Beauty In Out of the Way Places

I am so ready for spring. It comes slow here in the Inland Northwest, and I have been eagerly awaiting the first bloom I can spy in my yard. My daffodils and tulips are still only half-grown stalks and my anniversary rosebush is a mass of dry, twig looking stems with only a faint brush of green to prove there is any life inside. My little planter area I cultivated last summer has been extremely barren, due mostly to the fact that I planted almost all annuals. Ever since my sweet hubby gifted me with a potential rosebush (a mass of stems in a hunk of dirt!) early last summer, I have eagerly anticipated the day when I will enjoy a big, healthy, climbing shrub bearing lush, extravagant roses! So, as soon as the snow melted enough to where I could see the plant again, I began checking for signs that my rose had survived the harsh winter. Sure enough, green began to spread through the little stalks, but slowly. Almost everyday when I walk up the steps to the porch, I glance at the bush, and not much seems to change. Brown deadness seems to keep my rose's growth stagnated, and I have been disappointed.

However, this morning, as I traipsed down the driveway to Bible study, something purple caught my eye. About 3 feet to the right of my rosebush, tucked away in a corner amidst a tangle of last year's lifeless plants, was a single, delicate pansy. While I had been obsessed with my rosebush, and longing for it's showy blooms to materialize, this little, unpretentious pansy had come to life and blossomed without any fanfare. I was so moved and throughout Bible study, God's gift of this little flower tugged at my heart. It was as if the Lord dropped this thought into my mind: "Sometimes I work quietly and beautifully in out of the way places, where you aren't even looking."

WOW! My eyes welled up with tears as I realized how I often I long for God to work in "showy", extravagant ways, when many times just as important (or more) are the things He is doing where we least expect it. Isn't it just like God to do that? How refreshed and encouraged my spirit was when I thought of how often God brings beauty out of the least likely people and circumstances, and how often I neglect to see where He is working, as I become distracted with the things I want to happen! The roses I want to bloom!

Father, please draw my eyes continually to where Your "pansies" are sprouting in the least likely places in my world!

Hope You Don't Mind...

I have recently started using the internet radio Pandora (I know, I'm a little behind the times...). Last night, I felt in the mood for something different than my usual contemporary Christian fare, so I plugged in Chicago, and created a radio station chock full of great oldies from the 70s and 80s. Over dinner, talking to my hubby, waves of nostalgia rolled over me- not because I was a teen growing up in that time period, but because of my dad. Because of my dad, I did indeed grow up on bands like Chicago, The Beatles, America, The Eagles, Boston, Queen, REO Speedwagon, The Turtles, Bread, etc. My husband listened in amazement as song after song came on and I knew most of the words to almost every one. So I began to talk about my dad. How when I was young, growing up in Double Adobe, AZ and Redland, OR, there weren't any good Christian music stations- this was back in the 90s you know! :) So, when I would go places with Daddy, he'd crank up the oldies. The best of the 60s, 70s and 80s, the announcer would say. And as the tunes would float across the airwaves, Daddy would talk about his teen years, and how he was a sort of music junkie, discovering little known bands & one-hit-wonders, how he collected thousands of records and knew all about the bands that made them. Amazing how much I retained, for it wasn't the music or the bands that really interested me. I loved to hear Daddy talk about life when he was a kid. And I loved the time he spent telling me about it.

My dad became a pastor when I was 3 years old, and ever since I can remember, he's been talking us kids on calls with him. Now I go on calls with my own pastor husband and remember the days going with Daddy. Very rarely did Daddy go on a call to an elderly or sick person's home without taking one of us seven kids. When we lived in AZ, the trips to the hospital were at least 45 min, but usually more like 2 or 4 hrs- one way. That's a lot of time. In OR the hospitals were closer, but we still coveted the trips with Daddy. I remember many arguments happening over who got to "go with Daddy to see so-and-s0"! It wasn't just because most of the elderly widows would bring out milk and cookies for us. It was the time with Daddy. He made us feel important. He used to tell us that it made the older people and the sick people happy just to see a child's face. And he would often let us pray with them, knowing that the innocence of a child's prayers can touch a hurting heart or a weary soul like nothing else. And when we were in the car, there were always conversations. About music, of course, but also about life. About the importance of learning to listen to people. Taking an interest in what they're interested in. Look around, he'd say, look at the pictures on the walls, or the knick-knacks and ask people questions about their lives. Learn to remember the names of their kids and their grandkids. He was (is) such a good teacher of how to unselfishly minister to people. And on the way home there was always the inevitable stop for a treat, for being so good and for just being with Daddy. A soda and a bad of chips, or a donut and a bottle of juice. A candy bar.

But now as I look back, it isn't the treats I remember so well. The thing that has left such a lasting impression on me (besides the great old tunes!) is the time I spent with my Daddy. Knowing that my company was valuable to him, knowing that he enjoyed spending those hours with me. Now, married, living away from home, I treasure every moment I spent with my Daddy. And Daddy, as Elton John would say, I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words, how wonderful life was...when I got to spend time with you! :)

It's a Heart Issue...

O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. – Psalm 15:1-2

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. – Psalm 24:3-4

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. – Psalm 40:8

Our heart has not turned back, and our steps have not deviated from Your way. – Psalm 44:18

Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding. – Prov. 2:2

For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul… -Prov. 2:10

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments… bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Prov. 3:1, 3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. – Prov. 3:5

Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live… do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. – Prov. 4:4, 21

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. – Prov. 4:23

My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. – Prov. 6:20-21

“Keep my commandments and live… bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart…” – Prov. 7:2a, 3

The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined. – Prov. 10:8

The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his. – Prov. 14:14

Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, but in the hearts of fools it is made known. – Prov. 14:33

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.

– Prov. 15:13

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. – Prov. 15:28

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly he will not be unpunished. – Prov. 16:5

The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. – Prov. 16:21

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. – Prov. 16:23

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Prov. 17:22

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked is sin. – Prov. 21:4

He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. – Prov. 22:11

Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge. – Prov. 23:12

My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will be glad… - Prov. 23:15

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. – Prov. 23:17

Listen, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. – Prov. 23:19

Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways. –Prov. 23:26

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man. – Prov. 27:19

How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

– Prov. 28:14

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.

–Prov. 28:26

Reaching for the Son

It's amazing the ways God uses to bring a point home to you. Lately, He's been using my feeble attempts to start a garden. A couple of my seed packets advised starting the plants indoors before transplanting to the scary outside world. So in little cups near a sunny window, my baby tomato and rosemary (hopefully!) plants are spreading their fledgling wings...ahem, leaves. But what is funny is the way that they grow. Their thin little stems bend toward the window and their tiny, growing leaves almost look like arms outstretched toward the sun. As I giggled at the cute picture this made, I was reminded of how God wants us to do the same! How He wants us to reach for His S-O-N.

Reaching for the Son gives us strength.

Only Jesus can provide us with the strength we need to do His work. He promises that He will equip us and fill us as we rely on Him.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." -Eph. 6:10

Reaching for the Son gives us growth.

The more we entrust ourselves to the Son and walk in the light of His truth, the more we grow! If we remain in darkness and denial, our souls remain dead within us, like a seed that is never planted in fertile soil. But when we surrender our lives to the bright Light that is Jesus Christ, He helps us to gain spiritual maturity.

"...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ..." -1Peter 3:18

Reaching for the Son gives us roots.

As we walk in the Light, not only do we grow upward and outward in love and good deeds, but the stability of our faith grows deeper and stronger. Planted in the fertile soil of the Word and enriched by the Light of the Son, we are able to stand firm.

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith..." -1 Cor. 16:13

Reaching for the Son gives us fruit.

Without the strength, growth and roots caused by the Son, we will never bear fruit! Only He can cause the things of the Spirit to come to fruition in our lives.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." -Gal. 5:22-23

Reaching for the Son is our only hope for growth and even our very survival. He longs for us to stretch out the arms of our souls in complete dependence on the strength and power only He can give to us. When we are reaching for the Son, basking in His light, then and only then will we be fully satisfied, and fully useful for His service.

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he mediates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."

-Psalm 1:1-3

O Magnify the Lord With Me!

"My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice." - Psalm 34:2

I was reading through Psalm 34 this morning and thinking how much time I spend thinking of myself and my troubles or my successes. But my soul MUST boast in the Lord! Why? Here are 18 reasons I found, just in Psalm 34!

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me..." -v. 4a

1) He answers me! He is always near when I call, and ready to answer.

"...and delivered me from all my fears." - v. 4b

2) He delivers me from fear! He is a solid place of refuge and His sovereign control over my life and His love for me drives away my anxiety.

"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him..." - v. 6a

3) He hears! He is not a God far off, but close enough to hear.

"...and saved him out of all his troubles." - v. 6b

4) He saves! In so many practical and spiritual ways.

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him..." - v. 7a

5) He protects those who fear Him! His angels encamp around me.

"...and rescues them." - v. 7b

6) He rescues!

"O taste and see that the Lord is good..." - v. 8a

7) He is good! Let me taste and see!

"How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" - v. 8b

8) He is a refuge! A safe place.

"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous..." - v. 15a

9) His eyes are toward the righteous! He loves and rewards holiness.

"...and His ears are open to their cry." - v. 15b

10) His ears are always open to them! He is ready and waiting when the righteous come for help in time of need.

"The face of the Lord is against evildoers..." - v. 16a

11) He is against evil! It cannot stand in His holy presence.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." - v. 17

12) He delivers from trouble! He hears and saves in His time.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..." - v. 18a

13) He is near to the brokenhearted! He has a soft spot for those who are humbled, discouraged, or in pain.

""...and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - v. 18b

14) He saves the weak! He loves to show Himself strong when our spirits are crushed.

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." - v. 19

15) He delivers from affliction! Not always does He make a way out, but He supplies the needed strength to endure each affliction.

"Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned." - v. 21

16) He condemns those who hate the righteous! No injustice will go unpunished.

"The Lord redeems the soul of His servants..." - v. 22a

17) He redeems the souls of His servants! When we trust in Him, our souls are redeemed from death.

"...and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned." - v. 22b

18) There is no condemnation for those who take refuge in Him! He is merciful and rewards with freedom those whose refuge is in Him.

How consistently in this Psalm do I see the theme of "man cries to God, God hears, God saves." What a glorious foreshadowing of the great New Testament truth that He comes to us where we are in our distress and He saves. That for those who call out, who boast in His strength (not their own), who find their refuge and safety in Him, there is no condemnation. There is redemption, protection, and an everlasting opportunity to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

O magnify the Lord with me today for His saving power and His goodness to those who take refuge in Him!

"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." - Psalm 34:3

Cultivating a Heart of Faithfulness

Well, it's been awhile! One of my New Year's resolutions is to begin writing more on this blog!! :) But with getting married, moving twice, and settling into life as a pastor's wife in a new and rural community, things have been a bit busy!!

Travis and I were blessed a couple of weeks ago by being involved in a winter camp here in the area. The camp was for teens and the subject was "Sex, Dating, and Relationships." Being so recently married ourselves, we were able to share with the kids our own testimony of purity, and God's grace made evident in our lives. I thought I'd share a little bit with you of what was brought to my mind again that week...the necessity of cultivating faithfulness.

As young women, our desire for relationship begins very early. From the time I was about 4 or 5 I remember longing for marriage and that special prince charming! And that desire never went away- in fact, it only intensified as I got older. When my older brother got married at 18, I was sure the same would happen to me! I eagerly looked for the special someone who would make my life complete. But, 18 came and went and there were no suitors charging in on white horses. Young though I was, it felt like endless waiting...what to do?

I remember at one point coming across this passage:

Psalm 37:3-5: "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Dwell in the land! Cultivate faithfulness- grow it! That was my responsibility!

How soon is too soon to start being faithful to my spouse? No age is too soon! Pledge faithfulness in thought and conduct NOW!

Prov. 31:12 says, "She (the "excellent wife") does him good and not harm ALL the days of her life (emphasis added)."

How can I be faithful when I don't even know him?

-Guard, guard, guard! Guard your heart. Guard your eyes. Guard your body. Guard your emotions. Don't give away to someone else what belongs to your husband- not just physically, but also emotionally-what only he should see or know.

-Be loyal to him now- don't go chasing after every guy who compliments and tries to romance you before he has a right to! Behave in your relationships with the opposite sex in ways that are honoring and respectful to your future husband (and their future wife, for that matter!).

What do I do while I wait?

-Work on your heart. If you are not content before you meet someone, you will not be complete with them. Take the time while you are single to cultivate a heart of faithfulness, both to your future spouse AND to the Lord. The Lord MUST fill the longing for love in your heart before you will ever be satisfied with any person.

-Pray, pray, pray!! Pray for your spouse. Don't be afraid to pray very specifically. Pray for their family, their friends, their spiritual growth. Prayer is powerful!!

Why should I do this?

-God says so!! How does scripture describe real love?

1 Cor. 13:4-8a puts it this way (I've highlighted some that are particularly relevant!): "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails..."

By its nature, love is faithful.

-The rewards are incalculable. Now that I am married, I can tell you that it is hard even to describe how important faithfulness is in a marriage relationship. You would do well to begin to practice it now! It means so very much that your spouse practices- has been practicing- faithfulness. My husband and I shared our very first kiss (with each other or anyone else) on our wedding day and we cannot thank the Lord enough for preserving our hearts and bodies for one another. Having a marriage begun in this way is one of the most beautiful, most rewarding things I have ever experienced. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

My commitment to my husband did not start at the altar, 6 mo. ago. It did not even start on New Year's eve the year before, when I accepted his marriage proposal. My commitment to my husband began 7 or 8 years ago, when I decided to cultivate a heart of faithfulness.

Even if you have done things you regret, and have made mistakes, begin NOW to cultivate a heart of faithfulness.

God is the originator, the greatest example of faithfulness there is- give your heart to Him, put it in His care and ask Him to not let you give it away until it is His perfect timing.

shdwpast221: Asperations

shdwpast221: Asperations