Perky Chaplains

August 19, 2014 I must confess: I was a bit put off by the chaplain's visit yesterday to Uncle Wayne's bedside. In she breezed, blonde hair in a loose pony tail, full of life, and a smile as big as Texas. Her voice was chirpy and her attitude was "I'm here. Let's get to business!" It didn't seem to matter to her that we were in the midst of a conversation or that she might be interrupting something. Oh no: she was here and she had a job to do. Introductions were short and to the point. Her focus was not on us but rather the fella in the bed who was on her list. Boldly she declared she was here to pray and before Wayne could quite acquiesce, off she went, murmuring some flighty, cheerful prayer about how in the name of Jesus we loved Him and praised Him; how she was declaring victory for Wayne to heal and to walk right out of this hospital, and again, how much we all loved the Lord. Seemed like she was in and out in a blink, as we all kind of stood back and wondered what had hit us. It bothered me. The more I pondered it, the more conflicted I became. I mean, seriously, who was this woman? Yeah, her tag said she was the chaplain but...Aren't chaplains supposed to be these more formal creatures who nod solemnly and sit you in a chair and pat your hand while you tell them all about it, whatever "it" may be? Aren't they supposed to linger and let you bog them down with all of your needs, as well as those of your loved one who is aching in his/her own right? And that prayer? Ridiculous! How dare she assume we all love Jesus and that our number one desire was for Wayne to be healed so that he could indeed walk out of the hospital, even though his paralysis barely allowed him half of a body to use? And what was with all of this "Praise Jesus" stuff? Didn't she know that we were in a storm and rejoicing in this suffering was not our number one priority? Okay faithful readers, you know what is coming next. Ol' Stef is about to be corrected. Gently, 'cause that's the way her Lord is. This morning in my inbox I had a prayer request from someone I don't know, asking me to join with her in prayer about a personal matter. I sighed within myself as I thought once again, "How am I supposed to pray for someone that I don't know, that I don't know what is wrong with specifically, and to pray in a way that is helpful and encouraging?" Yeah, you guessed it. Ding ding ding! We have a winner! It's really quite easy, isn't it? There is a request, a need, a cry for help (even if the cry barely comes out as a whisper). There is someone nearby who is in touch with our Father, who knows how great He is and how worthy He is of praise in good times and in the bad ones too. He promised to hear us when two or more gather in His name. He is the Great Physician so how absolutely foolish it would be to not ask Him to use His healing powers on our loved ones! Okay, I got it. Again, Lord. Miss Breezy Blonde Chaplain from yesterday: I am sorry. I misjudged you, criticized your cheerful attitude (which in hindsight was really quite pleasant when there was so much sobriety in the air), and brushed off your cavalier attitude of going from room to room as "just a job" rather than as a calling to spread light, to spread cheer, to offer hope, and to talk to Jesus on people's behalfs when they may not have the words to utter and can only hold on to your hand for hope, for relief. Sigh. Please forgive me Lord, for doubting this gal's intentions. Thank You for putting her in my path for a reason: to be both a blessing and a lesson. May she continue to shine brightly for You in her calling and I pray that many more are blessed by this sweet lady. In Jesus' name I pray, with head bowed low in shame but rising as I see the Light. Amen!

Keys

August 13, 2014 Keys. We all have them. Some are for our homes. Others are for our cars. Lockers, desks, filing cabinets. Safes. Ahh, the safes. The places we keep our treasures--both of material and sentimental value. Let's explore these holding places for a moment, shall we? When I was a kid, I had a trunk. You know those kind that were cheaply made but many of us had? They came with a lock but if one was smart, one added a padlock of some sort so that it could not be easily broken into, which unfortunately I didn't have at this stage of the game. The lock that was affixed to my trunk could truthfully be opened with a good knife or clothes hanger. I also had a diary. Same concept. It came with an itty bitty lock on it that had this minuscule key that somehow was supposed to convince the writers that their secrets were safe as long as no one else had access to the key. Well, I don't know about you but I had two nosy sisters and one bratty brother when I grew up. This fact caused me much reason to fear and guard my privacy! I kept those keys close to my heart. Literally. I made a necklace that I kept both keys on so that my siblings did not have easy access to my most sacred thoughts and possessions that I innocently and reverently wrote about in my diary and stored in my trunk. Some people used to bury their worldly savings. Hiding things under mattresses, making time capsules to bury in the backyard, and stashing away money in the barn or under a rock or what have you was often common for those who mistrusted the banks. Old coffee cans were sometimes also places of hiding special monies. Folks could get quite creative in the endeavor to hide the things they valued most. So, what about the things we have hidden in our hearts, in our minds, in our souls? What things are buried deeply within the recesses of our most private parts that perhaps have been corrupted with mold, tarnished by truths that have lessened their values but yet we still refuse to part with? What about those memories that have bound us for years because we have refused to let them see the light of day and have not allowed ourselves to take them out of their hiding spots? Afraid, perhaps, that the light might actually reveal their true worth rather than the value we have (falsely?) placed on them? Yesterday, I was rummaging about in on older filing cabinet and found some letters that had been written to me. One-- from my niece Jill--caused me to laugh out loud as she pondered some of the things going on in her life. Another was from my sister Mary who had written about how she really loved me, valued me, and how my family and I were the only ones she believed loved her in return. Bittersweet words. And then, later in the day, there were the emails in my computer files that I glanced over as I went to an old account that I rarely use while searching for some log in information for Lowe's. Digital letters from my mother were there, begging me to open them and if I would, they promised to bring alive feelings that really just don't need to be reawakened. The old me would have read them and bled over them but the new Stef? Ahh, the smarter Stef realized I didn't need to be a prisoner of my past. The devil would have loved nothing more than to damage my calm and reopen wounds that are still healing. As my hubby is so fond of saying, "You just have to be smarter than what you are working with." I don't dare to say I am smarter than Satan but this time, this time, I made the conscious, concentrated choice to not go back to the prison of negativity and despair. The key was in my hand and I decided to not open that door, to not be chained once again to a past that I cannot change. I found the information I needed for Lowe's and I returned to my regularly scheduled programming that did not involve walking down Memory Lane. In conclusion, like The Eagles sang, "I'm already gone. And I'm feeling strong. I will sing this victory song: Woo Hoo Hoo. Woo hoo hoo!" I don't have to be enslaved to things of my past that only hurt me. I don't have to keep those keys close to my heart and be a masochist. I don't have to live my life in chains. Jesus Christ set me free and He whom the Son has set free is free indeed. He broke the bonds of prison for me. Yes, the devil is not happy about this and I am just so sure he will attack again. And again. He wants me in bondage but with Christ in me, I have the key. The choice to either open up those painful doors of regret, shame, and hurt or to leave them locked up, impenetrable, and remain in love and peace is mine. Guess which one I chose? Dear Lord, What a wonderful Saviour You are. Saved me from my past, from my haunts and hurts, from my feelings of inadequacy, from the dysfunction I faced for so long. You gave me the power through Your love to make better choices, to have second, third, and eightieth chances. You saved me from sin and darkness and brought me into the light, into Your light. Thank You, Jesus! I can indeed do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me. Hallelujah and oh what a Saviour! I love You, Lord. Thanks for loving me first and teaching me what real love is. You are the best! Amen.

Even as I post this photo, the song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" is playing in my head. That's just the way I am. My dear friend (that I wrote about yesterday) and I were having one of those Facebook private chats that we do every so often and she floated a line from a Billy Joel song (Only The Good Die Young) in our conversation. I always think of her during this song anyway so it was just icing on the cake! How I love music! Turn on my iPod and you are likely to hear Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Conway Twitty, Alabama, The Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, Seals and Crofts, Madonna, Third Day, Bebo Norman, Alanis Morissette, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Carly Simon, John Denver...I have quite the eclectic taste. I've almost always got a song running through my mind, and--like the picture depicts--those lyrics can pop out at any given moment. I am learning to control that better in my new role as a granny but still...sometimes they just don't stop. When they do and just float around instead inside of my head, they can elicit all kinds of moods, thoughts, and memories. In the Bible, we are told how music was used to soothe. David playing his harp is a prime example. Songs of victory were expressed often in the Psalms, as were songs of loneliness and questioning. Praise and worship music is not anything new and--thankfully--continues to this day. How many of us have not been exposed to the old hymn "Amazing Grace" and the modernized version of it by Chris Tomlin "My Chains Are Gone" as he revised it and added to it? Now that's much better running through my head than the previously mentioned one! Today, as you set about to enjoy your weekend, make sure there is lots of music in it. Let it wash over you and fill you with joy. Sing happy songs, silly songs, songs that cause you to ponder as you miss someone. I love "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and "I Drive Your Truck" when I miss Mary. "Stop! In the Name of Love" reminds me of the time me, my mother, and my lovely Aunt Bo sang it on a karaoke machine at my niece Chastity's 16th birthday party. Tommy Roe's "Dizzy" takes me back to when I was a carefree kid in California, singing it as I went 'round and 'round and around in my front yard, holding one of my dolls as we twirled about. "One Touch" also moves me to a deeper reflection of how grateful I am that Jesus indeed touched the hem of my garment and made me whole, reminding me of the time my "Sisters" and I went to see Nicole C. Mullen at a women's conference years ago. As the O'Jays sang, "I love music." Don't you? I'd love to read some of your favorites and why they are so powerful to you so, please, share. Let's pray! Thank You Lord for Your blessings on me. Music: oh how You know I love it! I appreciate this wonderful gift You have provided for me and for so many others, Lord. For those You've blessed with the ability and talents to provide it, I thank You. May they use their voices and musical skills to uplift Your Name is my prayer. And, although You did not see fit to provide me with a tongue that sounds pretty when I sing, I thank You anyways for the ability to have a song in my heart. I'll praise You in my storms and in my daily ways. You are an awesome God and I love You! Amen!

Virg

August 8, 2014 I have this friend named Virginia. I've known her for most of my life. We went to high school together, where basically we were just acquaintances. However, once we went to college, our friendship was forged, and I began the adventure of a lifetime! The next two years were filled with so many new and exciting experiences. Virg faced life head on, embracing each day, and had an exuberance for it that was quite catchy. I idolized her and loved her fiercely. She was the part of me I didn't know was missing--nor existed--and the friendship we shared was one I have always treasured and held dear to my heart. One of the things that made our friendship work so well was our "Let's be honest" talks. We started them in our Freshmen year and had them late at night, in the dark where it was safe to be real with our emotions. We told each other things that no one else knew. Our fears were shared also. But the major thing? Well, we didn't call them "Let's be honest" for nothing. Honesty. Confession. Admission. Denial was not an option. The good, the bad, and the ugly were thrown out in our little dorm room as we evaluated who we were, who we weren't, and who we'd like to be. The things we did to drive each other crazy. The things we needed more of from one another. If one was being "inappropriate" during certain situations, this was addressed. If one was neglecting the other, this too was brought up. Some of the talks were hurtful. Toes and feet and even ankles were stepped upon as we ventured into this relationship head on. If she didn't like something I was doing and thought it harmful to me and my reputation, she had no qualms about telling me so. If I thought she was investing too much of herself for this guy (which really meant that she was spending more time with him than me and my jealousy was taking over) I let her know. In the darkness of that old Edna Moore room, nothing and everything was sacred. When morning came, the brightness of the sun shining was nothing to the happiness in my heart as I felt cleansed from our late night chats. James 5:16 states "Therefore confess your sins to each other..." Virg and I were quite adept at this but sometimes the talks got too scary as we became more honest with ourselves and with each other. We were eighteen years old, and the world was our oyster. While we enjoyed the talks for the most part, their honesty was often painful. How I wish we could have had more of Jesus in us back then so that the rest of the verse "...and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" could have been implemented. Had we both been more settled in our salvation experience we could have really set the world on fire! That's not to say we didn't talk about Christ or the need for Him in our lives. We did. It just wasn't...it wasn't our time then. In our search for ourselves, we didn't realize the way we do now that had He been invited to our midnight confessions that we could have spared ourselves a lot of grief! That He was the missing third part of our little group. In conclusion, those late night "Let's be honest" confessions were healing times for me. Never before had I had someone love me enough to share my good and bad emotions and not run away screaming. Never before had I had someone care enough about me to call me out when I needed reprimanded but not with violence. Never before had I a friend like Virginia to teach me the ways of Christ without realizing what she was doing so at the time. She was loving me without condemnation, with gentleness and so much patience, and she was setting the bar that no woman has since even come close to for a friendship that has stood the test of time. Although time, distance, and decades have separated us, we still remain friends to this day and as we both have a clearer view of Christ and the way He took such great care of us during those daring days of college, my hope is that the next time we have one of those chats that the prayers we pray for one another will indeed be more powerful and more effective than ever before. Dear Lord, Thank You for Virginia. I had no idea that the girl who I laughed with as a kid in high school would have such a profound effect on me throughout my life. I ask that You bless her, bless her marriage, her family, her kids, and her precious granddaughter. Continue using her to be a breath of fresh air to those she is surrounded by. Keep her healthy and safe --and sane!! But if You don't, will You at least let her room be next to mine at the home our kids threaten us with? Mostly though, Lord, I want to thank You for Your Word that is constantly being proven and standing its own test of time. I have seen the power of friendship and when it is combined with prayer--with You--I have seen its power. May every woman have a Virginia in her life and a Jesus in her heart is my prayer today. Amen.

You say you are over it and you mean those words. You say that you have forgiven that one who wronged you and you meant that too. You even say you wish that soul well and are able to convince others--as well as yourself--that your intentions are above board. But then... Then comes a picture, a phrase overheard, or a situation on a show you are watching or a book you are reading and the hurt comes back. The whole scene replays itself in your mind and you are there again, vividly recalling what this action was that caused you so much angst. Friend, it's okay. It's okay to be shaken, stirred even (contrary to what James Bond might say). Things like this keep us on our toes. Reminders of past haunts nudge us to keep a forgiving spirit and a tender heart so that we don't, in return, repeat these harmful ways on those whom we hold dear. The devil will try to tell you that you aren't being Christlike, that you are still chained to your past because of the evils that lurked there. He's wrong. He's a liar. His goal is to kick you while you are down but guess what? I know Someone Who can pick you right back up! Jesus told us, in Matthew 11:28-30, to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest . Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Do you see it? His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Light. Not gone, for it is still there. But He's willing to share it with you; carry it for you, if you will give it to Him. Go ahead and feel those hurts again. They won't completely go away. But there is rest for your soul when you trust in the One Who offers peace. Let's pray! Dear Lord, today some of us are burdened by the past. Whether it be a relationship that resulted in unfair treatment, a co-worker who let us down, a picture of one whom we once cared so deeply for laughing and having a gay old time while we wallow in our self-pities because we aren't a part of their lives anymore. Maybe it's over a loved one who has gone home as Chonda Pierce is experiencing and writing about so movingly. Lord, the scenarios vary but the one standard that can make them easier to live with is that You will, that You ARE there to be beside us, leaving us as no one else can. You promised! Your Word declares You will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. Be our Friend today, Lord. Be our Burden Carrier and our Peace. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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Stefanie HutchesonWandering Through the Bible

June 20 at 8:31am near Lenoir ·

• Okay, let's begin this morning's verse. Are you ready?
  
  To begin with "all" is a pretty big word. All? That means every little--and big!--as well as the ones in between--thing that I do is to be about realizing the significance of it. If I begin my morning by having a cup of milk, I should thank God for providing the milk, as well as the cup. As well as the morning. As well as being able to function enough to get up, to get going, to see to get the cup, to be thankful to have a cup, to appreciate that I have a refrigerator to keep the milk in, to be thankful that I have electricity, to be thankful that I have someone who pays the electric bill, to be thankful I have a someone...Whew! I'm already exhausted!
  
  I could just be lazy and say the well-worn expression of "Thank You, God, for this day and all the blessings You provide." Much easier, for sure. Doesn't take much time, which means it doesn't make me fully appreciate all that has gone into me having my simple cup of milk most mornings. This, of course, allows me more time to dwell on me, on my world, and the cares of it. The devil would love that, wouldn't he? Eyes off of God and all of the great things He does for me each day, each moment. That would get me off track and I wouldn't be able to complete the rest of the verse, "He will make your paths straight."
  
  Hmn. I must confess I have some pretty curvy roads ahead of me today. The trouble with the curve is that you cannot see around it, cannot see what lies ahead. What if there is an accident up ahead and you cannot slow down in time to not be a part of it? What if someone is going slower than you are and you nearly drive over them, causing a wreck yourself? Have you ever been going at a nice pace, and perhaps had some things in your passenger seat that you had neatly organized? At times, some crazy soul pulls out in front of you or slams on his/her brakes (probably his). Bam! There go your things, to the floor, in a mess of disarray. What happens next? Usually some harsh word or two comes out of a mouth that may have previously been singing a nice tune or praying or maybe even chatting on the phone with someone. Maybe even a curse is uttered and the person on the other end is offended.
  
  I am one who definitely needs her paths straight. I like to know what the day holds for me. I like to know that the road ahead of me is clear from obstacles that will slow me down, mess up my stuff, or cause me harm. But being straight doesn't necessarily imply that the road is clear from debris, now does it? There may be difficulties that I haven't even considered that pop up. Or, like on today's agenda, the day may contain a doctor's appointment for one of my most loved ones. Being that I knew in advance it was coming, I was able to pray that the Lord would handle this situation and prepare my heart in case something didn't quite go right. I'd much rather be in this shape than to be told unexpectedly that bad news was coming.
  
  Also consider in this verse that it says paths not path. Many roads each of us travel on a daily basis. Some are on regular roads that we may take to work, to do chores, to meet a friend. Other paths though may be ones we aren't familiar with. How much nicer is it to see ahead than to wonder what is around the next curve? While we can't know every obstacle that will be on this road, it is nice to see them coming, to have our hearts prepared, and to know that God already is well-aware of the situation and He's got it, He's got me? Pretty nice, I think!
  
  So, before today gets too far away from us, let's take a moment to stop, to acknowledge God's role in it, and allow Him the opportunity to straighten out some of those rough edges.
  
  Dear God, as I begin my day, I do first off want to thank You for providing it for me. Thank You for the rest I received last night. Thank You for keeping my family secure. Thank You for keeping catastrophe away from me. Thank You that I have a home, that I have provisions, that I have all the blessings that I do.
  As my day continues, God, I ask that You guide me. I know You are in charge of each thing that I will face today. Prepare my heart, my mind, my emotions so that I may be a good reflection of You. Keep me straight less I stray. If, as the song says, it's all about You then my prayer is indeed to let my life show Your love, Your grace, Your mercy in all that I do. That's a pretty big request, but You are a pretty big God.
  Thanks again for providing me with Your Word. Help me to discern its truths and to obey willingly the things You would have me to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
  

Isaiah 40:29

Wandering Through the Bible

Yesterday

No might. Might is defined by dictionary.com as:
1. physical strength: He swung with all his might.
2. superior power or strength; force: the theory that might makes right.
3. power or ability to do or accomplish; capacity

So, this verse might be translated as: He gives power to the weak and those who have no physical strength, no superior power, He increases strength. Strength is defined as:
1. the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.
2. mental power, force, or vigor.
3. moral power, firmness, or courage.

Vigor? Why is vigor listed twice? Let's see what it means!
1. active strength or force.
2. healthy physical or mental energy or power; vitality.

Ahh, it's becoming more clear. Let's rewrite it again:
Jesus gives power to the weak and those who have no physical strength, He increases their healthy physical mental energy.

Healthy physical mental energy. As one who has been sick for the past two weeks, I am ready to be healthy again! My mental energy has been lacking, which helps (partly) in explaining why my defenses were down and I was not at my peak performance these past days. So, now that I am better, I can allow the vitality of Christ to empower me, to increase in me. I can stop using the excuse of illness and regain my place in this world as a Daughter of the King and start shining again.

Lesson learned? I have to be weak to let the power of Jesus ooze throughout my being. But once my strength has been renewed by Him, I am to be a better person for this active force in my life. Not quite the "new and improved model" but...well, sort of. At least improved.

Dear God, this study this morning has been a jumbled one but I thank You for taking care of me when I am weak. Too often I am weak and/or try to rely on my own strength to get through the day-to-day functions. I appreciate Your reminder that I don't have to do this; that You are my strength. Uh oh: I feel a song coming on. Celine Dion sang it best: ♫

"Because You Loved Me"

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me ♪

Lord, I know not everyone who reads my blog will catch my song references but You know. You know. You know how I can relate almost any of them, or at least parts of them, back to You. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. I love You too! Amen!

 

 

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James 1:19

Wandering Through the Bible

2 hours ago

Okay, fellas, this one is for you!

Let every MAN be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Now, some translations will change the word "man" into everyone but for today, let's keep it in its original text, shall we?

Men, by nature, are fixers. They want to solve the problem in as little time as possible so that they can go on to the important stuff (eating, grunting, scratching, holding that remote). I can start to talk about personal stuff and I see that glazed over look come into my husband's eyes. After nearly 30 years of marriage, I know the signs well. When I want to pour out my heart, I barely get a few words out when Mr. Fix-It starts in with his theories of how to change things. My heart just sighs.

I want him to listen to me. Listen. Not hear my words and impart his wisdom. Not butt in with the great advice on what he would do and how he would do it. Honey, I just want you to be quiet and hear me. Me. My thoughts. My worries. My speculations. My hopes and my fears. Just listen to me, man!

Slow to speak. Very slow so speak, sweetie. Again, this is my turn. It's me, talking to you, trusting you enough with my soul. Won't you please just take a few moments to really hear me?

And lastly, "slow to wrath." My husband is nearly perfect. I don't say this lightly. Ask anyone who knows him and they will tell you what a stand-up guy Steve is. With everyone else--and sometimes with me, though not as often as he used to--he has the patience of Job. He has the tenderness and compassion to make you believe he feels your pain. But, and again I attribute this to our nearly 30 years together, with me he sometimes forgets that he is not perfect and gets a little preachy. "Oh Stef! I would have never done ...blah blah blah." Or, "You did what?!" Maybe even the occasional "Well, if had been me, I would have..." Sigh.

Do you have a man that is this way too? Maybe we should write this verse out and put in his lunch box or affix to his mirror, toolbox, or remote control. Oh, I can see that last one now. Husband finds note pinned to remote and thinks to himself, "Great! I will be off the hook tonight! I'll just turn this volume up a smidge, nod every couple of moments, and maybe pat her on the head as I head to the 'fridge for another refreshment." Or, maybe we could do like I do: get him alone in the car, in the passenger seat, and take him for a little drive (or a long one if there is much on my heart). No escape for him there! Tell him, "Honey, I need you to just listen to me for a little while. Don't try to fix me. Don't tell me what to do or how to do it. Just hear me."

I've done this before and my success rate is quite good. Plus, it's hard for him to escape from a moving vehicle! It's also much easier than trying to have a conversation while I am in one room and he is in the other.

In conclusion, we all should be better listeners. We all should make the effort to hear our brothers and sisters (and wives!) and to be honored that they trust us enough to share their deepest thoughts with us. Lastly, let's keep our condemnations to ourselves. Yes, we would have done things differently but what good is that to brag on? Obviously the one sharing knows his/her mistake and doesn't need kicked while down. Let's just be still and listen and offer a hand up--and maybe a drive to the country. My car is gassed up. Who needs a ride?

Dear God,
Thank You for Your Words that offer so much wisdom. Please let Your men hear them today--and us gals too. Help us to love and be tenderhearted towards one another. Help us to be encouragers and to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and to live with those we love in ways that reflect the love You show to us. This is my humble prayer. Amen.

 

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Psalm 46:10

Wandering Through the Bible

August 10

It's that time of the year again. Commercials abound with "Back to School" themes. Last minute vacations are planned and daycations are also spontaneously taken as we try to savor each second of summer. Child care, sports, meal planning, coordinating schedules...If we aren't careful, we can get so caught up in life that we forget to live.

As the next school year approaches, I encourage us all to remember: we truly do still have the same amount of time in each day. How we choose to spend it is up to us. Let's not get so busy that we forget to take a few moments each day to be still. Let's not pencil God and/or our quiet times in. Make them, make Him a priority, even though we may not have as much free time to linger over the scriptures, the psalms, and the journaling. Commit some time each day to Him, to being still before Christ, and to remember that each day is given to us as a gift. Let's be our best by letting the love, the gentle Spirit of Jesus fill our souls before the day consumes us.

I will if you will!

 

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I Corinthians 10:12

Wandering Through the Bible

August 12

Who was it that just recently wrote about not putting on the whole armor of God so that she would be better prepared for life's little darts? Oh yeah: it was me!!

Yesterday, it happened again. Sigh. Where oh where are my spiritual vitamins, my energy shots that so fill me with the Spirit that I am able to instantaneously ward off these unexpected little nothings that when, thrown together, create such a chaos in my heart?

I guess you could attribute it to a number of items. I am still recovering from my horrid summer cold that has left my defenses--both physical and mental--in a lessened state. Combine that with not taking a nap and deciding it would be a great idea to go out to eat at a nice restaurant with the family. Add one waiter who was a bit too friendly, a bit too touchy (I just cannot stand for another man other than my husband to touch me!!). Lastly, throw in a woman who made my third year of teaching absolute hell at times and voila! There you have it. A recipe for disaster.

Well, maybe that's a bit extreme. Maybe.

Seeing this woman--again--really set me off. Funny though: for some reason, God keeps putting her in my path. Oh no, not on a regular basis. But frequently. I doubt sincerely she has any clue as to the effect seeing her smarky face does to me. Occasionally on these "meetings" our eyes would meet and I'd see a faint glimmer of "Don't I know you from...?" See, that's how it is in Satan's wars: usually the ones who harm us the most have no clue, no indication of the turmoil they have thrown us into.

Recognizing this and dealing with it are two of my peeves at this time. I have forgiven this woman for the pain she caused me. Right? Didn't I? I mean, seriously, it was ten years ago and surely during that time of angst that I went through as I mourned the loss of teaching, surely somewhere in that time I forgave her. Right?

Sigh. Guess not, Stef. Otherwise the Good Lord wouldn't keep putting her in your sights every so often. For if you had dealt with it, why the tribulation upon seeing her? Why the need to get out of the same air that she breathes? She can't hurt you anymore. Unless you let her. Unless you allow those memories of her power trip with you as her kicking stone to permeate your mind and soul. How much longer are you going to do that, Stef? The only power she has over you is the power you give to her. And, didn't we already agree that she most likely doesn't have an inkling of an idea of what she did to you?

Okay, God: let's do it again. With purpose. I'm so tired of falling lately, especially when I am just minding my own business and trying to stay out of conflict's way. My defenses were down and I again need to remind myself to put on my proper attire each day, each time I step out of my little world, each time I am faced with life. Here goes.

Dear God,
I am sorry for the poor witness I was to my family yesterday when I saw this woman and made haste to leave the restaurant before she could see me. I must remember that she professes to be Your child and regardless of the demons she created in my soul, she has her own to deal with. I don't need to be one of them. I don't need to confront her with the fact that she made my life miserable all those years ago. What good would come from that? What good would come from me finally facing her instead of running each time I see her? You and I both know how my mouth gets me into so much trouble!
Help me, God, to forgive her. You put her in my path once again last night and I do not understand why but maybe it's to remind me that I get too haughty in my belief that I am able to stand without You. I didn't realize I was in my own strength rather than relying on Yours to get me through each step of my journey.
I release my hurts she caused me into Your hands, Father. I examine myself as well to see, to think of those harms I caused to Your children unknowingly. Help me to be a peacemaker, a peace sower. Help me to rely solely on You, minute by minute, as I meander my way through each day. Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your tolerance, and Your patience with me. Remind me as often as needed, Lord, that I can't even walk without You holding my hand--and tongue!
In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 

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The Whole Armor

Wandering Through the Bible

August 7

Last night as I once again lost the fight to get a good night's sleep, I was listening to Pandora, playing Bingo, and doing anything but think. Or at least I tried to. Lately, there have been a lot of nights like this. Since coming back from vacation last week, though, my defenses are especially down because I have been battling--quite unsuccessfully--a severe cold.

So, as I was in my ABT Mode (that's Anything But Think, to the layperson), and a Journey song came on the playlist. It made me think of the latest series at NEXT at MGC and how earlier in the day Pastor Jeff had asked, via Facebook, for folks to list some of their favorite 80s groups. Ahh, the 80s. Big hair, the transition from high school to college to marriage to motherhood to...

The memories were sneaking in. "Open Arms" was playing softly, gently, reminding me of a time when I was with this guy...

"Stop right there! Stop those thoughts immediately," I said to myself. Why in the world do these things try to permeate my soul in the dark hours of the night?

Fairly quickly the answer came to me. I wasn't dressed. I didn't have my armor on. My defenses were down. Blame it on the fever ravaging my body, the thoughts earlier planted in my head, or just plain meanness of the devil. Whatever. As I lay in a relaxed state in my recliner, with the music playing and the computer wide open, there was no shield of protection on my body to have these fiery darts ping off of. My feet were not preparing themselves to further the gospel; they were propped up and tucked under my blankie. No helmet was on my head, for had it been, I daresay I wouldn't have been listening to Journey at a time when it was so easy for my fortress to be invaded.

Ahh, but the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit? Somehow they were intact. Miracle of all miracles, some of my armor was on and I was able to use these tools to combat the wiles of the devil. Oh how good I felt! See, all day he had been planting those little seeds, strewing stumbling stones about in preparation for my defeat of the midnight hours. However, once again the Word of God is reiterated: when I am weak, He is strong. Hallelujah!

If you are like me, one of the first things you do when you get home is start undressing. First the shoes go off, then the jacket or whatever I feel is confining me. Then I tend to pile up in my recliner, reach for me sweet green tea, and plop the computer in my lap to catch up on the day's events. From this lesson last night, I have learned to not be so quick to discard my "wardrobe" and to be on guard, vigilant in what goes in and out of my head, and to constantly, constantly be on the lookout for those things that may trip me up. Lastly, I have once again rejoiced that my God is bigger than the devil and his tricks, that my God is for me, and that even when I cannot take as good of care of myself as needed, my Great Physician has the prescription of His Holy Word for me to apply to my hurts and balm my soul.

Dear Sweet God,
Thank You again for attending to me. You prove Yourself mighty when I falter in my diligence to remain constant. In the darkest hours of the night, You still shine, still remind me that I am not chained to my past any longer, that I don't have to revert back to old ways and old thoughts--that I don't have to relive old times and wonder about the "one that got away" or the times that were spent, in all honesty, living a life that was not well-pleasing to You. Yes, the 80s were a fun decade. But, they also remind me that I was not always being the child of God, the daughter of the King, that made You proud. Thank You for all the things You are bringing in my life to change me, to make me more like Jesus, and to stand firmly. Sometimes it's all I can do to stand, God, but You promised You'd stand with me, in front of me, and fight my battles for me. Thank You for this, Father. I don't want to wrestle with the images that often come to me, whether through song, pictures, or even just a simple remark. Let me thoughts be on You is my prayer and I pray it in Jesus' Name. Amen!

 

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