Thorns & Mirrors

Sometimes life feels like the bad ending of a good movie. It would have been altogether different had those I placed my trust in done the right thing…or, at least if they had not remained focused on themselves. Where is the justice? What do I tell my child? Does anyone have integrity these days? I cry out, “My God ! My God! ” It amazes me that He who has the whole universe to run hears my pleas & my anguish. In gratitude, I approach the Throne. I am once again, reminded how I often I let Him down… The flaws I am so angered by in others are my very own. I must turn & tend to the log in my own eye … and I must learn to forgive as He has forgiven. As he hung dieing, His final thoughts were of me. His final words were a petition of forgiveness for those who put him there! How can I so readily point the finger at those who would persecute me, when Jesus died for them?
Following Christ is not an easy journey. The Bible reminds me that I do not travel alone. He accompanies & strengthens me for that which I know I must do…

Unexpected Journey

How many times in my life have I turned away from something in denial? Closed my thoughts to some impending fate that I have the power to change, but "not time" or energy? Some pain that I just "can't handle right now"....and more often than not, something I just don't want to accept..."Perhaps it will go away if I don't give it any energy"...If I don't accept it, it isn't real.....
Then the phone rings & the doctor gives you 24-48 hours. In a whirlwind, you find yourself rushing down 95, driving all through the night. Did the doctor say that dad has but that short a time, or that those are the critical times for him to pull through? It all happened so fast & suddenly, I am on a car ride that leads me to a place where I cannot know the outcome....I want to wake up & find this is a dream...I want to scream. I want to cry. I want to close down & close off....& still the car drones on.
My thoughts & prayers are with you, my dear, friend. Selah!

Times Between

Friends of mine have been out of work for months. It feels like every day I meet someone else who has been laid off or their business has closed. I know folks who are losing their house & others who are wrestling to keep their marriage. The list goes on...
The other night, I stood in line at the viewing of a 14 year old with her identical twin sobbing over the casket. The wait was long...a wonderful tribute to a beautiful life...a wonderful child. As I waited, I thought of all the things that people I know are going through. I kept hearing their voices in my head asking, "Why is all of this happening at the same time?" It occurred to me that if all the bad stuff were spaced out, we would never get a rest from the pain of THIS world....
I don't believe that God causes bad things to happen, but I do believe that He will turn our greatest hurts into His ultimate purpose if we ask Him in. Surely, the hurts help us appreciate the blessings, but suppose the timing of things is a way He intervenes for us?...just a thought.

Not of This World

I recently wrote on how someone can become so "drunk with anger" that they lose their self-control. That involved a short burst which resulted in a lost turtle. God was gracious to answer the prayers of a young boy & his mother. More often, we have to wait a lifetime to see the results. Self-control will also crumble in the face of pride, arrogance, selfishness, & so on. Why?

Peter writes: "Be sober, be watchful; because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brothers in the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, & strengthen you." (I Peter 5:8-10)


Bitterness, resentment, envy, power-struggles, etc. are tools he uses to keep us from our Father & Savior. When people are quick to go on the offensive with me, rather than talking like adults, it is hard not to blast right back. To maintain my cool, I think of something they have apparently not. A still, small voice whispers, "I don't think you know who you are dealing with here! I am a child of God and heir to His Kingdom!!" (Romans 8: 15-17) I have to remind myself that it is not people that I wrestle with, but "...against the authorities, against the powers, against the rulers of darkness in this present age." (Ephesians 6:12) When I focus on this, I so clearly see how such people who cling to power & control are actually being used~ & I empathize. It is then I can pray for them. " I beseech you," writes Paul," to have a walk worthy of the calling for which you were called, with all humility & gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in a bond of peace." (Eph 4:1-3)

I am reminded of something our pastor said recently: "When you stand before Jesus what treasures will you lay at His feet ?" Things in this world seem so long...Tomorrow will mark 21 years since a beloved friend stood before Jesus. It was abrupt & agonizing for us...suddenly, it is 21 years later. Our time here really is more fleeting than it seems. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Rom. 8:18).


**NOTE: Romans, chapter 8 is so inspiring & hope-filled. I really hope you will find some quiet time & read it through. So many people believe that God casts people into hell. This chapter reminds how much He does to bring us TO Him!!!)

Suffering With Christ

When things are going well, it is easy to say, "I count it all joy....to suffer....with my Savior..."... much easier, than actually going through the motions. Last night I asked for your prayers. This morning, the daily Proverb that came up on the right (11:3) begins, "The integrity of the upright guides them..." I found that meaningful, poignant, and affirming. When we are in the midst of trials and suffering, it is difficult to see what God has planned. At times like this, my husband will say, "I know that I will come out better on the other side, but all I can see is the grinder I am about to go through".


A few years back, my young grand-daughter underwent treatments for a very invasive cancer. To put it lightly, it was terrifying. Thankfully, she remains free of the insidious disease. Now, we have a glimpse of the other side of this. The experience called her mom to go into nursing. It is her desire to nurse children with cancer, and their families. It is impossible to say how many countless lives Shannon will touch.


We cannot yet know what beauty and power is on the other side of our suffering. This is where the faith comes in. Isaiah 43:2, tells us, "When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned."


At these times, we must cling to God's promises. The more we rely on, and have faith in God, the more we see His promises fulfilled. Faith does becomes second-nature for us.


"For I know the thoughts I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you a purpose and a hope." (Jer. 29:11).

The Testing of Faith

There have been times in my life where I have felt like a target, attacked from every angle. Things that were going great one day feel utterly in ruins the next. Ways of life I have enjoyed seem to suddenly dissolve. People I have always counted on, temporarily fade away into their own concerns.I find myself inwardly asking, "Why am I being targeted?"


Immediately, the answer settles over my entire spirit: it is because I have asked Jesus to be Lord of my life, to guide my steps and direct my paths. I have asked for His help and that makes me a target.


In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, "...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now, hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us...God demonstrates His own love toward us, that while we were yet sinners [imperfect], Christ died for us." (Romans 5:3b-5&8)


James wrote, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance). Let patience have it's perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)

Trust in Times of Need

Wherever HAS the time gone? As I grow older, it seems to pass so quickly, I find that makes it easier to ride out the tougher times...

In my experience, those who live on the economic edge, in faith, have the closest relationship with Christ. Hardships can bring deeper faith and closer relationship with our Lord. The more we need to trust in God, and do so, the more His presence and actions are manifest in our lives. Those of faith in Christ who have the greatest hardships, often have the greatest peace in their lives. How can this be? When our back is to the wall, or we are at our rock-bottom, it is easier to admit our need for salvation. Being in relationship with Christ, gives rise to greater trust, richer hope and yes, deeper peace.

So many people are losing their jobs these days. Several dear friends I know are wondering how they will survive. Knowing they strive to be like Christ, I tell them, "Watch out! You are in for some miracles!" We are often brought right up to the very place of panic...keep trusting....once, we received a check from an unclaimed life insurance policy the day before our mortgage was due. A friend told her children there would be no Christmas. Unknowingly, another friend asked if "they" could provide Christmas for that very family....The tales are endless and all demonstrate God's amazing love for His kids! Just as we can trust in the faithful change of seasons, we can trust in His caring for us in our time of need.

As I look behind my home, I see constant miracles. The words Jesus' spoke on how our Heavenly Father cares for us come to mind:
" Now, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is gone, will He not much more clothe you...?
"Therefore do not worry...For your Heavenly Father knows you have need of these things.
"But seek first, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things, sufficient for the day is it's own trouble" [NKJV)] (See Matt 6: 5-34)

Farewells and New Paths

Sadly, I must bid farewell to many students with whom I've grown deeply attached, over the past several years. I have watched them grow from timid, elementary children to young people preparing to enter high school.

As they go their own ways, I have a feeling that I am entrusting, "my babies" to strangers: their families. I will continue to see some of them, regularly and that is comforting. Some will stop by to visit, while others I will see occasionally around town. There is a magical bond formed through art that transcends the heart-felt, "How are you?" and "Are you still creating?" kind of catching up in these random encounters.

Creating alongside one another develops a unique and intimate closeness. A deep connection is forged when nurturing someone on their own artistic path. I discover new ways of seeing. I learn to see through their eyes, experiences and hearts. I watch young artists grow and encourage them along their own, unique path~and then, the time comes to set them free.
Now, I find myself wondering many things: Have I instilled in them a love for art and for creating ? Have I given them the skills they will need as individual artists? Did I encourage them enough? Will they continue to create, no matter the course their lives take? Is there a chance that, somehow, the magic will return or continue?

One can never be sure of the course our futures will take. We must cherish the moments we have and make the most of every encounter...We must open our hearts to genuine love & relationship. In this way, we allow ourselves to feel deeply and lean more heavily on our Heavenly Father. We learn to have faith in the promise that Jesus made in John 14:16, " I will pray the father and He will send the Comforter [Holy Spirit], that He may abide with you forever".

My "Cross to Bear"

So many choose a rushed and hectic lifestyle. We take it for granted that if we can just get IN bed, we will get proper rest. This is not true for 50-70 million Americans who suffer with one or more sleep disorders. People think we are lazy, complainers, spacy, &/ or slackers. We have unexplained bruises at furniture level, suffer depression, drag our feet, and are prone to illness. It doesn't matter how much or how little sleep we get, we don't get quality sleep. Without the right kind of sleep, it is as if we had never slept at all. My husband says that I, "flop around like a fish on a pier." I awake in the morning with legs that ache as though I had been climbing stairs all through the night. My arms, and often my entire body feel weighted....and I start my day.....
I am not saying all of this to complain, but to explain. Perhaps you know someone like I described. (Have them look into a sleep study.) It is my hope that you will literally thank God upon waking feeling rested, restored, and renewed. Tom always adds to his prayers, "Thank you for our blessings known and unknown"...I hope you will pause to be grateful for proper rest.

Images from Spring Break

HE IS RISEN

"THE LORD IS RISEN, INDEED!"
~Luke 24:34~



"Then He said to them, 'Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations...And you are witnsses of these things.
"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you...until you are endued with power from on high'."
~Luke 24:46-49~

"Good" Friday

This is my most meaningful day...I arose and headed for the lake. The birdsong enveloped me as the full moon set in the early dawn light. Long before the moon had lowered below the tree line it's orb was within their reflection.

The lake was as still as I have ever seen it...a great time to watch for the beavers' last frolics before he heads home to sleep. The new hawk flew across and landed in his preening tree. I heard a familiar chatter and the kingfisher alit in a tree just across the landing. I saw the beavers' wake, and those of the fish that scattered before him. The kingfisher went for his aim, and hit right in front of the beaver and I. It was seemingly obscured by the tiny ends of a draping maple tree piercing the surface. It was only when I put my head near water-level that I could see how still the surface truly was.

A familiar call and I saw the 2 Canadians fly overhead, on their way to the lesser lake. I heard the blue heron in his glide along the far shoreline. The sky was clear while I wrote out my abundance of blessings. The sun rose behind me, turning the small wisps of clouds into a rich and lustrous pink above me. A family of swallows chased away a crow. A blue jay squawked as he flashed in front of me and landed in a branch. It was glorious, but it was time to head back. I had been out for over 2 hours.

With fresh coffee, I perched on a rock higher up and read the different accounts of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. I have a book called, "On a Friday Noon" that is a collection of writings and art of Jesus' sacrifice. I meditate with it annually on this day. I was lost in my Lord's sacrifice when a roll of thunder called my attention. As I had perched on my rock, pondering Golgotha, the sky had darkened and it was beginning to rain. Thunder rolled and lightening was beginnning to strike. It truly gave more meaning to the biblical account of this day, so long ago. I pray that this will be a meaningful day and season for you as we honor a day to praise Him for His sacrifice.

Bend or Break?

We go along on our path in life, seemingly oblivious to the blessings we have. Little things like socks on the floor and dishes in the sink nag at us….We fail to be grateful that we have people in our lives to leave them around…until we get side-swiped by tragedy:
a job is lost~
a car overturns and a loved one dies~
hospice is called in for a parent~
the house is foreclosed on~
a child has cancer~
someone makes a horribly irrevocable choice and families crumble….
Suddenly, we sit on the side of life’s road, numbed by a loss of that which we once took for granted. Life has become surreal and we long to wake up from what surely must be a “never-ending” nightmare…an episode of “The Twilight Zone”. We long for the socks and dishes to call out once again, but they have been silenced….
And finally the tears come, welling up from our soul in a wordless agony. It is at times like these that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, translating the “moanings and groanings” of our suffering.
When doors that have always been open suddenly slam shut and we are faced with forever-changed lives, we must choose between despair and searching for an open window…some other way out of the nightmare and back into our real life…It is then, we find ourselves at the foot of the cross. Do we bend or do we break? We must choose between despair and looking up~ to Him…a God and Savior who knows our deepest pains and our every need. He will guide us through the next doorway, and onto new paths.
My family and I are fine. We are cherishing our time together and counting our blessings. For my cherished friends, I do what I know to do: I am on my knees with the other Prayer Warriors, doing what I can to uplift and sustain you in your time of tragedy. To everyone:
Skip the dishes~
Hug your babies~
Pamper your pet~
Gaze in wonder at your loved ones asleep~
Tell them how much they mean to you…Take nothing for granted and look to the cross. He died for ALL of us. He died for YOU!