Abundant Living

Friday, December 24, 2010

When our son Tim was just a little guy, he loved to sing. It is no maternal exaggeration to say that he sang before he could talk, humming recognizable tunes while kicking his toddler feet rhythmically in the car seat.

As his vocabulary grew, he regularly invented his own words for his songs. Sometimes they were just non-sense syllables. But frequently he substituted an alternate word for the correct one. What amazed me was how his new lyrics usually made good sense… often impacting me in a powerful way.

One chorus that for awhile, became very popular at our church, repeated one phrase over and over… “There’s gonna be a revival in the land.” It was a very upbeat catchy piece and little Timothy latched onto it right away. However one day as I listened closely to him, I realized he had done his word-substitution. He was singing at the top of his lungs, “There’s gonna be a re-Bible in the land.” I thought, “If we Americans would seek to know God’s Word and apply it in our lives as many of our forefathers did, we’d have the revival we so desperately want. Tim’s right. We need to have a re-Bible in our land!”

On another occasion close to Christmas I overheard Tim’s enthusiastic rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I had to smile because I figured he didn’t know the meaning of most of the words, but he was belting them out just the same. When he got part-way through, instead of “… to save the world from Satan’s power,” our little crooner was singing, “Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day… to save the world from Santa’s power when we were gone astray.” I thought how Christmas had become a Santa-focused, rather than Savior-focused celebration in so many homes. I realized that Jesus came to deliver us from our materialism and ties to this planet. Once again Tim’s words gave me fresh insight.

And this year, our grandson Micah was practicing his memory verse for the Awana program he attends. As he confidently recited John 3:16 he made one tiny change. We all know the verse… For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Micah said it this way, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have nocturnal life.” I had to laugh, but then I was impacted with the wisdom of his version. Micah was more “right” than he realized… Jesus came to bring life into the night-times of our lives. Because of Christ we have the hope of heaven and that is a wonderful comfort. But I need light in my dark days. I need peace in the midst of my pain. I need a song in my night. God gave His Son so I could do better than just survive the tough times… He wants to help me thrive, even when I can’t see one step ahead.

As I write this, it’s just two days ‘til Christmas. Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth states that, “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” The angel’s perplexing announcement, Elizabeth’s worshipful greeting, Joseph’s willingness to believe his fiancee’s wild story, the unexpected trip to Bethlehem, the make-shift crude delivery room, the puzzling arrival of unknown shepherds, their outlandish tale of heavenly hosts… certainly all of these events replayed in her mind, as she tried to figure out what on earth God was doing to her.

Well, I like to ponder too… but I have an advantage over Mary. Not only do I have the benefit of hindsight, knowing how Mary’s story played out in the end, I have the added wisdom of some tiny tots. This Christmas, as I ponder their childish goofs, I see more clearly exactly what God was doing and is still doing…. through His Word that is powerful enough to change our land, His power that is greater than all the gods of this world, and His Son who makes me triumph even in my darkest hours.

I’m convinced! There is much to be learned from a baby!

Posted in General

Monday, November 22, 2010

I received a phone call October 4 that set my heart pounding… a dear friend in Canada informed me that my older brother, Lawrence had died…. This was totally unexpected. Immediately began the dizzy whirl of activity that accompanies a loved one’s passing. The next ten days were spent in my hometown, planning and participating in the memorial events and then emptying my brother’s house in preparation for listing it with a realtor. There were many tears, but never much time for grieving because the urgent simply crowded it out.
Since my brother knew Jesus, there is great peace in knowing that the moment he took his last breath, he was with his Savior in heaven. He had once said, “How great would it be to die in your sleep? One moment asleep here, the next you wake up in heaven! What could be better than that?!” And that’s what happened. He had written instructions for his memorial service a couple of years earlier… “My funeral should be a celebration! Jesus wins!!”
All of this gives me great comfort. Still I miss him so much. A week ago John and I were at Times Square Church in New York City. The music and sermon were incredible. I found myself thinking, “How I wish Lawrence could be here to hear this.” Then suddenly I was smacked with the thought, “Why on earth would he want to hear this? What he’s enjoying now is immeasurably better than this!” I had to smile at my own short-sightedness… how very enmeshed I am in this world. How important to remember what lies beyond this planet.
So, I wouldn’t wish him back… but what I do wish is that I would have done more with the time I did have with him. I think every day about the things I should have done, or could have done for him. I could have called and e-mailed him more frequently. We could have visited him more. I should have invited him to spend more time with us. I should have fixed his favorite sandwich for him when he was at our home in July. I should have just talked with him more.
But the could haves and should haves can’t happen. Those opportunities vanished just as quickly as my brother’s spirit flew from his body to heaven.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9) It occurs to me that though death closes the door to many things, it cannot destroy the lessons learned from a person. My brother kept a daily journal, in which he summarized each day’s events, ending each entry with, “Another good day. Thank you Lord,” or “Praise you Lord.” Hmmm… I can learn to be more thankful. He also maintained a detailed prayer list. My name and the names of many others were on that list. Hmmm… I can be a more faithful pray-er. He read Scripture every day and made note of the main lesson from that day’s passage. Hmmm… I can spend more time in God’s Word.
I think I observe a silver lining in the dark cloud of loss. Though I can never go back and do the things I should have or could have done, I recognize I can learn from yesterday and DO better today. By God’s grace and spurred on by a big brother’s lasting example, I CAN and WILL do better. And then, as Paul added, “the God of peace will be with me.” And that, I believe is true comfort!

Posted in General

Thursday, September 23, 2010

I was acquainted with two men. Both were strong-willed, determined individuals. Both were injured severely in a work-related accident. Both received grim diagnoses from their doctors.

The first man was told that he could die as a result of his wounds, and that if he did happen to survive he would certainly never be able to work again. He said, ”I had to will myself to live.” He was hospitalized for a very long time, followed by a long recovery at home. He suffered much pain and weariness. But through it all he maintained an attitude of trust in Jesus. He declared he would serve the Lord no matter what, and worked hard to regain his strength.

The second man was told that he would survive, but would need much therapy to regain his former physical abilities. He complained about the pain and stubbornly refused to exercise his injured limbs. He became angry at God, as well as the people around him.

The first man recovered, even though his injuries had been much more extensive than the other’s. Not only did this spunky elderly gentleman walk again, he was able to do hard physical labor. He set to work to construct an outdoor sanctuary where people could witness God’s beautiful creation and learn life-changing spiritual truth. He endeared himself to his wife and family, his church, his community and even to strangers.

The second man became more and more reclusive, shutting out those who loved him most and accomplishing nothing of lasting value.

I asked myself, “What made the difference? Why was one man able to look optimistically at the days ahead, while the other viewed his future with pessimism? What enabled one to accomplish more than anyone expected and what caused the other to not even reach the simplest of goals? ”
I believe the answer is obvious. Jesus made the difference. One chose to believe in God’s love and power and goodness. The other chose to focus on earthly circumstances and negative feelings and failed to lean on a loving heavenly Father.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. “(Psalm 91:14, 15)

I hope I never suffer an accident such as these men did. But I realize that I daily face my own difficult challenges… situations that seem impossible, problems that seem insurmountable. The choice is mine as to how I will respond. I can be like the first man and choose to trust Jesus with a thankful attitude, or like the second and be overcome by my trials and disappointments.
I know exactly which one I want to be!

Posted in General

Thursday, August 26, 2010

I know he was trying to do something nice for me, but I’m not sure it was beneficial. A few months ago my husband introduced me to a new solitaire-type game on the computer. “I think you’ll like this one,” he said one evening.

I was skeptical at first… no doubt because I’m basically a resistor of change, and figured that “Freecell” would do me just fine for the rest of my life. Nevertheless I gave the new game a try, and was quickly hooked. Still am, although I try to practice the Christian virtue of moderation in all things.

I have to admit however that this game has served to illustrate a tremendous spiritual truth to me… which perhaps gives my quasi addiction some redeeming value. After failing repeatedly to win a round, I made the amazing discovery that I could re-set the log of my wins and losses whenever I wanted. With the click of a key, all the losses were instantly erased and I was granted a brand new, fresh start.

How wonderful to see a 100% success rate following a single win, rather than 2.5% following successive defeats. How kind of the programmers to include such a “grace” function in their creation. Somehow it motivates me to try harder, to strive to pile win upon win… to improve!
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3: 19-23)

So the originator of my game wasn’t the first producer of “the clean slate.” Like all good things, God thought of it first. He is the Author of the second chance, and third chance and the one thousand and fifty-sixth chance! When I fail, if I confess my sin to Him… poof! He re-sets the score!

Of course, I have to admit that when I’m racking up more losses than wins in my game, I can become disheartened… and if I ever want to become a champion, I can’t content myself with losing over and over and over. I need to learn the strategies, practice skillfully, and persevere when I fall.

How very much like my Christian walk. God in His grace, forgives, cleanses and wipes my slate clean when I fail. But one of these days He’s hoping that I start amassing more victories than defeats… more triumphs than tragedies… more steps forward than backward. And that’s because He’s more into me conquering the game, than in it conquering me!

And so, when I clear my game statistics, most certainly some time later today, I will smile to myself, and mutter a sincere “thank You!” to the Author of my faith for His mercy that is brand new every morning.

Posted in General

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

It was time. An upcoming visit to our home by a group of nine Brazilian guests provided the motivation (and deadline!) to tackle a job I’d been postponing for ages.

I decided to go through our entire house, getting rid of STUFF that had been accumulating over the past ten years since we moved into our present home. The timing seemed right, since all of our children are “out of the nest” with places of their own. I knew I’d have to be ruthless!

John and I set up 8-foot tables and loaded them with dishes, games, linens, books, CD’s, clothing, and much more. Then we invited our four children and spouses over to claim anything they wanted from the piles. What was left went in various directions… charity, used bookstores, trash, etc.

When the sorting and disposing were all finished I felt positively “light!” It wasn’t that these items were bad things… just superfluous! How wonderful to truly have a place for everything and everything in its place… I was surprised at how fresh and newly-energized I’d become!

The guests came and we had a marvelous time! I believe the extra preparation helped me enjoy their visit even more, because I didn’t feel weighed down by tasks undone. And it was a relief to know that they could open any drawer or cupboard and I wouldn’t need to feel embarrassed by an overflowing hodgepodge of odds and ends.

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

What a lesson for my Christian life! How beneficial to regularly do a spiritual housecleaning! Often I’ve discovered that my spirit has become cluttered… not with terrible things… on the contrary, many things that fill my time and attention are normal, acceptable, even fine pursuits. They’re just not necessary. And they weigh me down. They create an almost imperceptible, floating angst that sits on my shoulders and makes my walk with Christ seem burdensome rather than freeing.

“Lord, help me be ruthless with the rubbish that threatens to steal from me the delight of Your presence! I want to enjoy You with a heart that is unencumbered by the cares and distractions of this world! I want You to be able to explore the nooks and crannies of my spirit and find them clean and orderly. I want to freely revel in our times together.”

Someone asked me last week if I would like to have a certain item they were planning to discard. “No!” I almost shouted at her. “I just got rid of all my extra junk; I don’t want to start filling up my house again.” Mmmm, perhaps this pursuit of an uncluttered house and an uncluttered life is an ongoing battle. Perhaps the ruthlessness must be continued. Perhaps I’d better get another 8-foot table!

Posted in General

Friday, May 28, 2010

       Tiny little Judah Rao was tugged and pulled into this world on May 6. Even though he decided to come five weeks early, and the doctors had to almost wrestle with him to extract him via C-section, all is well and he is home and thriving. He made child #5 for our daughter and son-in-law and grandchild #6 for John and myself. Every new life is a miracle and Judah is no exception.

        One morning I drove “Mommy” Monica into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) so she could care for her little son throughout the day. As she settled into the rocker, with Judah cradled in her arms, it was obvious immediately that he had only one thing on his mind. His little lips parted, his head turned toward his mother and it was apparent that he knew exactly where the source of his next meal was.

        “Amazing,” I thought, “this four-pound creature, just barely introduced to the world, knows instinctively that he must eat and who has the capability of feeding him.” I watched him twist and turn and wriggle and reach with his entire body, so he could finally begin nursing. “She represents survival to him,” I observed. “And not just survival, but also comfort, growth, love and safety.” He needed her desperately. It was intuitive, but it was desperation just the same.

        And then I had another thought… “How dependent on the Lord am I for my survival, comfort, growth, love and safety? How desperately eager am I to receive Godly nutrition?” I have to admit that there have been times when I’ve gone so long without spiritual food, that I feel like I’m starving. I sense my soul shriveling and drying up. It’s a miserably empty feeling. Then I open God’s Word, and His strength begins to trickle into me. I need that sustenance so badly. Why in the world, do I wait so long between feedings?

        Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (I Peter 2:2)

        During the busy ten days I spent caring for our four older grandchildren while Judah remained in the hospital, I realized again the necessity of internalizing of God’s Word. When I became tired (I’d forgotten how demanding the role of a young mother is), I would stop for a moment and simply recite, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength!” It was like getting a good taste of high-power milk and it was truly energizing!

        Admittedly a more lengthy session of reading the Bible and meditating on its truth is probably most beneficial to my Christian growth and maturity… just like an uninterrupted, extended nursing session is optimal for a baby. But I’ve discovered that even short, frequent swallows of Scripture throughout the day can be strengthening. Certainly they’re better than nothing.

        So… today I’ll plan to settle comfortably into my Father’s arms and drink for awhile from His life-giving Word. And as I rush through the many items on my to-do list, I’ll purpose to pause long enough to mentally gulp down plenty of His Truth tidbits that make such a difference! Whether prolonged or brief, I believe those spiritual ‘’swigs” will be my survival!

        Mmmm, mmmm… I do believe I’m getting thirsty just thinking about it!

Posted in General

Friday, March 26, 2010

It was plastered everywhere. Hemp necklaces, beaded bracelets, wall plaques, book covers, T-shirts, bumper stickers, even paper weights. The” WWJD” insignia was hugely popular, at least for a season. But then, like all passing fads it gradually disappeared, only to surface occasionally as 25 or 50-cent items at garage sales, or worn, often somewhat shabbily, by die-hard enthusiasts.

It was a good fad, as fads go. It certainly got Jesus’ name out there in the public awareness. Still, I doubt that many of the people who wore the jewelry actually knew the origin of the craze. Some were genuinely devoted disciples of Jesus. Probably more though were enthralled with the latest rage, and a religious slogan about a “mystical” Superhero seemed like a cool body adornment. Certainly it was less expensive and permanent than a tattoo.

Way back when I was in college I read Charles Sheldon’s classic novel, In His Steps.  Few stories have impacted me so deeply. For weeks afterward I felt like I was seeing the world through a new lens. I found myself constantly asking the same question that had transformed an entire fictitious town… the question that, decades later, was as popular as tie-dye had once been:” What would Jesus do?”  It obsessed me. Then slowly, gradually, like happened to the trinket trend, the question lost its popularity. It ceased to haunt me.

But it’s back again. Only this time it’s been much more perplexing.  I’ve been wrestling with it. In college, perhaps in my youthful idealism, it seemed so much easier to answer. At that point in my life, I pictured Jesus always operating in a super-spiritual dimension. I dreamed about being as zealous about winning lost souls as He was. I envisioned myself consumed every waking hour with spiritual pursuits.

Then I got married, had children, cared for a household, went to a job, and suddenly those dreams seemed to be… fantasy. Oh, spiritual goals were (and still are) immensely important to me, but the demands of real life consumed so much time. Weeks, months and years passed by like a snap of the fingers. I’ve enjoyed the Lord’s presence the whole time, but lately that “WWJD?” has been needling me again.

Only this time I find myself asking, “What would Jesus reallydo in my situation?” If Jesus were a middle aged (or as my son categorizes me, “a young, older” adult) individual with a spouse, kids, grandkids, a job, bills, health challenges, a community of family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and a to-do list that is never-ending… what wouldHe do? Would He go solo to Lancaster city each evening to chat with passers-by? Would He attend every event offered by His local church…and, speaking of churches, which one would He prefer? How much time would He devote to prayer, Bible memorization, evangelism and ministering to the poor, sick, needy and lost? Would He ever sit at home in the evening with his feet up, watching a mystery movie, solving a Sudoku puzzle or working on a hobby? Would He make home-made ice cream and sit on a porch rocker, listening to the crickets, smelling the lilacs, and savoring the smooth frozen treat? Would He throw a ball with His grandchildren, or sleep in after an exhausting day? Or are all of those things too “earthy,” too inconsequential, too unspiritual for Him?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. …Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. God… richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (I Timothy 6:6, 11, 17-19).

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody (I Thessalonians 4:11-12).

I guess there’s a balance. The “good things” of this world that I enjoy are gifts from God’s hand, meant for my pleasure (and the pleasure of all His children). But how often do I revel in these, without a thought of thanks to my Father for providing them? And how often to I indulge in the easy luxuries and entertainments of this world, neglecting the harder path of sacrifice for the good of others? And how often do I wallow in self-produced guilt, because I do so little “spiritual” stuff?

Oh my… I find myself back to that pesky question again: ”What would Jesus do… really?”

Now here’s a new thought… perhaps if I would ask Him, He’d actually tell me what He’d do.

Somehow I believe Jesus’ answer would be just right, every time.

Posted in General

Monday, February 8, 2010

I can’t believe it. January flew by so quickly I never got around to posting a new blog. Yes, well… such is life.

John and I once heard someone accuse American Christians of having a faulty view of time management. This gentleman said most Christians start every day with a “to-do list.” It’s either written on a calendar, in a notebook, or posted on the refrigerator. Perhaps it’s in their electronic planner, or maybe it’s just a mental list. Regardless, their list is so long that if they were honest, they would have to admit there would be no chance of completing every task in one twenty-four hour period. Consequently they fall into bed each night, exhausted, feeling like failures, because once again the sun has set on their unfinished chores. How demoralizing!

I have to admit I’ve spent great periods of my life living with that type of relentless sense of frustration over unreached goals. It’s as though I’ve held to the belief that, “there are never enough hours in any day to do the things I need to do.”

The same person who criticized the time management of North American Christians, went on to state what he believes to be God’s better view.  He said, “I don’t believe that there are never enough hours in any day to do the things I need to do. Instead… I believe that there are always enough hours in every day to do every thing that God needs me to do.”

Ah…..that was freeing! That was refreshing! After all, God wouldn’t seek to frustrate His children by giving them daily assignments which He knew they could never complete. He would only give jobs that were within the scope of possibility.

My job then becomes figuring out what God wants me to do with today. Granted, that can pose its’ own challenge… particularly because I love to pack my days full of “my” stuff, rather than His.

Nevertheless, reminding ourselves of that wise man’s statement, has helped both John and me to relax more and even slow our hurried pace. We’ve actually allowed ourselves to cuddle up on the sofa after a hard day’s work, or sit on the porch rockers on a summer evening, or simply crawl into bed at peace, knowing that what got done got done. What didn’t get done, must wait until another day. What God enabled us to finish is… enough!

David said it to God in Psalms 31:15, “My times are in Your hands.”

 I need to say that too, every day… “Lord today is Your day… every hour, every minute, every second.  Help me to not take on things You don’t want me burdened with. Help me prioritize those things that are most important to You. Help me accomplish Your will, no more and no less. And in the midst of it all, sunrise through sunset, help me feel Your presence and Your peace that passes understanding. “

Ah…. It’s going to be a great day!

Posted in General