A history lesson....?
What are you teaching me, God? Hmmmmm, I know. ....I learn alone, I share with no one..So, I journal and ask HIM to help me to process and apply the wisdom HE imparts, so it may become a part of me. (A better way of learning is to teach someone else, or at least reflect with a friend - I am working on that, or at least thinkin' about it.)
A friend, Brad, (not his real name), came to talk to me at the coffee shop about his recent jail time and his realization that he has "no one to call" - no family nor deep relationships of this level; he's a bit of a hermit, reading his books, writing in his journal. Seeing a few handfulls of aquantences and "friends" regularly doesn't really constitute "family." He's realizing that he is alone and yes, sometimes, lonely.
I tell him that we are created,..GOD made all of us for human bonds and fellowship. We need this we were not meant to be islands. In my head, simutaneously, I hear a song from my childhood - repeating, confirming Brad's tale is not for him alone:
I am a rock
I am an Island
and a rock never gets hurt
and an Island never cries...
I tell my homeless friend, (yes, Brad lives on the street and in the woods and on a couple random couches of buddies sometimes, and he rides a bicycle - which has recently been impounded,) ...I tell him that though I understand some hard knocks have come his way, he (Brad) is the one who has pulled away. This isolation he has chosen is some kind of self defense strategy to keep him form hurt. He takes this in but I think he already knows. I already know this about myself, but ...does it change my daily descisions? Am I acting on this realization (which, by the way, has been GOD's personal message to me for a year and a half)??
Yes, in answer... somewhat.
In "homeschool" we've been studying Japan's 250 year isolation from the rest of the world. The emporer and the shogun decided and decreed that it would be best for the people to allow no outside (western) influence to pollute their sacred society. But then in 1820, when U.S. president came asking for trade priveledges and friendship with this beautiful Island, civil war threatened as two contradicting factions within the country struggled for control. Die hard isolationists, joined by the Emporer, sought to preserve Japanese culture and autonomy while the shogun and his followers desired to open up to the wise and scientifically advanced west.
I feel like there exists within my island, both a protective emporer (the old man who remembers the past and focuses too much upon it), and a progressive shogun (in the analogy, the Holy Spirit, who prompts me to trust people, initiate friendship with the flaky human race who, by the way, is bound to hurt me over and over again.) But this is the way of growth....no?
Anyway, this is what I enjoy about history. It's filled with good guys and bad guys (though they are difficult to distinguish from one another at times and two different sides of a story almost always reaveal identification and empathy with BOTH sides.) Hind sight is 20/20. And, one can usually find, in the clashes of cultures, her own selfish person, acting in the way she feels she needs to, for her own survival and preservaton, or those of the subjects of her little kingdom (her children.)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Grand Canyon
Up to this time on our "Sabbatical," we have been hiking an average of 6 miles every day for almost two weeks, building our strength and endurance up for our big goal-the Grand Canyon hike, which we knew would be the longest and most difficult. This challenge captured all four kid's minds and imaginations so that even when they were foot sore and weary, they would be encouraged by a reminder that we were "getting our hiking legs in shape" for the North Rim.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement Wed. morning as we packed up just the tent and what little we would need for our rustic campsite in Grand Canyon National Park, leaving our pop-up at Zion for 2 days. On our 2 hour drive to the north rim, we took in both Cedar Breaks National Monument (a nice lunch break) and Pipe Springs National Monument (a natural spring in the middle of the desert, first used by the Piout Native Americans, then taken over in the early 1800s by Mormon settlers - the place has an interesting history and still bubbles out hundreds of gallons of water per minute.) Our kids finished the "ranger programs" for both these smaller parks in a relatively short time, winning a golden badge for their National Parks collections.
We passed the Navajo Headquarters and judicial/administration buildings, and my knowledgeable husband informed me that all the reservations which surround us, exist and act like Nations within our Nation (United States,) each of them making decisions and administering judgement and punishment for crime, etc.. independent of State or U.S. federal government. This, I find fascinating; I didn't know. I have, in the past, been, justifiably, accused of "living under a rock."
We landed at the North Rim and set up "camp" quickly (one small tent) in the late afternoon. The kids first sight of the Great Chasm in Arizona earth (right behind the tent - we camped on the EDGE) did make their mouths hang open. We then took a hike to the incredible lodge - comfortable like your living room, with a "bay window" stretching across the front the size of half a football field, for viewing of the canyon, and two wide outdoor giant stone porches, filled with Adirondack rockers, couches and tables. This a perfect place to relax and journal, and we certainly took advantage of all the space during our two days.
To prepare for our rigorous hike the next morning, we dined in the elegant dining room; colossal elk antler chandeliers hung above us and we pigged out on pasta and fries (for Sophia, the french fry queen.) We hiked out to the point, after dinner, and caught a stunningly colorful, and windy, sunset. We are constantly reminded of how small and connected the world is as we snapped photos for a family from Holland Michigan (where we lived for 17 years).
We hit the trail at 7:15, stocked with gallons of water, a plethora of snack bars, lunch, 6 walking sticks (Kevin purchased one of those smoothly polished ones and the rest of us had been collecting sticks with just the right "character." Dad helped by sawing off unwanted ends and knobs. We plan on having a family night, when we get home, to sand and spray, with shellac, our homemade trail canes), sunhats and high spirits. Elliott had the brilliant idea, at the beginning of the hike, to COUNT switchbacks on our way down into the canyon, so we could count them backwards, as we ascended. This proved to be encouraging to fellow hikers we encountered, who had begun their climb from the base camp at the river at 3:30 or 4:30a.m., and were now almost to the rim. To be able to say, "only 8 switchbacks to go" or you're getting close, only 12 switchbacks to the top" brought thankful relief and big smiles to friendly tired faces and joy to our kids, at the knowledge they'd offered encouragement. When we got down to about 20 switchbacks, we stopped announcing - as it didn't seem to have the same effect.
Elliott is an excellent "record keeper," and has enjoyed keeping close accounts of the mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians we have sighted, out of state (or country) license plates spotted,(lists carefully change as WE enter a new state), and the price of gas each time we stopped - how many gallons were purchased and the date the purchase was made. These lists are all dutifully scripted in his computer-like handwriting. The "switchback counting proved to be a great motivational success for our family on the way back up (and several other families, who hadn't descended as far) until we got to NEGATIVE ONE - and negative two (two very long switchbacks.) We must have, in our exhaustion at the end of the day, lost count a bit - oops! But I'm getting somewhat ahead of myself.
I wanted to mention our encounter with the "Ranger," (that highly experienced specimen, respected for his skill and knowledge of trails, wildlife and general survival) at the bridge, on the way down. At 9:30 in the morning; we'd already enjoyed snacks at a beautiful spring, passed through a tunnel in the rock and were making great time. Many fellow travelers had turned back after the tunnel, but seeing the bridge down the canyon gave us a visual goal, which the kids nearly raced to, as we watched it grow bigger for about an hour. Upon seeing our children, Indiana Jones Ranger looked at his watch, squinted at the sun, and then asked the kids, "How far you going today?"
The childrens' exuberant response, "to the Roaring Falls," was met with a long thoughtful pause from Indi' Ranger. I watched his face as he took silent inventory of their ages and apparent physical fitness. He finally interviewed them about amounts of water they were carrying and proceeded to give us a severe safety speech, advising us to hang out at the roaring falls, once we arrived, throughout the afternoon, till about 3 or 4:00, before we began our climb, so we could just make it before nightfall. Even hiking in the dark would be better than attempting it in the heat of the day. He told us that "the bridge" is the "point of no return." To continue, we would be committed to a difficult trek. I know he was trying to scare us, and I remained somewhat entertained watching Kyria, whose face only became all the more 'set like flint' to the original goal. But part of me was thinking "am I a crazy person?".."Will Kevin and I be climbing out of the canyon at 11pm, each carrying a sleeping kid on our back?" It seemed that was the vision Indi' Ranger was seeing in his mind's eye.
Thanks Indiana,....we continued. We reached the Roaring Falls; they were lovely. We made it out of the ominous Grand Canyon by 3:30p.m.....that same afternoon. We were sweaty, exhausted and singing songs with as much breath as we could muster, just to keep up morale, and Elliott looked like an 80 year old man, all hunched over his walking stick.... but, we felt ACCOMPLISHED! We hung out for the rest of the day in the grand lodge on the cushy couches, journaling about our great perseverance.
Up to this time on our "Sabbatical," we have been hiking an average of 6 miles every day for almost two weeks, building our strength and endurance up for our big goal-the Grand Canyon hike, which we knew would be the longest and most difficult. This challenge captured all four kid's minds and imaginations so that even when they were foot sore and weary, they would be encouraged by a reminder that we were "getting our hiking legs in shape" for the North Rim.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement Wed. morning as we packed up just the tent and what little we would need for our rustic campsite in Grand Canyon National Park, leaving our pop-up at Zion for 2 days. On our 2 hour drive to the north rim, we took in both Cedar Breaks National Monument (a nice lunch break) and Pipe Springs National Monument (a natural spring in the middle of the desert, first used by the Piout Native Americans, then taken over in the early 1800s by Mormon settlers - the place has an interesting history and still bubbles out hundreds of gallons of water per minute.) Our kids finished the "ranger programs" for both these smaller parks in a relatively short time, winning a golden badge for their National Parks collections.
We passed the Navajo Headquarters and judicial/administration buildings, and my knowledgeable husband informed me that all the reservations which surround us, exist and act like Nations within our Nation (United States,) each of them making decisions and administering judgement and punishment for crime, etc.. independent of State or U.S. federal government. This, I find fascinating; I didn't know. I have, in the past, been, justifiably, accused of "living under a rock."
We landed at the North Rim and set up "camp" quickly (one small tent) in the late afternoon. The kids first sight of the Great Chasm in Arizona earth (right behind the tent - we camped on the EDGE) did make their mouths hang open. We then took a hike to the incredible lodge - comfortable like your living room, with a "bay window" stretching across the front the size of half a football field, for viewing of the canyon, and two wide outdoor giant stone porches, filled with Adirondack rockers, couches and tables. This a perfect place to relax and journal, and we certainly took advantage of all the space during our two days.
To prepare for our rigorous hike the next morning, we dined in the elegant dining room; colossal elk antler chandeliers hung above us and we pigged out on pasta and fries (for Sophia, the french fry queen.) We hiked out to the point, after dinner, and caught a stunningly colorful, and windy, sunset. We are constantly reminded of how small and connected the world is as we snapped photos for a family from Holland Michigan (where we lived for 17 years).
We hit the trail at 7:15, stocked with gallons of water, a plethora of snack bars, lunch, 6 walking sticks (Kevin purchased one of those smoothly polished ones and the rest of us had been collecting sticks with just the right "character." Dad helped by sawing off unwanted ends and knobs. We plan on having a family night, when we get home, to sand and spray, with shellac, our homemade trail canes), sunhats and high spirits. Elliott had the brilliant idea, at the beginning of the hike, to COUNT switchbacks on our way down into the canyon, so we could count them backwards, as we ascended. This proved to be encouraging to fellow hikers we encountered, who had begun their climb from the base camp at the river at 3:30 or 4:30a.m., and were now almost to the rim. To be able to say, "only 8 switchbacks to go" or you're getting close, only 12 switchbacks to the top" brought thankful relief and big smiles to friendly tired faces and joy to our kids, at the knowledge they'd offered encouragement. When we got down to about 20 switchbacks, we stopped announcing - as it didn't seem to have the same effect.
Elliott is an excellent "record keeper," and has enjoyed keeping close accounts of the mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians we have sighted, out of state (or country) license plates spotted,(lists carefully change as WE enter a new state), and the price of gas each time we stopped - how many gallons were purchased and the date the purchase was made. These lists are all dutifully scripted in his computer-like handwriting. The "switchback counting proved to be a great motivational success for our family on the way back up (and several other families, who hadn't descended as far) until we got to NEGATIVE ONE - and negative two (two very long switchbacks.) We must have, in our exhaustion at the end of the day, lost count a bit - oops! But I'm getting somewhat ahead of myself.
I wanted to mention our encounter with the "Ranger," (that highly experienced specimen, respected for his skill and knowledge of trails, wildlife and general survival) at the bridge, on the way down. At 9:30 in the morning; we'd already enjoyed snacks at a beautiful spring, passed through a tunnel in the rock and were making great time. Many fellow travelers had turned back after the tunnel, but seeing the bridge down the canyon gave us a visual goal, which the kids nearly raced to, as we watched it grow bigger for about an hour. Upon seeing our children, Indiana Jones Ranger looked at his watch, squinted at the sun, and then asked the kids, "How far you going today?"
The childrens' exuberant response, "to the Roaring Falls," was met with a long thoughtful pause from Indi' Ranger. I watched his face as he took silent inventory of their ages and apparent physical fitness. He finally interviewed them about amounts of water they were carrying and proceeded to give us a severe safety speech, advising us to hang out at the roaring falls, once we arrived, throughout the afternoon, till about 3 or 4:00, before we began our climb, so we could just make it before nightfall. Even hiking in the dark would be better than attempting it in the heat of the day. He told us that "the bridge" is the "point of no return." To continue, we would be committed to a difficult trek. I know he was trying to scare us, and I remained somewhat entertained watching Kyria, whose face only became all the more 'set like flint' to the original goal. But part of me was thinking "am I a crazy person?".."Will Kevin and I be climbing out of the canyon at 11pm, each carrying a sleeping kid on our back?" It seemed that was the vision Indi' Ranger was seeing in his mind's eye.
Thanks Indiana,....we continued. We reached the Roaring Falls; they were lovely. We made it out of the ominous Grand Canyon by 3:30p.m.....that same afternoon. We were sweaty, exhausted and singing songs with as much breath as we could muster, just to keep up morale, and Elliott looked like an 80 year old man, all hunched over his walking stick.... but, we felt ACCOMPLISHED! We hung out for the rest of the day in the grand lodge on the cushy couches, journaling about our great perseverance.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Three Breathtaking Hikes
A plaque adorns the stone wall along the Virgin River which backs up to our campsite here at Zion; it's been placed in memory of Joe Bomers and reads:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
But by the moments that take our breath away."
By this vacation, I feel my "life" grow and lengthen and stretch as I take in GOD's wonder through creation on a daily basis. Observing beauty and appreciating it, drinking deeply of it -has got to be one of life's most refreshing filler-uppers!
After surviving our harrowing drive and our Emery gas station rescue, we woke up at Ruby's Campground just down the road from Bryce Canyon National Park.
From "Sunrise Point" to "Sunset Point," via "Queen's Garden" to the "Navajo Loop" is toted as "the best hike in the world." I agree with this commentary; Bryce Canyon is unique beyond words. It's known for its bright orange sandstone "Hoodoos" - which fill about a mile's worth of canyon, like a forest of trees. Picture 2 and 3 story sized monoliths looking to have been created by Dr. Seuss, in various shapes, resembling, and named things, like "Queen Victoria on Her Throne" and "E.T." (the alien from the movie.) So, the hike down into a canyon of these above described Hoodoos (exotically named by early settlers fascinated, at the time, with discoveries in the Pacific Islands,) feels like a surreal stroll through a real life cartoon. They are truly awesome and beautiful. Mr. Bryce, who discovered the canyon and lived there as a "farmer" in the 1800s is quoted with the comical exclamation: "It's a H--- of a place to loose a cow!"
Having attempted this above described hike in the morning, and driven back to the camp by pouring rain, we took advantage of Ruby's amenities - an indoor pool at the lodge, with couches surrounding it, and free WiFi for non-swimming "watchers".
The kids played all morning with 4 children from Switzerland on holiday, while I chatted with their parents. It's fascinating for us to continually meet people from all over the world.
We found the Hoodoo hike even better later in the day as it cleared up and the sun set, adding more golden colors to the already dazzling sandstone "forest."
From Bryce, it was a relatively short but scenic drive to Zion. We are actually camping at a private campground with electricity, showers (yea!), a nice swimming pool and a friendly camp host named Jerry, who drives around in a golf cart souped up to look like a Cadillac. The girls have already hitched several rides in the rumble seat in back, to and from the camp store and bathrooms. Our site backs up to the Virgin River and we hear the rush of rapids all the time, very soothing. We don't have cell phone coverage out here but can use the Internet and have been able to skipe a few folks back home.
We will stay in Zion a week, taking an overnight trip down to Grand Canyon's North Rim with just our tent (girls will sleep in the car.)
But Zion is just down the road - so I'll tell you about the breathtaking hikes we've accomplished and enjoyed so far...
Monday our main hike took us about 5 miles on the Kayenta Trail, a loop taking us to three waterfalls and middle, upper and lower "Emerald Pools," where the water lays in shallow refreshing wading pools on the rock, a perfect spot for picnic. For a gal who has always loved to take her children on picnics out in nature, this trip fills me day after day, as Kevin portages our lunch of p,b&j, fruit and a myriad of other snacks, in his backpack. We dine, surrounded by vistas that could rival the best five star restaurants on earth - every day. These picnics are always an anticipated reward for our climb and Kevin's decline is always much lighter. We often share our food, or just our rock, with another thankful hiker; at the pools, we ate with a couple from Japan, drawn to the western U.S. by the husband's fascination with Native American spirituality. Part of the whole "experiencing GOD's exquisite creation" remains, for me, listening to and trying to understand, the unique souls and searchings of HIS pinnacle of creation - human beings.
On Tuesday we decided to tackle a hike we had heard warnings about all over park, on posters, on the recorded bus tour through the park, from the Rangers: "a strenuous climb which should NOT be attempted by anyone with heart problems, weak ankles, balance issues or the fear of heights...etc..." Listening to and reading this advice all of Monday, of course, only solidified in Kevin's (and the kid's) minds, that we had to hike to the precipice of "Angel's Landing," gaining an elevation of 1,488 feet in 2.5 miles - steep! 22 switchbacks in a stretch called "walter's wiggles" lead to a death defying peak climb, made possible only by metal chains installed in the rock, for clutching and pulling yourself up along narrow ledges and 3 foot wide outcroppings, with 1000(+) foot drop offs on either side. Before "Angel's Landing," I had not thought of myself as one who has a fear of heights; I now would. the first two thirds of the hike was gorgeous and tiring, though not treacherous. We loved all the hummingbirds flying in close to sip at the bright red Indian Paintbrush (a beautiful mountain flower), and the blue tailed lizards sunning on the rocks as we passed. At "Scout's Landing" many people eat lunch, enjoy the view (at 5,785 feet, overlooking most of the park) and go no further, (sometimes sending their braver family members to climb the peak while they enjoy a couple hours of rest and RELIEF. At this point of the hike - more signs and warnings, about continuing, shine like beacons of safety, wisdom and better judgement - but NO.. the Shoemaker feast would be eaten on the summit. I was outnumbered 5 to 1.
As we began the dizzying climb, we met Rob, and Indian American from Rhode Island, and his 11 year old son, Robbie, (Rob's wife and 9 year old son had opted not to take this particular hike.) After 10 minutes of climbing mom (me) nearly frozen with fear, broke out in a cold sweat and asked if our family could just stop and ask GOD for peace, and safety. Rob and Robbie joined us in prayer (though I didn't get the feeling they were necessarily Christians,) after which Rob confessed to us he was scared of heights but wanted to take on the climb for his son, fearless and determined. We stopped one other time to pray, and our new friends stuck with us to the top and all the way back down the mountain. We shared our lunches and great conversations and fellowship on top, right up next to the sun and heaven. The view WAS breathtaking, in more ways than one. I was really glad I'd done it, but not until the next day. Rob (the dad) thanked both Kevin and me for "letting them join us" and told us he didn't know if he would have made it without us. I kinda feel the same way - Love (for people) is stronger than fear.
A plaque adorns the stone wall along the Virgin River which backs up to our campsite here at Zion; it's been placed in memory of Joe Bomers and reads:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
But by the moments that take our breath away."
By this vacation, I feel my "life" grow and lengthen and stretch as I take in GOD's wonder through creation on a daily basis. Observing beauty and appreciating it, drinking deeply of it -has got to be one of life's most refreshing filler-uppers!
After surviving our harrowing drive and our Emery gas station rescue, we woke up at Ruby's Campground just down the road from Bryce Canyon National Park.
From "Sunrise Point" to "Sunset Point," via "Queen's Garden" to the "Navajo Loop" is toted as "the best hike in the world." I agree with this commentary; Bryce Canyon is unique beyond words. It's known for its bright orange sandstone "Hoodoos" - which fill about a mile's worth of canyon, like a forest of trees. Picture 2 and 3 story sized monoliths looking to have been created by Dr. Seuss, in various shapes, resembling, and named things, like "Queen Victoria on Her Throne" and "E.T." (the alien from the movie.) So, the hike down into a canyon of these above described Hoodoos (exotically named by early settlers fascinated, at the time, with discoveries in the Pacific Islands,) feels like a surreal stroll through a real life cartoon. They are truly awesome and beautiful. Mr. Bryce, who discovered the canyon and lived there as a "farmer" in the 1800s is quoted with the comical exclamation: "It's a H--- of a place to loose a cow!"
Having attempted this above described hike in the morning, and driven back to the camp by pouring rain, we took advantage of Ruby's amenities - an indoor pool at the lodge, with couches surrounding it, and free WiFi for non-swimming "watchers".
The kids played all morning with 4 children from Switzerland on holiday, while I chatted with their parents. It's fascinating for us to continually meet people from all over the world.
We found the Hoodoo hike even better later in the day as it cleared up and the sun set, adding more golden colors to the already dazzling sandstone "forest."
From Bryce, it was a relatively short but scenic drive to Zion. We are actually camping at a private campground with electricity, showers (yea!), a nice swimming pool and a friendly camp host named Jerry, who drives around in a golf cart souped up to look like a Cadillac. The girls have already hitched several rides in the rumble seat in back, to and from the camp store and bathrooms. Our site backs up to the Virgin River and we hear the rush of rapids all the time, very soothing. We don't have cell phone coverage out here but can use the Internet and have been able to skipe a few folks back home.
We will stay in Zion a week, taking an overnight trip down to Grand Canyon's North Rim with just our tent (girls will sleep in the car.)
But Zion is just down the road - so I'll tell you about the breathtaking hikes we've accomplished and enjoyed so far...
Monday our main hike took us about 5 miles on the Kayenta Trail, a loop taking us to three waterfalls and middle, upper and lower "Emerald Pools," where the water lays in shallow refreshing wading pools on the rock, a perfect spot for picnic. For a gal who has always loved to take her children on picnics out in nature, this trip fills me day after day, as Kevin portages our lunch of p,b&j, fruit and a myriad of other snacks, in his backpack. We dine, surrounded by vistas that could rival the best five star restaurants on earth - every day. These picnics are always an anticipated reward for our climb and Kevin's decline is always much lighter. We often share our food, or just our rock, with another thankful hiker; at the pools, we ate with a couple from Japan, drawn to the western U.S. by the husband's fascination with Native American spirituality. Part of the whole "experiencing GOD's exquisite creation" remains, for me, listening to and trying to understand, the unique souls and searchings of HIS pinnacle of creation - human beings.
On Tuesday we decided to tackle a hike we had heard warnings about all over park, on posters, on the recorded bus tour through the park, from the Rangers: "a strenuous climb which should NOT be attempted by anyone with heart problems, weak ankles, balance issues or the fear of heights...etc..." Listening to and reading this advice all of Monday, of course, only solidified in Kevin's (and the kid's) minds, that we had to hike to the precipice of "Angel's Landing," gaining an elevation of 1,488 feet in 2.5 miles - steep! 22 switchbacks in a stretch called "walter's wiggles" lead to a death defying peak climb, made possible only by metal chains installed in the rock, for clutching and pulling yourself up along narrow ledges and 3 foot wide outcroppings, with 1000(+) foot drop offs on either side. Before "Angel's Landing," I had not thought of myself as one who has a fear of heights; I now would. the first two thirds of the hike was gorgeous and tiring, though not treacherous. We loved all the hummingbirds flying in close to sip at the bright red Indian Paintbrush (a beautiful mountain flower), and the blue tailed lizards sunning on the rocks as we passed. At "Scout's Landing" many people eat lunch, enjoy the view (at 5,785 feet, overlooking most of the park) and go no further, (sometimes sending their braver family members to climb the peak while they enjoy a couple hours of rest and RELIEF. At this point of the hike - more signs and warnings, about continuing, shine like beacons of safety, wisdom and better judgement - but NO.. the Shoemaker feast would be eaten on the summit. I was outnumbered 5 to 1.
As we began the dizzying climb, we met Rob, and Indian American from Rhode Island, and his 11 year old son, Robbie, (Rob's wife and 9 year old son had opted not to take this particular hike.) After 10 minutes of climbing mom (me) nearly frozen with fear, broke out in a cold sweat and asked if our family could just stop and ask GOD for peace, and safety. Rob and Robbie joined us in prayer (though I didn't get the feeling they were necessarily Christians,) after which Rob confessed to us he was scared of heights but wanted to take on the climb for his son, fearless and determined. We stopped one other time to pray, and our new friends stuck with us to the top and all the way back down the mountain. We shared our lunches and great conversations and fellowship on top, right up next to the sun and heaven. The view WAS breathtaking, in more ways than one. I was really glad I'd done it, but not until the next day. Rob (the dad) thanked both Kevin and me for "letting them join us" and told us he didn't know if he would have made it without us. I kinda feel the same way - Love (for people) is stronger than fear.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Stormy Drive to Bryce Canyon
...A black cloud overhead, blanketing the sun and the sky for miles..... that's where I think I left off. Lightning strikes lit up in zig-zagging streaks surrounding us like electric ghosts of Native American Chiefs, warning:
"You dare to pass this way??!"
I fought back an eerie anxiety with prayers for peace and faith. Trust.... God, surely you wouldn't draw us out here for destruction. And at the same time the landscape was huge and forbodingly fearsome, it was beautiful - majestic, towering plateaus and mountains in the distance stood in deep purple ominous layers.... All this desert storm drama in the "middle-of-no-where - Utah" .... had I mentioned 300 miles without seeing any signs of civilization?? -
I found a dot on the map, looking to be 15 miles or so off the highway, but it had a name, Emery, and the map key showed it could have a population anywhere from zero to 2,500, ( we'd be lucky if it was 20) We thought possibly a rancher may have a pump for his tractors. So, we ventured off onto this smaller, more remote road, still surrounded by blackening storm clouds, pelting rain and flashes of lightning.
We chugged into Emery, Utah on fumes, to find 10 or 12 dwellings, and low and behold, a 2 pump gas station/store the size of my bedroom. Praise the LORD! This po-dunk establishment, which sold cheese sticks, potato chips and peach yogurt became also our diner - as the "village" hadn't one of these. We needed to get out of the heavy rain for a moment anyway, so we ate right in the little store with the teenage girl working at the register. Besides selling cigarettes and some booze, our gas station did carry a few T-shirts silk screened with a map of Utah and a thumbtack on Emery; It read "I ran out of gas in Emery, Utah." That kind of said it all.
Been there, done that - didn't buy the T-shirt.
We holed up for probably 25 minutes to wait out the storm, and as we stepped outside we were blessed with GOD's beautiful promise of protection and care - the clearest double rainbow stretching from east to west - as clear as if painted with "artist quality" watercolors. We stood and stared at it for a while -praising God. The storm was gone, and as we turned and drove out, we saw there was another rainbow to the south, thats three in all; vibrant color surrounded us now for about 7 minutes as we made our way back to the highway, and on to Bryce Canyon. Kevin and I set up in the dark, flopped all the kids into bed around 11 pm, thankful and tired.
"You dare to pass this way??!"
I fought back an eerie anxiety with prayers for peace and faith. Trust.... God, surely you wouldn't draw us out here for destruction. And at the same time the landscape was huge and forbodingly fearsome, it was beautiful - majestic, towering plateaus and mountains in the distance stood in deep purple ominous layers.... All this desert storm drama in the "middle-of-no-where - Utah" .... had I mentioned 300 miles without seeing any signs of civilization?? -
We were running dangerously low on gas. When we had left Arches Canyon National Park, our tank had shown an abundant almost 3/4 full -... and now it read "E," with not a substantial town on the map for 35 or 40 miles. "Oh GOD," we prayed, don't let us run out here, in this stormy barren place, where even on a clear day, no one might find us in our plight for days, maybe weeks (probably a slight exaggeration.) I could picture rickety old skeletons, gleaming in the desert sun beside dried planks of bleached wood and a strap of tattered canvas flapping in the wind, remnants of a covered wagon, whose trail ended in this very spot.
I found a dot on the map, looking to be 15 miles or so off the highway, but it had a name, Emery, and the map key showed it could have a population anywhere from zero to 2,500, ( we'd be lucky if it was 20) We thought possibly a rancher may have a pump for his tractors. So, we ventured off onto this smaller, more remote road, still surrounded by blackening storm clouds, pelting rain and flashes of lightning.
We chugged into Emery, Utah on fumes, to find 10 or 12 dwellings, and low and behold, a 2 pump gas station/store the size of my bedroom. Praise the LORD! This po-dunk establishment, which sold cheese sticks, potato chips and peach yogurt became also our diner - as the "village" hadn't one of these. We needed to get out of the heavy rain for a moment anyway, so we ate right in the little store with the teenage girl working at the register. Besides selling cigarettes and some booze, our gas station did carry a few T-shirts silk screened with a map of Utah and a thumbtack on Emery; It read "I ran out of gas in Emery, Utah." That kind of said it all.
Been there, done that - didn't buy the T-shirt.
We holed up for probably 25 minutes to wait out the storm, and as we stepped outside we were blessed with GOD's beautiful promise of protection and care - the clearest double rainbow stretching from east to west - as clear as if painted with "artist quality" watercolors. We stood and stared at it for a while -praising God. The storm was gone, and as we turned and drove out, we saw there was another rainbow to the south, thats three in all; vibrant color surrounded us now for about 7 minutes as we made our way back to the highway, and on to Bryce Canyon. Kevin and I set up in the dark, flopped all the kids into bed around 11 pm, thankful and tired.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wow - I've been meaning to journal for a hour... and on many other days as well, but just cannot peel my eyes away form the landscape - which continues to change. They change from flat, monotonous Kansas, (which we learned possesses very few gas stations with hundreds of miles of open road between), to Colorado's majestic Rockies looming up over the horizon and drawing us up, up, up steep grades, gaining thousands of feet in elevation, in the span of 20 minutes, through awesome, dramatic gorges carved out by the Colorado River some ancient "post flood" era. We have not yet reached the Grand Canyon, but have been preparing our minds to wrap around such a monstrous marvel.
We hiked in the Rocky Mtn. National Park near the head water lakes, which begin the Colorado and many rivers, pouring down with Niagara force from either side of the Continental Divide. Hikes took our breath away as we passed through gentle aspen groves and fragrant pine forests and rushing waterfalls. Then we climbed higher to explore sub -alpine and alpine (above the tree line), teaming with picas (The little beggars, trying only to stuff themselves with enough food to survive the harsh long winters, scramlbed right up the children's hands, looking for a free lunch.) and a variety of tenacious alpine flowers, like the Snow Buttercup, which will grow beneath 3 feet of frozen blanket in early spring, and then push it's optimistic bright yellow face right up through the snow. Atta go girl; gotta love the sun!
We observed two bull moose, tearing away at swampy shrubs, their HUGE antlers awing us from the great view atop a local's truck.
"climb up, get a better look," invited the back country granola type as he extended a friendly hand to all the kids and me.
People are beautiful, and appreciation God's creation with those on the trail, from all over the globe, brings a kind of unity and fellowship that warms my heart again and again. Elliott enjoys wearing his Detroit Tiger's caps and t-shirts because they give him something to chat and smile about with other guys on the trail who sport their rival team's logo. Sophia makes friends everywhere we go, breaking the ice for the other girls. It's not unusual to see her hiking along holding hands with some new little girl with whom she's just become acquainted. She's already written and sent postcards to people she's met on THIS vacation. Kyria, Annika and I have fun sketching and "painting" (with oil pastels) each other and landscapes we take in along the way.
We were also welcomed, upon arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park, by a herd of grazing Elk - stretched out across beaver meadows, some of them as close as 6 feet. Does, nursing calves, two big bucks with towering racks crowning their lovely faces (Ken and Deej - a hunter's dream). Later in the week some of the herd crossed right through the campground, ambling among the tents and campers like they own the place. Actually, they do! Whenever you spot wildlife, small crowds begin to gather and informative Rangers immediately appear on hand to promote safety and to educate all of us. This is a fantastic feature of the National Parks. It's great for the kids, as these kind professionals possess patient child friendly attitudes and exuberance for teaching about the natural world.
Our frantic run, to beat the oncoming rain, as we transferred all our food supplies, dishes, shampoos and other human smelling items (per strict advice of the ranger) from our sleeping quarters, our beloved pop-up camper, to the more secure hard sided vehicle - grandpa's van, were rewarded, as we were NOT attacked by hungry bears as we slept. Apparently black bears have frequented the park this summer, eating junk that humans have failed to safely lock away. We would, however, love to appreciate these cuddly monsters from a respectful distance....maybe when we get to Yellowstone.
Following Rocky Mtn. National Park, Rim Ridge Road at Colorado National Monument was another fabulous prelude to the Grand Canyon, as you can drive up and around and through the entire rim of several canyons also carved by the Colorado River. The drive narrows out at precarious points into hairpin curves and zigzag switchbacks, with stopping points all along the way, where you can hike back into see caves and monoliths. We observed the bright teal blue and yellow Collared Lizard as he sunned on the sand, and the kids crawled through erosion formed tunnels in the red rock and climbed to dizzying heights at "Devil's Kitchen," an enormous rock formation which we renamed "Eagle Rock" with Isaiah 40 as it's theme verse. Dad shouted our new name announcement from the canyon and echos bounced boldly back at us.
Meandering along - sort of "loosely" chronologically....
On our last evening in Colorado Nat. Monument, after asking GOD to help us spot the Big Horn Sheep, whose weighty horns and skull we had held to our own heads, (at a ranger program) marvelling at how this animal carries such a burden around on its brain, we took a sunset drive on rim ridge road in hopes of spying this elusive goat. The sunset was no "big shake" that evening, but emerging from a tunnel on the way back down, having lost almost all light - and there she was...a big horn Ewe, crossing the road right in front of us. Thanks God!
Leaving Colorado Nat., at a record time setting camp-tear-down -and-pack-up of 8:20 a.m., we drove to Arches National Park and took a couple blazing HOT trail hikes to natural stone arches, on the length of a football field (Landscape Arch.) It took much endurance in the heat of the day but we make it and were thankful for the shade of the twisted Juniper tree, an a picnic lunch. The juniper is a small shrubby pine well adapted to desert life it has a wide root system to sponge up any available water and purposely kill off sections of root and trunk to preserve itself during drought, causing the tree to twist and turn into all sorts of interesting shapes. Sophia gained the nickname "huckleberry Soph" at this picnic spot, for her perfect reclining perch on a Juniper's horizontal trunk and her straw hat shading her face.
Relaxing against the cool rock wall, I had to laugh right out loud watching Kevin as he helped Sophia fill out her "junior ranger booklet" with information they have gathered from their morning of hiking. I always tell people "Sophi! - that child could find mud in a desert!" And sure enough, a small stream from the pump, at which hiker's fill their water bottles, had pooled near Sophia's Juniper hammock and she wasted no time in "damming it up", to mix the water with the red dirt into a fine sculpting mud. Dad was allowing her to build the arches she had seen that day.
After filling out "junior ranger booklets" at each Natl. Park and attending Ranger programs, the children are quizzed on what they have learned and then are rewarded with a golden junior ranger badge, which they then sport on their hiking hats. They have collected 4 to date (Jefferson Expansion Memorial (St. Louis Arch), Rocky Mtn. Natnl. Park, Colorado Natnl. Monument) and will gain 8 or 9 more before we're home. - fun! They get stopped often by Rangers and tourists, who congratulate them and ask all sorts of questions. Cool program. They also get their "National Parks Passports" stamped at most ranger stations and trail heads, giving them quite a collection of reminders of the places they've been. They all journal daily as well, ...so... we plan to just call this school and not begin home classes until - say...October. Just kidding.
Yesterday - from Arches, we took our most harrowing and awe/fear inspiring road trips to date. We watched the landscapes change as we covered 300 miles of canyons, foothills, and plateaus in various shades of red, brown, grey, white and yellow - much of it extremely arid and desert like and BARREN. Occasionally we passed a vacant ghost town, once inhabited by maybe 5o people - long ago left to decay. After seeing no other signs of life for literally hours, 3 antelope graced us with their stately presence at the roadside, and this song floated through my mind: "Home, home on the range..(though apparently no one chose to make a home here)..where the deer and the antelope play...where seldom is heard a discouraging word.. (Hmmmm - no one to SPEAK or HEAR a word of any kind..) - And the skies are not cloudy all day..." Well, this last part was true for a few hours - then... A cloud rolled overhead - as thick as pea soup, and stretching across the horizon to the south and north with only a small bit of blue sky in between where we hoped to be heading. But....NO, the road turned right into the storm.
To be continued.. Soon, i hope.
We hiked in the Rocky Mtn. National Park near the head water lakes, which begin the Colorado and many rivers, pouring down with Niagara force from either side of the Continental Divide. Hikes took our breath away as we passed through gentle aspen groves and fragrant pine forests and rushing waterfalls. Then we climbed higher to explore sub -alpine and alpine (above the tree line), teaming with picas (The little beggars, trying only to stuff themselves with enough food to survive the harsh long winters, scramlbed right up the children's hands, looking for a free lunch.) and a variety of tenacious alpine flowers, like the Snow Buttercup, which will grow beneath 3 feet of frozen blanket in early spring, and then push it's optimistic bright yellow face right up through the snow. Atta go girl; gotta love the sun!
We observed two bull moose, tearing away at swampy shrubs, their HUGE antlers awing us from the great view atop a local's truck.
"climb up, get a better look," invited the back country granola type as he extended a friendly hand to all the kids and me.
People are beautiful, and appreciation God's creation with those on the trail, from all over the globe, brings a kind of unity and fellowship that warms my heart again and again. Elliott enjoys wearing his Detroit Tiger's caps and t-shirts because they give him something to chat and smile about with other guys on the trail who sport their rival team's logo. Sophia makes friends everywhere we go, breaking the ice for the other girls. It's not unusual to see her hiking along holding hands with some new little girl with whom she's just become acquainted. She's already written and sent postcards to people she's met on THIS vacation. Kyria, Annika and I have fun sketching and "painting" (with oil pastels) each other and landscapes we take in along the way.
We were also welcomed, upon arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park, by a herd of grazing Elk - stretched out across beaver meadows, some of them as close as 6 feet. Does, nursing calves, two big bucks with towering racks crowning their lovely faces (Ken and Deej - a hunter's dream). Later in the week some of the herd crossed right through the campground, ambling among the tents and campers like they own the place. Actually, they do! Whenever you spot wildlife, small crowds begin to gather and informative Rangers immediately appear on hand to promote safety and to educate all of us. This is a fantastic feature of the National Parks. It's great for the kids, as these kind professionals possess patient child friendly attitudes and exuberance for teaching about the natural world.
Our frantic run, to beat the oncoming rain, as we transferred all our food supplies, dishes, shampoos and other human smelling items (per strict advice of the ranger) from our sleeping quarters, our beloved pop-up camper, to the more secure hard sided vehicle - grandpa's van, were rewarded, as we were NOT attacked by hungry bears as we slept. Apparently black bears have frequented the park this summer, eating junk that humans have failed to safely lock away. We would, however, love to appreciate these cuddly monsters from a respectful distance....maybe when we get to Yellowstone.
Following Rocky Mtn. National Park, Rim Ridge Road at Colorado National Monument was another fabulous prelude to the Grand Canyon, as you can drive up and around and through the entire rim of several canyons also carved by the Colorado River. The drive narrows out at precarious points into hairpin curves and zigzag switchbacks, with stopping points all along the way, where you can hike back into see caves and monoliths. We observed the bright teal blue and yellow Collared Lizard as he sunned on the sand, and the kids crawled through erosion formed tunnels in the red rock and climbed to dizzying heights at "Devil's Kitchen," an enormous rock formation which we renamed "Eagle Rock" with Isaiah 40 as it's theme verse. Dad shouted our new name announcement from the canyon and echos bounced boldly back at us.
Meandering along - sort of "loosely" chronologically....
On our last evening in Colorado Nat. Monument, after asking GOD to help us spot the Big Horn Sheep, whose weighty horns and skull we had held to our own heads, (at a ranger program) marvelling at how this animal carries such a burden around on its brain, we took a sunset drive on rim ridge road in hopes of spying this elusive goat. The sunset was no "big shake" that evening, but emerging from a tunnel on the way back down, having lost almost all light - and there she was...a big horn Ewe, crossing the road right in front of us. Thanks God!
Leaving Colorado Nat., at a record time setting camp-tear-down -and-pack-up of 8:20 a.m., we drove to Arches National Park and took a couple blazing HOT trail hikes to natural stone arches, on the length of a football field (Landscape Arch.) It took much endurance in the heat of the day but we make it and were thankful for the shade of the twisted Juniper tree, an a picnic lunch. The juniper is a small shrubby pine well adapted to desert life it has a wide root system to sponge up any available water and purposely kill off sections of root and trunk to preserve itself during drought, causing the tree to twist and turn into all sorts of interesting shapes. Sophia gained the nickname "huckleberry Soph" at this picnic spot, for her perfect reclining perch on a Juniper's horizontal trunk and her straw hat shading her face.
Relaxing against the cool rock wall, I had to laugh right out loud watching Kevin as he helped Sophia fill out her "junior ranger booklet" with information they have gathered from their morning of hiking. I always tell people "Sophi! - that child could find mud in a desert!" And sure enough, a small stream from the pump, at which hiker's fill their water bottles, had pooled near Sophia's Juniper hammock and she wasted no time in "damming it up", to mix the water with the red dirt into a fine sculpting mud. Dad was allowing her to build the arches she had seen that day.
After filling out "junior ranger booklets" at each Natl. Park and attending Ranger programs, the children are quizzed on what they have learned and then are rewarded with a golden junior ranger badge, which they then sport on their hiking hats. They have collected 4 to date (Jefferson Expansion Memorial (St. Louis Arch), Rocky Mtn. Natnl. Park, Colorado Natnl. Monument) and will gain 8 or 9 more before we're home. - fun! They get stopped often by Rangers and tourists, who congratulate them and ask all sorts of questions. Cool program. They also get their "National Parks Passports" stamped at most ranger stations and trail heads, giving them quite a collection of reminders of the places they've been. They all journal daily as well, ...so... we plan to just call this school and not begin home classes until - say...October. Just kidding.
Yesterday - from Arches, we took our most harrowing and awe/fear inspiring road trips to date. We watched the landscapes change as we covered 300 miles of canyons, foothills, and plateaus in various shades of red, brown, grey, white and yellow - much of it extremely arid and desert like and BARREN. Occasionally we passed a vacant ghost town, once inhabited by maybe 5o people - long ago left to decay. After seeing no other signs of life for literally hours, 3 antelope graced us with their stately presence at the roadside, and this song floated through my mind: "Home, home on the range..(though apparently no one chose to make a home here)..where the deer and the antelope play...where seldom is heard a discouraging word.. (Hmmmm - no one to SPEAK or HEAR a word of any kind..) - And the skies are not cloudy all day..." Well, this last part was true for a few hours - then... A cloud rolled overhead - as thick as pea soup, and stretching across the horizon to the south and north with only a small bit of blue sky in between where we hoped to be heading. But....NO, the road turned right into the storm.
To be continued.. Soon, i hope.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Hello Ladies -
We've just dried off and thawed out from an afternoon hiking adventure to see Alberta Falls, in Rocky Mountain National Park. Having spent the first two hours of the morning horseback riding on the ridges, we got too late a start hiking the trail......It rains (storms) every afternoon here, so if you want to stay dry - hike in the morning. We were at about 10 thousand feet (still beneath the tree line, at the sub-alpine level), eating lunch beside a breathtaking waterfall when it began to hail, thunder and lightning. By the time we made it back down to the trailhead we were so wet, we might have been mistaken for colorful river otters....though not with quite as playful attitudes.
We are enjoying the view, the family time and the adventure - feeling more blessed than a human deserves. GOD is good!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day One of a Blessed Sabbatical
Well, here I sit under the awning of my new home for the next 5 weeks. No air conditioning, no indoor plumbing, nor many modern conveniences of the 21 century - but, I'm happy. I feel very blessed. Kevin and I drove into this PA. valley at 11:30 last night; we were tired, but the precarious 14 mile decent, filled with twists and turns and hairpins curves was enough to keep us very much awake and on our toes. Upon arrival at the Methodist Church camp, finding all my relatives asleep, we decided to set up camp in the morning. Sleeping in the van, we felt kind of like Abraham Lincoln in a toddler bed, with our feet hanging out in the open air. But all in all, it was a good night's sleep.
Thanks again for all your prayers, this a.m. with a bit of tweaking by my engineer father, the pop-up popped and now we're settled in and watching our kids float down the Juniata River on inner tubes - I think I'll be joining them....catch ya later. I'm still "meditating" on "blessed are the Peacemakers - those "son's of GOD""
Also, Kevin's going to throw some pictures on here later...so, stay tuned. Love you all!
Well, here I sit under the awning of my new home for the next 5 weeks. No air conditioning, no indoor plumbing, nor many modern conveniences of the 21 century - but, I'm happy. I feel very blessed. Kevin and I drove into this PA. valley at 11:30 last night; we were tired, but the precarious 14 mile decent, filled with twists and turns and hairpins curves was enough to keep us very much awake and on our toes. Upon arrival at the Methodist Church camp, finding all my relatives asleep, we decided to set up camp in the morning. Sleeping in the van, we felt kind of like Abraham Lincoln in a toddler bed, with our feet hanging out in the open air. But all in all, it was a good night's sleep.
Thanks again for all your prayers, this a.m. with a bit of tweaking by my engineer father, the pop-up popped and now we're settled in and watching our kids float down the Juniata River on inner tubes - I think I'll be joining them....catch ya later. I'm still "meditating" on "blessed are the Peacemakers - those "son's of GOD""
Also, Kevin's going to throw some pictures on here later...so, stay tuned. Love you all!
Friday, July 16, 2010
"blessed are the pure in heart....
July 19 Walk & Talk
As I sat down with my cup of mostly water-coffee, to pray though my morning Psalms, I read David's declaration:
July 19 Walk & Talk
As I sat down with my cup of mostly water-coffee, to pray though my morning Psalms, I read David's declaration:
"Give ear to my prayer
it does not rise from deceitful lips. --------forgive, LORD
though you probe my heart
and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin..."
and after David goes on about GOD's protection toward him, and salvation from his enemies, he concludes with...
"...And I, in righteousness,---------my righteousness
will see your face ------------------------is in You, Jesus
When I awake, I will be satisfied -but keep purifying me b/c seeing YOU
with seeing your likeness." --------is something I couldn't bear missing.
I then read my marginal remarks, which I've included (in blue)... sigh
I could just shut my Bible at this point, give up on my intercession, and think "why would GOD even listen to me" It's only 5:30 in the morning and I've already sinned a couple of times, by GOD's holy standards.
(picture Charlie Brown, throwing back his head, with a giant
"Good Grief!" protruding from his open mouth.) But then I remember this is David, my hero - humble worshipper, brave and good shepherd, God-fearing warrior, a man after GOD's own heart, receiver of the awesome covenant of Jesus......, jealous, covetous, lustful adulterer, cold blooded murderer... Oh - So, maybe he resolved that his mouth would not sin, but other parts of him sure did! "Mortal sins" too, to use a term from the Catholic tradition. These are sins that need confession before physical death or one can end up in hell straightaway. As opposed to "venial sins," lesser transgression like little "white lies" or exaggeration or lustful thoughts, for which one is not held as gravely responsible.
OK, SIN is SIN - a lie btw. oneself and a GOD who sees all. Yes, some sins (committed on the outside) have greater ramifications and potential to hurt oneself and other people. But the ultimate result of SIN is false or un-right relationship with JESUS; where there is suppose to be friendship and communion, there is a lie or a barrier. This is why if we want to SEE GOD, HEAR GOD, FEEL GOD, EXPERIENCE GOD in any way, purity of heart is required.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD"
Heart Purity goes way beyond right speech and actions. "..out of the OVERFLOW of the heart, the mouth speaks.." and Jesus says "anyone who looks at a person lustfully has committed SIN already.." These invisible thoughts & motives never went unseen by Jesus, and the Holy Spirit living inside of us now, is quite aware. David also, I believe, was in touch with this knowledge. He wasn't in denial about his sinfulness, he just knew the merciful heart of God and understood forgiveness ahead of his time. How much more can we be sure:
"On the cross, when Jesus died
the wrath of GOD was satisfied
for all our sins, on HIM were laid
here in the death of Christ, I live."
A couple years ago now, at a Vineyard Conference after a holy time of heart melting worship, I wept over the hopelessness of my dusty condition. I was grieved at the thought that I would never be able to keep from falling into sin; either I would fall into deceptive or unwholesome speech or a myriad of other misdemeanors, OR, I would be doing rather well controlling my tongue and thought life only to sink just as deeply on the other side - judgement of others, self righteousness and pride. One set of sins equally as damaging as the other. I would never be able to walk the line perfectly...... sad.
Then GOD showed me a picture in my mind's eye which I often refer to: I saw myself walking a balance beam (4 inch piece of wood like gymnasts use) with a great chasm below. At first, I was very frightened, for the "fall" was immeasurably deep. Then Jesus showed me how he had put a harness on me and girded me "on belay" (much like a mountain repeller wears). HE had me held fast and safe, HE would keep me on the beam.
If I were a broken record, I would hope to scratch out this message over and over again: our RIGHTEOUSNESS is in CHRIST, our PURITY is dependent upon - "HIM who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before HIS glorious presence without fault..." Jude 1:24
Walk & Talk Questions for Monday, July 19
1. What do you think of when you hear the words "Pure in Heart?"
2. My Bible notes tell me that Purity's "clashing worldly value" is a belief that deception is acceptable. With this contrast in mind, how is a Christian expected to keep themselves "pure?" What do you think this would look like?
3. Is the above standard of purity, easy or difficul for you, personally?
4. How have you looked at different "Sins" ? Do you tend to catagorize one as worse than another?
5. How do you feel, personally, sins attoned for in your life? Is it easy to accept and feel forgiveness and "cleansing." Do you experience a sensation of Purity, as David is announcing in his Ps. ("...though you probe my heart, and examine me at night, (GOD), you will find nothing..")
Friday, July 9, 2010
blessed are the merciful...
July 11 Walk&Talk devotion
Surely GOD asked me to write on the beatitudes so that I might really reflect and think on them, and apply them to MY life. I've needed reminding that spiritual poverty, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and now, mercy... are all blessed conditions of the human soul turning me toward GOD.
Do I want to be shown mercy?...I'm desperate for it. Please GOD, don't treat me as my sins deserve.
It's difficult to deliver loving correction without the message perceived being "GOD has mercy on you and so do I, BUT - you're not measuring up and I pity you. The pity, disappointment and judgement sound louder than does the mercy. Speaking pridefully, (this is a confession) from my own wounded heart, pity and mercy seem, in practice/hearing - interchangeable terms. I'm guessing I'm not the only person who doesn't want pity from anyone excepting THE ALMIGHTY.
I mention the word "judgement," which I understand to be an antonym of "mercy." Maybe by looking at the shortcomings of human judgement, we can better understand how we might administer mercy. The most fitting definition, in context, Webster gives is: "to form an opinion or estimate about, to criticize...." The problem with forming an opinion about a person's words or actions is that rarely do we have the whole picture. Our perspective of the situation is colored by our own experiences, values, ideals, etc... We expect others to meet the standards we hold for ourselves, or standards GOD has called US to, without consideration of what GOD has asked of THEM.
Ken Wilson puts it well, in his book Mystically Wired:
Surely GOD asked me to write on the beatitudes so that I might really reflect and think on them, and apply them to MY life. I've needed reminding that spiritual poverty, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and now, mercy... are all blessed conditions of the human soul turning me toward GOD.
"Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy."
(Matthew 5:6)
Do I want to be shown mercy?...I'm desperate for it. Please GOD, don't treat me as my sins deserve.
ps. 103:10-14 calls out my comfort:
"HE (GOD) does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is HIS love for those who fear HIM,
as far as the east is from the west,
(they never meet - east and west)
so far has HE removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear HIM;
for HE knows how we are formed.
HE remembers that we are dust...."
In our call to execute "like" merciful behavior, how are we to look at, and respond to. each other? Is there room?...where is the place.. for correction, when we see a sister who could be "doing better," walking "straighter" - from our perspective, "trying harder"..? Hmmm, this is tricky. Coming from someone as pristine as GOD, correction/rebuke is one thing - Pity from HIM, toward me, the dusty one, is welcomed - even longed for. But pity from another fellow dust mite, feels.....well, like judgement.It's difficult to deliver loving correction without the message perceived being "GOD has mercy on you and so do I, BUT - you're not measuring up and I pity you. The pity, disappointment and judgement sound louder than does the mercy. Speaking pridefully, (this is a confession) from my own wounded heart, pity and mercy seem, in practice/hearing - interchangeable terms. I'm guessing I'm not the only person who doesn't want pity from anyone excepting THE ALMIGHTY.
I mention the word "judgement," which I understand to be an antonym of "mercy." Maybe by looking at the shortcomings of human judgement, we can better understand how we might administer mercy. The most fitting definition, in context, Webster gives is: "to form an opinion or estimate about, to criticize...." The problem with forming an opinion about a person's words or actions is that rarely do we have the whole picture. Our perspective of the situation is colored by our own experiences, values, ideals, etc... We expect others to meet the standards we hold for ourselves, or standards GOD has called US to, without consideration of what GOD has asked of THEM.
Ken Wilson puts it well, in his book Mystically Wired:
"The messy thing about Love, of course,
is its particularity.
We don't love humanity;
we love humans who come in all sorts of
very particular forms-
each one different from all the rest."
Our failure to love, in light of GOD's MERCY, comes from an inability to understand another person to their depths, and see them as only GOD can see them. Each person has their own set of invisible obstacles to overcome, their own set of strengths and weaknesses, their own timetable/ scope and sequence, to use educational terms, for growth and processing. In other words, that other person is NOT us. My mom had about a hundred "old sayings" she liked to throw out all the time, always with the intro "my mom always said...." (I feel I was constantly taught by a grandmother I never knew.) Now my kids say, "Mom, grandma has too many sayings." "Don't judge another person till you've walked a mile in their shoes." And "If you live in a glass house, don't throw stones.." are two which come to mind. The problem is...we never put on the other person's shoes; we couldn't, they would never fit us. And my house is definitely made of glass.
Isaiah tells us...
HE (Jesus) will not judge by what HE sees with HIS eyes,
or decide by what HE hears with HIS ears...(11:4)
In GOD's mercy, HE sees our heart. To act in mercy, we need to see people through GOD's eyes. Merciful behavior, more than anything, necessitates GOD's perspective.
W&T Questions :
1. How do you define MERCY? Is this something you feel you are in need of?
2. How do you understand/recognize GOD "not treating you you as your sins deserve?"
3. Have you experienced merciful treatment from others? How has this felt?
4. Does the term Merciful or Judgemental better describe you? (don't answer this, just think about it)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Not Really a Book Review - THE HELP
I've been telling my 12 year old daughter, who devours books in the summer like a skinny bear coming out of hibernation eats blueberries and fish, "You have to take time to reflect on a story now and then, when it's really good. Ask yourself: How has this book or character, affected, changed or challenged the way I think or feel? What new insights have I learned about myself, other people or the world? How am I different from taking in this story? Is there some conviction, inspiration or revelation I need to act on - for my own maturation and character developement?"
So, recently, I've reflected on a book I just completed, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Though her story captivated and entertained me with well developed characters and wonderful use of forshadowing and creative rotation of first person accounts, I am most interested in how the themes and characters affected me, and pleased that the book ended perfectly. (This isn't to say I wasn't hungry for many more pages after I finished the last - Iwas.)
Katheryn Stockett brings each of her three protagonists, in the end, to the freeing point of breaking out of evil, societal molds, patterns and expectations, to begin to pursue who God really made each of them to be. At three different stages of life: Skeeter, young and single with her whole life ahead of her; Aibileen, mature in age and experience but with enough kick left in her to make a difference in the lives of others; and Minny, in the prime of her childbearing years, all realize that the "lines," within which they've been brought up to color, only exist in other's warped minds.
How did the story affect me? I related to it. I felt Skeeter's rejection and awkwardness of not quite fitting in anywhere. This comes, primarily, from inhabiting this earth as an "alien" - a citizen of heaven, but not really feeling immersed in that that angelic world anymore than this dusty one. I especially related to Skeeter's intense lonliness that came from having to keep secrets from the people closest to her, her truest self and her deepest thoughts and convictions remaining unknown. Thank God she had Aibileen. She didn't even really have God. I have two dearest friends, God and Kevin. God understands me to the depths and knows everything, and Kevin knows most and tries to understand me. Both BEING who I really AM and being KNOWN - are life giving. I stongly advocate for a deep friendship with God -through Jesus, and at least one earthly friendship which delves to depths of authenticity.
The social restraints of appropriateness remian upon me, as a pastor's wife, to a much lesser degreee that those evil "rules" of The Help; still, I don't feel totally known, nor understood - except by my loving creator and friend - Jesus. This is my great sorrow and my precious gift. It is also, I would guess, not uncommon.
How did THE HELP inspire and challenge me?
Not unlike the three hopeful characters who fearlessly struggle to crawl out from under the enemy, into truth and light - to pursue their life's purpose, I feel like I, also, need to continue to uncover "lines"/lies in my own mind, and come out from underneath them. I use the word "enemy" above to refer to physical, spiritual, societal and familial detriments - all enemies of gaining freedom and fulfilling purpose. I'm really NOT talking about human beings, in and of themselves....Eph.6:12.
Statements don't often change people's lives; questions do! I takes someone who is willing to ask this questions that Skeeter asked:
So, recently, I've reflected on a book I just completed, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Though her story captivated and entertained me with well developed characters and wonderful use of forshadowing and creative rotation of first person accounts, I am most interested in how the themes and characters affected me, and pleased that the book ended perfectly. (This isn't to say I wasn't hungry for many more pages after I finished the last - Iwas.)
Katheryn Stockett brings each of her three protagonists, in the end, to the freeing point of breaking out of evil, societal molds, patterns and expectations, to begin to pursue who God really made each of them to be. At three different stages of life: Skeeter, young and single with her whole life ahead of her; Aibileen, mature in age and experience but with enough kick left in her to make a difference in the lives of others; and Minny, in the prime of her childbearing years, all realize that the "lines," within which they've been brought up to color, only exist in other's warped minds.
How did the story affect me? I related to it. I felt Skeeter's rejection and awkwardness of not quite fitting in anywhere. This comes, primarily, from inhabiting this earth as an "alien" - a citizen of heaven, but not really feeling immersed in that that angelic world anymore than this dusty one. I especially related to Skeeter's intense lonliness that came from having to keep secrets from the people closest to her, her truest self and her deepest thoughts and convictions remaining unknown. Thank God she had Aibileen. She didn't even really have God. I have two dearest friends, God and Kevin. God understands me to the depths and knows everything, and Kevin knows most and tries to understand me. Both BEING who I really AM and being KNOWN - are life giving. I stongly advocate for a deep friendship with God -through Jesus, and at least one earthly friendship which delves to depths of authenticity.
The social restraints of appropriateness remian upon me, as a pastor's wife, to a much lesser degreee that those evil "rules" of The Help; still, I don't feel totally known, nor understood - except by my loving creator and friend - Jesus. This is my great sorrow and my precious gift. It is also, I would guess, not uncommon.
How did THE HELP inspire and challenge me?
Not unlike the three hopeful characters who fearlessly struggle to crawl out from under the enemy, into truth and light - to pursue their life's purpose, I feel like I, also, need to continue to uncover "lines"/lies in my own mind, and come out from underneath them. I use the word "enemy" above to refer to physical, spiritual, societal and familial detriments - all enemies of gaining freedom and fulfilling purpose. I'm really NOT talking about human beings, in and of themselves....Eph.6:12.
Statements don't often change people's lives; questions do! I takes someone who is willing to ask this questions that Skeeter asked:
Do you ever want to change things?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Blessed are the meek...
July 2 Walk&Talk - reflection on meekness...
When I think of meekness, images of Jesus come to mind - going before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and enemies who hung Him on a cross, "like a lamb to the slaughter," silent and without making a defense for himself... I also think of a lovely Amish mother from a book, whom I wish I could emulate; she elicited perfect obedience from her children with gentle and quiet "suggestions" such as "hadn't you better set the table." (I don't honestly know if SHE exists) Both of these people COULD wield a tremendous amount of power but instead, seem to utilize Supernatural self control, to refrain and act in meekness.
Meek and mild go together, and like the "poor in spirit" and "those who mourn," meekness seems to highlight humility and laying down defenses. Meekness seems to particularly come into play when an enemy presents itself - a spiritual enemy or a human fleshy one. Just when you've been wronged, attacked and unfairly accused, - if you can channel all you energy, wit and revenge-craving power into self control, holding your tongue and giving up even your rights as a human being... then, we call you MEEK.
And...if you are successful with slipping into the background, practicing meekness, you will inherit the earth. In Ps. 37:5-11, David writes "the land" rather than "the earth." To me, this reward makes more sense and carries more hopeful expectation. I liken "the Land" of a Christian's inheritance to the complete FREEDOM God wants for His kids, not overrun with enemies nor overwrought with fear, anxiety, rage, resentment, bitterness, self pity and the like, but truly FREE. (This is a whole 'nother meditation - and this one's too long already) David teaches on "Meekness" like this
Commit, trust, be still, wait, don't fret, refrain, turn, hope ENJOY GREAT PEACE. I guess I cannot say I have practiced this enough to be considered and authority, but thankfully, I know someone who has....
1. Does "MEEK" sound like a strong or weak position to you? Explain..
2. Do you think this work "meekness" characterizes the way you usually act or think?
3. Can you think of a time in you life experience when you chose to exercise meekness? OR a
time in which you maybe should have...?
4. In the above example, did your words /actions OR lack of words and actions result in the
rewarding GREAT PEACE David wrote about?
Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
When I think of meekness, images of Jesus come to mind - going before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and enemies who hung Him on a cross, "like a lamb to the slaughter," silent and without making a defense for himself... I also think of a lovely Amish mother from a book, whom I wish I could emulate; she elicited perfect obedience from her children with gentle and quiet "suggestions" such as "hadn't you better set the table." (I don't honestly know if SHE exists) Both of these people COULD wield a tremendous amount of power but instead, seem to utilize Supernatural self control, to refrain and act in meekness.
Meek and mild go together, and like the "poor in spirit" and "those who mourn," meekness seems to highlight humility and laying down defenses. Meekness seems to particularly come into play when an enemy presents itself - a spiritual enemy or a human fleshy one. Just when you've been wronged, attacked and unfairly accused, - if you can channel all you energy, wit and revenge-craving power into self control, holding your tongue and giving up even your rights as a human being... then, we call you MEEK.
And...if you are successful with slipping into the background, practicing meekness, you will inherit the earth. In Ps. 37:5-11, David writes "the land" rather than "the earth." To me, this reward makes more sense and carries more hopeful expectation. I liken "the Land" of a Christian's inheritance to the complete FREEDOM God wants for His kids, not overrun with enemies nor overwrought with fear, anxiety, rage, resentment, bitterness, self pity and the like, but truly FREE. (This is a whole 'nother meditation - and this one's too long already) David teaches on "Meekness" like this
Commit you way to the LORD
Trust in HIM and HE will do this
HE will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.
The justice of your cause like the noon day sun.
Be sill before the LORD and wait patiently for HIM
do not fret when men succeed in their ways.
When they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath.
Do not fret - it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
But those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more
Though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land
And enjoy great peace..."
W&T Questions for further reflection:
1. Does "MEEK" sound like a strong or weak position to you? Explain..
2. Do you think this work "meekness" characterizes the way you usually act or think?
3. Can you think of a time in you life experience when you chose to exercise meekness? OR a
time in which you maybe should have...?
4. In the above example, did your words /actions OR lack of words and actions result in the
rewarding GREAT PEACE David wrote about?
Hello Ladies - since the first 3 entries were created elsewhere, then copied and pasted into my blogspot, this is the first piece I've actually composed on "ba-gracehouse" - Yea!! - I owe a special thanks to my big sister for helping me thus far.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be
filled..." (Matt.5:6)
The words "righteousness" and "justice" are interchangable in many Torah (or Old Testiment of the Bible) passages. The Hebrew "sedeq" and it's counterpart in the Greek, "dikaiosyne" both hold the meaning: "What is right, justice, the act of doing what is in agreement with God's standards"...hmmmm, God's standard? In Leviticus 11:44, God instructs His people, whom He brought out of Egypt to "Be Holy because I (God) am Holy." This is a pretty steep standard.
I guess that's what Abram/Abraham must have been thinking, shaking with dread, as God introduced to him His covenant. Genesis 15: 8-21 describes how Abram and God "cut covenant" together, but a person would have to possess a "hebrew mindset" to understand the meaning of what takes place in this passage. In my case, not being hebrew myself, I learned the sacred meaning of "cutting covenant" from a Bible teacher named Ray VanderLaan; It sticks with me!
Abram cuts in half, a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove and a pigeon, and lays the halves opposite one another, with a shallow trench between them, where the blood of the animals then drains down in a stream of solemn significance. Gross, huh? This type of contract was deeply serious and understood by any hebrew living in this time period. Each party, (in this case God and Abram), would then walk through the middle of the "blood-path," and in so doing, promise that they would uphold their part of the bargain - each one declaring "If I should break "covenant" w/ you, you can do this (the halved fate of the bleeding creatures) to me."
God was declaring that He would give Abram the land to possess - no problem, right? He's a rich and powerful dude. Abram's part of the compact, the "be holy..." thing, would be.....ah, a bit of a problem. It's at this revelation that the "thick and dreadful darkness" comes over Abram and God puts him down for a nap. THEN--- God ALONE walks between the peices for both himself and for Abram. God is declaring to Abram, and to us, If you or I break the covenant, MY BLOOD will flow to cover the unfaithfulness. (Nice forshadowing of the cross, on the part of my favorite author!)
Last night a dinner guest was talking about a volume she wants Kevin to look at, which compares texts from the Bible and the Koran. She wonders at how similar they both read. This may be true, but - as lover of a good story, one thing I remember from my Islamic studies in college is that the Koran does not emulate the Bible in its flow of plot from beginning to end. The Bible is truly a story, of a jilted lover, (God), who devises, orchestrates and accomplishes an intricate and strategic plan throughout the history of time, to win back His undeserving, beloved creation - and launch her into eternity with HIM.
If you don't have time to read all this, you'll find the W & T "Q"s at the end.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be
filled..." (Matt.5:6)
The words "righteousness" and "justice" are interchangable in many Torah (or Old Testiment of the Bible) passages. The Hebrew "sedeq" and it's counterpart in the Greek, "dikaiosyne" both hold the meaning: "What is right, justice, the act of doing what is in agreement with God's standards"...hmmmm, God's standard? In Leviticus 11:44, God instructs His people, whom He brought out of Egypt to "Be Holy because I (God) am Holy." This is a pretty steep standard.
I guess that's what Abram/Abraham must have been thinking, shaking with dread, as God introduced to him His covenant. Genesis 15: 8-21 describes how Abram and God "cut covenant" together, but a person would have to possess a "hebrew mindset" to understand the meaning of what takes place in this passage. In my case, not being hebrew myself, I learned the sacred meaning of "cutting covenant" from a Bible teacher named Ray VanderLaan; It sticks with me!
Abram cuts in half, a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove and a pigeon, and lays the halves opposite one another, with a shallow trench between them, where the blood of the animals then drains down in a stream of solemn significance. Gross, huh? This type of contract was deeply serious and understood by any hebrew living in this time period. Each party, (in this case God and Abram), would then walk through the middle of the "blood-path," and in so doing, promise that they would uphold their part of the bargain - each one declaring "If I should break "covenant" w/ you, you can do this (the halved fate of the bleeding creatures) to me."
God was declaring that He would give Abram the land to possess - no problem, right? He's a rich and powerful dude. Abram's part of the compact, the "be holy..." thing, would be.....ah, a bit of a problem. It's at this revelation that the "thick and dreadful darkness" comes over Abram and God puts him down for a nap. THEN--- God ALONE walks between the peices for both himself and for Abram. God is declaring to Abram, and to us, If you or I break the covenant, MY BLOOD will flow to cover the unfaithfulness. (Nice forshadowing of the cross, on the part of my favorite author!)
Last night a dinner guest was talking about a volume she wants Kevin to look at, which compares texts from the Bible and the Koran. She wonders at how similar they both read. This may be true, but - as lover of a good story, one thing I remember from my Islamic studies in college is that the Koran does not emulate the Bible in its flow of plot from beginning to end. The Bible is truly a story, of a jilted lover, (God), who devises, orchestrates and accomplishes an intricate and strategic plan throughout the history of time, to win back His undeserving, beloved creation - and launch her into eternity with HIM.
"Blessed is she whose sins are covered. (by God's covenant blood)
...whose sin the LORD does not count against her..."
Back to hungering and thirsting for righteousness... Why do you suppose God set the bar so high from the beginning, "holiness" - Yikes! I think, to prove, beyond any doubt, how unatainable is His standard by our own means. We are needy - "dust" So, it's back to humility and recognition of our spiritual poverty. These "blessed are..."s paint a clearer and clearer picture of a person submitted to God with all her heart, the more of them you meditate on.
One of my favorite traits of an enduring character, Miss Anne Shurley of the illustrious Green Gables, is her optimism at dawn. "Every day is a clean slate with no mistakes," her hopeful mantra. She and I share a sorrow that might keep us down, were it not for the truth of this philosophy of "mercies being new every morning." At the end of every day I have to live with the reality that I am dust - and I've screwed up yet again. "Sinless Perfectionism" remaining only a distant unreachable something to sigh and shake your head over, or even laugh at, as you take in a heavy couple of paragraphs of Wayne Grutum's Systematic Theology. But after I come to terms with my failure - I can rejoice, for Righteous is mine through JESUS - there is nothing I can do to deserve it, yet... through faith, it's mine. I DO HUNGER and THIRST for RIGHTEOUSNESS..yes, I do. And I am filled.
Walk and Talk "Q"s for Monday, July 5
Meet us at CCV at 6:59 p.m.
Bring Bug spray and water!
1. Have you ever thought of the Bible as one cohesive "love story" - which follows God's redemptive plot, from beginning to end?
2. Do you more often feel self sufficient, or needy? How about dust, does this describe your sediment (ha ha ha, punny) ? Explain?
3. How, do you believe, we are to "hunger and thirst" for righteousness? What does this look like?
4. How have you experienced God's "righteousness" - ? Do you sense that "clean slate" feeling regularly, or not? Why or why not?
Thanks for reading - hope to see you Monday evening!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
blessed are those who mourn...
Blessed are those who mourn....
Monday, June 21st's W&T meditation is on Jesus' promise:
Reflecting on this oxy-moronian idea last week, I asked God to speak to me about it, and give me more understanding because I don't particularly like to mourn - and I didn't think I would feel very blessed (happy) to be doing so -. HE was faithful to me in HIS revealing and reminding. On Wednesday, I attended a funeral with a friend, and then spent the remainder of the week "mourning" with a few other dear sisters in Christ, who are experiencing the heart wrenching pain from the effects of a broken and depraved world. Systems are broken; people are broken; and the domino effect of the pervading pain overwhelms us to the point of not even knowing how to pray, except with sobs and groans. At least, this is what happens to me.
I loved our worship leader, Deej's, description/explanation, on Sunday, of the new song lyrics:
"Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss - "
(The Kingdom of our God breaking in to this world)
"my heart turns violently inside my chest - ..."
(Have you ever felt this upheaval..?)
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets....when.."
But, I'm getting ahead of myself, as my mind races faster than my fingers.
In this life, we will have trouble. Jesus knew this; HE warned us. (John 16:33) Jesus knew the excruciating pain this world would cause, and that we WOULD BE MOURNING - But as we do, His promise is that we'll be blessed by His comfort.
The song lyrics above brought to mind a painful, yet poignant, memory of losing my second baby - through miscarriage. As I sat and wept, the life, already precious to me, dying and draining from my body, I prayed for the reversal of circumstance. God refused to intervene in the way I wanted, but HE spoke into my pain. He spoke quietly, but clearly enough to be heard above my tears:
2 Kings 20:5 "I have heard your prayers and seen your tears. I will heal you"
God filled me with comfort, at that moment, that I couldn't have known outside of heartache. The blessing comes not so much in WHAT He says, but in THAT he speaks & touches and HOW He says it. That the GOD of the universe actually speaks into our circumstances, in and of itself, bring life, hope, peace - ....Blessing.
So, it IS true!:
"Those who sow in tears....
(and there is a way of "sowing in tears," like violently and desperately reaching up to heaven, grabbing a hold of the banqueting tablecloth and wrenching it for all you're worth.)
WILL reap with songs of joy..." ps 126:5
God's ability to restore life is way beyond our understanding.
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets...(back to song lyrics)
When I think about ... How HE loves me, O how HE loves me.."
Walk&Talk Questions:
1. Recall a time when you have mourned over a heartache. How did you mourn? What process did you go through? How did you "get over" it or through it?? What brought peace and healing?
2. Have you recognized the LORD's voice or presence, speaking or coming into your circumstances? or Have you experienced "heaven meeting earth like a sloppy wet kiss"?
Monday, June 21st's W&T meditation is on Jesus' promise:
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Reflecting on this oxy-moronian idea last week, I asked God to speak to me about it, and give me more understanding because I don't particularly like to mourn - and I didn't think I would feel very blessed (happy) to be doing so -. HE was faithful to me in HIS revealing and reminding. On Wednesday, I attended a funeral with a friend, and then spent the remainder of the week "mourning" with a few other dear sisters in Christ, who are experiencing the heart wrenching pain from the effects of a broken and depraved world. Systems are broken; people are broken; and the domino effect of the pervading pain overwhelms us to the point of not even knowing how to pray, except with sobs and groans. At least, this is what happens to me.
I loved our worship leader, Deej's, description/explanation, on Sunday, of the new song lyrics:
"Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss - "
(The Kingdom of our God breaking in to this world)
"my heart turns violently inside my chest - ..."
(Have you ever felt this upheaval..?)
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets....when.."
But, I'm getting ahead of myself, as my mind races faster than my fingers.
In this life, we will have trouble. Jesus knew this; HE warned us. (John 16:33) Jesus knew the excruciating pain this world would cause, and that we WOULD BE MOURNING - But as we do, His promise is that we'll be blessed by His comfort.
The song lyrics above brought to mind a painful, yet poignant, memory of losing my second baby - through miscarriage. As I sat and wept, the life, already precious to me, dying and draining from my body, I prayed for the reversal of circumstance. God refused to intervene in the way I wanted, but HE spoke into my pain. He spoke quietly, but clearly enough to be heard above my tears:
2 Kings 20:5 "I have heard your prayers and seen your tears. I will heal you"
God filled me with comfort, at that moment, that I couldn't have known outside of heartache. The blessing comes not so much in WHAT He says, but in THAT he speaks & touches and HOW He says it. That the GOD of the universe actually speaks into our circumstances, in and of itself, bring life, hope, peace - ....Blessing.
So, it IS true!:
"Those who sow in tears....
(and there is a way of "sowing in tears," like violently and desperately reaching up to heaven, grabbing a hold of the banqueting tablecloth and wrenching it for all you're worth.)
WILL reap with songs of joy..." ps 126:5
God's ability to restore life is way beyond our understanding.
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets...(back to song lyrics)
When I think about ... How HE loves me, O how HE loves me.."
Walk&Talk Questions:
1. Recall a time when you have mourned over a heartache. How did you mourn? What process did you go through? How did you "get over" it or through it?? What brought peace and healing?
2. Have you recognized the LORD's voice or presence, speaking or coming into your circumstances? or Have you experienced "heaven meeting earth like a sloppy wet kiss"?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Blessed are the poor in spirit...
"poor in spirit"
Hello CCV Ladies,
I wanted to post the June 14 Walk&Talk devo in my blog, where I can refer to it; but it's not in chronological order, and neither are the next 4 - but then I'll be all caught up.
God put this small "reflection on the beatitudes" on my heart to share, along with questions to discuss, during the Monday evening W&T's in the summer. I hope they add to the depth of conversation and of our relationships.
This week's verse is:
I wanted to post the June 14 Walk&Talk devo in my blog, where I can refer to it; but it's not in chronological order, and neither are the next 4 - but then I'll be all caught up.
God put this small "reflection on the beatitudes" on my heart to share, along with questions to discuss, during the Monday evening W&T's in the summer. I hope they add to the depth of conversation and of our relationships.
This week's verse is:
"Blessed (or happy) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven"
First of all, my NIV Bible notes tel me that "blessed" means more than happiness in the laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity sense. To Jesus, means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. And I feel that Jesus' promise for the one who lives with this prerequisite, "poorness of spirit," - dwelling in the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven IS the very reward of this hope and joy. When God gives us the GIFT of SEEING with HIS perspective, the Kingdom of Heaven, which overlaps this world we live in, Blessedness is the result!
The opposite of "poor in spirit" is pride and personal independence. Just think about this - so, poor in spirit looks something like humility and recognition of total need for an dependence upon God. There are areas in each of our lives, which we hold control strings or carry the weight of responsibility for "making it happen": or "keeping it together." Maybe the most competent, talented or fiercely independent person finds it most difficult to get in touch with this "poverty of spirit" which is so near to the heart of God.
Isaiah 57:15 gives perspective to the kind of humility which characterizes one "poor in spirit."
For this is what the high and lofty ONE says -
HE who lives forever, whose name is holy;
"I live in a high and holy place,
But also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite."
I think God allows us to feel overwhelmed by circumstances and out of control - "poor in spirit," to put us in a place for Him to come and revive our heart and spirit.
Questions for the walk:
First of all, my NIV Bible notes tel me that "blessed" means more than happiness in the laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity sense. To Jesus, means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. And I feel that Jesus' promise for the one who lives with this prerequisite, "poorness of spirit," - dwelling in the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven IS the very reward of this hope and joy. When God gives us the GIFT of SEEING with HIS perspective, the Kingdom of Heaven, which overlaps this world we live in, Blessedness is the result!
The opposite of "poor in spirit" is pride and personal independence. Just think about this - so, poor in spirit looks something like humility and recognition of total need for an dependence upon God. There are areas in each of our lives, which we hold control strings or carry the weight of responsibility for "making it happen": or "keeping it together." Maybe the most competent, talented or fiercely independent person finds it most difficult to get in touch with this "poverty of spirit" which is so near to the heart of God.
Isaiah 57:15 gives perspective to the kind of humility which characterizes one "poor in spirit."
For this is what the high and lofty ONE says -
HE who lives forever, whose name is holy;
"I live in a high and holy place,
But also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite."
I think God allows us to feel overwhelmed by circumstances and out of control - "poor in spirit," to put us in a place for Him to come and revive our heart and spirit.
Questions for the walk:
1. Do YOU feel "poor in spirit"? Describe the feeling?
2. I this a condition to which you can easily relate, or not?
3. In what areas of your life do your heart and spirit need "reviving"?
4. How do YOU go about reviving these areas or how has God revived you in the past?
5. Does "poverty of spirit" sound like a desirable position to YOU? Why or why not?
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