Honeymoon: Revisited

… when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go … (Song of Songs 3:4)

I am getting ready to celebrate a wedding anniversary. I think back to the beginning. When a simple call from him during his lunch hour made my day. The promise of an easy-going, Sunday afternoon stroll down a wooded trail was something to look forward to. When sitting on the couch with his arm around my shoulders while we watched a sitcom rerun felt awesome. Some of you may remember “back in the day” when cars had bench seats and you could sit in the middle, right up close to him, as you traveled somewhere together. Holding hands. Simply going to the store – brought delight in the early days. (I encourage you to hold hands the next time you two go away in the car together. Look at each other and smile. It will feel wonderful!)

A passage in the book of Proverbs caught my attention this morning which ties in with this remembering of mine (Proverbs 8:22-30). Look it up and see what you think. I visualize Wisdom following God around while He creates one thing after another “in the beginning”. Then it says: I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in His presence (v. 30).

It made me think about my beginnings in my relationship with Jesus. Maybe not the first moment I gave my life to Him, but those breathtaking spiritual moments that followed. Like a sunrise where it appears to have a beam or pillar running straight down from the sun to the horizon. Or the first time I read: I have called you by name, you are Mine (Isaiah 43:1). Scribbling sermon notes as fast as I can because something really clicked. Scripture leaping off the page – pertaining exactly to a current situation. A moving candlelight service. Belting out a favorite Christian song along with the radio and feeling it deeply. Do you remember those days? Do you remember the thirst and how every little thing was truly wonderful in a personal way? Those honeymoon days …

A good friend has reminded me time and time again to keep “date night” alive and with good reason.

Be warned from Revelation 2:4: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

Go back. Rekindle. Remember the words found in Song of Songs. Good words for your spousal relationship; good words for your relationship with Jesus as well. Hold tight and do not let Him go.

Pondering Time

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and laying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

When I first arrive to work at the childcare center in the afternoon, it is still naptime. The lights are out, the window shades are drawn. A CD is playing ocean sounds, or a gentle rain. Sometimes a Native American drum and flute instrumental. Little ones are curled up on cots with their blankies. I gently take a baby from the worker I am replacing and settle into the rocker ... and just sit and listen in the semi-darkness to the rhythmic breathing around the room - and let the "music" gently wash over my soul. These few moments are mine to relish. No outside world. No outside noise, light, busyness, to-do list. I am where I belong, doing what I am supposed to be doing. Soon enough there will be glaring overhead lights, boisterous chatter, wooden puzzle pieces clattering onto the table ... but for this moment in time - a quiet, pondering time.

I imagine the blessed Mary after traveling hurriedly; not only to get to town for the census but because the baby was coming soon! Mary, finally being able to rest after giving birth. Away from the crowds. Away from the flurry of activity. From family gatherings, lines, pushing and shoving, noise. Set apart on the outskirts of it all with cattle lowing, herself softly humming to the newborn cradled to her chest. A few precious moments alone with Jesus. Starry night overhead. All calm and bright. Sleeping in heavenly peace. I can see how she would treasure these things and ponder them in her heart.

My breathing changed as I write this. For a few moments, the world stilled and I just sat in solitary thought with the Baby and His mother. Nothing else had to be done this very minute. No worries pressed in. I am where I belong. Doing what I am supposed to be doing. Relishing the awesome miracle of the birth of Christ.

Whether by Christmas tree light, or candle light, may you separate yourself from the rest of the world and "hold this Baby" close to your heart this day - and accept a little precious, pondering time.

The never-ending story

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) 

 

I would have to say that marriage is a life-changing experience. You have to learn a lot about compromise and being more open to other ways of doing things. It is a process, a shift in some of your beliefs of what you thought were absolutes. Its also been a real teaching tool in learning how to accept and work with others in other areas of life. Marriage could be seen as a death to single life, but it also opened the way to a beautiful marriage life. And that began with a celebration! 

 

I think about this life-changing / life-ending event as I sit here and pray over those around me who are remembering loved ones who have passed on, or maybe those loved ones suffering the effects of aging or serious illness. It is a process, a shift of life changing, not life ending. 

 

Just as marriage shifts daily life forever; just as having children, a major job change, or cross-country moves - name any milestone event - they were life-changing, not life-ending. And the same can be said for when we are called from this life to the next. It’s a passage. It’s a new chapter. Do not be afraid. As beloved children of God, you can rest in peace as you trust in Him. There is Someone Who has the wisdom and strength to power us through - one life chapter after another. The old going, the new coming! God's glorious, perfect plan.  

 

Open your bible. Open your hands. Welcome God's power and love to strengthen you for this new day. Come what may, cling to His promises and remain a faithful believer. Let nothing change that about you. Faithful believer.  

 

 

The last resort

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

 

I imagine when Joseph and Mary traveled back to Bethlehem, they planned on staying with family. I mean, that would be the logical thing to do, considering her delicate condition. But maybe they got there later than the rest because they had to travel more slowly. In any case, they didn't stay with relatives. Or nearby neighbors. And I think the hotels were reserved for Roman soldiers and their dignitaries. So we find our baby-King at the last resort - a stable. Now if you went looking for this baby-King, you'd probably check in with the family first, wouldn't you? Wouldn't you look for a King right away and in the most obvious place? Certainly if not with relatives or neighbors, a hotel of finest quality would be the place to find the newborn promised Messiah. But no, the Hope of the world is found in a lowly stable manger - the last resort. 

 

Many people comment that prayer is used as a last resort. Imagine that! When hope can not be found in other places - earthly, secular offerings - our last resort, prayer, is where we find Jesus. There all along. Hope of the world. Right there in prayer all the time. Your Prince of Peace. 

 

Be wise and keep you eye on that star. You will find Him in the lowliest, darkest, most insignificant places - places you never imagined yourself to be. Look for your Hope in the most obvious place and don't wait to try everything else first. Jesus. You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart.  

 

 

How about you? Did you know ...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you … (Jeremiah 29:11) 

 

That familiar Christmas song about Mary realizing just Who she was holding and kissing has really caught my attention since I started working at a childcare center. How wonderful to nuzzle and rock a sleepy little one. And I have wondered what will become of them. Do their parents dream of doctors, lawyers and teachers, perhaps? Or are they just hoping their children will be happy, and givers, a help to mankind and make the world a better place? 

 

I look back to when I held my son, kissed his little forehead. Did I know then that he would some day go to war to fight for a justice and a freedom for a nation of people we do not know or understand? No. 

 

What about my own mom. Did she know when she was combing my unruly locks that I would someday marry a pastor, love the Lord with all my heart, and repeatedly write about Him that the world might know Him better; be constantly reminded about Him? Probably not. 

 

Mommas (and daddies too), did you know … your child would have such amazing strength as to face cancer in the eye and defeat it? Or have a gift of capturing God's beauty through the lens of a camera at a level and skill others only dream of? Lead a program that teaches children how to learn and grow. Or someone who goes above and behind what most others would take the time for …  

 

Did you know - when you held your little baby - that this child would grow up to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothes to the poor, visit the sick and imprisoned … would live as the hands and feet of Jesus … 

 

When you kissed your little baby, did you know you - kissed the hands of feet of Jesus? 

 

The lasting memory

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever 9Hebrews 13:8).

I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit, really I am. But isn't Christmas just so full of memories... But I'm older now. And there are no little ones around the house. And it's been a long time since my family shared a meal around the table because we all live so far apart. The Christmases I have now are more quiet. Sedate.

I remember big feasts around two long tables that extended from dining room into the living room. Most of my siblings and their children were there unless they were in the service and stationed somewhere distant. Wonderful mom-made food. I remember getting presents; I remember mom making sure everyone had a present. And when I got older and became a mom, the giving of presents. There have been work-related Christmas parties and Christmas programs at church and school. Parades and seeing Santa. A lot of that has changed since getting older and living far from family. Yeah, a lot of things have changed. Except one: Jesus.

Jesus has remained a part of the Christmas experience no matter how many changes come and go in my life. In fact, no matter what happens any day of the year - Jesus is present and He never changes.

So may this be a reminder to you today - that whether you are experiencing a quiet Christmas or a hectic Christmas, or if life in general seems to have moved from normal and steady to something unfamiliar and lacking, one thing never changes. Jesus. The Babe. The Son. The Risen Savior.

A normal Christmas gift

They will be so kind and merciful and good, that they will be a light in the dark for others … (Psalm 112:4 CEV)

I remember when a loved one of mine found out she had cancer. After the initial shock of hearing such news, she realized the trauma was just beginning. For now it had to be relived a hundred more times to family, friends, coworkers, church members, club members, etc. over and over again. Can you imagine? You have to put on a brave front and say the words aloud again and again. And as if that isn’t exhausting enough, every time you meet up with this group or that group, they want an update. Meaning no harm of course, just showing genuine concern by inquiring, they all ask individually every time they see you. Now if things are looking up, it’s probably much easier to share. But what if the prognosis is not good? What if things aren’t getting better? Does love demand that you be gracious to every probing question?

I’m just thinking that with all the holiday gatherings now in full swing, we might want to be more mindful of those around us going through serious health issues, divorce or loss of a loved one. Instead of the standard, “How are you, really?” how about just offering support with a “Keeping you in our prayers.” Or putting the ball in their court and giving them some control by saying, “Let me know when you’re up for a cup of coffee. I’m available.” I’m sure they will appreciate that kind of support and encouragement. I’m sure too, that they will share what they can when they can. But I think most of all they want to be treated normal. They face the reality of their affliction day and night. And I just bet they long for the days when everything was normal. Be that dear friend and given them some normal for Christmas. Laugh and joke and talk about weather and current events and grandkids like you do with other friends. And may God bless.

Wrappings, ribbons and bows

… we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words (1 Thes. 4:17-18).

We always joke about toddlers who play more with the box than the gift inside. Don’t they know the best part is the gift and not the packaging?

We see our packages with pretty paper, ribbons, bows, colorful tags. Some gifts too beautiful to tear open. But there is something wonderful inside. Some delightful, memory-making gift.

On a higher, greater level – that beautiful gift – is us (our spirit). Our physical bodies are the pretty wrapped box. God did the wrapping and decorating Himself. But its meant to be a temporary cover. Inside is your spirit and there is no temporary purpose, no death for the spirit. For those in Christ, whether you work or play, live or die (or fall asleep as some bible translations say), it is your physical body that will serve its purpose – much like the wrappings around a gift. Inside is the true gift – your spirit living a forever life, eternal life in Christ.

So do not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thes. 4:3). The dead in Christ will rise and will be with the Lord forever.

As believers (followers) in Christ, your forever with the Lord has already started. Let that assurance remove the horror of death. Death is not the final word. Life forever with the Lord is.

So enjoy today with the Lord. Know that whatever happens, those who hope in the Lord are with Him. Forever. The birth of Christ is the promise that there will be new birth, a new risen life, for you as well.

The work of joy

These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11)

I woke up early again this morning. I have a lot of social events coming up. Lots and planning and organizing going on. So when I wake up early, my mind tends to run on overdrive wondering about all the little details. You know, like if you are planning enough food or should you get more. I wouldn’t call it worrying exactly. There can be so much work involved in hosting, right?  But after tumbling through a half hour of what-ifs, I decided I really need to change my focus.

Work. Effort. Time. Thought. I can choose to focus on all the energy involved in making something happen. Or I can choose to think about all the fun and joy that will be brought about because I chose to make something happen.

Think about your shopping in the busy stores, the traffic, the hordes of people, loud music – just to buy a Christmas gift. Ugh. But when I think about landing that perfect gift - that’s going to bring so much happiness and delight to the receiver. The one you can’t wait to give and see the expression on their face. Well, it just seems so worth it, a small price to pay.

The same can be said about preparing for visitors and “company over”. We can think of it as burdensome work. Or we can see it as gifting others with a special time.

Yes, this season can seem to be hectic, but only if you choose to view it that way. Realize what a giver you are by expending the time and energy. Embrace the joy you are bringing to others lives. Enjoy this season of loving and giving.

My kind of joy

My kind of joy

… and no one can take your joy from you. – John 16:22

Some people get excited and energized by being in large groups, all busy talking and doing at the same time. They love gatherings and big plans. It fills their hearts with joy to spend time with others. Lots of laughing and catcalls from across the room. Dishes clanking. Busy little ones running underfoot. High energy music in the background. They are really celebrating life to the fullest in the moment!

I guess you can tell by the way I tried to describe that busy group that I am not one of them. No. I enjoy a certain amount of solitude. Quiet. Down time. Gentle sounds. Stillness. Peaked awareness of what I see and hear. No need to be entertaining or engaging. I just sit and I just am.

The first group finds their real joy in being a part of something larger. The second group finds true joy in reflective absorption.

Both are God honoring. So do not let yourself be harassed this Christmas season into one or the other. God’s Spirit is the Author of what brings each one of us joy. So while it is important to get out and celebrate with family and friends, be true to yourself and experience the joy God meant for you. And there will be lots of calls out for you too, busy people, so slow down and be still before the Lord. Make sure you do make time for that. Then get back to all that makes you happy during this holiday season.

And don’t let anyone take your kind of joy away.