Friday was an eventful day.
The photo exhibit open house for Gazette employees at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art was very moving. Still hard to believe how the flooded waters moved in and took over. Peoples' lives - of those thousands affected - will be in disarray for some time to come.
Thought payment had been made to Midwestern for Jim's seminary studies but come to find out that isn't so. Frustrated about how to proceed, what we have to do. Classes have begun. More waiting.
I sometimes, oftentimes, feel it is my fault when things don't pan out the way we think they're going to. Guess that's not real smart thinking. The Lord knows what is going on. We are to pray always. What appears is not always so. Guess we can't pre-suppose anything. It is true - what comes around, comes around again, but not always when we think, and not on our own time table.
We drove down to Mount Pleasant mid-afternoon for the Old Threshers Reunion and to visit Larry and Dorothy Gillespie, our friends from LaGrange, Mo., who were spending a couple days there. Arrived around 4 and left at 8:30 p.m. The cost to get on the grounds was more than we anticipated, at $12 each. It cost substantially less if you were staying for all five days ($20 per person). Parking was an additional expense, ranging anywhere from $3 to $5 per vehicle. We got in on the lower end of that deal. The four of us enjoyed visiting and seeing all the sights, from antique engines to automobiles and even snowmobiles - some of them were really huge! And crafts galore. Plus of course there was lots and lots of walking. We enjoyed supper on the grounds by one of the many church groups - St. Alphonsus Catholic Church provided choice of chicken, meatloaf or turkey tender with beans, mashed potatoes, roll, jello and drink - all for $7.50 each. It was an excellent meal.
Dorothy brought with her reprints of photos taken when their family came up Aug. 2 for Jim's surprise 60th. Looking through them I realized some of the stupid eating choices I've made in the past eight months have added poundage that I had previously lost. Have you ever noticed or felt that what you can't see isn't really there? Not true. Not all all. The pictures proved to me what I've tried to avoid. Now I'm left to start over so to speak. I started on a low carb eating program, small meals, eating more frequently, then I got away from it - in the past year especially - when I've reached for peanut m&ms and bread, particularly in times of stress. No more. Must strive to overcome. Must pray, ask for God's wisdom in the process. No more buying things which I'll end up eating in quantity instead of just one. I've noticed too on the internet that the process of managing diabetes (which I don't have) involves low carb, small meals. I need to get back to that regiment.
Now is the time to Act, or Re-Act or perhaps the word is Re-New, Re-Strengthen, Re-Solve, Re-Make, Re-Learn, Re-Think, Re-Turn, Re-Juvenate.
Colossians 1:10 says The Lord wants us to have a walk with him "fully pleasing, being fruitful." I'm sure some of my habits are far from pleasing and they're not particularly fruitful either. Fruits of the spirit include gentleness, patience, humbleness, perseverance, self-control. I am a continual work in progress. I'm sure glad the Lord doesn't give up on me even when I do.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Silence
Silence after a rain
Birds singing
Squirrels, rabbits about
in the stillness,
freshness of the day
Memories
of childhood
on the farm
in southwest Cedar Rapids
So clearly
in my mind's eye
Birds singing
Squirrels, rabbits about
in the stillness,
freshness of the day
Memories
of childhood
on the farm
in southwest Cedar Rapids
So clearly
in my mind's eye
Cathy Orrick Luders
8.28.2008
Real comfort
What is your idea of comfort food? Currently, at this particular point in time, I consider peanut m & m's, ketchup sandwiches and hot tea. Strangely bizarre I know. Anyway... not the most healthy choices (especially the first two) for me, unless of course taken in moderation. That too comes and goes.
Comfort food is not what we eat or drink. There is no real comfort there. Only a habit that we continue to gravitate toward because we think it brings comfort. Eating is good for physical health; eating because you are stressed or you simply desire it so must have it, is not good. The same goes with drinking and getting drunk and a lot of other choices we make.
Real comfort can be found in the Bible. Romans 15:4 says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." But how often do we go there to seek it?
Every morning I read my devotional and the Scripture passage and then reflect on it. Sometimes what I learn excites me to want to dig deeper, other times not so. But whether or not I dig deeper into His word, I am at peace and comforted by the knowledge that He (the Lord Jesus) is with me wherever I am (go). He will guide me and instruct me in His way. I must be open to listening/hearing, obeying/following, praying, abiding always with Him, and there within I find "real comfort."
Comfort food is not what we eat or drink. There is no real comfort there. Only a habit that we continue to gravitate toward because we think it brings comfort. Eating is good for physical health; eating because you are stressed or you simply desire it so must have it, is not good. The same goes with drinking and getting drunk and a lot of other choices we make.
Real comfort can be found in the Bible. Romans 15:4 says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." But how often do we go there to seek it?
Every morning I read my devotional and the Scripture passage and then reflect on it. Sometimes what I learn excites me to want to dig deeper, other times not so. But whether or not I dig deeper into His word, I am at peace and comforted by the knowledge that He (the Lord Jesus) is with me wherever I am (go). He will guide me and instruct me in His way. I must be open to listening/hearing, obeying/following, praying, abiding always with Him, and there within I find "real comfort."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Scenes from Clear Lake
Jim and I took a day-trip to Clear Lake this past weekend (Aug. 22-23, 2008). We left Cedar Rapids Friday afternoon and returned home Saturday evening.
(1) Storm clouds were gathering Friday evening, hence no beautiful sunset, but still made for an interesting photo.
(2) Seagulls
(3) A lake scene
(4) A 1946 trolley to be restored at the Iowa Trolley Park in Clear Lake. Restoration takes lots of volunteer hours.
(5) Jim and I and our friend Kwallie on a hand car we operated around the 1/2-mile track at the Iowa Trolley Park. In back of us is the railroad depot formerly located in downtown Clear Lake. It is in various stages of restoration.
(1) Storm clouds were gathering Friday evening, hence no beautiful sunset, but still made for an interesting photo.
(2) Seagulls
(3) A lake scene
(4) A 1946 trolley to be restored at the Iowa Trolley Park in Clear Lake. Restoration takes lots of volunteer hours.
(5) Jim and I and our friend Kwallie on a hand car we operated around the 1/2-mile track at the Iowa Trolley Park. In back of us is the railroad depot formerly located in downtown Clear Lake. It is in various stages of restoration.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Still and quiet
I read Psalm 131 this morning. Verse 2 was an interesting passage: "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." The picture that came to mind was even as adults, we want to become like a small child again, being close to our mothers, cuddled, stroked, feeling calm and quiet, peaceful.
David, the psalmist, reflects on this stillness and quietness; finding a way to achieve it through the Lord's power and strength.
David, the psalmist, reflects on this stillness and quietness; finding a way to achieve it through the Lord's power and strength.
- Be humble.
- Stay or keep your mind on the Lord, not seeking ambitious things that may only overwhelm us.
Not saying we shouldn't be ambitious. Depends on the reason. Why - for the glory of God or for our own self-worth? We all want to grow I'm betting. Grow and be important. Like others to look up to us. But we shouldn't be on a pedestal. It really isn't us who is so important. It is God. God alone.
It is hard to be like Jesus.
Jesus and God are one, yet separate. Jesus is God and Jesus is the son of God. And Jesus is the Holy Spirit as well.
Jesus showed us the true meaning of being humble. Be, do unto others as you would have them likewise unto you. Jesus is love. Jesus is the example of what we should be and how we should live.
Never more important than God. The Father of us all. Each and every one.
Do not write for an audience. Write for God alone. Be content to do his bidding, not seeking your own.
What you will and what He wills is never the same. One wins out. Who is the winner - who is the owner of your life - who rules? Is it God or is it Self, and ultimately Satan? It is a constant struggle, constant surrendering of your will to God's.
It's when we refuse to surrender, when we give in to our whims and desires, that Trouble starts and runs rampant.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Returning to reality
It's Sunday night...8.21 to be exact. Eating fresh Colorado peaches - oh are they ever sweet and scrumptious. We returned from our brief but grand trip to Clear Lake early yesterday evening. The unfortunate moments were when a storm blew up and the beautiful sunset was only a dream. Saturday was sunny but rather cool right near the lake and in the shade, but as time crept on the other side of noon, it warmed considerably. Jim and I got lots of walking in from the time we arrived until we left. We even played a game of miniature golf - been in the same family for 46 years - and also visited the Iowa Trolley Park, where we worked! the hand car around a 1/2-mile track. That was fun, but not as easy as it looked and I got a blister on my hand to prove it! We drove around the lake, stopping frequently for exercise - such as sliding down the slide, and picture-taking. When I have more time, I plan to put up a slide show of some of our weekend fun.
Sunday was the day of our church's pre-Labor Day picnic at Cherry Hill park. It used to be held Labor Day weekend, but about 5 years ago it was changed and so far we haven't changed it back. Fellowship, food, fresh air and Bible; what more could you ask. Even a little bit of competition - for the gals we have a rolling pin throw. Gals of all ages can participate - from pre-school through the eldest. I didn't participate this year. You could say I ate too much. And then probably 20 years or so ago, we used to have a hammer throw for the guys, but that got out of hand, so to speak.
This afternoon I worked at the office. Although from the looks of things, especially if you read Monday's Gazette, you might question that - there weren't too many deaths. Ah well, you never know when death comes knocking.
And that brings to mind something else. Death comes, sooner or later, springtime and fall, young and old, fit and unfit. Best be ready. Are you? Reflections on Jesus
Sunday was the day of our church's pre-Labor Day picnic at Cherry Hill park. It used to be held Labor Day weekend, but about 5 years ago it was changed and so far we haven't changed it back. Fellowship, food, fresh air and Bible; what more could you ask. Even a little bit of competition - for the gals we have a rolling pin throw. Gals of all ages can participate - from pre-school through the eldest. I didn't participate this year. You could say I ate too much. And then probably 20 years or so ago, we used to have a hammer throw for the guys, but that got out of hand, so to speak.
This afternoon I worked at the office. Although from the looks of things, especially if you read Monday's Gazette, you might question that - there weren't too many deaths. Ah well, you never know when death comes knocking.
And that brings to mind something else. Death comes, sooner or later, springtime and fall, young and old, fit and unfit. Best be ready. Are you? Reflections on Jesus
Thursday, August 21, 2008
New blog
Click on the link above. It will take you to my new blog created just 7 days ago. Check out the articles on both blogs and the Web site too: Window To Christian Ministries ... in Iowa.
Ah ... the weekend
The weekend is here. Friday and Saturday are my usual days off, so I am officially done with work (at the work place) for the week. My husband and I are planning a day trip to Clear Lake. It's about 2-1/2 hours drive from here and we plan (barring no complications) to leave around 3 p.m., spend the night near the lake, take in the sights and do lots of walking. Then come home around 6 p.m. Saturday. It's been at least two years since our last visit there, so needless to say, we are looking forward to going and being and enjoying.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cleaning and such
Today I am clearing out files on the home computer. Some I am just deleting all together, whereas others are being saved elsewhere and some others I'm printing. Of course it will take more than one day, or the 1-1/2 hours I have devoted to it this morning. But it is a start.
I have lots of things to clean or clear out. I have accomplished some things since starting in February. But since that is not a project to stay with forever over time, it takes longer.
So what is something you don't know... Um, well, let's see. We're having left over chicken for lunch. Might fix it with rice, might have sweet corn with it, maybe a salad. Will have to get started no later than 11:30, as Jimmy will be home around 12:40 p.m. Eat, watch a little television and go back to work. ... at the work place.
So until another day, enjoy a cup of tea.
I have lots of things to clean or clear out. I have accomplished some things since starting in February. But since that is not a project to stay with forever over time, it takes longer.
So what is something you don't know... Um, well, let's see. We're having left over chicken for lunch. Might fix it with rice, might have sweet corn with it, maybe a salad. Will have to get started no later than 11:30, as Jimmy will be home around 12:40 p.m. Eat, watch a little television and go back to work. ... at the work place.
So until another day, enjoy a cup of tea.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Second chances
All of us need and desire second chances. An opportunity to turn around, turn back. God knows what we need and in His time, provides for those needs. Of course we have to be actively seeking His will and be obedient to His commandments. Still ... second chances. Lots of times we don't seek out the Lord, but our neighbor, co-worker, friend, maybe even a family member. Sometimes they will give us a second chance ... and sometimes not. Sometimes we need more than a second chance.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
I've been working on the railroad .... sorta
"I've been working on the railroad, all the livelong day...." Anyone remember that song? Well, I might as well ... I sure have been working on this blog pretty much all day, and I'm tired. So, enough for today. On to something else. Maybe a game or two - on the computer or perhaps a game of old-fashioned Scrabble.
An hour or two ago, after Jim and I had a nap, he made bread by hand (sometimes he uses the bread machine, but usually he kneads the dough himself) and peach cobbler. Yum, yum. The kitchen smelled oh so good. We'll be having some in another hour.
An hour or two ago, after Jim and I had a nap, he made bread by hand (sometimes he uses the bread machine, but usually he kneads the dough himself) and peach cobbler. Yum, yum. The kitchen smelled oh so good. We'll be having some in another hour.
What others see / remember about you
What do you want people to remember about you?
... your likes / dislikes ... your physical looks ... your attitude ... your lifestyle ... your beliefs ... Different things ... and what we desire to be remembered of us is not necessarily what actually will be.
And then if you are a Christian, that is, a follower of Jesus Christ, what evidence is there (to see) of your relationship with Him? What do you see in me? What do I see in me?
... your likes / dislikes ... your physical looks ... your attitude ... your lifestyle ... your beliefs ... Different things ... and what we desire to be remembered of us is not necessarily what actually will be.
And then if you are a Christian, that is, a follower of Jesus Christ, what evidence is there (to see) of your relationship with Him? What do you see in me? What do I see in me?
Growing - Maturing - Vibrant - Fruitful - Blessed OR Stagnant - Greedy - Immoral - Impure - Unfruitful - Dead
Sometimes following God's commandments as an individual, or as a body of believers can be heart-wrenching. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Love / loving another somethings brings with it distasteful tasks. Think about what Ephesians 5 (New Living Translation) says to believers --
1 Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children
2 ... following the example of Christ ...
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.
2 ... following the example of Christ ...
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.
6 Don't be fooled by those why try to excuse these things, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him.
8 ... now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!
10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.
15 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18 ... Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you."
8 ... now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!
10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.
15 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18 ... Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you."
Friday, August 15, 2008
God allows U-turns
And its a good thing too. If He didn't, we'd all be in a bit of a pickle and Satan would have a field day.
Since I titled my new blog Journeys, when I've been out, I think and watch how people travel. Of course there is the usual mode of transportation - by some form of vehicle - car, truck, bus, bicycle, airplane, train, on foot. There is also the choices we make, and what we choose to do with those choices. That is a journey. Life is one big journey, with enough paths to keep us going and going, around in circles, on the straight and narrow or on the road widely traveled.
I have an address book titled "Traveling Light - a product of Max Lucado. I bought it years ago because of the picture on the front and the idea of traveling light. It also contains thoughts and Bible scripture, such as Matthew 11:28 (NLT). Jesus says "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heaven burdens, and I will give you rest."
Since I titled my new blog Journeys, when I've been out, I think and watch how people travel. Of course there is the usual mode of transportation - by some form of vehicle - car, truck, bus, bicycle, airplane, train, on foot. There is also the choices we make, and what we choose to do with those choices. That is a journey. Life is one big journey, with enough paths to keep us going and going, around in circles, on the straight and narrow or on the road widely traveled.
I have an address book titled "Traveling Light - a product of Max Lucado. I bought it years ago because of the picture on the front and the idea of traveling light. It also contains thoughts and Bible scripture, such as Matthew 11:28 (NLT). Jesus says "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heaven burdens, and I will give you rest."
The Simplicity That is Devotion
The following Walk With Jesus commentary is copyrighted and written by Jim Reynolds, pastor of First Baptist Church, LaGrange, Missouri. I receive e-mails nearly weekly from him. My husband Jim and I worship at First Baptist/LaGrange when in the area.
Sometimes, I just have to tell you what is going on. As you know, I now serve as one of the volunteer staff of writers for the online publication Heartbeat the Magazine. Each month, we are given a theme; we are free to stray from the focus of the month, but it is a nice help. September is the magazine’s second anniversary (didn’t realize I’d gotten in so close to the ground floor!) and we were encouraged to write about “Starting Fresh,” “New Beginnings,” “A New Life” etc… “Straying” a bit, I strongly felt that I should use the opportunity to revisit my first letter. When new subscribers come on board, I send a personal greeting and Letter #1 because it explains everything behind why I do what I do. To be honest though, I hadn’t really read that first letter in quite some time… perhaps not even once since I first sent it to a handful of subscribers almost 4 years ago.
If you have never had the experience, it is quite amusing and a little annoying for God to use your own writing to bring conviction. If you will recall, WWJ refers to a picture God gave me many years ago. To oversimplify (if you want to read the whole thing again, either write prov2525@socket.net and ask for Letter #1 to be re-sent… or wait for the Sept. 7th edition of Heartbeat) I saw myself on a dusty road… trudging along with little purpose or enthusiasm. Looking up, I spied a magnificent city in the distance. From earlier experiences with our Father, I knew this city represented my future, my ministry, my destiny. Like most of us would, I tried to run, but was stopped quite forcefully by an outstretched arm. Frustrated, I started to bat it away, but then noticed the unmistakable scar… and realized that Jesus Himself had stopped me. Then, He began pointing to the ground and showing me diamonds… blessings and experiences I would have missed had I continued to run away. Opening His hand once more, He invited me to “walk WITH Him.” Staying with Him and enjoying His Presence and His guidance is far easier than running ahead, far more fun than lagging behind, and I dare not go against Him. Besides, if I stick with Him, we will get to the city… and I will arrive with my pockets full of diamonds.
There is, as I said, more to the story, but God convicted me that I had abandoned – to some degree – the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3.) I have become far too “results” oriented… too focused on the city and no longer drawing joy from the Way to the city. John 14 still makes me smirk. When Jesus tells His disciples that they “know the way where He is going,” I think Thomas scratched his head and blurted out, “Wait a minute! We don’t understand what’s going on. You keep talking about leaving us and death and yet You say You’re also unveiling a Kingdom… We have no idea what You are doing or where You are going! How can we possibly know the way?!” Then Jesus speaks those famous words, “I AM the Way…” How quickly we forget that simple truth. Walking WITH Him is how we get where we are supposed to go. Of course, it is not always that simple. We lose sight of our Guide… we question His direction… the path grows fuzzy… the forks in it too numerous… But there are plenty of times when we… okay, I… miss the first joy of being a disciple. Mark 3:14 – “He appointed twelve… that they might BE WITH HIM.”
Since it seems I have some work to do along these lines, I turned to another man’s writing. He has since joined the God he served for so many years, but his son, Rob, continues to publish his Dad’s writings. (If you would like to read more, go to http://www.todayseries.org/ To read the entire article I quote from below, go to http://todayseries.org/archives/2008/07/the-simplicity-that-is-in-chri-1.html Jeff Floyd was always an inspiration… and these words really ministered to my “conviction.”
The Christian life can become so complicated and mundane that we lose sight of the simplicity that is in Christ. In the early years of my ministry He was all I knew. It was never my desire to be philosophical, psychological or even theological.
(Might I, Jim, add, it was also never my primary desire to be known, “successful,” or influential.) I just wanted to know Him. I could relax in Him and draw from His wonderful love and benevolent care as I heard His voice saying: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest."
Men are rarely satisfied with the simplicity that is in Christ. It is a quirk of human nature that men design a Jesus which fulfills their own specifications, expectations, and imaginations. Jesus once asked the disciples who men said that He was. Their answers were
interesting. The most common answer had Jesus being the reincarnation of one of the prophets. It seems inevitable that men will have Jesus to be different from He is or less than He is. This will always be true when men view Him with eyes other than what the Holy Spirit gives them.
It is human nature to make the simple complicated. We preachers can turn a single word into a three point message--complete with introduction, exposition, poem and conclusion. When we get through we may have educated the mind but until Christ is revealed that is all that happens. I am convinced that much of what we write and speak would be unnecessary if men were made more aware of the presence of Christ. Long forgotten practices of piety need to be restored to the Christian life.
Generally speaking, probably the least practiced part of piety is that of prayer. Many questions of understanding, faith and obedience are answered when we spend quality time with Jesus. It is much easier to talk about prayer--to read and write books about it--than it is to practice it. Without
the continual practice of prayer our faith becomes a definition rather than a practice and our walk a struggle of human will rather than one of divine enablement. God loves us enough, however, to use whatever method it takes to bring us back to the simplicity that is in Jesus. Now is the time and today is the day. Let us seek Him with all of our hearts, forgetting all complicated notions of religion---simply clinging to Christ in His simplicity.
In the middle of all this “heart work,” God showed me yet another WWJ type verse. I close with this… and pray that these words again become the “desire” of my heart: Isaiah 26:8 -- Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. I like part of it even better in a different translation: We’re in no hurry, God. We’re content to linger... Who You are and what You’ve done is all we’ll ever want.
Walk WITH Jesus,
Jim
Sometimes, I just have to tell you what is going on. As you know, I now serve as one of the volunteer staff of writers for the online publication Heartbeat the Magazine. Each month, we are given a theme; we are free to stray from the focus of the month, but it is a nice help. September is the magazine’s second anniversary (didn’t realize I’d gotten in so close to the ground floor!) and we were encouraged to write about “Starting Fresh,” “New Beginnings,” “A New Life” etc… “Straying” a bit, I strongly felt that I should use the opportunity to revisit my first letter. When new subscribers come on board, I send a personal greeting and Letter #1 because it explains everything behind why I do what I do. To be honest though, I hadn’t really read that first letter in quite some time… perhaps not even once since I first sent it to a handful of subscribers almost 4 years ago.
If you have never had the experience, it is quite amusing and a little annoying for God to use your own writing to bring conviction. If you will recall, WWJ refers to a picture God gave me many years ago. To oversimplify (if you want to read the whole thing again, either write prov2525@socket.net and ask for Letter #1 to be re-sent… or wait for the Sept. 7th edition of Heartbeat) I saw myself on a dusty road… trudging along with little purpose or enthusiasm. Looking up, I spied a magnificent city in the distance. From earlier experiences with our Father, I knew this city represented my future, my ministry, my destiny. Like most of us would, I tried to run, but was stopped quite forcefully by an outstretched arm. Frustrated, I started to bat it away, but then noticed the unmistakable scar… and realized that Jesus Himself had stopped me. Then, He began pointing to the ground and showing me diamonds… blessings and experiences I would have missed had I continued to run away. Opening His hand once more, He invited me to “walk WITH Him.” Staying with Him and enjoying His Presence and His guidance is far easier than running ahead, far more fun than lagging behind, and I dare not go against Him. Besides, if I stick with Him, we will get to the city… and I will arrive with my pockets full of diamonds.
There is, as I said, more to the story, but God convicted me that I had abandoned – to some degree – the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3.) I have become far too “results” oriented… too focused on the city and no longer drawing joy from the Way to the city. John 14 still makes me smirk. When Jesus tells His disciples that they “know the way where He is going,” I think Thomas scratched his head and blurted out, “Wait a minute! We don’t understand what’s going on. You keep talking about leaving us and death and yet You say You’re also unveiling a Kingdom… We have no idea what You are doing or where You are going! How can we possibly know the way?!” Then Jesus speaks those famous words, “I AM the Way…” How quickly we forget that simple truth. Walking WITH Him is how we get where we are supposed to go. Of course, it is not always that simple. We lose sight of our Guide… we question His direction… the path grows fuzzy… the forks in it too numerous… But there are plenty of times when we… okay, I… miss the first joy of being a disciple. Mark 3:14 – “He appointed twelve… that they might BE WITH HIM.”
Since it seems I have some work to do along these lines, I turned to another man’s writing. He has since joined the God he served for so many years, but his son, Rob, continues to publish his Dad’s writings. (If you would like to read more, go to http://www.todayseries.org/ To read the entire article I quote from below, go to http://todayseries.org/archives/2008/07/the-simplicity-that-is-in-chri-1.html Jeff Floyd was always an inspiration… and these words really ministered to my “conviction.”
The Christian life can become so complicated and mundane that we lose sight of the simplicity that is in Christ. In the early years of my ministry He was all I knew. It was never my desire to be philosophical, psychological or even theological.
(Might I, Jim, add, it was also never my primary desire to be known, “successful,” or influential.) I just wanted to know Him. I could relax in Him and draw from His wonderful love and benevolent care as I heard His voice saying: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest."
Men are rarely satisfied with the simplicity that is in Christ. It is a quirk of human nature that men design a Jesus which fulfills their own specifications, expectations, and imaginations. Jesus once asked the disciples who men said that He was. Their answers were
interesting. The most common answer had Jesus being the reincarnation of one of the prophets. It seems inevitable that men will have Jesus to be different from He is or less than He is. This will always be true when men view Him with eyes other than what the Holy Spirit gives them.
It is human nature to make the simple complicated. We preachers can turn a single word into a three point message--complete with introduction, exposition, poem and conclusion. When we get through we may have educated the mind but until Christ is revealed that is all that happens. I am convinced that much of what we write and speak would be unnecessary if men were made more aware of the presence of Christ. Long forgotten practices of piety need to be restored to the Christian life.
Generally speaking, probably the least practiced part of piety is that of prayer. Many questions of understanding, faith and obedience are answered when we spend quality time with Jesus. It is much easier to talk about prayer--to read and write books about it--than it is to practice it. Without
the continual practice of prayer our faith becomes a definition rather than a practice and our walk a struggle of human will rather than one of divine enablement. God loves us enough, however, to use whatever method it takes to bring us back to the simplicity that is in Jesus. Now is the time and today is the day. Let us seek Him with all of our hearts, forgetting all complicated notions of religion---simply clinging to Christ in His simplicity.
In the middle of all this “heart work,” God showed me yet another WWJ type verse. I close with this… and pray that these words again become the “desire” of my heart: Isaiah 26:8 -- Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. I like part of it even better in a different translation: We’re in no hurry, God. We’re content to linger... Who You are and what You’ve done is all we’ll ever want.
Walk WITH Jesus,
Jim
Moving On
Well I won't delete this blog. Too much stuff on it. But will link it to my Web site and my new blog.
The Last Trip
My editor at The Gazette, Steve Buttry, loaned me the book "Obit" by Jim Sheeler. A most interesting, intriguing book of stories about people who are no longer living among us, but are, yet, in a sense. I wonder if I could write like that. I have not tried. I would like to meet this man Sheeler. He makes each person's life fascinating. I have not seen any local writer - well, maybe one - Tom Fruehling wrote features that were compelling and heartwarming before he left the newspaper.
Too many of us don't try things because of fear. Our age doesn't really matter - young or old, we can be "stick-in-the-muds" or blossoming peonies.
A lot has to do with our relationship with the Lord. Satan impresses me with the desire for things I really don't need. To rise above the ashes of death, which is really what Satan offers, we must look to the Lord, and I can do all things through Him, with Him. Look to Him, not elsewhere.
My husband works with hospice, caring for the physical needs of men who are on their last journey. Sometimes he also cares for their spiritual needs - it depends - the patient/client must request him to read a Scripture passage or pray with them. Jim does this willingly. He is one of God's servants.
I write the obituaries at The Gazette, but it's not feature writing. It's following style, putting together the pieces/facts in an orderly fashion or merely editing what a funeral home or individual has sent in. I've been doing this for 21 years here, and years before at other newspapers - dailies and weeklies.
When I was a child I used to write stories. My mother enjoyed writing, so we shared that common ground. I wrote fiction and poetry (which I still do occasionally) for a long time - through college anyway, before I stopped. I have always kept a journal.
Feature writing is not fiction. It's not mundane or boring either. Could I practice writing on someone's life...
Too many of us don't try things because of fear. Our age doesn't really matter - young or old, we can be "stick-in-the-muds" or blossoming peonies.
A lot has to do with our relationship with the Lord. Satan impresses me with the desire for things I really don't need. To rise above the ashes of death, which is really what Satan offers, we must look to the Lord, and I can do all things through Him, with Him. Look to Him, not elsewhere.
My husband works with hospice, caring for the physical needs of men who are on their last journey. Sometimes he also cares for their spiritual needs - it depends - the patient/client must request him to read a Scripture passage or pray with them. Jim does this willingly. He is one of God's servants.
I write the obituaries at The Gazette, but it's not feature writing. It's following style, putting together the pieces/facts in an orderly fashion or merely editing what a funeral home or individual has sent in. I've been doing this for 21 years here, and years before at other newspapers - dailies and weeklies.
When I was a child I used to write stories. My mother enjoyed writing, so we shared that common ground. I wrote fiction and poetry (which I still do occasionally) for a long time - through college anyway, before I stopped. I have always kept a journal.
Feature writing is not fiction. It's not mundane or boring either. Could I practice writing on someone's life...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A new beginning
Nearly 3 years ago I started blogging. I guess it's about time I change the look. My weekend has begun. I got off work at 9 p.m., so ready to not work, just go home and do whatever. So many projects I have, but as to which will get down in any kind of timely manner, that is the question. Shortly, my travels will be to dreamland, as soon as I have that cup of tea. So till later ....
A new blog in the works
I am working on creating a new blog. I think it will be titled Journeys, although I do like the name Sojourner. When I have achieved what I want with it, I will probably delete this one.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Desires of the flesh
Four years ago I reduced my body weight by 110 pounds. Four years later I have managed to keep the weight off but it is a continual struggle to maintain. Up and down I go. Since November 2007, it has been a particular struggle. I'm not sure why. This past week devotional study has been pointing me to reflect on my eating habits. Sweet sweets really irritate me ... meaning, I do not feel well. It's not just chocolate and it's not just foods that you would think would be particularly harmful to you. Anything and everything that is really sweet to my tastebuds.
One verse I read that makes me think more of my harmful habits is Romans 8:5 (NKJ) which says, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit."
Eating the desires of our heart can be "to the flesh," our sin nature. Brings death, not peace. I am not pleasing God, nor am I pleasing myself, because afterward, I don't feel good. But then it becomes hindsight. I'm not seeing the carnal mindset before I proceed ... I need to be aware of what I am doing and what I destroy, it destroys.
With the Lord's help we can rise above, but we must actively seek, actively work to prevent, to stop from regressing. Similar to what the apostle Paul says, "we do what we don't want to do and that which we know is right we don't do'' in Romans 7:15.
We think a long life is a good life. But that is not true. It's not how long we live, but how well. Quality instead of quantity.
More verses were found in Ephesians 5, verses 1, 8 and 10: "Follow God's example in everything you do ... For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! ... Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord."
So I will try to determine what is pleasing. I have a fair idea what is not.
One verse I read that makes me think more of my harmful habits is Romans 8:5 (NKJ) which says, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit."
Eating the desires of our heart can be "to the flesh," our sin nature. Brings death, not peace. I am not pleasing God, nor am I pleasing myself, because afterward, I don't feel good. But then it becomes hindsight. I'm not seeing the carnal mindset before I proceed ... I need to be aware of what I am doing and what I destroy, it destroys.
With the Lord's help we can rise above, but we must actively seek, actively work to prevent, to stop from regressing. Similar to what the apostle Paul says, "we do what we don't want to do and that which we know is right we don't do'' in Romans 7:15.
We think a long life is a good life. But that is not true. It's not how long we live, but how well. Quality instead of quantity.
More verses were found in Ephesians 5, verses 1, 8 and 10: "Follow God's example in everything you do ... For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! ... Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord."
So I will try to determine what is pleasing. I have a fair idea what is not.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
An honest talk with God
I talk to God regularly. I write letters, then I wait for His answer. I don't usually share my letters to the world. But they are my thoughts and whoever may read this may also find it useful.
Dear Lord,
So tired I am. Want to return to sleep. The item that causes me to be distressed remains on my mind. Distraught, angry. You know what I feel. Why?! What should I do about it - rise above it somehow. Don't know how.
Betrayed. The Lord alone can heal me. Continual thinking of the situation only causes more pain and anguish. This would be Satan's plan of action - to get my stomach in knots and move me away from God. That would not be wise. I cannot continually dwell on disturbing things. Show me Lord Jesus how to move my thought pattern to you and to not allow life's painful moments to get the best of me.
There are many individuals in this world who do not believe in you, let alone follow you. All across the globe. Not caring to what extent they may cause havoc to another. They don't want what you offer and so give it back, make it look like they accepted, but are not ... they are giving nothing, offering nothing. They are refusing, rejecting your gift. You said Lord, I remember reading it somewhere in your Holy word, that what they do to me (personally) they have first done to you.
I Peter 2 verses 4 and 7-8 says (New Living translation, paraphrased) Christ is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. He is very precious to you who believe. But for those who reject him, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that will make them fall." We who believe in Jesus are a chosen people. We "are called out of the darkness into his wonderful light to show others the goodness of God."
I Peter 2 verses 19 and 23 says "Do not retaliate. Do not threaten to get even."
Psalm 118:8 reminds us: "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
I am no better than you. I am, however, a child of the King, and so must live as such.
An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. And God's peace is a slice of heaven.
Dear Lord,
So tired I am. Want to return to sleep. The item that causes me to be distressed remains on my mind. Distraught, angry. You know what I feel. Why?! What should I do about it - rise above it somehow. Don't know how.
Betrayed. The Lord alone can heal me. Continual thinking of the situation only causes more pain and anguish. This would be Satan's plan of action - to get my stomach in knots and move me away from God. That would not be wise. I cannot continually dwell on disturbing things. Show me Lord Jesus how to move my thought pattern to you and to not allow life's painful moments to get the best of me.
There are many individuals in this world who do not believe in you, let alone follow you. All across the globe. Not caring to what extent they may cause havoc to another. They don't want what you offer and so give it back, make it look like they accepted, but are not ... they are giving nothing, offering nothing. They are refusing, rejecting your gift. You said Lord, I remember reading it somewhere in your Holy word, that what they do to me (personally) they have first done to you.
I Peter 2 verses 4 and 7-8 says (New Living translation, paraphrased) Christ is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. He is very precious to you who believe. But for those who reject him, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that will make them fall." We who believe in Jesus are a chosen people. We "are called out of the darkness into his wonderful light to show others the goodness of God."
I Peter 2 verses 19 and 23 says "Do not retaliate. Do not threaten to get even."
Psalm 118:8 reminds us: "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
I am no better than you. I am, however, a child of the King, and so must live as such.
An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. And God's peace is a slice of heaven.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Things that didn't
Things that didn't ... what an interesting concept. Didn't what? Well, in my way of thinking this morning, its things that didn't turn out the way expected. So what is new about that? Isn't it rare when things turn out the way we think they should? Whatever. Here's my list:
- the sweet corn and brats wasn't available on Thursday at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference. It was served on Tuesday. We were told it would be Thursday. Pie and ice cream was served instead, and Jim and I weren't interested in that.
- the speaker for Thursday evening was someone whose name I can't even begin to pronounce. He was Indian. He beat around the bush to get to the point, which was basically, "abide in my word and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." We wanted Bible teaching, but there wasn't much of that.
Now that I've written them down, they seem so petty.
Only able to spend two days at the Bible Conference this year. In previous years, when I had the whole week off and Jim wasn't working as many hours and the gas prices were not as such a premium, we would be there every night and some morning sessions. I miss that. Maybe another year, next year maybe, we can do that.
Harold DeCou, who has played the organ at the conference for many years and was scheduled to be there again this year, had to cancel. He has colon cancer. He and his wife live in the Peoria, Ill., area.
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