OOPS! Sorry for the technological foul-up last post which was NOTHING THERE! My fault.
In THE JURY IS STILL OUT, I reflected on the past summer and early fall as I experienced life in a whirlwind, but wondering what lies ahead? The question I asked myself in that blog was "How will I respond? With love, grace, authenticity and courage?"
One thing about God.
He will answer. IN HIS WAY.
This morning as I arose to tackle the piles mounting on my desk, I put on worship music, and pondered on Romans 6:13. "Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness." (Revised Standard Version)
Not even thinking about my own questions buried in the day's agenda, God grabbed me with this verse. Suddenly I forgot about the tyranny of the urgent as I felt the presence of God descend upon me.
Sitting in His grip, He had my attention now. So, HE ASKED ME HIS QUESTIONS!
What would happen if you prayed with compassion for Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Barak Obama?
What would happen if you prayed for every kid that showed up at your door, Halloween and all?
What would happen if you ditched negativity and began to see with God's eyes every human being in your daily life with a touch, a smile, or a nod?
What would happen if you upped your tips to those who serve you?
What would happen if you rejoiced over your dear husband, his strengths, his weaknesses every day of your life?
What would happen if you danced with joy over your child as I, the King of Kings, grow him up?
What would happen if you did as I, the Lord Jesus Christ, suggested that you do on N.E. 162nd street -- that is, take a lawn chair, set it up in the parking lot of every apartment complex (42 to be exact) and just be. Pray. Think.
Watch. Smile, And SEE.
What would happen if you invited someone you didn't know into your home who is homeless to sleep on your couch?
What would happen if someone pulled a gun on you?
What would happen if you were stalked by a pimp because you were housing one of his prostitutes? Would you pray for him too?
What would happen if you sold your house, and slept with the homeless on the cold, rainy streets?
What would happen if you danced with Me, Your God in the rain?
What would happen if you shouted out with the glee of being My child whether on the streets or inside the church?
What would happen if you sold out for My Son, Who died for you, Jesus?
The rumble of an almighty God stirring His child. I am stirred. Shaken and sobered.
Stay tuned and walk with me through this next season. As of this morning, I am in a new Stead, allowing His standards to work on this broken vessel as the Holy Spirit works. Remember, I asked how I would respond -- in love, grace, authenticity, and courage?
And He answered. With His questions.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Thursday, October 20, 2016
THE JURY IS STILL OUT
An eventful summer.
I learned lots and connected lots.
I lost the white spaces on my calendar. Appointments over appointments. (Remember six months ago? I had plenty of white space on my calendar! Headed for the hills, grabbed Andrew Murray's WAITING ON GOD and had lots of contemplative time!)
Not so this summer,
Either my extrovert ways grabbed me by the nape of my neck and pulled me into an extreme vortex of connectivity, OR, I took total advantage of walking through new open doors with zeal and excitement. I will claim the latter.
Caught up with friends I hadn't spoken to for 20 years, met in a book study with others, and together we explored our own vulnerability and authenticity. I listened to incredible testimonies from pastors of other cultures who honored me with their stories. Once again, I climbed to a higher vantage point with my own perspectives.
And, I responded with due diligence to the call of jury duty. Be still my beating heart.
I gritted my teeth over the November election. I "rumbled" with God (to use 'Rising Strong"author' Brene Brown's terminology) about what in the world is my response to be?!
I regained my love of cooking again, thanks to my adult son Tony, whose meals melt in my mouth, and who is a joy to co-create with!
I smiled at my tiny weeny green thumb experiment as my favorite geranium survived last winter and screamed at me with spectacular blooms, "I AM ALIVE! YOU DIDN'T KILL ME!"
I had cataract surgery. NOW I can see clearly. I turn off the news, and go to prayer instead.
I ramped up my technological expertise. I upgraded to Iphone 6 in spite of my husband's warnings that he could not help me with Apple stuff.
Ah ha! he was right! I had to be a big girl. ONCE AGAIN. Most techies are okay, but my son is the gentlest at responding to his mother's ignorance. Does that make me a big girl? Or, a grateful mother.
I vowed that after last year's family intervention with my fanatic football fervor, I would scale it down this year. No sweat after watching frantic flailing by the Oregon Ducks. Wow.
A new season is upon us, and THE JURY IS STILL OUT, on the following:
On whether I can finish my novel before the end of next year. So far, I love my characters! After all, I created them! (Note to self: Is that how God the Father feels about us?)
After marching out of my last jury duty stint in June, I was assured that for two years, TWO YEARS, I would not be called again. Someone do the math -- I have a summons at my right hand to report for jury duty November 7th.
The election and the future of this country. I strongly suggest reading Beth Moore's "The Scandal of the Election 2016. A good friend sent it to me amidst my rumbling thoughts of"Oh Lord! what is to become of us?" Moore's take not only grounded me from the craziness swirling around the country, but she encouraged me. Take the time to read it! It is worth it.
I am convinced that the storms of life will continue. You think? Question is, how will I respond?
With love, grace, authenticity, and courage?
As I have listened and watched issues cross my life's path this past summer, I am moved to dig and share a little deeper, watch a little closer, love a little more, show grace in the midst of uncertainty and be brave in trying. Love to have you join me as I unfold a new blog in the next months, which plays more to my journalistic instincts. As I have experienced in my adventures of late, we can disagree and still find common ground. For me, I need to practice this more! So come join me and we can practice together. The blog is still unnamed, if you have any suggestions, let me know!
"Coffee's On" will continue as always. My lighter, more random side.
For now, thanks a latte for joining me. (Had to do it.)
I learned lots and connected lots.
I lost the white spaces on my calendar. Appointments over appointments. (Remember six months ago? I had plenty of white space on my calendar! Headed for the hills, grabbed Andrew Murray's WAITING ON GOD and had lots of contemplative time!)
Not so this summer,
Either my extrovert ways grabbed me by the nape of my neck and pulled me into an extreme vortex of connectivity, OR, I took total advantage of walking through new open doors with zeal and excitement. I will claim the latter.
Caught up with friends I hadn't spoken to for 20 years, met in a book study with others, and together we explored our own vulnerability and authenticity. I listened to incredible testimonies from pastors of other cultures who honored me with their stories. Once again, I climbed to a higher vantage point with my own perspectives.
And, I responded with due diligence to the call of jury duty. Be still my beating heart.
I gritted my teeth over the November election. I "rumbled" with God (to use 'Rising Strong"author' Brene Brown's terminology) about what in the world is my response to be?!
I regained my love of cooking again, thanks to my adult son Tony, whose meals melt in my mouth, and who is a joy to co-create with!
I smiled at my tiny weeny green thumb experiment as my favorite geranium survived last winter and screamed at me with spectacular blooms, "I AM ALIVE! YOU DIDN'T KILL ME!"
I had cataract surgery. NOW I can see clearly. I turn off the news, and go to prayer instead.
I ramped up my technological expertise. I upgraded to Iphone 6 in spite of my husband's warnings that he could not help me with Apple stuff.
Ah ha! he was right! I had to be a big girl. ONCE AGAIN. Most techies are okay, but my son is the gentlest at responding to his mother's ignorance. Does that make me a big girl? Or, a grateful mother.
I vowed that after last year's family intervention with my fanatic football fervor, I would scale it down this year. No sweat after watching frantic flailing by the Oregon Ducks. Wow.
A new season is upon us, and THE JURY IS STILL OUT, on the following:
On whether I can finish my novel before the end of next year. So far, I love my characters! After all, I created them! (Note to self: Is that how God the Father feels about us?)
After marching out of my last jury duty stint in June, I was assured that for two years, TWO YEARS, I would not be called again. Someone do the math -- I have a summons at my right hand to report for jury duty November 7th.
The election and the future of this country. I strongly suggest reading Beth Moore's "The Scandal of the Election 2016. A good friend sent it to me amidst my rumbling thoughts of"Oh Lord! what is to become of us?" Moore's take not only grounded me from the craziness swirling around the country, but she encouraged me. Take the time to read it! It is worth it.
I am convinced that the storms of life will continue. You think? Question is, how will I respond?
With love, grace, authenticity, and courage?
As I have listened and watched issues cross my life's path this past summer, I am moved to dig and share a little deeper, watch a little closer, love a little more, show grace in the midst of uncertainty and be brave in trying. Love to have you join me as I unfold a new blog in the next months, which plays more to my journalistic instincts. As I have experienced in my adventures of late, we can disagree and still find common ground. For me, I need to practice this more! So come join me and we can practice together. The blog is still unnamed, if you have any suggestions, let me know!
"Coffee's On" will continue as always. My lighter, more random side.
For now, thanks a latte for joining me. (Had to do it.)
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