Reborn~

Like living fireworks, God's magnificent spring display mirrors the picture of resurrection. Twigs flower, bulbs bloom, He lives!

A Mighty Fortress...

Recently, my daughter and I have had fun remembering some of the old songs we sang at church many years ago--several silly children's songs with not-so-silly messages ("Lord's Army" anyone) and some packed with powerful  principle ("A Mighty Fortress") but a little challenging to interpret. 

What began as the creation of a "let's teach these forgotten oldies-but-goodies to her little ones," list, turned into a trip down melody memory lane that in some ways has felt reminiscent of an, "I'm going down to the creek just to stick my toes in the water," day, that ended with the discovery of gold in the stream!

I'd love to hear about special songs you remember or plan to teach your children or grandchildren, particularly if you'd be willing to share why the song is important to you.

Here are a few I've rediscovered, but I'm still mining-- so if you have ideas, do share them:

God is so Good

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Nothing but the Blood

Have Thine Own Way Lord

O How He Loves You and Me

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I Surrender All

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

Blessed Assurance

Lord I Want to Be a Christian

The Joy of the Lord (will be my strength)

Savior, Like a Shepherd

The purpose of this post isn't to begin a dialog or start a debate on the merits or necessity of singing old hymns in modern church services, it's merely to point out that since we don't typically sing them, we have a great opportunity to introduce the children in our lives to melodies with messages that are timeless even if the style is no longer considered current.  Hopefully, when they are old(er) like their Nana~ these truths, like gleaming nuggets of gold, will serve to remind them of a faithful Father, who, "like a shepherd leads" all who place their trust in Him alone for salvation.  so...Praise Him, praise Him...all ye little children...

Good Christian B*tches

That is the title of a new ABC television series that they are now abbreviating GCB (in case you've been living under a rock and hadn't heard the hype--I crawled out from under mine this week) and I couldn't resist sharing a few thoughts on the subject.

For years, I've been concerned about the axis tilt that started in my young adulthood when people of Christian faith--with increasing frequency--started becoming the object of media and societal ridicule. 

This show's title takes the tilt to another degree, and I'd love to know by their definition what is not "hate speech" about this. After all, as I write this, actor Kirk Cameron is defending himself against hate speech allegations for expressing his Christian views about marriage during an interview with Piers Morgan.  Almost immediately, Roseanne Barr tweeted: "Kirk or kurt or whatever Cameron is an accomplice to murder with his hate speech. So is rick warren. Their peers r killing gays in Uganda."  The outrage and ugliness is not limited to Ms. Barr.  Cameron has been the subject of blogs, headlines and rants throughout the free world.

It's a curious time to be alive in America. People who would never think of titling their product/show Good ---you name the religion other than Christian or the minority/radical group-- B*tches, seemingly had no reservations when choosing to use "Christian" in a defamatory fashion.

Here are a few of my thoughts about this issue:

1.  Nobody is, by Biblical definition, GOOD. People without Christ (i.e. those who are not Christian) can do things that are "good" in the profitable or charitable sense, but no person is good when compared to the sinless, sacrificing Savior. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:10;23) and apart from Christ's redemptive work and our repentance for what we've done wrong, we are, simply put, not good. Our only redeeming goodness comes from Christ.  For this reason, we cannot expect lost, unregenerate people to consistently behave in good ways where we (believers) are concerned, so although sad, this show's title is not surprising. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

2.  All Christians can, on occasion, be perceived as "hypocrites" (by worldly perception/interpretation as the show suggests).  In some cases, we unwittingly give them their content by failing to consider the importance of our testimony and the need to make His fame glorious.  We chase selfish interests while claiming the name of Jesus, and far too often we look just like the world.  How can this be?  How can we reconcile our choices and actions with God's prescription for us as believers?

I can't speak for anyone except myself, but I know I've had to pray for His mercy for failing to remember the high price that was paid for my new identity in Christ.  But here's the great news: He forgives and restores! Every time I confess and repent (turn away from the habit, action or reaction that offended His holiness and grieved His spirit) He lavishes His mercy on my stubborn flesh. (Lamentations 3:23)

3.  The Christian women I know are not "B*tches".  They are people who live to give, serve, love and follow the example of Christ in ways that may never make headlines but will matter for eternity. Hopefully, they (and I) will so successfully defy the caricature portrayed by this sitcom that we shame the creators and end its run.  The best way for us to respond to the kind of attack this show has levied on us as a demographic is: A. pursue godliness passionately; B. don't tune in; C. consider not supporting the products that are advertised during the show.

4.  Finally, pray!  Rather than becoming angry about this, it should drive us to our knees in prayer for those around us who are searching for meaning and purpose for their lives but have misunderstood what being "Christian" could actually  mean for them.  Join me in asking God to open hearts, minds and eyes!

I am so thankful to have God's inspired Word to remind me to count it all joy and that His strength is perfected in my weakness.  My great prayer this morning is that this simple little reminder that the world is watching those of us who claim to be Christians will compel me to walk His narrow path with my eyes fixed like flint on the prize reserved for those who persevere and stay the course--even if I am the brunt of all the world's jokes and misguided attempts at humor. 

Lord, help me never be a B. ever.  for your Name and fame's sake. Amen.

Relentless for Eli

One day not all that long ago, a young family that I attend church with had their world rocked when their little boy, Eli, was diagnosed with Leukemia.  In the days that have followed, I've grown to admire the Rowe family not just for their unshakeable faith, but for their determination to allow God to turn what has been such a difficult situation into an opportunity to educate and advocate in support of other families who are enduring similar trials.

I have the blessing and privilege of mentoring one of Eli's mom's best friends--Johnna Watson.  Truth be told, Johnna is often more of a mentor to me than I will ever be to her.  She has the deepest desire to serve and give of just about anyone I've met, and she doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk.  So when Eli got sick, Johnna got busy.

Today, Johnna is a candidate for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year.  This means she is working really hard to raise money for life-saving research that will eventually lead to a cure for blood cancers, but the campaign time frame is very short--she only has until May 4th! 

May I ask you to do something huge for Johnna and for Eli and his family? Will you watch this short video, pray for Eli and others who are battling these diseases (and their families) and support Johnna's campaign? Eli's Journey, Johnna's Challenge--Video

I cannot imagine a better way to spend a few minutes of your day-- and there are few more worthy ways to invest a dollar than by giving to a cause that may potentially save a life.  Even if you can only contribute the amount you'd spend on a latte at Starbucks your gift will be priceless to the mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, sister, brother, loved-one of a cancer patient.  Thank you.

Campaign Information

Join Team Eli on Facebook

With deepest gratitude and love,
~Sandy

Happy New Year and Happy News!

I have been very slack about updating the blog, but it's not because I haven't been writing.  In fact, I am in the process of working to publish my first CHILDREN'S book! 

The story behind the project is lengthy but I will summarize it by explaining that last year while trying to find a short story that I could adapt into a melodrama for a children's ministry at Easter, I was unsuccessful.  Searching for an allegorical account of the story of God's redemption of mankind that could be presented in ten minutes or less proved futile. 

I found a few stories that attempted the feat, but nothing that worked for us--so I started to pray about it and eventually had an idea for a story that became this little book project.  What I discovered after much research and investigation however, was that almost no publishing houses are looking for new, Christian-themed children's illustrated book material.  It's costly to publish and too risky for them in this uncertain market. 

For that reason, I crafted a "home made" edition of the book, had a few copies printed, and in the process I've been blessed with the opportunity to get it published professionally after I find the right illustrator! 

Anyone who is familiar with the gospel account of God's plan to redeem his children (us) recognizes that this is not an easy story to tell--and it's not necessarily appropriate for the youngest audience in spite of the fact that it will be an illustrated story.  Still, I hope this book provides a clear and convicting picture of the tremendous sacrifice that Christ made for all who will follow Him. 

If I can be so bold to ask, will you pray for me as I interview illustrators and work to get this project into the hands of the publisher?  Thank you in advance-- and may God's biggest blessings be yours in this New Year!

           

         Christmas time is here!
Are you looking for an inspirational gift for someone you love?  Nichole's CD's are on sale AND she is offering 20% off if you buy two or more!  The reviewers are raving about this compilation of original songs that candidly chronicle her journey with God as she battles fear and anxiety.  You can learn more or order the CD here ... and...
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Thank You!

In 2006, I wrote s "thankful" note. Since then, I read and make changes as needed each year around Thanksgiving time, and as usual there were important additions and updates needed. So, without further rambling, here goes:

I Am Thankful...

for a personal God who knows me and loves me anyway. ~1 Cor. 8:3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. NLT

for my security in Christ. ~Psalm 98:2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. ~ Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing... NLT

for my husband~No, I don't understand my husband's theory of relativity, but I know my husband, and I know he can be trusted. ~ Elsa Einstein. Thanks Elsa, for eloquently conveying that trust is a most critical component of marriage--or any relationship.  I am blessed to be your wife, Mr. Broome.

for my daughter~ as a woman, you embody the essence of Proverbs 31 better than I ever could have aspired to, and I admire you as much as I love you.

for my son-in-law~ who knew I would gain another son when Leslie married you? I am grateful for the relationship we have--you make me laugh and I especially love to listen to you when you're on a roll sharing your heart of passion for God, your family or your music. You bless me.

for Ava Grace~ you light up the rooms you enter with a personality ten times your physical size!  As John Mayer would say: you're "bigger than your body gives you credit for!". I pray that you never stop loving me the way you do now--it makes me understand the delight God must feel when we express genuine adoration for Him.

for Lilia Carolyn~ you are a serious, hilarious dichotomy of pink princess preciousness.  You make me smile, you make me laugh and I am smitten by you.

for Steven PATE~ we can already tell that you are going to fill the big shoes of your namesake (Tiffany Pate) who had a heart the size of Mt. Rushmore and enough faith to fill the seas seven times over. You are my dear little "Pate-Pate," and my cup runneth over with love for you!

for my son~ few joys in life will ever compare to seeing you be a wonderful father to two of my precious grandchildren. I can only pray that your children bless you half as much as you bless me. If they do, you will be a wealthy man.

for my daughter-in-law~you are so much more than an "in-law"--I am proud of you and your accomplishments as if you were my own flesh and blood. You're a wonderful mother and precious gift to our family, and I cherish our relationship.

for Cadi Lou~ you radiate sweetness and you are a love magnet! I can't wait to see the special plans God has for your life unfold--you are unique and adorable.

for Anderson Glenn~ wow, how can one child be so good natured?  Contentment and joyfulness define you as a baby and you captured my heart the day your were born.

for my mom~ you are such a pillar of faith and strength and I hope to be half the woman you are if ever faced with the trials you've endured for the past year.  You are a precious blessing to our family.

for my dad~ not a day passes that I don't recall something he said to me that has challenged, inspired or made me a better person and as much as I miss him, I know he's where he longed to be and I'll see him later, but I will always be thankful for his impact on my life.

for my sisters~both of you are special blessings to me and are uniquely treasured as unmatched, undeserved gifts to my life.

for my family~ "call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  Jane Howard. I need AND love all of you.

for special friends~ you challenge me, you inspire me, you correct me, you forgive me.  what more could ANYONE ask for in a friend?  To Melanie, Sherry, Wanda, Sara, Heather, Sarah, Kristina, Jennifer, Johnna, Kim, Julie, Alli, Brittany, Kathy, Teresa, Kelly, Christa, Lindy, Laurie, Lindsay, Mardelle, Rosa, Trena, Susan, Linda, Elaine, Ellen, Rachel, and Jess: each of you in particular have said or done something this past year that has blessed me. I love you and I am grateful.

for my work~ I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~Helen Keller

for life~ Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. ~Anais Nin

for blog readers~ i am grateful for each of you and I am humbled that you would consider reading anything I write worthy of your time.  May this season be one of special blessings and precious celebrations for you and the people you treasure!

Now, as in '06, I will again assert that there are still areas of my life that need lots of work.  Do not mistake my "thankful list" to be an insinuation that everyone and everything surrounding me (including me) is perfect--Whoa! to that crazy notion! But you know what?  I'm grateful for all of the messes, mishaps and imperfection.  I do not live in "fantasy land," and I'm glad.  Why? Because this world should never be too good or seem too much like home because that might lead me to take the beautiful blessings of life for granted.  God forbid!

So...Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Family, bless you for your tolerance of me. Friends, keep me in your prayers for I fail daily. But remember this, I am grateful for each of you from the bottom of my heart--at Thanksgiving and every day.

Love,
Sandy