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.



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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~