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

Haunted...

Today's confession:  It's Halloween and I am haunted.  But not by a ghost or goblin, by the very real awareness that there are so many ways that I haven't lived up to the potential to make a difference in the world for Christ that I've been given.  So on a day that celebrates the supernatural, I'm asking the God of all creation (natural and otherwise) to give me the wisdom to do what I can, while I can, with whatever is needed in the moment, so that I won't die with any regrets regarding the coulda's, shoulda's and woulda's that are potentially the most haunting of all realities. 

Halloween is traditionally a day for thinking about life after the grave, dead stuff and roaming spirits, so ponder these compelling words from scripture with me: "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment..." Hebrews 9:27.

Now, if I have successfully done this "holiday's" duty and scared you by sharing this haunting reminder from Hebrews, do yourself a favor and read the entire 9th chapter for some peace-giving encouragement. Happy Halloween!

Love So Amazing...

~When God fills an empty vessel He doesn't stop at the top--His love fills to the brim and floods over the rim!

Forgiveness...

Christlike is she, who though pierced by the rose's thorn, sees only its beauty.

To Anyone Who Reads My Blog...

I would love to know a little bit about anyone who actually reads my blog posts.  As you might know, this began as a journal of "thoughts" for my grandchildren and has morphed a little since I started this process.

This morning, it occurs to me that as a result of having an online journal, there are people in the world who "know" me (at least a little about the way I think and my own spiritual journey) that I will never meet.  If you are willing, send me a note and tell me how I can pray for you, where you are in your faith walk, and anything else you'd like to share.  You can email: mugsy1959@hotmail.com, or you can leave a comment below.  I am all ears and I am praying for every person who reads my ramblings.

Love,
Sandy

One Foot in Quicksand...

It's time to catch up the study notes for my chronological journey through scripture. Picking up where I left off, today's passages are Isaiah 31-34, a period of time that in so many ways mirrors today's headlines. 

Having forgotten the many reasons for trusting in God alone as their source and strength, Isaiah chastised Judah for trusting in Egypt's numerous chariots and mighty horsemen. The very creator of life and breath who had miraculously delivered them from destruction and doom had practically been forgotten--and instead--these people believed that the strength of human armies merited their trust.

Quick to dispel the notion that there was any credence to this fallacy, Isaiah reminded them of God's might and supernatural power that exceeds the strongest horsemen or sturdiest chariot.  I was reminded here of the contrast with Psalm 20:7 which reads: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Just as then, I see us as a people (myself included) forgetting the source of blessing, protection, provision and power.  We lament the conditions of this world and feel defeated. We decry the lack of logic demonstrated by our leaders, failing to remember that we are trusting in humans rather than Almighty God when we look to them for our deliverance, success or survival. I claim to have set apart Christ as Lord, but do my actions, reactions, words and deeds, always reflect that?

The people of Judah had not abandoned their faith entirely, they simply had their feet planted in two places.  One foot was planted on the rock--God, and one on quicksand--Egypt.  It doesn't take someone with super-intellect to figure out that sinking's going to happen in a case like this, does it? Lord, help us remember that you alone are our firm foundation!

Lord, plant both of my feet on the solid rock, permeate my thoughts with your promises, and keep my heart wholly devoted and undivided so that I do not misplace my trust and sink with the masses into the world's mire.  You alone are the one who delivers and rescues.  Thank you and Amen.

Authentic Pursuit...

Weeks ago I mentioned that Leslie was working on a new format for her blog.  I'm pleased to announce that http://www.authenticpursuit.com/ is now up and running!  If you have preschoolers, you will enjoy her candid posts related to the joys and trials of homeschooling her little ones, and you may even get an idea or three to use with your children even if you are not a homeschool family. 

I will be the first to say that I was not the perfect parent.  I have regrets and a list of "shoulda's" a mile long, but the children God blessed me with (in spite of myself) are another evidence to me of His unending grace and mercy.  I want to encourage all mothers who feel like failures at least once a day  that our God is generous and willing to answer to the fervent pleas of a desperate mom! I asked Him so many times to overcome my parental inadequacies, and it is with humble praise that I acknowledge His goodness and thank Him daily for hearing my prayers and saying yes.

Breast Cancer and Facebook...

This is an unusual post for the blog today. If you aren't a facebook user you will most likely have no idea what I'm writing about, but for those who are, hear me out and if you are a woman of faith, please give this prayerful consideration.

Breast cancer is evil. I HATE it! I hate it for so many reasons. Like the fact that you do not have to have ANY family history of the disease to become a victim. And the fact that it can sometimes spread before it's detected. And what about how it seems to have escalated in frequency during our lifetimes and we all know MORE THAN ONE person who has had it or has it now. TERRIBLE. AWFUL. NO GOOD. HEINOUS!


Breast cancer robbed me (and many people I love) of one of the best women I have ever known. In her honor and memory, I would love for awareness to be raised and for people to be generous contributors to the cause of finding a cure and supporting those who are currently valiantly fighting the disease.
BUT, I cannot participate in a facebook campaign that requests something to the effect of writing a status that includes your shoe size followed by the word " inches" and then how long it takes you to do your hair. The innuendo is just too obvious and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the mental images this will conjure to anyone who doesn't know why someone is posting this information or what it refers to in reality.

To me, breast cancer is far more serious than this, and I cannot fathom how something like a titillating facebook status that is suggestive of anything other than breast cancer support succeeds at raising awareness or benevolence--but maybe I'm just naive. What I'm not, however, is a person who will intentionally use social media or any other platform to arouse thoughts that may be impure in anyone who might read it. For me--as a believer that all of God's Word is true--I just can't reconcile it.

I know, I know...I'm old. I'm old fashioned. I'm dark ages. I'm also a person who doesn't like to offend anyone by stating controversial opinions about things that don't matter for eternity, which this note has probably done--big time--especially if you have already written a status like the one I'm writing this note about. But I assure you that I am writing this before seeing anybody I know participate and I felt compelled to do this so that my friends who share my convictions might give this some thought and come up with a better, more transparent way to honor those we love and care about who are battling breast cancer.

That's all. I love you--even if you choose (or have chosen) to go along with "the game".

Philippians 4:8
... sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



.

Something Worth Reading...

This morning I had the privilege of reading an objective review of Nichole's project, New Eyes. Reporter/writer Erika Logan masterfully covered the debut concert for Magazine 33.

As her husband's mom, I imagined that writing my opinion about Nichole's music might be perceived as the biased musings of a doting mother-in-law. 

Today, I think I can justify my opinion because of this article--written by a stranger with credentials. I couldn't be happier to share Ms. Logan's interview, and I hope you will pass it along. Enjoy!

http://nc.magazine33.com/issue/september-2011-magazine33-north-carolina/article/broome

Stop by Nichole's new website to hear clips of her songs from the album on the homepage: http://nicholebroome.com/

Freedom, Faith and Family!

Yesterday was July 4th, a day that has always been a time for celebrating freedom, faith and family--which brings me to the reason for posting this entry in my blog (a departure from my usual Bible study notes).

(A&L at the 4th of July Parade, eagerly awaiting the candy that is tossed to them! Leslie made the cute "Patriotic" bandana dresses!)

God blessed me with two children, each unique, each precious. They, in turn, have married people that I adore. My son-in-law and daughter-in-law have given us reason to say, "music married into our family".  David's wife, Nichole, is a gifted singer-song writer, and Leslie's husband, Steven, is a talented worship leader and musician.

For this reason, I decided to shamelessly appeal to anyone who reads my blog to keep a couple of "my" kids' latest endeavors in your prayers.  Nichole Broome is about to release her first album of original songs in August and I couldn't be more excited about this project!

                     (Nichole recording at GAT3 studio--Unleash My Heart)

Her music is fresh and inspiring and it chronicles a very personal spiritual journey that has required her to "cast all her cares upon Him".  Moving ballads that are sung from the heart, Nichole's voice is angelic.  (I think I am being totally objective here in spite of my love for her!)  Please consider praying specifically for Nichole as she prepares for her album debut concert on August 12th by asking God to protect her and her family.

Next, my daughter Leslie Grace will soon debut a new blog (she has been working on its concept and format for a while now) to highlight the benefits of living life in mindful awareness of God's grace and provision.  When I named her after my Grandmother Grace, I could never have imagined how fitting the name would be. Nearly every day I discover a new reason to admire her! There are many who aspire to fulfill the scriptural attributes of the woman described in the 31st chapter of Proverbs, but I personally know very few who rival L.G., and I am challenged by her gentle ways and simple obedience daily.

This picture of Leslie with her girls (taken this weekend) is just one example of her ingenuity and frugality.  It's likely to be an example of some of what you'll find when she debuts her blog offering original ideas for clothing kids (among many other topics) as she did here by altering two inexpensive Walmart dresses. I think they are "boutique and unique" with her added touches!

I hope the Independence Day holiday provided opportunities for you to spend time with people you love and find reasons to be grateful for the freedom to worship Jesus and celebrate our liberties as Americans.  For me, it was just an extra special reminder that God has answered so many prayers--even the ones I prayed years and years ago about the people my children would one day marry--and I would be negligent if I didn't take an opportunity to publicly say, "Thank you, Lord!" for all these blessings!

His Big Mysteries...

This morning's devotional reading (1 Kings 13) sparked quite a bit of contemplation today regarding God's mysterious ways and purposes. 

A "man of God" (prophet) died in this passage because he believed and acted on a lie told to him by another "man of God" resulting in what seemed to be his exceptionally cruel demise. 

Let's face it, there are some things in the Bible that make you go, huh? Really?  Why? I call these things S.U.'s-- Sovereignty Unsolvables.  To me, they are reminders that God is big, He has big ways, and I'm never going to understand some of them this side of eternity.

Today, just as when this passage was written, things happen that don't make sense. Kids get cancer. Tornadoes level homes. Terrorists bomb. Cars crash. Mud slides. Fires rage. Wickedly evil people prosper. And we scratch our heads, cry...and look up.

Recently, a friend and I had a conversation about her friend who struggles spiritually because she just cannot completely trust a God who would allow awful things to happen. It seems my friend's friend endured a secret  horror that haunts her every day, making it reportedly impossible for her to reconcile how God allowed "it" to happen if he is "good".

That conversation prompted me to think about what the world would be like if God did prevent every sickness, kill every terrorist, evil person and child molester before they victimized anyone, redirect traffic so that no collisions or accidents ever happened, keep all populated areas free from floods, muds, damaging winds, and waves. What if He made this one big happy, problem-free planet? Who among us would ever look up?  (By the way, He did that originally, it was called the Garden of Eden and "we" blew it!)  But for the sake of this subject, if things were still garden perfect thanks to him, we'd probably rarely give him a grateful nod. I'm guessing we'd be so wrapped up in our good lives that we'd do what we're prone to do anyway--forget or ignore. 

My husband and I brought children into this world. To the best of our ability we nurtured them, provided for them, and protected them. And not to pat ourselves on the back or anything, but we sacrificed for them. We didn't always do what they wanted us to do, but we always did what we believed was best for them, and sometimes, that was painful--to them and to us. Today though, they are people we love spending time with and it is almost unbearable to imagine having a broken relationship with either of them.

I have to believe that the great and awesome God who created us (and loves us more than we can fathom) feels that way about us. In His sovereignty He acts and reacts according to what is ultimately best (in a big picture kind of way that we may never understand this side of heaven). In spite of the bad things that happen because this world is in a fallen state (of our own doing) one thing is certain according to scripture: He wants each of His children to experience the love and healing He offers that can overcome every tragedy and travesty associated with our sin-stained world.

In this life, there are (and will always be) unaswered whys and unhappy endings, but there is one more big S.U. that proves our God is good--all the time. He gave a Sacrifice Unrivaled when He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin. His own son suffered a cruel demise to give us (for free) eternal life. What an amazing, undeserved gift!

Today, I am thankful for a sovereign Lord who knows best, loves most and is big enough to allow me to ask questions and admit that there are things I don't like sometimes. His big mysteries are a part of a bigger plan that works for the good (sometimes eternal rather than temporal good -Romans 8:28-) of everyone who loves him.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

June 2, 2011--my Yahoo calendar just messaged me saying that it's your birthday, Dad.  It doesn't realize you're gone--that your first "heavenly birthday" has arrived, so it sent me a nice "reminder email".

I'm not gonna lie, this is hard and I'm sad. And even though I believe you wouldn't come back here if you could, I cannot let this occasion pass without writing a "card" to say what I would have told you in 2010 if I'd known it would be my last chance...so:

Daddy, when I think about the life you gave us in contrast to the life you had, I'm amazed.  I wish I'd told once more you how truly grateful I am for the sacrifices you made in order to assure that we enjoyed privileges that you never imagined as a little boy.

Thank you for loving me enough to teach me the importance of taking a stand for what is right.  Your unshakable determination to fight against injustice and evil in spite of criticism or condemnation was remarkable.  I wish I had half of your guts and grit and thick skinned gumption.

Thank you for being fearless and teaching me that it's dumb to waste time worrying about what I cannot control.  (flying in that little Cessna with you in the pilot seat did scare the bajookies out of me when you did those crazy maneuvers and loops, though, but what a fun Daddy you were!)

Thank you for telling me about life and love (and boys) when I didn't want to hear it (especially from you). I knew it was because of your protective love, but did I ever let you know I was (and am) grateful that you cared so much?

Thank you for making me believe that I should expect to be treated like a lady and with respect.  I married a man so much like you (because of you) and I am eternally thankful for the life we've had together.

Thank you for becoming a caring listener and developing genuinely unconditional love as your spiritual life deepened. The kindness and support you showed to me and my family during some really tough times will never be forgotten.

Thank you for being generous and giving us things that we took for granted and failed to say "thanks" for.

Thank you for modeling the importance of life-long learning.  Your ever-increasing knowledge about so many things when you could have been content to rest your brain was inspiring and is challenging!

Thank you for loving my g-babies so much even when your health was declining and you felt terrible.  This afternoon, A & L were talking about Paw Paw! You probably had no idea how much those little ones adored you and I hate they won't get to know you apart from the stories we will tell--but trust me, there are many stories and they will hear them!

Thank you for praying fervently and faithfully for me and my family.  There have been numerous times over the past several months that I've so wished I could call and ask you to pray about specific things.  The knowledge that you were always faithful to storm heaven's gates for me whenever I called in a 911 request was a priceless gift!

Finally, thank you for teaching me how to die. The dignity you demonstrated during your final days of life still overwhelms me every day.  When I think of you in that hospital, the way you accepted with courage and peaceful faith the diagnosis and prognosis you were given, I'm blown away with admiration for you.  You are my hero and that will never change Dad, so in closing, I know that you and your brothers, sisters, friends and loved ones are having the celebration to end all celebrations as you experience the joys of eternal life and the rewards of His salvation! Have fun--and I'll see you later!

I love you and I miss you every day.

Happy Birthday!

Your Eldest,
s~

Dad Dreamin'!

Last night I had a dream that my dad was standing on the other side of a glass door making silly faces at me. It was one of those vivid dreams that didn't seem imaginary at all.

I stayed in bed for a little while after waking.  I wanted to go back to sleep and keep dreaming; to return to that place where only a glass door separated us so that I could open it and talk to him.

As this day has progressed I can't get his smiling, goofy expression from the dream out of my head.  I've actually giggled aloud a few times picturing his effort to make me laugh through that door. 

I know that dreams aren't typically messages, but this one--I think--was Dad's way of assuring me that he's having a blast, that he feels great (no more heart or breathing problems) and that his energy is back to what it was when he was entertaining us with a game of kickball in the backyard after working all day in the hot summer sun.

Daddy used to tell me, "That'll feel better when it quits hurtin,'" if I was bruised or bleeding. In this case, I don't think his absence will ever quit hurtin', but there's such sweet solace in God's promise that I'll see him again.

If you have children, chances are you'll leave them behind one day.  Let's be the kind of parents they'll miss--or maybe even dream about sometime.

Sunday in the Park!

On Sunday afternoon, friends and family of Tiffany Pate gathered at Stowe Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of her "home-going". 

The day could not have been more gloriously beautiful, and the event could not have been more meaningful to those of us who participated.  Tiffany's life left an indelible imprint on those she left behind, and to say she's greatly missed seems a gross understatement.  Yet in spite of the hole in my heart, I am more confident than ever that God's plan is continuing to unfold in a way that only He could orchestrate.

For those who wanted to be with us and were unable, here's what you missed:

At 1:15, I welcomed everyone and simply read an excerpt from one of Tiffany's last emails.  Here are her words:

...Now, what I really want to get across with this e-mail is how much I love all of you and appreciate you from the very bottom of my heart! My mindset is amazing and I am filled with the joy of my LORD every single day! I love Him, and my FAITH in Him will NEVER waver! I am more at peace with this diagnosis than I have ever been. I am totally okay with the best case scenario or the worst case scenario because the worst case scenario is of this world...not of my GOD!!! I win either way! It's really an amazing feeling to know the peace that I am experiencing! If the doctor looked at me tomorrow and said, "okay, girl...we are going to hook you up to these pain meds, make this as easy and quick as possible, and help you all get through this"...my response would be...."let's go"

My only reason(s) for staying here one more day is to Glorify my God in any way we can! I trust Him to take care of my boys and my husband! I trust Him to take care of my family! We are going to get through this! The big deal is to not finish this race without fulfilling God's purpose for it! So, please, never feel that God has let me down or is "not delivering". My eyes and heart are not focused on the immediate track we are running. My eyes are focused on the puzzle that I cannot see until the last piece is in. Whatever small part I can play in placing that one piece in the right place is all I have to worry about! I want your prayer to be that that will remain our focus and that we won't "miss" anything God has intended for us along the way!

I want to be an open vessel for my God, and the rest will take care of itself. If you have one moment to share His glory, grab it with full force and never take it for granted!

I am probably at my limit now....but, I will be in touch soon!

I love you all and will never know how to thank you for being all that you are in my life!

In Him,

Tiffany

Immediately after sharing this profound message, Nichole (my precious daughter-in-law) sang Nichole Nordeman's "Legacy" as friends and family released their balloons to heaven.

Tiffany's Aunt Trish made a video that captured the beauty of our celebration.  As you watch, reflect--and think about the legacy you'll leave when God calls you home.



Tiffany Pate's faith and bravery still inspires me each day, prompting me to pray for God's help to live my life focused on eternal rather than temporal things. I hope you're encouraged as you read about her journey to "go and do likewise". 

Tikvah!

A Sobering Reminder...

There are many things I wish I could magically prevent in your lives my dear grandchildren.  I'd love for you to never learn difficult life lessons the hard way, or endure terrible pain or heartache as a result of impulsive whims or youthful ignorance. But since wishful thinking is just that, my prayer is that you will read and heed the lessons and warnings of scripture, for they tell of the consequences and penalties that will inevitably occur in the lives of those who choose to go the way of this world.

Today's chapters are Isaiah 28 through 30, verses that tell of a stubborn and rebellious bunch who are prone to drunkenness and folly. And while one might think that for the sake of simplicity (and probably a more civil and safe society) it would've been better if God had straight up prohibited the use of alcohol in the Bible, He didn't.  What He did however, is tell us that drunkenness is wrong--always.

But you--you're growing up in a world that celebrates and elevates and glorifies alcohol's use not simply as a rite of passage, but as a necessity for life's enjoyment. And while illicit drug use isn't mentioned in these chapters I think we can safely lump it into the category as well.  So what does the Bible say? 

It's interesting that the Hebrew word halam which literally means "to strike down" is used to describe what Isaiah refers to as drunkenness.  The same word is translated "pounded" in Judges 5:26 where it describes Jael's pounding of a tent peg through the head of Sisera. Wow, how is that for some sobering imagery?

Being drunk means that our senses, judgment, thinking and reflexes are impaired, and while that may sometimes sound like a great way to escape troubles, heartbreaks or reality, the truth is, getting drunk or drugged never solves a problem.  Drunkenness multiplies difficulties and compounds despair-- especially when it leads to addiction.

The good news of these verses is that as strong as alcohol (or any of its substitutes may be) God is stronger.  There is nothing that has power over us that is greater than God's ability to break the power--but the battle will be tough and the faith must be fervent.

Finally, never forget this: there is nothing good that God withholds from us--NOTHING!  But this world will tell you that more is always better, that evil is good and that wrong is right.  And unless you are armed with the knowledge of the truth of God's world, I'm afraid you will listen and believe--as so many have before you.

Hear instead these Words from Isaiah 29:

15 What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their evil deeds in the dark! “The Lord can’t see us,” they say. “He doesn’t know what’s going on!” 16 How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”?

We are all just lumps of clay fashioned uniquely and individually by a Master Potter--who not only loves us, He gave his life for us.  In Him alone can "us jars" be filled up enough that we aren't chasing after things that never satisfy--like the artificial highs of drugs and alcohol.  Being drunk instead of being Spirit-filled is like bandaging a bleeding artery rather than surgically repairing it.  You eventually die needlessly when there was a ready remedy.

Lord, fill us with Your Spirit so that we may live in the awareness that we are jars of clay.  Keep us, lead us, help us, deliver us. Thank you and amen. 

UnFAITHful

I cannot imagine going through life married to an unfaithful husband.  I know there are women who do just that, but it is beyond me how they cope with the feelings of betrayal, which brings me to today's subject--unfaithfulness.  It's taken me a while to actually put my thoughts in writing about the book of Hosea, but the emotions evoked by its reading have been wildly varied and personally significant.

To provide a little background, Hosea, a prophet whose ministry spanned the years from 760 to 720 B.C., was instructed by God to marry a prostitute during the reign of Jeroboam II.  He took for himself an unfaithful wife named Gomer in obedience to this very difficult command from The Lord. These events happened during an era of political and economic prosperity in Israel that coincided with a season of abysmal moral decay.

As our own nation has enjoyed years of bounty and blessing, insidious moral decline (evidenced by frequently militant rejection of what was once considered good and/or sacred) has begun to define much of western society, in some ways mirroring the days of Hosea.

A brief scan of the day's news offers disturbing evidence that we are sliding down into a nasty, stinky societal cesspool.  For me, it's easy to point fingers and get all righteous as I shake my head in disgust at comparatively blatant offenders, at least upon first reading of this troubling book of the Bible.  But rather than focusing on the obvious parallels that can be drawn between Israel and current day American sinners, God has reminded me that this is about me--not them.  I am the unfaithful one. I  have far too easily dismissed my personal unfaithfulness to Him and I am busted.

No, I cannot imagine being married to a cheater--but in the account of Hosea's marriage to Gomer, The Lord has provided a crystal clear reminder that He longs for a faithful bride.  And in the hurt and heartbreak that must have defined Hosea's life, I am confronted by the reminder that whenever I wander from wholehearted commitment to Jesus Christ, I am Gomer.

Yes, I have been unfaithful, ungrateful, undeserving and unfit to be called Christ's bride, and yet the good news of His grace is that He loves me still.  He is not like me--I would tell the cheater to take a hike, that I wanted nothing more of him and seek a divorce.  But my Heavenly Bridegroom loves me unconditionally and welcomes my cheating heart back home--and that's a grace that is greater than anything my mind can conceive. 

Oh Father, forgive me for my unfaithfulness.  I thank you for grace and I praise you for mercy. Amen.

When Good is Bad...

Sometimes what starts out to be a good thing becomes bad and that is never good. 

Today's passages, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29-31 and Psalm 48 cover a period of time in the history of God's people when Hezekiah reigned as King in Judah.  We learn that unlike his father Ahaz and kings prior, he was determined to obey the Lord.  He didn't just give lip service to turning his people back to God, he took action by tearing down the "high places" where idol worship was going on, and by purifying the temple. Only 25 years old when his reign began, Hezekiah was called righteous.

In the book of Numbers (chapter 21) you may recall that Moses carved a bronze serpent on a pole that was to be held up whenever someone was bitten by snakes that were plaguing them.  This carving was to be an instrument that when gazed upon brought healing from the venom of the snake's bite. God prescribed this as a remedy during a time when death was sure and there was no other hope.

Having been preserved for 800 years, the bronze serpent was now among the things that were being worshipped in place of God, so in his determination to stop the idolatry, Hezekiah smashed it to bits. This life-saving relic from the past had become bad, so regardless of its value, its former glory, its historicity, its sacredness, Hezekiah got rid of it.

This account made me ask myself what I need to smash. John 3:14-15 teaches that the  bronze serpent that Hezekiah destroyed had once been a representation of a future Savior.  Jesus would also be lifted up high on a pole and when a person believed that He alone could save them, salvation from the punishment of death was theirs. 

Do I gaze upon my Savior intently, recognizing him as my only hope and worshiping him alone?  Like Hezekiah, I want to dispose of anything (even if it was once good, valuable, historical or even sacred) that has taken Christ's rightful place of priority in my life.

Help me Lord--open my eyes to what I idolize so that I, too, may be called righteous.

Woe No!

Today's passages--Isaiah 13 through 27--(which include some disturbing and amazing promises) tell of a wonderful, Holy God who asks little but offers much to an ungrateful world full of forgetful humans.  In contrast, when I think of how quickly I get "fed up" anytime I feel slighted, I have to wonder why The Lord hasn't already said, "Enough!".

Patience and long-suffering define our God, reminding me that I have far to go in learning to emulate and imitate Him well. Perhaps one of the reasons that I am so often impatient, even impetuous, stems from my lack of properly focused perspective. So what should my perspective be?

I think this sums it up nicely:

Isaiah 26: 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

In Hebrew, repetition communicates intensity and the term perfect peace is actually "shalom shalom".

So who receives shalom shalom? The person whose mind is fixed on God. It's intriguing to me that this isn't a matter of the heart or soul. Scripture clearly tells us that to get this sort of peace involves our thought life.

Romans 12:2 speaks of this mentally transforming renewal that is possible when we surrender to the Lordship of Christ. This shalom shalom mentioned in Isaiah is not the kind of peace that world leaders, governments or our bank accounts falsely promise. This is eternal, internal peace that makes all of the confusing, disturbing, irritating, annoying, and disgusting stuff of this life grow strangely dim.  We enjoy perfect peace when we know that God is just (He settles all scores rightly) is love (He does appreciate us and forgives our sin) and is able (He capably carries every burden that threatens to break our backs).

So how do I fix my thoughts on these things? By renewing my mind daily through the study of His word. By praying, constantly. By taking every thought captive, weighing the messages I receive from the world against THE message of His Word.

And then...peace. What a promise! Still, it's optional. It's my choice. (And yours.) For me...woe? No! Shalom, shalom.

I'm a Fan!

Have you ever been to a college football game?  It isn't very difficult to distinguish fans of one team from the other.  Often, they wear team colors (and sometimes even body or face paint) to signify who they support, have noise makers and/or other accoutrements that help identify them as fans, and typically, they don't care who knows which team they love!  Without apology they shout, jeer, cheer and celebrate.

The dictionary defines "worship" this way: to idolize; to love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; to feel profound love and admiration for something or someone.

Could we accurately say then that some fans exhibit characteristics of worship for and of their team?  I think so.  It certainly seems that there is profound love and admiration when someone is willing to get crazy and possibly even spend all sorts of money in order to follow and support a group of people who are fighting over an odd shaped ball on a big field.  But don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking loyal fans, just making an observation. 

Here's something else I've observed: a lot of us who would dance, yell, shout, paint, wave flags, and spend money in support of our favorite team, wouldn't be caught dead appearing to be that excited about the God of the universe who loves us so much that He has numbered the hairs on our head.

Apparently, neither would those obstinate children of Israel and Judah back in the day of 2 Kings. Today's passages, 2 Chronicles 28 and 2 Kings 16 - 17, cover the period of time when no matter the warning, God's children refused to worship Him, and instead worshipped idols and sinned grievously even to the point of sacrificing their own children in the fire.  As I read these disturbing verses, I couldn't ignore a few similarities we seem to share.

No, we don't burn our children in fires, but we do sacrifice them on the altar of convenience through abortion each and every day in this country.  And no, we don't worship sex gods--oh wait. Internet pornography (and other forms of lewd business) is booming according to the latest reports.  Sadly, we have just as many (or more) idols today as then, and the very real possibility is that God's loving kindness and patience may soon run out with us as it did with His stubborn, idolatrous people.  He is, after all, a jealous God. (Exodus 20:4-5)

Maybe even scarier in some ways than the fact that we may face His discipline for choosing to worship everything but Him is the real possibility that we, like the children of Israel, may become worthless as a result of our misplaced worship. 

Here's what verse 15 of 2 Kings 17 says: They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.”

The word hebel was translated in the verse as "worthless" and may also be translated "empty."  Hebel means 'air,' 'delusion,' or 'vanity.'  Because these people worshipped empty, worthless gods, they were essentially bowing their knees to nothing--and scripture says as a result, that's what they became.

I believe with all my heart that God wants so much more for you and me than this.  I am convinced that if we can just get this worship thing right our lives will be abundant and we will not roam around as others who seek but don't find, yearn but aren't filled, crave but are hungry. 

My hope is that I am a fan of God first, and that I have no idols in my life above Him. My prayer is that you'll share my hope.

Father, help me wear your colors proudly, cheer for you loudly and praise you with all my heart. Sincerely and with genuine fanaticism and adoration.  Amen.

Pet Peeves and Blinders...

What is your pet peeve?

Recently, my hubby confessed one of his to me.  He then proceeded to say that it was probably something he was guilty of from time to time since he finds it so offensive.  So, what was it?  It was blatant double standards that are either expressed or implied.

Like my husband, I'm convinced that the things that bother us most in others are potentially areas in which we struggle--sometimes unaware.  For this reason I am almost reluctant to write what I found most compelling about today's scripture passage.

Micah chapters 1 though 9 are the focus of today's reading and it is in these difficult passages that we again find the fickle, disobedient, hard-hearted people of Israel getting reprimanded and warned about what is to come if they don't shape up. 

God's messenger, Micah, communicates clearly the frustration and grievances that The Lord has against His people and then in chapter 6 he begins to share with them how their "day in court" might go. 

In this dramatic portrayal, we see Israel theoretically shaking angry fists at God and griping that He just asks too much. When they demand a response, God's reply is almost startling. Listen to what He told them in verse 8:

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Wow.

And this brings me back to the pet peeve thing.  I really don't like to be around boastful/arrogant/pride-filled people.  I figure if you have to toot your own horn something must be wrong.

But are high volumed speaking voices, bragging words or snotty attitudes the only evidences of pride?  Is it possible to be quietly prideful, silently boastful, and secretly snotty? I'm afraid of the answer to that question.

What I do know for certain is that I'm asking God to reveal the hidden sins in my life this year--to remove all blinders that keep me from seeing the log in my own eyes and prevent me from walking humbly with Him. 

So how does one walk humbly with God (which I believe will usher in the other two requirements [doing right and loving mercy] by default)?
 
Charles Spurgeon said this:

“True humility is thinking rightly of thyself, not meanly. When you have found out what you really are, you will be humble, for you are nothing to boast of. To be humble will make you safe. To be humble will make you happy. To be humble will make music in your heart when you go to bed. To be humble here will make you wake up in the likeness of your Master by-and-by.”

My goal for this year is to wake up each day in the likeness of my Master.  What's yours?

Father, thank you for the reminder that I am nothing apart from you and that with your help I can do right, love mercy and walk humbly in your likeness.  Make my goal a reality by the grace and mercy and guidance available to me and to all who believe in Christ The Lord. Amen.

Merry Christmas Every Day!

When the lights and decorations of Christmas have all been put away, I always feel a tinge of sadness that another year's celebration of Jesus' birth has ended. The anticipation that builds until that one special morning in December comes and goes, and all too soon it seems it's time to pack away everything shiny and bright.

Almost providentially--on the day I returned the last box of ornaments to the attic--my chronological journey through the Bible took me to Isaiah chapters 9 through 12, and I'm reminded that the miracle of Christmas never ends unless I let it.

Imagine a time when having been ravaged by war and plundered as a people, a spokesman for God heralded the promise of One who was to come and make all things right again. Picture with me the hope that would stir in a desperate woman's heart upon hearing God's prophet promise that a deliverer was coming!

Scholars have written that the promised Messiah could have been an angel or even God without humanity, but we are clearly told here by the prophet Isaiah that our deliverer would be born a helpless, dependent child. The promised One would be more than just man though, He would be the eternal Son of God who was able (as a result of his humanity) to identify with us in our weaknesses.

Jesus Christ, the child who was born of both God and man in fulfillment of every Messianic prophecy, was fully human and yet perfect--sinless.  If you're like me you have probably blamed your big blunders on the fact that you're only human.  Somehow though, knowing that it is possible to be perfect and human is a reminder that our problem is not our humanity but the fact that we are fallen, sinful humans. 

We, just like the people of Isaiah's day, are a desperate lot--lost and without hope apart from the deliverer that came to rescue us from the penalty of death that is the wage of our sin. Because He was fully man yet sinless, Christ could stand in our place as a substitute for the punishment that was to be ours--and that is the message of Christmas.  This message is bigger than one day each year and this story cannot be contained in a few short paragraphs on a page--this is epic!  To think that a baby born over 2000 years ago loved me (and you) enough to humble himself, take on human form and carry my sins to a cruel cross is not something easily summarized or lightly acknowledged.  He bore my shame and my sin and saved me from having to pay the debt I owe--and it cost me nothing except my willingness to believe, to trust, that He indeed is my only hope and the only way.

C.S. Lewis said it well in Mere Christianity:

..."The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man—a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a foetus inside a Woman’s body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.” 

I haven't learned to love that much--to care enough to stoop so low or sacrifice so fully, but I will always and forever be grateful that He did and He does.  And I think as a result I should say, "Merry Christmas!" to everyone I meet--every day--for the rest of this year.

Father, thank You that You saw fit to send Jesus Christ: Deliverer, Redeemer, Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father into the world as a baby to identify with me, inviting me through His sacrificial death and resurrection to share in the riches of His perfect relationship with You.  I will forever thank You and praise Your Holy Name.  Amen.

Resolutely Speaking...

As 2011 begins, like most of the population, I have resolutions. Three, to be exact.

This declaration of  these "vows to myself," is a little scary, and I realize that recording something this important  in a public forum means that I am open to scrutiny, query and accountability--but I've decided to be okay with that--so, here's my list of daily do's...

1.  My Spirit--20 minutes (at least) with Jesus--first and best.
2.  My Body--20 minutes (at least) active--exercise of some sort.
3.  My Mind--20 minutes (at least) learning/studying--something new.

One hour each day of intentional living that is treated as sacred--a no excuse, no loophole kind of legalistic ritualism that usually makes me bristle. Wow.

I imagine that some people reading my little list are laughing because it sounds so simple, so doable. But for me--well--call me Mrs. Undisciplined.  It's sad to admit, it's painful to confess, but I have spent a good deal of time praying for God to reveal the blind spots in my life and He has graciously--clearly--answered my plea, causing me to acknowledge some ugly truths that I'm continuing to pray through and work out (with fear and trembling).

I know that I'm bound to have blind spots yet to be realized, and I also recognize I have miles to go in this journey.  For that reason, my prayer is that 2011 is not merely a "happy new year," but a transformational new year for my spirit, body, and mind. And if I successfully keep these resolutions, it will be.


^{Romans 12: 1-2} So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (TM)