Something Stinky This Way Comes

A couple of weeks ago we went on our first Oregon camping trip. The campsite was beautiful, right along the Clackamas River. We enjoyed the gorgeous drive and were excited to arrive and find such a lovely scene to call home for the weekend. BUT, it didn't take long for us to learn that camping in the Great Northwest is a little different from camping in New Mexico.

NW Camping Tip #1 - When you go camping in New Mexico there is a slight chance that you will need a tent with a good rainfly. Here, you would be wise NOT to go camping unless you have an exceptionally good waterproof tent. Here's why.....it rains here....A LOT! Lucky for us, we had brought along air mattresses, so we just sort of floated around in our tent. Folks, these types of tents are costly, but let me tell you, they are worth it.

NW Camping Tip #2 - Duct tape, though one of the best inventions of our time, does not fix holes in air mattresses, no matter how much you use.

NW Camping Tip #3 - When raccoons get sprayed by skunks, they don't like it, and might just run shrieking through the forest in the middle of the night and smack into the side of your cheap, wet, New Mexico tent, where you lay floating with your spouse, and 3 young children, and scare the heck out of you. This, skunk sprayed raccoon, might then bounce off of your tent, only to then smack into the other side of your tent, before finally taking off shrieking in a different direction. This brings me to...

NW Camping Tip #4 - Cheap tents are NOT water OR skunk-smell resistent. BUT, they do trap water and skunk smell inside pretty well.

NW Camping Tip #5 - If you have survived that first night, and have decided to stay for a second night, keep track of how many doritos your kids eat. Otherwise, when you finally go to bed that night, and finally fall asleep, one of your children might start vomiting up doritos all over his bed, your wet stinky tent, and his younger sister, and you might find yourself straddling a partially filled air mattress, holding your last rain soaked towel, and having no idea what to do next, besides stand there and blink.

NW Camping Tip #6 - It's a good idea to go camping with good friends, so that when you morph into the Griswolds, they will still love you, and not give you a hard time for taking off in the middle of the night to bathe your wet, smelly kids, even though you accidentally take some of their camping supplies with you in your mad dash to leave.

Despite the things that went wrong, we had a great time and learned a lot. We were fortunate to have some veteran NW campers with us who helped tremendously. We are now in the market for enormous tarps, miles of rope, and a good tent! The plan is to go camping again this summer, better prepared, and with a great story to tell around the campfire!

Opportunity Knocks

100 Amazing kids. 10 Wonderful College interns. Lots of dedicated staff and teen helpers. Bible classes. Stories from the Book of Acts. Singing. Games. Crafts. Books. Bowling. And most importantly, relationship building! This was the first week of the PUMP Summer Program, and it was our first time to experience it. PSP, a six week summer program for children from our community, is in its tenth year! The theme this year is Action Pact and is focused on the Book of Acts. For six weeks, the children will hear stories and participate in activities about the Holy Spirit, Repentance, Persecution, Jesus - and much more. They will also participate in a Literacy Program that is aimed to help them to maintain and surpass their current reading level over the summer. I witnessed many wonderful moments during this first week, but the word that keeps coming to mind is.....opportunity. I have been most moved by the opportunity for relationship that this program facilitates. God has used this program to provide the opportunity to build partnerships and relationships with other churches, organizations, and people from our community. God has provided the opportunity to build relationships with the children, and their parents/guardians. Ultimately, God has provided the opportunity to facilitate relationship with Him. I can't wait to see what God will do. It will be an Action Pact six weeks, full of opportunity, I pray that we will seize it!

As for an update on the move. It has been a tough, sweet, and transformative process thus far. I think our kids have had the most to contend with as far as transition goes, and this knowledge has often weighed heavily on our hearts. They have had to adjust to a new home, new neighborhood, and a new school, all very different from where they were before. We also moved them away from their grandparents, which I'm sure is against the law somewhere. However, they have been strong and courageous, and are doing well.

We have been asked (sometimes interrogated), why we chose to do this. We usually play dumb and ask, "Do what?" We find it gets to the heart of the question, and the question in a nutshell is, "Why did you move your family out of the suburbs, and into the inner city?" Most of the time people genuinely want to know, but some want to know what kind of stupid parents we are for moving our kids from "safety" to "danger." I don't blame them. I grew up in a small city in New Mexico and my only connection with the "Big City" was songs like A Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams Jr. So, basically, I knew that downtown was the place where folks got mugged, and that New York City was the mother of all bad cities because you could get killed for like $43 bucks.

Not suprisingly, this attitude still exists today. Some of that negative press is warranted, and some is not. Really, the city just has more people in it, and most of the time a more diverse group of people. For whatever reason, lots of folks are afraid of large populations of diverse people. We include ourselves in this category. So, why did we choose to do this? Again, it goes back to opportunity. God provided us with the opportunity to experience a different way of following Him, and with the opportunity to trust in His direction and His provision. God has provided us with the opportunity to be a part of this community, and we are trusting in Him to show us how. God has provided us with opportunities to build relationships with the people around us, and in the process is teaching us not to be afraid of, or isolated from them. God has provided us with the opportunity to speak Jesus to people, and the opportunity to grow closer to Him, and one another, as we walk into His preferred and promised future for our lives. Opportunity knocks. Lord, help us to answer.

I will write more tomorrow about what we have been doing the last few months and about our goals for the summer. Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I also appreciate the emails to start blogging again. I must also add that it is beautiful here. We went on our first Oregon camping trip last weekend and that experience deserves its own blog! There is much to report, I will resume tomorrow!

"There is no community without ministry, and there is no ministry without community." -Schillebeeckx

The Mother-unload

Our preacher asked me to speak on the topic of “What It Means to Be a Mother” this morning. Here is what I wrote:

What does it mean to be a mother? When I hear the word mother, many images race through my mind, over thirty years of memories and experiences with mothers. Moms like June Cleaver, Caroline Ingalls, Mother Teresa, Clair Huxtable, Princess Diana, and more recently, Kate Gosselin, and the Octomom have had some influence on my thoughts about motherhood. I also think of grandmas, aunts, and the other women in my life that have mothered me. Most influential, is my own mother. I’ve been blessed with a great mom. She is loving, and supportive, and she can make a mean plate of green enchiladas!

What does it mean to be a mother? I started thinking about a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting I was at when Rylee was a baby. The speaker asked us to describe our mothers with the title of a book or movie. It was a fun exercise, until I started thinking about my own kids doing that someday. What title would they use to describe me?

Old Yeller was the first one that came to mind. Ouch!

But, there are other possibilities:
Baby Mama
I’m sure that Funny Face would make a debut in there somewhere during infancy.
Stranger Than Fiction – My kids, and their friends will tell you this is true.
The Terminator – Spiders and Bees beware!
Because I Said So – Even though I promised I would never say it.
Waitress – I really feel this way after sweeping under the kitchen table for the third time in one day.
Taxi Driver – To School, to lessons, to games, to friend's houses.....and the tips stink!
Lord of the Flies – I added this one myself. "Mom’s got the conch!” I have actually said this to my kids when they were shouting about something. They had no idea what I was talking about, but I did, and I laughed!

I know that being a mother is a very important role and that my children are a gift from God. This knowledge is what often scares me the most, for no single role in my life has been the mirror to who I am that motherhood has. Through my children, I see exactly who I am. My flaws, at least in my mind, are magnified. I realized early on that the one thing my kids would learn from me is GRACE - how to give Grace, and how to accept Grace. I am extremely thankful for motherhood. Through this role, I am learning how to receive God’s Grace when I make mistakes. Like most moms, I tend to beat myself up over bad days, and poor choices. It is during these moments, that I learn the most about how awesome God’s Grace is. I am learning that Tim and I will do the best we can, and God’s Grace will cover over everything else. I am also learning about what it means to give Grace. My children are so wonderfully forgiving, and forgetful, when it comes to my shortcomings, and I want to extend that Grace to others.

Moving onto motherly characteristics and duties, I can come up with at short list that includes: Unconditional Love, Nurturing, Available, Discipline, and the most important - Training and Teaching about Life in Lord. I believe that God has anointed us to make disciples of our children. This is the most important thing that we will do - the question is - HOW?

So, I do what all Good, Christian, women do, I go to the Bible and start searching the Halls of Biblical Moms to find that truly relatable mother to attain to be like. I start with Eve, the Mother of the Free World, and the mother of Cain, Abel, and Seth. She definitely knew what it was like to deal with children fighting, and her son committed the first murder. I’m reminded that all families have their "issues." I move on to Sarah, the Mother of the Jewish Nation, also the mother of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob…more family issues. Next, I consider Mary, the mother of Jesus. An amazing mother, and worthy of our respect. Mary also dealt with some family problems. I am starting to see a pattern here….none of these moms were perfect. When it comes to family and motherhood, we have more in common than I would have thought. I don’t have to be perfect, thank you God. Then, there is Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. Scripture says she was blameless in the sight of God. That's hard for me to relate to. Elizabeth is also an amazing mom of faith, but not quite what I’m looking for.

So, I get out some reference books, All the Women of the Bible, Finally Feminist, and Biblical Women, do some searching on the Internet, and end up finding the perfect person for this lesson…..JESUS.

Funny…..being a wife…..and mother….are the two aspects of my identity that make it most possible for me to see Jesus more clearly. I find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands my struggles in these roles. How is it that of all the moms in Scripture, I most relate to Jesus? Well…..

I don’t know what it’s like to have to feed thousands of people with a few loaves of fish and some bread, but I do know what it’s like to try to stretch a meal out of a pound of hamburger meat, with little hands all over me the whole time, asking when it will be ready and will there be enough.

I don’t what it’s like to heal the sick, but I do know what it’s like to pray over a sick child and kiss a boo boo.

I don’t know what it’s like to be bombarded by the multitudes and need some alone time to pray, but I do know what it’s like to be bombarded by my own children and to go and hide in the bathroom for some alone time and prayer. Of course, it’s not long before I see little fingers wiggling under the door.

I don’t know what it’s like to wash the feet of followers, even while knowing that one of them would betray me, but I have washed a few dirty feet in my time.

I don’t know what it’s like to love and serve and die for all of mankind, but I do know what it’s like to love, and serve my own family……even when I think, they don’t deserve it.

So, what does it mean to be a mother? I think it means finding my identity in Jesus Christ...being a servant. It’s in discovering once again that Jesus, though Divine and All-Powerful, is also extremely human and relatable. I find enormous comfort in that. I’m thankful that God gave me this role, and I know that I need Christ within me as I struggle through it. I’m going to make a LOT of mistakes, but God’s Grace abounds when I do. My kids are going to learn about Grace through me and my imperfections, but in learning about Grace, they are also going to learn about Christ.

Moms, if our kids turn out alright it will not be because of us, but because of Christ working through us. We will never be perfect, but I offer you this:

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

And to our families, you heard it hear first, God is still working on us!

It's Good Friday, Do you know where your children are?

It's Good Friday. I'm thinking about all of the Heavy Lifting that goes along with this weekend. I'm thinking about this verse:

"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." John 12:32

Don't get me wrong, I'm thinking about other things today as well, I watched The Sound of Music this morning and 'How do you solve a problem like Maria!' is still blaring in my ears. There is cleaning to do, and lunch with some friends, and all of the "Easter stuff " still has to be done. But, I'm also thinking about how special it is that Jesus was Lifted Up on the Cross....and I'm taking it pretty personal....and I'm feeling pretty special about it all. Amidst the busyness of today, I will pause, and remember, and say thank you. Thank you Jesus, for going ALL THE WAY for me.

And....I'm thinking about Sunday. More Heavy Lifting, but, this time we celebrate that Jesus was Lifted Up from the Earth, the Resurrected Savior.

"God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4

Lots of Heavy Lifting going on, what will you be doing in remembrance?

Anticipating Sunday

Holy week is always a time of deep reflection and emotion for me. It was written on my heart by my mom growing up, and has stayed there over the years. Many thoughts fill my heart and mind this week. Along with Easter eggs, and Easter baskets, and Easter egg hunts, I think about a woman washing Jesus’ feet with her hair. I think about Palm branches. I think about a Temple and some overturned tables. I think about that last sermon, a dark room, and a basin of water for washing feet. I think about a man with clean feet receiving 30 pieces of silver. I think about a garden, and sleepy followers, and that final prayer. I think about Pilate, a bowl of water, and the inscription "The King of the Jews." I think about a Crown, and a Cross, and the Nazarene who is the Center of it all. Then, there is silence – the Tomb. I can’t wait for Sunday.

Sunday brings thoughts of Life and Hope. I can’t wait to take Communion, and I know I won’t be able to sing a note during worship for the emotion. Victory. Celebration. Jesus is Alive! Life, and Hope abound because of the Love and Power of God. The implications of this moment are enormous and transformational. There is No such thing as a hopeless situation. God can breathe new life into all things – relationships, addictions, illnesses - there is nothing too big, or too far gone for God. Come Sunday, come.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

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"We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Wonder Bread

This is my new favorite communion passage.

"13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread." Luke 24

Fear Factor

I've been dwelling in Psalm 34 this week. I love it. As we go forward on this journey, it gives me great comfort to hear that those who fear GOD lack nothing. As part of a Wednesday night class, we have been talking about fears. I am learning that God will prepare and provide us with everything that we need to walk into His preferred and promised future. When we fear God, we lack nothing. I realize that I have things a little mixed up. I fear that we lack what we need to be used here, I fear rejection, I fear the unknown. I fear for my kids. I fear many things - when I should fear God. What does that mean? I think that fearing God means that my respect, reverence, and awe of God and His supreme power, should trump all of my fears. I don't think it's wrong to fear, many of our Biblical heroes struggled with fear - even Jesus said His soul was troubled. Yet, when God's children went forward (some were pushed), and trusted in His mercy and provision, He provided the strength, tools, and skills they needed. Not suprisingly, we see that they also prayed a lot!

Right now we have friends who are struggling with serious illness, embarking on the journey of parenthood, starting a new business, settling into new homes, beginning new ministries, and some are waiting to find out where God will send them - all things that naturally have some fear associated with them. May we all praise and seek the Lord, who out of His great love, will listen, answer, deliver, and provide.

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1-10