurt you with no regrets. You can be and ARE a blessing to someone. Really.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords gave His life on Calvary for YOU…that’s more love than I can capture in my mere humble words.

HIS matchless gift does make this…A Wonderful Life! (Be sure to read Clarence's note below!)

Look UP my friends!

 

 

 

Meaning of Christmas Joy

It’s a busy time of the year…December. There are presents to buy and wrap, for those who God has blessed with the resources. There are family celebrations to attend; turkeys and hams to bake; decorations for the home and sanctuary you attend. Maybe you will join in Christmas caroling or outings with young people and/or the seniors at your church. It’s just a busy time…in a good way! Before we know it, New Year’s Day will arrive and 2013 will come to a close.  I’d like to encourage you to take a few moments and ask yourself what is the source and meaning of my Christmas joy?

The Meaning of Christmas Joy

By: Kimberly Hemric 12-3-13

 

Thanksgiving has passed

And the end of the year draws near,

It’s time to celebrate

The birth of our Savior,

The Lamb of God, precious, tender, and dear.

Christmas isn't earthly gifts
or gleaming decoration;
It's honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
In humble adoration.

It’s taking note of our blessings,

In recognition of God’s Son,

The little babe born in Bethlehem

Our Redeemer, the Holy One.

It's serving those less fortunate,
Meeting other’s needs before our own;
It's making sure at Christmas time
our friends and neighbors don’t feel alone.

Instead of spending frivolous money

on excessive things we may not need,

Let’s use our time and devotion

In service, through compassionate acts and deeds.

Let us recall what Christmas is…
the celebration of our Savior's birth;
He’s the Way, the Truth, the Life
The only key to heaven after our time on earth.

Long ago in Bethlehem, God gave to us

the meaning of Christmas joy;
A star shown down on the heavenly miracle…
The virgin birth of the Little Jesus boy.

Look UP my friends!

God Makes Beautiful People

We live in a world where television shows such as Toddlers & Tiaras and Dance Moms are extremely popular. Before I sound totally judgmental, I readily confess, I’ve never watched Dance Moms (I researched the show on the internet) and I have watched one episode of Toddlers & Tiaras. (A writer does his/her research, right? I figured it was the less offensive of the shows – I’m not 100% sure I chose correctly) you’ve heard the expression, “It was like watching a train wreck? I couldn’t pull my eyes away!” That’s about how I felt. It was shocking and disappointing on a few different levels. Apparently, the child phenom Honey Boo-Boo was a prior beauty queen contestant as well. I purposefully don’t watch (or haven’t viewed) that program either – I’ve seen the commercials – and that was more than sufficient. I would humbly ask Cornerstone Blog readers who live outside of the United States, to not stereotype us by these particular shows! Yet, with that said, these television programs persist as part of our ‘evolving culture’ on two levels - “Reality Star” television, and our obsession on external beauty.

True Story I Found Online ~~ There was a beauty pageant in full swing. The Miss World Pageant. It suddenly grew very still. A hush fell over the huge audience. The pageant’s host had asked the Miss World contenders a unique question.

“Which do you think is more important…beauty or wisdom?” All the ladies were unified in their answer. They collectively agreed that wisdom was the most important.

The host of the Miss World Pageant then asked the ladies a second question. “Which of those two have you spent most of your efforts trying to acquire?”

In the next moment, the audience was inundated with blinding smiles, beautiful pristine teeth, and lip gloss. ALL the ladies stood there – silent. Nobody answered the question. They ALL declined to respond.

I’m not judging beautiful people. God makes people beautiful. I’m suggesting that our greatest spiritual investment isn’t externally based! You’ve probably met an outwardly attractive person who was ugly on the inside; therefore, they were unattractive to you. You’ve encountered the proverbial “wolf in sheep’s clothing?” Often they’re sweet, soft, or religious looking on the outside – but wicked on the inside.

 We spend SO much money on lotions, anti-aging creams, Botox, cosmo-pseuticals and beauty products around the world. “Beauty” is a BILLION dollar industry. Products promoting outer beauty and youth are highly desirable by 70% of Americans! We also spend SO much time at gyms and working out to achieve certain goals. Some for health; some for vanity; some for competiveness. Everyone has their own reason.

But…Let’s take it one step further. How much genuine time do we spend acquiring wisdom from our Heavenly Father?

Let me re-state: There is absolutely nothing wrong with beauty.  I think we should always try to look our best for church services, look nice for our spouses, and keep our bodies in good health! Our best health.  I know I appreciate or enjoy other people’s usage of deodorant and habits of regular bathing. (Hopefully you chuckled at this point) But as with most things, it’s a question of balance.  We should remember the Word of God is wisdom and wisdom is the essence of inner beauty. 

It might be an extreme analogy, but the Word of God is our night cream and our day cream! It’s our SPF when the sun is blistering our skin! The Word is likening to our sneakers during a marathon. (The Scriptures in Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

If we don’t spend time acquiring wisdom – growing in Christ – what ARE we spending most of our time doing?  I think it’s a good idea to be reminded that temporal, external beauty eventually fades.

 We shouldn’t completely neglect the inner beauty which will be our reflection to God.

Look UP my friends!

 

Balloon Lesson

Recently I read about a Christian conference that was hosted at a church in Omaha, Nebraska.  People were given helium-filled balloons and told to release them at some point during the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts.

Throughout the service, balloons were ascended. People were expressing their joy all over the sanctuary. It was a beautiful sight as the balloons mixed together, seeming to mingle and celebrate their height in the realms above. All the balloons soared as high as they could go...all the way to the highest peaks at the top of the bell tower.

But, when the service was concluded, 1/3 of ALL the people were STILL holding on to their balloons! 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends, I have a few simple thoughts on this life illustration.

 

#1 – Don’t hold back your praise! The Lamb of God is worthy!

 

#2 – Rise UP to God! He can lift you higher than you think.

#3 – Don’t look back; look UP to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.

#4 – Your praise may help to rise others UP and join you!  It’s a beautiful part of worship -to worship together in unity - hearts open and receptive!

#5 – If you wait too long, you may entirely miss what you’re waiting for!

 

Let’s let our praise rise up to God this Sunday….TODAY.

Look UP my friends!

 

 

 

Broken Pieces and Restoration

Thanksgiving is an important holiday for the Christian. We can NEVER be too thankful or overly appreciative to God, can we?  And Christmas is really beyond our comprehension (mine at least) in an earthly manner – that God would send HIS HOLY SON to a sin-sick world for the benefit and blessing of that world! Not in majesty and splendor, but as a humble babe so many years ago in Bethlehem. Not in fancy accoutrement, but wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger.  Yes…this IS a season of thankfulness and giving!

Yet, although highly blessed, maybe someone in your family, maybe you, maybe a friend or someone you love is going through a period of feeling broken. Pure brokenness.  Maybe you are going through a significant heart-ache. Something that feels like your heart has been broken into pieces. It’s hard to breathe. It’s difficult to keep your mind focused. You, or the one you care about, have been in a situation of discouragement. A time in your life where you’re grasping onto straws to keep going, while many people around you seem to be sailing on with ease. Perhaps you’ve cried tears that only you and God know about. Maybe you’ve been grieved in your spirit even though your mind and heart recognize that you’re richly blessed? (You are human, after all).

Sometimes when your heart is broken, we tend to limp along like a wounded animal. We can feel discarded – it’s hard to know which direction to go – sometimes our hearts are so shattered that it’s hard to even know where to begin again. You feel unused by God; and used by mankind. Words and actions like rejection, betrayal, disingenuousness, dismissal, hypocrisy, and disloyalty can start to feel more familiar and intimate than you ever cared to know!

Take a moment to look at the picture I posted in today’s blog - it was posted on a friend’s Facebook page. When I first saw it, it took me several seconds to figure out what it was. I knew it was a nativity figure – possibly a shepherd or wise man.

Yes, she confirmed, it was/is a wise man figurine. The wise man has sentimental value to her. He/it was part of a nativity set given to her by her parents in 1998. Instead of tossing the broken pieces out, she made the decision to restore them to a useful condition! He was a token of love, after all.

 I soon realized she had taped the wise man back together because his body was broken. God used her actions to illustrate to me an intimate part of His character!  (Life Lesson: Broken people; broken lives are NOT discarded by God! We are tokens of HIS love!) So what if it/he wasn’t in perfect condition? He STILL fulfilled his life’s calling. He was one of THREE wise men…a valuable part of the nativity set. He has a purpose in his brokenness! And so do you!

Our heavenly Father is no stranger to pain…no stranger of abandonment or scorn. At the end of Jesus’ earthly life – perhaps the darkest hours of His life on earth – he was rejected, hurt, and abandoned by his dearest friends. Men he’d spend his final years with. While He was pouring His heart out to His Father, the disciples were sleeping. Yes, our Savior experienced the distress of a broken heart. (Matthew 27)

The past couple of months have brought unprecedented and painfully marked heartbreak for my family. For some of my friends too. When our true-blue friends hurt – we hurt. One thing I learned is that nobody’s heartbreak is the same, and nobody’s deepest heartbreak can be healed (our hearts and minds restored) except by and through Jesus Christ! Saying good- bye to people you love, closing the door on dreams, and moving forward in the spirit of God isn’t easy!

 “Brokenness” may not be the route we choose for ourselves, but in the process of restoration, God illustrates for us, glimpses of WHO He is! Amen.

Look UP my friends!

Today’s Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you know the people who have a broken heart today. Your children distressed by pain. I don’t know what their heart break looks like – or acts like - but I know YOU can restore all things broken, shattered, and devastated! When the storm rages, we thank you for being our Anchor. When the enemy approaches, you offer your Shield. May you redeem our heart aches, and in the process, continue to show us who YOU are. For your glory. I thank you for your blessings! In Jesus’ name, Amen.