she who reads, may write

Why Does Your Teacher Eat with Tax Collectors and Sinners?

2011-11-17T10:27:00.001-08:00

It's been so long, I almost forgot my password! In any event, I have come out of hiding, very Bobby Fischeresque (if only I played chess), to post a book review because this particular book has captured my attention and I have been unable to stop thinking about it.

Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? This is the poignant question that Richard Beck addresses in his book, Unclean: Meditations on Purity, Hospitality, and Mortality. Beck is an experimental psychologist and professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University in Texas. Unclean explores the relationship between notions of purity, mission, theology, and psychology in light of Matthew 9:9-13, in which Jesus is questioned by some Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners. This book is Beck’s attempt to get to the root of Jesus’ statement to the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Unclean is written to and for the church as an admonition to become aware of the psychology of disgust and how it is manifest within our churches. Disgust psychology is that innate part of us that feels revulsion toward anything deemed unclean, such as bodily waste, dirty food, people, actions, etc. Disgust psychology creates within us the desire to separate ourselves from things or people who are deemed unclean or impure. It causes us to build walls in order to maintain our own purity, and serves to protect us from foreign and unclean substances and diseases. This innate reflex has some positive protective aspects. However, it also strongly, and detrimentally, influences us at a moral level causing us to exclude those that we view as the “other”. What does this have to do with theology? Beck purports that there is, “An affective, experiential, and psychological aspect to theological reflection. We are pulled toward certain theological systems and repelled, even repulsed, by others.” (5)

Disgust properties create sociological barriers and motivate acts of exclusion, which is what we see happening in Matthew 9. The Pharisees’ “disgust properties” are shown as Jesus rejects long-held psychological, sociological and theological barriers by eating with those deemed by the Pharisees to be unclean. I found this to be quite compelling because I have always considered the Pharisees’ hatred of Jesus as stemming more from His oppositional theological stances. Beck made me dig a bit deeper into the psychological aspect of that tension. There is more at work here than just religious and social norms, Jesus is also messing with psychological constructs. Beck asserts that disgust psychology is still at work in our churches as it protects the “sacred and holy” from descending into the “vulgar and profane.” Ultimately, Beck argues that this psychology inhibits hospitality and leads to missional failure because it comes in direct conflict with the character and actions of Christ. Jesus rejects this form of “holiness,” pushes for mercy, and at the same time, Jesus purifies the contagion.

The strongest and most thought-provoking part of Beck’s book is his compelling assertions about the universalizing power of the Eucharist. The Lord’s Supper is the central act of worship. It is the place where all are invited, guests with no merit, by our gracious and merciful Host, Christ, to a fellowship of solidarity, unity, and mission. Yet in many places, past and present, the Table is a place of exclusion and hierarchy. This was not the way Jesus treated the Table. Beck states, “The Lord’s Supper universalizes language of family and kinship. People dislocated by race, blood ties, and socioeconomic class are embraced and included through their participation in the Lord’s Supper.” (113) Indeed, Jesus’ ministry of table fellowship challenged notions of superiority by proclaiming radical egalitarianism within the Kingdom of God. Beck purports that the Lord’s Supper speaks into our notions of purity and separation. Communion is deep and powerful psychological intervention. (114)

I found Beck’s thoughts on Communion to be convicting and empowering. I had not considered the profound notion that the Eucharist alters, remakes, and re-configures my psyche, the psyche of my church! Beck states, “The Lord’s Supper, through its metaphors and the missional practices it promotes, is a ritual that is fundamentally altering and remaking the psyche. The Lord’s Supper reconfigures the way we experience otherness. More specifically, the Lord’s Supper is a practice that dismantles the psychic fissures within the heart that create otherness.” (113)

Unclean is a compelling book. It caused me to think about the hospitality of God and my church. It caused me to consider my nature - am I a hospitable being? (I do have a very high gag reflex when it comes to smells. This was quite entertaining when our kids were still in diapers). Unclean also made me think about the places in my life where I have seen the radical and boundary-breaking work of Christ. On Thursday nights in Portland there is a large group of Christ-followers, from all denominations, that meet under the Burnside Bridge to eat with and care for the increasing population of homeless persons in the city. This is a place where I see and experience the dismantling of psychic fissures that create otherness. It is not uncommon to break bread with a drug addict, paint the fingernails of a prostitute, or wash some seriously dirty feet. I hate feet. They gross me out. (Insert gag reflex here). Yet, I have sat under that bridge and washed the dirty, smelly feet of a 19-year-old homeless kid with HIV. I am certain that this is the dismantling work of Christ. I love looking around that bridge and seeing the diverse group of people, “clean” and “unclean” breaking bread together, washing feet, cutting hair, and praying together. Truly, Jesus is cleansing all of us. Beck helped clarify that for me.

I am thankful to Beck for challenging me to think deeply about hospitality and mercy, about psychology, theology, and mission. Beck asserts that, “Hospitality is about selfhood. It is that space where the dignity of every human person is vouchsafed, embraced, and protected deep within the heart of the church.”(140) This, is the kind of space that I long for my church to be, that I long to be. Beck has further opened my eyes to the realization that hospitality and welcome requires self-assessment and intentionality on our part. He has caused me to see the power in Jesus’ words, “mercy, not sacrifice.” I believe that we all need to look at ourselves and our churches critically, particularly in light of the life and teachings of Christ. We must ask, “Why does our teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And, we must ask, “Why don’t we?”

Anger Induced Walkabout

2010-04-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve been going for a bit of a walkabout in Hebrews. You know, Crocodile Dundee style, where you take off and spend months wondering around getting to know the lay of the land, and ultimately yourself. It is a gooood book. So much to chew on, that is, if you are looking for some good solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14). I guess you could just read it through, but it’s best to bring a shovel and dig in, confront the adolescent within you, emerge a woman! (Or man, as the case may be).

I should start by saying that it was anger that prompted this journey. Cancer. Another beloved relative. Again. Those words seem so big, and so devastating. It didn’t take long for me to find Hebrews 3:6, “But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” I needed this message badly, and stayed here for a good long while. Christ is faithful, we are His, have courage, hold on to hope. When I find myself asking why, or getting angry, this is my prayer. Each time I say it, I feel a little more honest, a little more comforted, and a little less alone. The author of Hebrews is right, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (4:12-13).

On this walkabout, I am learning about a great priest who is able to sympathize with my weaknesses, and in whom I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. During Holy Week, I lingered in Hebrews 9 and 10, and was encouraged by the Mediator of a new and better covenant. I read about the limitations of sacrifices, and about the limitless love and power that encompass one final sacrifice. And, I am learning about faith, and my need for more of it. I am less angry, most days. But, the most significant thing I have come to know, is that I am not alone on this journey, Christ is with me. Likewise, my loved ones do not suffer alone, Christ suffers with them. It’s been raw, and tough, and a more than a little comforting, so far.

Today, I’m hanging out in Hebrews 12, wrestling with the things in my life that can be shaken, and the things in my life that cannot. I’ll be here a while.

26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire."

Good Friday, I'm in Love

2010-04-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Cross is on my mind today, enough to prompt a new post to this long neglected blog. My head is a mixed bag of emotions……which one should I write about? Maybe it’s the sun trying to peek through the clouds on this otherwise rainy day, or maybe it’s the optimistic beat of the song Pandora is playing for me, but I’m going with Thankful. I’m thankful that a couple thousand years ago, God chose to do something that still changes my life today.

Admittedly, I have a lot to learn about discipleship, I’m not a great student. But, I love my Teacher, and I’m thankful. I’m thankful for every nail, for mercy, for freedom, for purpose, and for hope. I’m thankful that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. Truly, the implications of The Cross are as pervasive today as they ever were. It’s Good Friday, thank Goodness!

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22

Great Expectations

2009-12-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love most about PUMP Church is that worship is planned by many of our gifted worship lovers. Therefore, worship often contains unexpected blessings that contribute to the worship experience. I love coming to worship and singing with my brothers and sisters, and I also love the unexpected songs, videos, and artistic pieces that often accompany this worship. You never know what might happen during worship at PUMP. Our God is creative.

We enjoyed this video during communion on Sunday. Song by the Dave Matthew's Band, and video by Ike Graul.

Something Stinky This Way Comes

2009-06-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-04-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

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

*********

"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

2009-03-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

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

We Are Here Now - The Oregon Trail

2009-03-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello blog friends! It’s been a few months since my last post. I knew it would be an insanely busy time, and made the conscious decision not to blog. However, I have been thinking about this particular “Welcome Back” post throughout this time of transition and change. So much has happened during the last couple months. I will fill you in with the major news and spare you the gory details.

First, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the first anniversary of this blog! I started this blog when we were in Portland last year, and celebrated its first anniversary back in Portland again. The decision to start this blog on MLK Day was intentional. It just seemed right to start sharing what God had been doing with us in the way of ministry and discipleship on the same day that we celebrate a man who took Jesus’ announcement in Luke 4:16-20 to heart. It’s amazing how God works all things together.

After a few years of following God into a new ministry direction, God eventually led us to Portland, Oregon last year for a temporary assignment. During that time, we served with PUMP and were challenged and stretched. We returned to New Mexico, but had been changed by the experience. After nine months back in New Mexico, it became clear that all roads were again leading back to the Oregon Trail. So, at the end of December, we packed up our home of eight years and relocated to the Great Northwest. We were eager to reunite with our brothers and sisters and all of the amazing kids at PUMP, and to be part of the community there. This transition has been full of ups and downs for our entire family. It was tough saying goodbye to our family and friends in New Mexico, who have loved, supported, and encouraged us. Trying to sell a house in this market, well, it was a miracle that it all worked out the way it did. New neighborhoods! New schools! New neighbors!

Our family is learning a great deal about trusting in God’s mercy and provision, and relying on the hospitality of our new neighbors. Some of our neighbors brought us banana bread, some brought plants, and others tagged PIMP on our fence. I wanted to post a picture of it, but Tim removed it before I had the chance to take a picture. It’s been an exhausting and emotional roller coaster…….and something that we have needed for a long time. God is always up to something, and we look forward to finding out where He wants us to join Him!

So, here we are. Tim recently discovered that Oregon was listed in a Gallup Poll as one of the top ten least religious states. Maybe so, but make no mistake, God is as present here as He is anywhere else. Perhaps, that is why we feel at peace here even as we wrestle with anxiety and fear. We have no idea how to minister with the people in this community, and have no clear vision about where God wants us to serve. We haven’t the slightest clue what we are doing, and have come to realize that our ability to see God at work is entirely too limited. Yet, we know that God is here. God is acting here, and we have never felt closer to Him.

A special thank you to all of our brothers and sisters at PUMP who have been extremely helpful and hospitable to us since our arrival. You are a blessing!

May the Spirit of the Lord be on us all.

*Right now we are reading We Are Here Now by Patrick Keifert. This is a great book about Spiritual Discernment and Missional Transformation. We are reading it in conjunction with PUMP and Partnership for a Missional Church.

Non-Stop Wrestling Action

2008-12-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

We have many (and I mean many) friends and family that are dealing with some serious health issues right now. I know that some of you who read this blog also deal with chronic health issues. I don't have any answers, but I thought I would post some Scriptures that I find encouraging. I believe that God's Word increases our faith and strengthens our prayers.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." Psalm 147:3-4

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17

“I am the LORD, who heals you." Exodus 15:26

“This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” II Kings 20:5

“O LORD, my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” Psalms 30:2

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:8-9 (my personal favorite).

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.” Matthew 4:23-24

“Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." Matthew 8:7

“She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. Matthew 9:21-22

“And wherever he went--into villages, towns or countryside--they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.” Mark 6:56

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16

I've been thinking about suffering and healing a lot. I believe that God can and does heal. I've seen it happen. Yet, I've never heard a good explanation for why we must suffer - a fallen world, to learn obedience, punishment for sin - I'm sure you have heard all of these. Some even have some root in Scripture. Still, when you watch a friend suffer with the horrendous pain that comes from a terminal illness, none of them make sense, at least not to me. God and I have had some heated conversations about this type of suffering. He never gave me the answer I thought I was looking for. But, I am learning this, we never suffer alone. Christ, the Suffering Servant, suffers with us. I struggle with suffering, yet I don't need to have all the answers right now. Struggling with God is wrestling with Good Company. I'm certain that our wrestling match will lead to a greater understanding of who God is, and who I am in Him. For now, I take comfort in knowing that Christ is present.

Table Setting: Thanks Required

2008-11-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, our little ones were all sick. So, we stayed home and had worship. I love worshipping and fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters at the church building, but I also love Sunday mornings like this, gathering together as a family to worship, sing, read Scripture, pray, and share Communion. There is no structure, we all just take turns picking songs, reading Scriptures, praying, and fielding questions from the youngest member of the family. "Mommy, why are we eating this tortilla?" "This tortilla is the Body of Christ?" “Can you heat mine up?” "Can you put some grape juice in my Dora cup?" "Can we use a straw?" Normally, we would use one cup for such an event, but since three of our members had colds, we went with many cups! No, we did not replace the grape juice with grape cough medicine! It was a hilarious and wonderful morning.

I love the pure and simple faith of children, and the excitement that they have for serving. They are overjoyed with the opportunity to gather around a table to pray, to sing songs, to read Scripture, and to talk about God. Tim and I are very thankful for our children, and for the challenging opportunity to make disciples that comes with them. We are thankful for the blessing of gathering around a table together, and building relationships with one another, and with our Host.

Speaking of tables, one glance around our Thanksgiving Day table reminded us once again, that we are blessed. We sat around a table loaded with family, friends, and food. We are very thankful for them all. What are you thankful for?

“30When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” Luke 24

Touch A Life

2008-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned the Touch-A-Life Foundation before. Please check out the following video of this incredible fight to free trafficked children.

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4

Season's Eatings!

2008-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

This time of year I am usually busy working on Christmas cards! Each year, our family spends about $50.00 on Christmas cards (including postage). In 2006, Americans sent out an estimated 2 billion Christmas cards at an average of $30.00 per household. Wow!

I’m sure that in the current economic climate the Greeting Card Industry will suffer along with everyone else. Understandably, many families are forgoing this tradition due to the cost. Still, millions of Holiday cards will go out this year. I have always enjoyed making and sending Christmas cards. We usually try to take the perfect picture of the kids and send it along with a clever Christmas greeting. However, over the last few years, we have been looking for ways to spend less and give more - especially over the holidays where spending has become its own tradition.

The holiday season reminds us how blessed we are, and encourages us to bless others, even in small ways. Our family is starting a new tradition this year, for the first time in ten years, will not be sending out Christmas cards. Instead, we are donating the $50.00 we usually spend to the Albuquerque Gospel Rescue Mission. This $50.00 will provide 36 meals to people in need. Yep, 36 people will eat a meal with that money. I wish we would have thought of that ten years ago. Tim and I think of this season as a special time to focus on Christ, if that's true, shouldn’t we also focus on the things, on the people, that Christ cares about? It’s a small step, but a step nonetheless.

So, to our friends and family that usually get a Christmas card from us, you have not been ignored, passed over, or forgotten. We just want to do a little something more for those who are often ignored, passed over, or forgotten. And, just to show you how much we still love you, we will be sending you a free Holiday email instead! Any of you care to join us and make this a tradition for your own family?!

Most Gospel Rescue Missions have a website where you can find out their immediate needs. This is a great opportunity to get a group of people together and meet those needs. Many Non-profit Organizations are really hurting right now; it’s a great time to find one and find out what you can do to help. Many of these organizations need money, but they also need people willing to get their hands dirty. Finally, let’s not stop blessing when the Holiday Season is over; Christ made it a priority all year long.

What is your church, small group, or family doing to bless others? Please share your projects and/or ideas.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12

The Ultimate Prayer Warrior

2008-11-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

Christ is our example in all things. I love these passages from Scripture that give us a glimpse into the prayer life of Christ.

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:16

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." Luke 6:12

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." – Samuel Chadwick

Prayers,Petitions.......and a God who Hears

2008-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this passage from Hebrews 5:

"7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. 8Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered 9and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him..."

We remember God's Power and Love, and offer up similar prayers on behalf of loved ones. How precious it is to be in relationship with God. In Him, we live, move, and have our being. Thank you Father!

Indecision 2009

2008-10-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Election Day draws nearer. Many Americans are evaluating their list of issues and comparing them to the stances of the Presidential candidates. My eight-year-old is one of them. (She doesn't get it from us). Here's what she found out about McCain and Obama from Scholastic News (also included is some of her comments).

Senator John McCain

Married.
Has seven kids (he must have a lot of patience).
Has four grandchildren (a great characteristic in her eyes).
Favorite food is Mexican (we're from New Mexico.....the land of Hatch chili).
Favorite children's book is King Arthur.
Favorite activity is hiking.
Has four dogs, two parakeets, one cat, and a tank of fish.

Senator Barack Obama

Married.
Has two daughters.
Favorite food is chili (her favorite food is frito pie).
Favorite children's book is Harry Potter (if she was a one issue voter, this one could have sealed the deal).
Favorite activity is basketball.
Promised daughters a dog after the election is over (sounds responsible).

And after all that, she, like so many Americans, is still undecided!

A Shack and Shacking Up

2008-10-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Have you read The Shack? Check out this series of reviews posted by John Mark Hicks. I've read quite a few reviews of this book, but have enjoyed Hick's the most. He not only captured - what I thought - was the essence of the book, but he also tackles some of the controversies that have followed the book.

I wrote the following post for Obedience School.

New Mexico Woman Falls in Well

"10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4

If a woman’s concept of God determines the depth of her prayer life, then it’s important for me to ‘Know the Gift of God.’ Like the Woman at the Well, I, don’t realize that I’m thirsty. I think that I am satisfied and have everything I need – AND - I know where the well is when I need to draw more. I don’t realize that I am thirsty, what’s more, that I’m thirsty for Christ. I keep drawing and drinking from the well of earthly possessions, needs, and desires. It barely wets my whistle and merely curbs my thirst.

And, just like the Woman at the Well, I am never truly satisfied. I desire a deeper relationship with Christ. I desire a deeper prayer life. For this to happen, I must first recognize that I AM THIRSTY…….for Jesus. I need the Living Water more than I need my next breath! So, I’m praying for a parched throat, one that aches for, and can only be quenched by the Living Water that is Christ.

Rubber Meets Road

2008-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

I went to a Bible study a couple of weeks ago and something has been bothering me ever since. It’s this passage in Philippians 3.

“12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”

I’ll just be completely honest here, too often, I like to think, that I have a few things about Christ and discipleship figured out. So, at this Bible study I was happily coasting through this passage: Haven’t obtained all this – check, Pressing on – check, Jesus – check, Forgetting the past – check, Mature – Double check! At this point, I’ve got the top down and the wind is blowing through my self-righteous hair! Oh, how I LOVE the BIBLE STUDY!! Then, I get hit by the Mack truck, better known as verse 16. Something about living up to what I have already attained. I’m still recovering from the whiplash. IF, and that’s a very big IF, but IF, I have attained anything, I should live up to it! So, I have to stop and think. Maybe I have attained a few things on this journey, but it’s insane that I would have the audacity to take pride in something that God has revealed to me. It’s even more insane that I would be self-righteous about something I may know, but have yet to live out! Verse 16, literally means that IF I have come to know something, I should also walk in it. There is no coasting in discipleship. I think I’ll move over and let Jesus drive.

Check out this new blog along this same vein!

You Can Take A Girl Out of the Suburbs

2008-09-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

I’ve been on a blogging hiatus for a few weeks. I’ve still been writing. I just haven’t felt like posting anything. I am excited about catching up on all of your blogs and filling you in on this one.

We are moving back to the Northwest and have begun the crazy process of moving. We have lived in the Southwest for most of our lives and love it. Our families are here and we love green chili! However, we recently spent eight months in the Portland area and fell in love with a little church called PUMP. I’ve already spoken about the “urban journey” that Tim and I have been on over the past several years - Dan Rodriguez Ruins Lives! We believe God has been preparing us for this move. Lots of emotion accompanies this transition, but excitement is what I’m feeling now. I know we will continue to be challenged in all aspects of our lives. At times we have grown weary of the conviction that has taken place within our hearts, but this conviction has also sparked our curiosity in Christ again. This curiosity has led us into a deeper relationship with the Jesus of the Gospels, and continues to reshape our thoughts about discipleship and the Kingdom of God. So, in a few months we will embark on a new aspect of this journey. You can take the girl out of the suburbs, but, can you take the suburbs out of the girl? We are about to find out! I look forward to blogging about our experiences.

I have to mention something that had me laughing today. I read one of Mark Love's posts about salvation and mission. You can read it here. The post itself is really good and nothing to laugh about, what had me laughing, was the groundbreaking method of evangelism being employed by one of Malibu’s churches. I’m sure we are all familiar with tracts (let me go on the record to say that I’m not bashing tracts here), however, this particular church is going above and beyond traditional methods of tract passing. I won’t share anymore hey soul classics here, you have to go buy your own! Seriously, go check it out.

In View of God's Mercy, Part II

2008-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted this blog, about Romans 12:1. “1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

This, will be the first in a series of guest blogger posts inspired by this Scripture. There were several people that came to mind when I sat back to consider this passage. Cheryle Daniels, was the first. Without even meaning to, she has had a great impact on my life.....and my faith. Her daily life, her unselfish love for her family, and her unwavering faith, have caused me to view my own life through a different lens. She has challenged me, not with her words, but by her life. I'm thankful. I pray God's continued blessings upon her and her precious family. Enjoy her post and give her some love!

"I’m not anyone special. At least not on my own, however, with the Lord as my Savior and example, I can be someone special. My husband and I are often approached by individuals who say we are wonderful people. Really, we are just parents of two adorably cute, adopted children. Our daughter is 6, and is from Vietnam. Our son will soon be 4, and is from China. In December of 2005, I along with my husband, daughter, two grandmas and a great aunt, traveled to China to adopt Joseph. He was 15 months old at the time and was born with a serious heart defect that would require open-heart surgery to repair. We did our homework via on-line research and contacted a local Pediatric Cardiologist to review the reports. Despite the limited information that we had received about Joseph’s condition, the cardiologist was able to give us his opinion. We knew that little Joseph would have a rough road ahead of him, we knew that our lives would change drastically, but we also knew that we wanted him. Therefore, it really was not a matter of if we should bring this little guy home, but when.

Upon seeing Joseph for the first time in China, I was scared. He looked so frail, and terrified of us. It did not take long for him to warm up to his big sister, and eventually he let us care for him. It took 10 long days before we were back safely in the US, where our own doctors could begin Joseph’s treatments. During our trip, and once we got home, we were covered in prayer by the other adoptive families we met in China. Their emails and prayers kept us strong during the difficult transitions.

However, our precious Joseph would soon to take a turn for the worst. He suffered a stroke on December 21st during a procedure in the hospital. Joseph lost all mobility in his arms and legs, with the exception of his left leg, having slight movement. Within a few days we were told that our son had suffered wide-spread damage throughout his brain and that he would never walk or speak. We were told that he had probably had other strokes in his mother’s womb. We know God is sovereign over all things, and that this news was no surprise to Him. God, had chosen us to be Joseph’s parents, and our only thoughts were on how we were going to care for this precious gift, without knowing his full potential. Daily, I asked God for the strength to get through that day. One of my life verses is found in Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” He has never failed me.

Today, Joseph still does not walk, speak, or eat by mouth. However, he loves watching TV, he enjoys his big sister, and he goes to school and communicates with small gestures. He went through open heart surgery last summer, and his heart is working and pumping wonderfully. With the added strength in his body, Joseph can sit up, hold a toy, walk with assistance and take small bites by mouth. (His primary nutrition comes through formula pumped into a G-Tube directly into his stomach.) When asked how I manage his therapies, doctor’s appointments, and daily nutrition, I say, “I'm just a Mom!” My husband and I stay grounded in our faith because we know that Joseph is part of God’s plan for us. We have a solid foundation because we are surrounded by saints in our church family. We remain hopeful because Joseph improves daily. We all have choices, ours was to bring this precious child to our home and make him part of our family. God chooses to “hold on and never let go,through the calm, and through the storm….” (Lyrics by Matt Redman)."

Reconciliation

2008-09-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

I haven’t felt much like writing lately. Some people we care about are going through some serious stuff. Sometimes, the reality of our struggle against the flesh, hits like a ton of bricks. Paul says that our struggles are not against the flesh, but against “the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” It has been a time of reflection and prayer, a time to take a step back and look at our own struggles, a time to tighten up the ranks, and a time to go to God. Although we don’t enjoy times like this, it causes us to re-focus and reminds us of our desperate need for God. We fail, but, His Light shines out of darkness, and His Love covers over a multitude of sins. Our God speaks, and dead things come to life.....this gives me hope.

The instinct in times like this is often to talk to others, but the best thing to do is let God talk to us. Here are the Scriptures I have felt God speaking to me through during the last few days.

“50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15

“16So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” II Corinthians 5

What Scriptures do you go to during times of trial?

Finally, check out this post from Urban Daily.

Everything That I Keep Missing

2008-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

I love this song! Check it out.

Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere,
Why have I never cared?

Chorus:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Yeah
Yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work
He's buying time
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?

Chorus

I've been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all along

Chorus (x2)

"16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4

Check out what is going on over at Touch a Life!

Stubborn Pride

2008-08-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Music is powerful. I have been swept up in worship through music, and I have also been convicted of sin through music. I thought I would share an example of this with you. It just so happened that this Relient K song, Less is More, was something I really needed to hear.

18 'If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. 20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of the land yield their fruit. " Leveticus 26

Pride is a huge stumbling block that can drastically alter our lives. Remember, King Uzziah (II Chronicles 26)? Things were going really well for him, he was doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and then...................pride. He was unfaithful (a "little" matter of over-stepping his boundaries in The Temple of the Lord), broke out with leprosy and had it until he died. Yikes!

Anyone else struggle with pride?

It's Not Easy Going Green

2008-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our kids started school last week. There are some special parking spaces for people with hybrid cars (right up front). What do you think about that?

In View of God's Mercy

2008-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Some scriptures have changed both my faith and my views about discipleship. One passage in particular has greatly impacted me.

“1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:1-8

I have been toying with a couple of ideas for this blog. One, is to post a series of blogs on this passage from Romans 12, “1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” The other, is to invite someone to post a blog here, as a guest blogger. I have decided to combine the two ideas.

I love this passage about true worship being expressed through sacrificial living. I believe the implications of this verse are far-reaching. Personally, it changes the way I think about the way I live as a disciple of Christ. That is to say, that worship to God, giving God all He’s worth, is much more than church attendance, and correct interpretation and adherence to doctrine.

There are people in my life who are the physical manifestation of this sacrificial worship to God. People who daily sacrifice and in so doing, worship God. I have been inspired and humbled by friends and relatives who have adopted and loved children with mental and physical problems that require daily sacrifices on their part, and by friends who take care of sick loved ones, and strangers. People, who give up comfort, often for chaos, and in so doing, point others towards a Living and Loving God. I am asking them to post their stories here on this blog. Make sure to check in and give them the encouragement that they offer to so many others.

What do you think? What does this verse mean to you?

Clearblue Easy

2008-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing to teach a woman's class for which I have borrowed the name "Clearblue Easy." It's for a group of moms (they'll think it's funny, even if you don't)! I found this hilarious video to go along with it. Enjoy!

On Top of Ol' Smokey

2008-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a curriculum about the famous Mounts in the Bible.

Mount Sinai

"17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, 19 and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him." Exodus 19

Mount Zion

"22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." Hebrews 12

The Sermon on the Mount

"13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world..............." Matthew 5

The Mount of Olives

"1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery..............." John 8

"39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed..............." Luke 22

Some pretty cool things have happened on Mounts.

Now for some weekend fun! Take this quiz and see what you remember about some of the famous Mounts in Scripture. If you feel so compelled, comment with your score. I got a 70%.........I guess I should work on the curriculum more!

Olympic Confessions

2008-08-20T14:27:00.001-07:00

Come on, admit it....................you care about the medal count.

Simple Crickets

2008-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

I cannot stand the smell of fish. However, I love fishing. My love for fishing started in my childhood. My dad took us fishing almost every summer. My, how we loved his tackle box. It was filled with all kinds of cool lures. We were convinced that in order to catch the most fish, we needed the biggest, fanciest lure we could find. In our minds, neon colors, lots of gadgets, maybe some glitter, was sure to bring in an abundant catch. I don’t think we ever caught anything with those disco lures. However, my dad, using a simple live cricket would catch enough for all of us. It took us a long time to give up those fancy lures and start using dad’s real bait. Once we did, we started catching fish. (You could argue that the real reasons we didn't catch any fish were incessant talking, and casting, but that doesn't go with what I'm trying to do here).

Shortly after accepting God’s invitation to relationship with Him, I was excited to find out that fishing was involved……..fishing for men.

18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4

I’m still trying to figure out this fishing for men thing. I will be the first to admit that fishing for fish is much different than fishing for men - but - there are some aspects that are similar, at least for me. In both settings, my first reaction is to grab the biggest, fanciest lure that I can find. When it comes to fishing for men, that “lure” is usually a building and a cool program - lots of gadgets - maybe some glitter - sure to bring in some un-churched folks. The only problem is that in most cases, this doesn’t seem to be working. Sure, some folks nibble on the bait, for a while, but very few folks actually take the bait. This isn’t news to anyone, many churches are having this discussion, but I am amazed at how fast a church conversation about imitating the ministry of Christ, a ministry that was defined by ‘going out,’ turns into a conversation about how we can get people into our church buildings.

Simon, Peter, James, and John, left everything to follow Christ. They left their nets, family, and careers to fish for men. As they followed their Rabbi, they learned how to seek and find, they learned how to fish. Yet, we have the hardest time leaving our buildings. Have church buildings and programs become the lures that we use to fish for men? Are we so attached to our buildings that it is impossible for us to imitate the ministry of Christ? I’m not saying that all buildings and programs are bad. I know that some churches have had great success with both, but I question whether it was the cool building/program or if maybe it was something deeper…….like relationship. Maybe, relationship, the kind that Jesus demonstrated and described in His command to Love God and Neighbor, is the ‘simple cricket’ that so many of our churches are missing?

Great things have happened within the walls of church buildings. Gathering together with other members of the Body of Christ to worship and fellowship is essential. I am grateful for the church buildings that I have grown up in, I have learned a lot about Christ within those walls. But, I also learned that fishing for men involves staying put and tossing out new lures. I am not advocating selling all of our church buildings off - what I am asking - is if our attachment and dependence on them is hindering the Commission to spread the Gospel? I would love to hear what you think.

Tips for Hosting a Dinner Party

2008-08-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

I wrote this a couple of years ago after studying Luke 14:12-14.

"12Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Jesus, on the proper way to host a luncheon or dinner..............

As I look around the dinner table, I notice a man dressed in rags. His hand is disfigured and his face is covered. He is a leper. On the floor next to him, lies a paralytic. Across the table, sits a woman, she looks down, she has led a sinful life. Next to her, a lonely looking woman, she is a widow. In the last chair, sits a well-dressed man, a bag full of coins attached to his robes. He shifts nervously in his seat, his bag of coins feels unusually heavy. He is a tax collector. This dinner party is unlike any other - who would bring such a ragged and dishonorable group of people together?

Then, our Host enters the room. He sits down at the table and looks intently at each one of us, His guests. We look into His eyes. He sees us. He knows what we need. Before the meal is served, He forgives each of us for our sins and instructs us to sin no more. He heals us. In disbelief the leper stares at his new hand, his robe falls and finally reveals his full face. The paralytic rises without even testing out his new legs and takes his seat at the table. The sinful woman looks up and smiles, she is no longer guilty and burdened with sin. The widow knows that she is not alone. The tax collector has vowed to live righteously and to only take what is owed. His bag of coins feels much lighter. Our Host smiles and we begin to eat. There are those outside who question His choice of company, but His answer to them.............

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32).

I Highly Recommend.......

2008-08-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

It seems like we all have certain things that we enjoy enough to recommend them to others. My life has been made more enjoyable due to the recommendations of others. I am still grateful to Mrs. Baca, my ninth grade English teacher, for recommending To Kill a Mockingbird to me as a summer read. I have read it every summer since!

There are a few things that I find myself recommending often, such as Seasons One through Four of The Office, the book Men and Women in the Church by Sara Sumner, parasailing, and the smell of a musky old book. BUT, then there are the things that I HIGHLY recommend. Note, the use of the word - highly - the tell-tale sign that I mean business. It translates, "You have got to ......................., so that your life can be complete."

So, name one thing that you highly recommend. Something that has had an impact (big or small) on your life and that you wish to share with others. It can be a life-changing book, a trip, or a Krispy Kreme doughnut. You decide, but only name one.

As for me, I highly recommend that you watch the television mini-series Band of Brothers.

Games of the XXIX Olympiad

2008-08-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

10, 500 athletes, 302 events in 28 sports, only one day left! Tomorrow night, the 2008 Olympics Games will kick-off with the Opening Ceremonies. The slogan, One World One Dream. Our family is excited! I have loved the Summer Games since I was a kid. I even had aspirations of being part of the USA Women's Softball Team! Alas! Some dreams were not meant to be. It's okay, I still love to watch the games despite the fact that I was never able to participate. The Olympics bring back lots of childhood memories for me. Every four years, during the summer, it was okay to eat in the living room! Days consisted of my sister and I pretending to be gymnasts, swimmers, runners, and softball players. We even constructed our own winner's platforms so that we could "humbly" receive our medals. Great memories.

As a kid, and even now, I love the stories that are highlighted throughout the games, stories of athletes who have overcome great trials and tribulations to fulfill their dreams and compete for Olympic Gold! Oh, and let's not forget......the controversies. The Olympic Games are loaded with great stories that evoke great emotion. I look back and fondly remember seeing my entire family, on their feet, yelling at the television. We cheered for our hopefuls, yelled at the competition, and cried with those who achieved personal victory or defeat - together. Inspiration and hope abound, but I really believe that it's the time spent together, watching with friends and family, that make The Games so great! It's just not the same watching a little girl stick a landing from the balance beam all by yourself! There are sure to be some great moments this year, I hope you will get to experience some with friends and family.

We all have favorite Olympic moments, such as Derek Redmond pulling a hamstring and having his dad come out and help him across the finish line in 1992. Kerri Strug's vault with an injured ankle in 1996. I was only eight, but I still remember Mary Lou Retton's perfect floor exercise in 1984. What are some of your favorite Olympic Memories?

Look Who's Coming to Dinner!

2008-08-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite images of Jesus are that of a host or dinner guest. I have always loved the passages where He is eating at someone’s house, either playing host or being a dinner guest. I love Jesus’ dinner parties, the guest list is always……inTEResting. Who in their right mind makes a guest list and includes the names of well known tax collectors and prostitutes?! Martha Stewart wouldn’t stand for it. I love Jesus as the Lord of Hosts. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about living a missional life. Not just going to a missional church or participating in missional activities, but in living and being a missional disciple. Not surprisingly, when I think of missional, I think of Jesus the Lord of Hosts, Jesus the dinner guest. I know there are lots of different takes on the word missional. It has become a catch phrase in ministry. My opinion, is that missional is a verb with the intention to ‘go out.’ I believe that to be missional, is to be intentional about seeking relationships where the Good News can be shared in both word and deed. I look at passages like this one in Mark 2.

13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

15While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Several things strike me about this, but the one that’s been eating at me the most (pun intended) is that Jesus was eating at a sinner’s house, with lots of other sinners. Missional in a nutshell. I spend a lot of time with people that are very similar to me, and I make a concerted effort to stay in my comfort zone. I am more than happy to host a dinner party, but most of the time my guest list includes people whose beliefs and lives mirror my own. I can’t even remember the last time I was invited to have dinner with someone outside of my belief system and lifestyle. If I really want to be missional, then my guest list and dinner invites have got to change.

A Bundle of Joy and Humility

2008-07-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to give some advice to a first time mom. I gave the advice I always give (unsolicited of course). Never Say Never. Yes, that about sums up what we’ve learned over the last eight years of parenting. It’s been a humbling experience. We were very optimistic and probably a tad cocky when we first started out. “Our kids will never eat snacks during church.” “Our kids will never cry, yell, or make a scene at a restaurant.” “We are never going to neglect our marriage because of our kids.” “We are never going to drive off and forget one of our kids.” Never, say never. Parenting is humbling. There is a lot that is simply out of our control, and even more that doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

What about you, did you say never? What about? What advice would you give?

A Cup of Water that's Hard to Swallow

2008-07-24T10:15:00.001-07:00

I have never heard a sermon on this passage from Mark 9:

"38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded."

I'm guessing most of us hasn't? It's a powerful passage of Scripture.....and maybe it just opens the doors of fellowship too wide for some. Afterall, we have our checklists of who is and who isn't a "genuine" follower of Christ - people that worship like us, minister like us, interpret like us, believe like us, live like us, and even look like us. The disciples were the same. They were ready to stop a good work from being done, in the name of Christ, because the person doing it wasn't part of their group. Emphatically, Jesus says, "Don't stop him!" "Anyone who is not against us is for us."

There is a lot of great work being done in the world by people who are very different than me, and if they are good enough for Christ, they must be good enough for me.

49 “For everyone will be tested with fire.50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Blessings in Aluminum

2008-07-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our Tenth Wedding Anniversary! It’s hard to believe that Tim and I have been married for a decade! The modern tenth anniversary gift is diamonds, but I’m not much of a diamond girl. The traditional gift for this anniversary is tin or aluminum – now that leaves room for some creativity! I’m using aluminum to make a life size model of myself……..not really.

The pliability of tin and aluminum is a symbol of how a successful marriage needs to be flexible and durable, and how it can be bent without being broken. I love that symbolism. We have certainly been through our share of bends. I think about the changes we have gone through together, some expected and some unexpected. Personality differences, communication issues, children, post-partum depression, the deaths of loved ones, sin. Life has taught us flexibility, but our faith in Christ has taught us durability. There have been challenges, but I think that these bends in the aluminum have helped us to grow as individuals, and as a couple. We have found durability in God’s blessings. He takes our different personalities and makes them compliment one another. He takes our communication issues and makes it possible for us to teach and minister together. Our children have changed our lives, but for the better. There have been bends, but all were opportunities to draw closer to one another and Christ. I can’t think of a better symbol than aluminum for this anniversary. Our marriage has been an experiment in aluminum sculpting!

“10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:10

Happy Anniversary Tim! I look forward to the next ten years of genuine affection, honor, and service to God. I love you.

The Slavery of Less Than

2008-07-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

We have returned from a week long Bible camp at Pine Springs in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains. We studied the book of Galatians with176 amazing teens, 20 college counselors, and about 25 staff. I am always honored that so many teens are willing to invite us into their lives and share their struggles, some of them quite serious. Galatians 6 tells us to “bear one another’s burdens.” It was an honor to not only help others to bear some, but to find others so eager to bear some of mine. Galatians is a great book. It contains a simple message of Freedom through Christ. Yet, it is so difficult to live out. The Galatians were being persuaded to go back to the law, a works oriented salvation, something less than what Christ provided for them. I wondered how we would translate this message to teens, most of them are not tempted to go back to the Old Law. But, it became clear that we are all tempted to leave our freedom in Christ and go back to something less than what Christ offers. What I learned this week, is that like the Galatians, most of us, regardless of age, are easily persuaded to trade our freedom in Christ for the slavery of something. Substance abuse. Self-injury. Sex. Anger. Pornography. Pride. Envy. Selfish- ambition. Something less than. Turns out, the message that Paul gave to the Galatians was exactly what we all needed to hear. God spoke His word into each of our hearts this week, that word was FREEDOM!

“1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Jesus Lives Next Door

2008-07-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Jesus lives next door. He’s an eight-year-old girl and her three-year-old brother. The Son of Man looks like those starving Ethiopian children. He only gets breakfast and lunch at school, when he makes it. His mama is a crack whore. Nobody knows where his daddy is. I heard his mama lets her “Johns” do things to him.
Poor King of Kings.

Jesus is two houses down and has six children. Now he’s pregnant with the seventh. I don’t know if he hasn’t figured out what birth control is, or what, but how does he expect his husband to feed all those babies on that salary? And you know with all those kids the Lord of Lords can’t work. That means hardworking taxpayers’ money has to go for Christ’s food stamps!
He needs to get fixed.

The Lord is a crazy man-paranoid schizophrenic. If he doesn’t take his medication, he walks up and down the street, cussing and spitting on everybody he passes. He’s homeless. Nobody knows where his family is-if he’s got one. Digs out of the trash cans for food. Somebody ought to get him off the street.
Jesus is nothing but a nuisance.

I’m starting to see the Son of God everywhere I go. He’s always crying or begging or looking pitiful. Why doesn’t he pull himself up by his bootstraps? This is America! Makes me mad. He’s ruining our neighborhood.
Somebody ought to do something about him.
Somebody."

By Claudia Mair Burney

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:31-40

I Like My Jesus to Party

2008-07-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend the book Justice in the Burbs, by Will and Lisa Samson. Tim and I have found that it mirrors our own missional/urban journey. We have highlighted our copy to death! So much of what Will and Lisa have experienced resonates with our own experience, the realization that discipleship is more than just going to church, reading our Bibles, doing the right thing. For us, it is the realization that discipleship involves imitating the ministry of Christ. No longer living in ignorance or staring blankly at the problems and issues that affect our world, but knowing and doing something about the ones that we can. There is a lot of heated discussion going on about what some call the 'Social Gospel.' It’s true that some have focused more on the side of social justice, downplaying the fact that Jesus came not only to offer hope for the problems of the world, but to take away the sins of the world. Still, others have focused almost singularly on “making the world holy as we are holy.” Ironically, this has lead us to a new form of discipleship I like to call being….“Not In and Not Of.” Tim and I have leaned toward the latter. We have focused on the inside of our dishes for most of our adult lives. It took a while for us to see and be willing to admit that the outside of our dishes are a mess. Don’t misunderstand me, there is a place for tithing dill and mint, but we can’t neglect what Jesus calls the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy, and faith. Discipleship involves doing both. So, I don’t see why proponents of either side are arguing about these two aspects of discipleship. Both aspects are Biblical, both aspects are important, and both were commissioned by Christ.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:23

Celebrating Freedom

2008-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July! I love the time with friends and family, the food, the parades, the fireworks, I love it all! It is also Skyler’s birthday. He turned six this year. Happy Birthday Skyler!

I would be totally remiss if I did not also mention the theme of Freedom that defines this day. Freedom is a great thing to celebrate. On Sunday, we leave for a week long Bible camp session for teens. We will continue this theme as we study Galatians. It’s a great book about the Freedom that we have in Christ. Paul lays out a clear message, ‘we are not saved by anything we feel, do, or know, but by Christ alone.’ There’s Freedom in that. I love celebrating the Freedom that I have in being a citizen of the United States, but I am really looking forward to celebrating the Freedom that I have in Christ.

“Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” Galatians 4:4-7

A Picture's Worth a 1,000 Words

2008-07-02T09:24:00.001-07:00

I found this cool website called Wordle, via my friend Allan's blog. You can copy and paste your blog's URL and it will create a Wordle for you. Click to see mine:

Wait-Training

2008-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing that we are all waiting for something. Forgiveness? Direction? Reunion?Reconciliation? Healing? Reduced gas prices? A spicy chicken sandwich? I'm not very good at it. I just have to do something, anything to move the process along. Only, sometimes....you just can't. You simply have to wait. It's good to know that I am not alone. A quick glance at BibleGateway shows that the words wait/waiting appear over 120 times. That's a lot of waiting! Noah waited. Moses waited. Ruth waited. Job waited. Paul waited. How's that for good company? These ancestors in the faith don't seem to have been any better at it than I. We are all waiting for something. During this time of waiting, I am struggling to learn patience and trust.

Recently, we took this picture of Kendall as she patiently waited for cookies to bake. She never came and asked us if they were done yet, she just waited quietly. Every now and then, she would smile at us. Her waiting paid off, she knew right when the delicious cookies were done! I was impressed with her patience. It was a great lesson in wait-training!

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." -Psalm 27:14

"I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God." -Psalm 38:15

One of the things Tim and I are waiting for is direction in ministry. What are you waiting for?

Condescending in the Best Way Possible

2008-06-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. 2 Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" Psalm 116:1-2

I love how the New Living Translation translates this passage. It amazes me that God would bend down to listen to me. That's so cool. It makes me excited about praying. It also makes me think about being a better listener. I need to make a better effort to stop and listen, to God, and to others.

Literary Eclecticism

2008-06-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have not played jump rope for a long time. Tonight we plunged, head first, into double-dutch! I failed miserably. Tim was successful despite looking as though he were trying out for a part in Riverdance! It was fun and it was good exercise. Tonight, we were fun parents……..we’ll enjoy that while it lasts!

I love stories. I heard this one on Paul Harvey's, The Rest of the Story when I was a kid. It was my favorite. I’m pretty sure it’s not true, but it’s a great story nonetheless.

“A young couple from the Midwest decided to spend their honeymoon in California. They enjoyed the weather and walking along the boardwalks with all of the small shops. In one of the shops they found a case with a sign saying "Genuine Imitation" next to a display of beautiful necklaces. The wife looked through the selection and found one that she really loved. It was a bit pricey, but the husband wanted to buy his bride a memento of the honeymoon trip so they left the store with an amber colored necklace of carved beads.

The necklace was a favorite and she wore it on many occasions, always thinking of their honeymoon when she did. After 20+ years the necklace finally broke. She took it to her local jeweler to ask if he could restring it for her. He said that it should not be a problem and took out his loop to look at the beads. While still examining the necklace he asked if she would be willing to sell it and offered her $1,000 for it. She very indignantly said "No - it was a gift from my husband, and anyway why would you pay $1,000 for imitation beads?" The jeweler did not answer her question, but did restring the necklace as she requested.

When she returned home, her husband was just as surprised as she was at the jewelers' offer. He was planning a business trip to New York City and told his wife that he would take the necklace along and if he had time he would stop at one of the famous jewelry stores there and see if they would appraise it for him. He did get time to stop at a jewelry store while he was in New York and they did agree to look at the necklace for him. The jeweler promptly asked him if he wanted to sell the piece and offered him $3,000 for it. The husband said, "Please tell me what is going on, why would someone offer us $1,000 and then $3,000 for a necklace made up of genuine imitation beads? I do not understand." To which the jeweler replied, "You have never looked at these beads with a loop, have you?"

"Of course not, why would we?" replied the husband. The jeweler then went on to explain that the beads were actually carved amber, not imitation anything, and that each of the beads was inscribed: To Josephine from Napoleon with love.”

And, in my best Paul Harvey imitation…..“now you know the rest of the story.”

Unlimited Surprises

2008-06-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

You know how it is, you go to Bible class, open up your Bible, and you see something you never saw before. It strikes a chord with you, and then you can't get it out of your head....for at least a week. This is what happened to me in Lee Smith's class on I Timothy on Wednesday night. I must have read this passage a thousand times:

"15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."

A cool passage, trusthworthy even. But, one word was brought to our attention that changed the entire discussion that night. What do you think it was.............................? No, it was not unlimited (though that's also a good one). It was the word AM. "I AM the worst." Paul didn't say I WAS the worst, but I AM the worst. It made me smile. Too often, I forget, or pretend to be something I'm not. True, I'm forgiven, and reconciled, but.........I AM still a sinner in need of God's grace. I smile at the thought that through my failings, Christ displays His umlimited patience, and this may lead others to believe in Him. Paul knowing his place, put me in mine.

Marriage...that Great Stepper of Toes

2008-06-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of the relationships I want to work on this summer is my relationship with Tim. This July we will celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary! For the past few years Tim and I have designated some time during the summer to reflect on our marriage and give it some extra TLC. We focus on three areas of our marriage: emotional, physical, and spiritual. I won’t get into the details here, but we talk about these areas and come up with a plan of action. In the past, this has involved things such as intense prayer, letter writing, bowling, and dance lessons. Our toes have been stepped on both literally and figuratively. It’s been fun, rewarding, and challenging.

"One of the best wedding gifts God gave you was a full-length mirror called your spouse. Had there been a card attached, it would have said, "Here's to helping you discover what you're really like." - Gary and Betsy Ricucci

This summer we are going tackle the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. I say tackle because this book is pretty intense. Gary does not beat around the bush. Many folks would argue with his assertion that the goal of marriage is HOLINESS more than it is HAPPINESS. He says: “What if God didn’t design marriage to be “easier”? What if God had an end in mind that went beyond our happiness, our comfort, and our desire to be infatuated and happy as if the world were a perfect place? What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?” I agree with him and am interested to read what he has to say. I am blessed with a happy marriage, but, I agree that this happiness flows out of our desire to be more like Christ……sometimes we do a good job at this, and sometimes we don’t. When we are selfish and self-focused, we are neither holy, nor happy. This is something we feel the need to reflect on and revisit each year as it is easy to forget, neglect, or ignore.

“The beauty of Christianity is learning to love, and few life situations test that so radically as does a marriage.” –Gary Thomas

What do you think? What IF God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?

Ignorance Is Bliss

2008-06-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like finding out that you have been putting hazardous chemicals on your face. I got this article from a friend about toxic sunscreen chemicals. I then went to the list of brand products to check out where my facial moisturizer stacked up. As it turns out, my Aveeno brand of moisturizer has the highest hazard rating of 7! In fact, 90% of facial moisturizers are better for my face than the one I use everyday! I don't know why, but this made me laugh. It was like saying, "Of all the moisturizers in the world, you picked the worst." Then, my mind began to race, "It was expensive lotion, should I finish the bottle................."

"Ingredients in this product are linked to:

Cancer
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
Allergies/immunotoxicity
Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes."

Nice, huh? I also found out that Aveeno does animal testing. I don't know how I feel about that, but it was just another thing to lump onto the fact that I have been spending some good money on this toxic, cancer linked, developmental delayer! I don't know how much of it you have to use for it to cause problems, or if it's only something to be concerned about if you have a problem with eating mass amounts of lotion, but I thought I would share it anyway.

So, go to the list and see if your lotion containing SPF is on it and comment with your toxicity level! Let's bond over our hazardous chemicals!

Confessions from the Comfortable

2008-06-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

So what of our plans for the remainder of the summer? The goal: Focus on relationships, with God, and with others.

As for the God part, I am digging into the Gospel of John this summer. Dig in deep……and let God fill in all the holes. I want to listen to God through His Word and really walk around in it. I don’t do that enough. I want to spend a lot of time in prayer this summer. Lots of quiet time alone just to pray about everything and nothing at all. I don’t do that enough either. Tim and I have started working to find a place to volunteer this summer. There are a few places that we are looking into and plan to visit over the next two weeks. We are learning a lot about our city. There are SO many needs here, needs that we never knew about. Truly our ignorance knows no bounds. And yet, here we sit! What good is all of that Bible reading and prayer, if it’s not manifested into action!

"22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25

Check out this video about homelessness in Albuquerque.

I will write about the second part of my summer plans, relationships with others, later. For now, what do you know about the needs of your neighborhood or community?

To Scratch or Not to Scratch

2008-06-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

Rested! We are back from a fun and restful family vacation to the lovely beaches of Captiva, Florida. It was a nice week of relaxing and playing in the ocean together as a family. Days consisted of getting up, eating cereal, walking to the beach, gathering shells, swimming in the water, talking with our family, and enjoying the beautiful view. Tim did some fishing. We rented bikes and enjoyed some nice rides around the island. Tim and I went parasailing for the first time. It was amazing, and very peaceful, and we survived.

The mosquito bite count was high. I wore repellant, but the bugs just laughed. There is a lot of my DNA flying around in Florida. I am now trying really hard not to scratch! Why does it feel so good to scratch a mosquito bite? Sunburn count was zero. We kept everyone pretty well lathered with sunscreen.

There were two negative incidents that happened within minutes of each other. Our camera or camera card broke and we lost all of the pictures that we had taken the first four days of the trip. I was pretty bummed about this. They were only pictures, but it was still disappointing. Then, I dropped my sister's camera in the sand and ruined it. Tim took care of everything and we went on taking pictures, but I will not soon forget that expensive trip to the beach!

It was a great vacation. I enjoyed spending time with our own family and our extended family as well. We are blessed to have some great people in our lives. Finally, rest is important, and with moving, and some other traveling, it was nice to be on a trip where the only plan……was to chill.

Any interesting vacation plans for you this summer?

Salty Water Healing

2008-05-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

On vacation! No blogging or blog reading for a week! Taking some time to chill together as a family. Will return next week!

Check out this article about the benefits of vacationing for women! I don't have to tell you that I support their findings 100%!

"Women who take vacations frequently are less likely to become tense, depressed or tired and are more satisfied with their marriages................" Amen to that!

We are praying for you Melinda!

Scent-imental

2008-05-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

I like smelling things. I am very thankful for my sense of smell. It allows me to enjoy the smell out of life and has even gotten me out of some dangerous situations. Isn't it funny that one wiff of something can transport you back in time, to a specific place? When I read the Bible, I often try to picture the scene, but I also try to smell it, it just takes me there. If you have read much of this blog, you know that I love smelling books. However, there are some other scents, some normal, some odd, that I quite enjoy. I will disclose them now:

1. Books (Preferably from antiquity).
2. Sharpies (If you see me with black marks near my nose, you will know why).
3. Gasoline
4. Desert Rain (It just smells different here).
5. Babies (Not so weird, but worthy of note for those of you with babies. This could be a fun twist if I were ever to run for President since I would sniff the babies instead of kissing them. The pictures would be hilarious, naturally, I would lose).
6. Ink (Most people scribble and doodle to pass the time, I do it so that I can smell the ink).
7. A Baseball Field (Instantly takes me back to the Cemetary baseball fields, standing under the bright lights, watching the bats chase the mosquitos).
8. Leather (Playing softball and standing there chewing on a knot in my glove).
9. Dirt (Potting Soil or Good ol' Earth)!
10. Straw Hat (I love laying out in the sun with this hat covering my face. Yes, it protects me from the sun, but even better than that, is the smell).

What about you? What are some of your favorite scents?

The Culmination of Hope

2008-05-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Today has been a stroll down memory lane. We are at my parent’s house for my youngest sister’s high school graduation. I started the day looking for music for a devotional and ended the day sifting through hundreds of family photographs. In between the two, I tried to figure out what to write in Ashlee’s graduation card. How do you sum up the pride you feel for what she has accomplished so far, and the hope that you have for the future? During the devotional this morning, I ended up re-visiting a song that I loved as a kid. Here I Am, Lord by Daniel Schutte. This was my favorite song growing up. During the trip to New York last week, I was happily surprised when we sang it as part of the liturgy. I love the lyrics in this song, and I can’t help but notice how well they describe the things I would like to say to my sister as she says goodbye to one part of her life, and moves on to the next. I know that many folks are wishing for their seniors to find success, achievement, and wealth, but if I could wish one thing for Ash, it would be purpose.

I pray that she would know that God has a purpose for her, that she would find that purpose, and live it out the rest of her life. I pray that she will find her purpose through faith in Christ. I pray that she will find her purpose as she looks into a world full of hurting people. I pray that there will come a moment in time, when she realizes that all of her gifts, abilities, and experiences were given to her for this purpose. I pray that she will find a partner who shares the same purpose, and that together they will find fulfillment as they live it out, as worship to God. I pray that her purpose will constantly lead her to the Living Water, the Rock, that is Christ, and that she will only find refreshment there. I pray that God's purpose for her, gives her hope for God's future. Ashlee, we love you, may you find your purpose, and the strength to pursue it, in Him.

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” II Thess 1:10-12

Here I Am, Lord by Daniel Schutte

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear My light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold Your people in my heart.

I the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give My life to them, Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold Your people in my heart.

A 'There We Go' Jesus

2008-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

I like Leonard Sweet. I’ve never met him personally, but I like the way he thinks......and writes. He wrote A Magna Charta of Trust by an Out-Of-Control Disciple, which I highly recommend reading if you haven’t already. Yep, I think I would like Mr. Sweet if I met him. Here’s a little ditty to show you why:

“Two things define justice in a biblical context. First, there is no understanding without standing under. Second, the question is not “What are you standing for?” but “Who are you standing with?”

Each is a major paradigm shift from how “justice” ministries are conceived and conducted in the church today, a modern church that was founded on three words spoken by Martin Luther almost five hundred years ago: “Here I stand.”

In fact, you could argue that the whole of modern culture was founded on the three words “Here I stand.” First, “here.” Modernity was all about the “here and now,” the existential moment (hence Christian existentialism), and shifting our focus from past to present. Second, “I.” Modernity in some ways invented the concept of the individual as we know it today-an autonomous, self defined, discrete person who is free to choose a multiplicity of identities and “selves.” Third, “stand.” The modern world focused on an understanding of truth as rational principles and proclamations that led one to “bear witness” by “taking stands,” formulating propositions, and passing resolutions.

The problem with all this is that each of these words is wrong for the world we are living in. The time zone of postmodern culture is not the present or the past but the future. It’s no longer “here” but “there.” The individualism of modern culture needs more focus not on the self but on the community. It’s no longer “I” but “we.” And we’re “standing” so much that it’s time to take a hike. It’s no longer “stand” but “go.” The words postmodern culture needs to hear from the church are not “Here I stand” but “There we go.”

The problem with “Here I stand” justice is that in the Bible, love and justice are yoked concepts, and both are personified in a “There we go” Jesus.” -Leonard Sweet

The Navigation of Gift and City

2008-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Women in Ministry Conference in New York City. It was truly an encouragement. We were asked to reflect on the theme “Called by God”. What is a calling? What does it mean to be called by God? What is God calling you to do? We were then shown that God takes ordinary women and gives them His extraordinary gifts, so that they may share the blessing of Christ with others. I was blown away by God’s gifts manifested through the women who attended and presented. Wow! Singers, actors, dancers, speakers, storytellers, preachers, worship leaders, all vessels that God is using for His glory. The women from the Manhattan church put together a great experience. I am thankful. I am also extremely thankful to Tim and his mom for not only encouraging me to go, but taking care of the kids so that I could!

New York City was a blast! I had a great time running around the city with Kristi. We got lost a couple of times, thanks to my Bermuda Triangle-like navigation skills. I have always known that I am terrible at directions and navigation, but apparently, I also have the ability to cause the navigation skills of others to malfunction. We always managed to get where we wanted to go and had a good time doing it. We made fools of ourselves on more than one occasion. Here’s a condensed breakdown of our expeditions:

Food. I did not eat one thing that was not delicious! We stumbled into some quaint little restaurants and ended up enjoying some great meals. I enjoyed Ray’s pizza and its delicious crust. Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity’s. The NBC Building where we stumbled upon an NBC Red Carpet Preview. This is where we made fools of ourselves as we shouted out to the stars across the street! “DWIGHT! DWIGHT! WE LOVE BEETS!” We saw Hairspray on Broadway. Time Square in the daytime is only surpassed by Time Square at night. Energy abounds here. The lights, the people, it’s all electrically contagious! The Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty we gazed at from afar. We also saw the former site of the World Trade Center and the construction that is now taking place there in order to erect the Freedom Building. The atmosphere is much different here, it is hallowed ground. Central Park is much bigger than I imagined. It was also beautiful. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was amazing.

It was a blessing, but I can’t end without acknowledging the needs that we came across as well. We saw more than one homeless person and more than one sick person on the streets. I was happy to hear that the Manhattan church has a minister dedicated to ministering to the homeless. I will write about this in another blog that I am working on. Tim and I recently found out that there was a “Homeless Day” in Albuquerque that consisted of “sweeping” the areas where the homeless live. In a few short hours, they threw away the sole possessions of people in order to “clean-up” the city. I am finding out more about this and who we should complain to. Are they trying to help the homeless or relocate them? Will keep you posted!

The Promise of Pie

2008-05-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed planting and gardening with the kids over the last few days. We planted tomatoes, strawberries, and geraniums. It was a huge and wonderful mess! I love the smell of dirt! I love planting things, but I really loved sharing that love with the kids. They put a lot of thought into what pot they used, and where they wanted their plants to go. They kept adding water, which meant that we had to keep adding soil. We had a good time! The kids were covered with mud. I was “forced” to soak them with the water hose……..that just never gets old does it! I can’t wait for the strawberries to come in so that we can make a pie with them. The promise of a pie keeps the kids interested, they check on them every five minutes…..and they always observe that they have grown. Children are wonderful!

We also watched The Never Ending Story, one of my favorite movies from childhood. They loved it! Rylee was amazed that such an “old” movie could be so interesting! Next on the list…...Flight of the Navigator. Trying to remember more of those great movies from childhood….Cloak and Dagger….DARYL…...and more ideas?

Upside Down Kingdom

2008-05-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tim and I just got back from Malibu, California where we attended the Pepperdine Bible Lectures. Malibu and the Pepperdine campus are beautiful. This year we went without the kids, just the two of us. We still love each other – a LOT! It was a wonderful time of renewal. I was trying to think of my favorite moment…….I can’t. There were lots of great moments that made for one great week. I will say that we spent time with some great friends and mentors in the faith. Everyone needs friends and mentors, those who are on the same road of discipleship, and those who have traveled a little further on that road. We were blessed and encouraged by ours this week. We are thankful for their love, their wisdom, and their prayers. Tim and I taught a class this year, it was an opportunity for reflection and growth. It was a blessing to look back and see how God guided us to this point. He truly does go before us and prepare a place for us. I used to think about this just in terms of Heaven, now I realize that He does this for us here on Earth as well. I wonder what He will do in our lives over the next year……it’s exciting to think about.

The theme of the lectureship was “The Upside Down Kingdom: Living the Sermon on the Mount.” I loved the theme, but struggled with the conviction that went along with it……….the Sermon on the Mount. Those red letter words were a much needed slap in the face. Jesus speaks of a kingdom that is completely different from the one that existed then and even now……..an “Upside Down Kingdom.” In His Kingdom, people love their enemies, give to those in need, trust in Him, and take a good long look at their own lives before they judge someone else’s. I long for this "Upside Down Kingdom," but I admit that for the most part.........my life is still Right Side Up. I am thankful for God’s patience, love, grace, and ability to see my heart. Christ has the power to usher in this Kingdom, I want to know Him more intimately, and follow Him more closely. May God help me to be covered with the dirt of my Rabbi!

"1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 7:1-12

Just a Touch of Love

2008-04-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

“The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve Him in this world. That is, of course, if it’s the real Jesus you’re looking at. Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a ‘Jesus’ for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn’t challenge them, doesn’t suggest they get up and do something about the plight of this world. Which is, of course, what the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing.” -N.T. Wright (Following Jesus)

“The more I read the gospels; the more I try to understand what Jesus was really all about, the more he has the audacity to come into my life and totally screw it up. He makes me think about every dollar I spend - who is benefiting from it and how? He makes me reflect on the kind of car I drive and how it affects God’s creation. He challenges me to make my children into risk-taking disciples, instead of neat, middle-class carbon copies of myself. He asks me to go places where I am uncomfortable, and to invite people into my house when I’d much rather have a quiet night alone. He intrudes on my free time and tells me to invest it the things that matter to him. He tells me that the politics that seemingly support my interests aren’t necessarily the ones that support his. Far from being a cosmic Mr. Fix-it, Jesus is taking every priority and ambition that I ever held and - without so much as asking - turning it over like he did the tables in the temple.”
-Matt Ritchie

A Carpenter's Carpenter

2008-04-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

I would like to encourage all four of my readers to watch this episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition, tomorrow, Sunday, April 27th! In an earlier blog, I mentioned Pastor Gerald Martinez and his family, and how visiting them marked a shift in our beliefs about ministry. Tomorrows' episode is about this family and their ministry to a neighborhood dubbed the War Zone, in Albuquerque, NM. Tim and I are really happy for the Martinez family and the community. We have no doubt that the blessings bestowed upon this loving family will be shared with everyone that they come in contact with. It will also be interesting to see if the producers of the show will edit out all of the references to the man behind it all........Jesus!

"14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Pineapple Fruitcake and DNA

2008-04-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

I guess it’s normal to think about your friends when you move. While in Oregon we made some amazing friends, and reconnected with old ones. I am constantly amazed by the power of relationship. We were supposed to be miserable those eight “rainy” months, but the friendships that we made helped to keep our spirits high. We were encouraged, spiritually fed….and challenged, loved, and blessed. We also laughed a LOT! God used our friends to renew our spirits. God used our friends to remind us to trust Him. God used our friends to remind us that Christ is our first love. What do you say to people who have had this type of impact on your life – Thank You and We Love You!

AND……………………..you make a list of memorable and funny moments!

Riding in the van with the kids.
Hanging out with all of PUMP’s amazing kids!
Kristi yelling at “the biscuit” (GPS) when we got lost downtown trying to find the coffee place.
Skyler making us so proud by saying: “The Bible is like a sword because it kills people.”
Michael painting the picture of Jesus during worship.
“The kingdom of Cod is near you.' 10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of Cod is near.' 12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” Luke 10
The Worship (Ike, Brent, Logan, Cheronn, Lanny, Allan, Tim, Michael)
Stomping
Talladega Nights Edited for Church Version
Shirley
Ike’s preaching
Kid’s dancing during worship (Kezia and Eden)
The Fruit of the Spirit’s not a …………………….pineapple fruitcake.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Ike leading TLC in a suit and sandals!
Joe
Helping to build part of the Brummet’s studio with concrete lumber
Nolan and Kendall “making out” at church
Nolan and Kevin singing at the top of their lungs
Hanging with Kaelea and examining the phrase, “Or what?”
Life Group with the Vanderkampers and Casey
Having Lori whip us at bowling
Life Group with the Grauls, Brummets, Winona, and Katrina
Thursday night soccer with Lori
Making the rounds of Cascade with Leah. Logan’s spaghetti.
“Phonosynthesis”
Melinda’s cake
The mice
Finding the “DNA” in the basement on PUMP clean-up day
Spencer reading Dr. Seuss
Skyler making friends with Dave
Hanging out with Shari at the pool
Blog friends
Rylee reading Psalm 23
Movies with PUMP friends (Kaelea SourPatch Kids)
There are lots more, but we are tired! We enjoyed hanging out with all of you!

“20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:20-21

Sincerity of Purpose

2008-04-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, even a little bit, knows that I love smelling books. If I come to your house, I will find your books...........and I will smell them. I just will. Not all of them mind you, I usually pick a newer one and an older one. I am interested in what you are reading, but I am more interested in smelling what you are reading. Ike and Kaelea Graul have a nice smelling collection of books.

Rylee has started reading Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene, copyright 1950ish, a pleasant fragrance. I have yet to observe that she has inherited the book sniffing gene. She's missing out.

I am really inspired by the language that is used to describe God's love for us. Words like overflowing, abundant, lavished, and poured out are used to describe God's love, grace and kindness. It makes me smile to know that God is not holding anything back, and it inspires me to stop sprinkling and start pouring! I need to work on this, but I also want it to be sincere. That's the thing about God, with Him, there is sincerity of purpose.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" I John 3:1

Expelled No Intelligence Allowed

2008-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me the trailer to the new Ben Stein movie Expelled. It is due to come out this Friday. The film addresses the debate between Intelligent Design and Darwinism; and the suppression that many scientists experience when they challenge Darwinism. It looks very interesting. Check out the trailer.

Pronouncing Anointing

2008-04-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

My seven-year-old daughter read Psalm 23 during worship this morning. I am her mother, but she really did a beautiful job (so did Anna). She only had trouble pronouncing the word anointing. It’s ironic that we adults seem to stumble over that word as well. She had trouble reading it, we have trouble living it – or perhaps living in it? Regardless, it is beautiful to hear a child read, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” She really believes that. She doesn’t doubt that God is Good, or that He will always love her. She doesn't understand the meaning of the word anointing, but she “gets it” nonetheless. It was an emotional moment for Tim and me. I was full of joy at hearing her, but also emotional knowing that there are so many churches where she would not and will not have the opportunity to encourage others through the reading of Scripture during worship. All I can think is that we are missing out. What better voices to share God’s message, than those who believe it will all of their heart, soul, and mind - regardless of gender.

Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Take These Hands

2008-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes U2. Have you ever heard someone say they don't? Me either. In fact, I have yet to look at someone's ipod and not see at least one U2 song. I also like U2. What's not to like? I enjoy most of their songs, but I really like the song Yahweh. Here are the amazing lyrics:

Take these shoes
Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes
And make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt
And make it clean, clean
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul
And make it sing

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn

Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don't make a fist no
Take this mouth
So quick to criticise
Take this mouth
Give it a kiss

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn

Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is bornYahweh, tell me now
Why the dark before the dawn?

Take this city
A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city
If it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And let it break

From One Suburbanite to Another

2008-03-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I read the book Urban Ministry by Harvie Conn and Manuel Ortiz. It was a great read and was one of the books that piqued our interest in urban ministry. Recently, I have started reading it again. I like it even more now that we have been blessed with the opportunity to serve at PUMP. Time, geography and experience have made it possible to view this book with a different lens (I will share more about this in a future post). I am going to share a portion of the reviews that I wrote for the book, some implications, and perhaps it will spark some good discussion.

“Urban Ministry was written to familiarize the reader with the city and God’s work in it. Part one, begins by describing the origins of the city. Cities began as urban nucleuses of power kept alive through craft and trade. As time went on cities took on a new role as religion and the Temple became focal points of life within. Urban Empires were next on the scene, growing quickly power hungry, and armed conflicts for territory and power became commonplace. Jesus came into the picture and brought with Him a new kind of citizenship. In Christ’s Kingdom, the least was the greatest and service to others was power. Eventually, Rome fell and the church became the one powerful community in Western Europe. Commerce also played a powerful role, as with commerce, cities rapidly began to grow. A shift in religious attitude occurred with the Renaissance. During this time a significant change in theology and religion occurred. Religious skepticism grew and a religious decline began. The Reformation was a response to that, as it called for religious transformation where grace ruled and not works.

The Industrial Age came and brought with it, the machine. The machine shaped city, church and civilization everywhere. Racism and cultural arrogance ensued with colonization. Economics were the driving force behind colonization and many horrific and destructive events, such as the African Slave Trade soon occurred. Churches pursued the best interests of their nations and not their God. When the Industrial Age entered into history, cities began to grow even more rapidly and so did socioeconomic differences. Sadly, religion became less important as economic status ruled. Suburbanization was an eventual response to these differences.”

Okay, it’s a bit lengthy and I could have done a better job of condensing it, but I think the history of the city is important. Populations, policies, economics, (etc.) have changed, leaving many on the outside with no hope. Too many of our churches have been unresponsive. Instead of responding to the growth of cities and the various forms of suffering that came with that growth, churches sought refuge, followed money and moved away. Inner-cities have become strongholds for the poor and marginalized as fear and ignorance keep the middle class Christian from bringing the Good News to them.

Our churches face the difficult challenge of not only re-defining our understanding of mission, but of understanding the importance of urban ministry. It seems obvious that Christ would spend His time ministering in our inner-cities, yet most of our churches are outside of them. How will we stay true to the teaching of Christ, and not allow the direction of the world to influence the direction of the church? Are you part of an inner-city ministry or church? Does your church participate/partner with an urban ministry or church? Do you think urban ministry is important?

Blog Readability

2008-03-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

I got this test from Kansas Bob. Visit the site, type in your blog URL, find out what the reading level of your blog is and then post it as a comment! The reading level of this blog is:

I guess that's what I get for making up words!

Conspicuous Religiosity

2008-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

I THINK I have invented a new word. Piousitis. I have combined the word pious, and the suffix -itis. Pious meaning, “marked by conspicuous religiosity, a hypocrite”, and -itis, meaning “disease or inflammation.” Piousitis is the horrible disease that cares more about the outside of the dish than the inside. It is highly Pharisaical and self-righteous in nature. It is the disease that causes us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. It is the disease that causes us to condemn others for their struggles and situations. Piousitis prevents us from being honest about who we are, but instead prefers to live in a state of false piousness and religiosity. Piousitis halts honesty, prevents confession, and kills community. Piousitis causes us to be selective with people, being exclusive by nature. It is contagious and spreads like yeast into dough. It bothers me when I read about this behavior in Scripture (see Matthew 16). It bothers me when I see it in others. It REALLY bothers me when I see it in myself.

“21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24

Quite the Spectacle

2008-03-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Good Friday.........I can’t wait for Sunday. One of my favorite moments to reflect on is the Passover Meal, specifically, when Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. Here is an excerpt from His Love Compels by Thomas Olbricht:

“Jesus came with his disciples to the Passover Meal. During the meal, he got up, took off his outer robe, tied a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. He went around the circle and washed the disciple’s feet, then dried them with the towel. What was surprising was not that feet were washed. It was conventional for household servants to wash the feet of dinner guests. What was unusual was who it was who washed the feet. Jesus who “had come from God and was going to God” washed feet (John 13:3). Amazing!”

“12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place."Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17

This was more than an act of love, it was also an example of service for the disciples to follow. It was quite the spectacle then, and perhaps it would be even more today, as very few people of status would wash feet. Yet, the implications of this event still apply to followers of Christ.

This week is full of things to think about, any particular ones for you?

The Significance of a Palm Branch

2008-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. As a child, I went to a church that celebrated the ‘Triumphal Entry of Jesus’ with a special service. Each person was given a palm branch upon entering the church building. (All four Gospels record the ‘Triumphal Entry’, but only John specifies that the crowd went out to meet Him with palm branches).

12The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
16At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. John 12:12-16

I vividly remember this service. It was quite a sight to look out over the balcony and see hundreds of people holding palm branches. At the time, I didn’t understand the significance of this service, or the event that inspired it (sometimes I wonder if I ever will), but even as a kid I knew that it had special meaning. There was something extremely moving and powerful about standing there, palm branch in hand, and reciting a passage of Scripture together that commemorated the beginning of a very special week - The Passion. As a kid, I thought about it little throughout the week. Today, I think about it more. I want to remember those last days, those last words, that last meal, that last prayer, that final breath. I understand the significance of those events a little more each year, and I finally understand why I was holding a palm branch. Some traditions are just too good to forget, for me, this is one of them.

Psalm 118:19-29
"19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

*This post is dedicated to my mom, who thought it was important for me to hold a palm branch.

God Is Our Partner

2008-03-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” Luke 10:1-12

Things that struck a chord with me at the Partnership for a Missional Church Conference:

Dwelling in the Word is essential.
We should be asking, "What are you up to God? What am I learning? What are we learning?"
Leaders listen to God and to others.
Listening is Transformational.
To learn from experience, you must REFLECT on experience.
Communication is essential (Communicate Missionally).
Trust
All we need already exists, God IS our partner.

What's Your DJ Name?

2008-03-05T23:51:00.001-08:00

Visit the site, type your name, then comment with your DJ name! Use the first name you get. I spin tunes as DJ Ambient Cranny. This takes me back to when I used to spin tunes as a kid.

My sister and I were all about that little blue record player. I can remember two of the songs that we played over and over - "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang, and "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen.

Good Times!

It's Called Evil Kid

2008-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

I love the “No Evil” commercials that Net10 has put out. It is sad that so many companies cheat people. There are people who actually sit in a board room and come up with ways to cheat the poor, the elderly and just the unsuspicious guy down the street. Just go to Google.com and type in ‘credit card prey’, you will see tons of articles about companies who invent ways to cheat the vulnerable. I don’t know much about Net10 as a company, but No Evil, sounds good to me!

Here is my favorite Net10 video. Who wants to help bacteria?

Not an Apple

2008-03-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Today at church, we finished a series of lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit. Self-control was the fruit of the day. The kids had a lot of great things to say about self-control, but one of the kids wrapped it up pretty nicely. He said, “It could say that self-control leads to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.” Yes, it could. I think that if I practiced more self-control, I would see the others manifest in my life.

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” Romans 8:9

Check out this funny video that we found for patience! The whole Stuntman series is funny, but I liked this video the most. It is a fun resource for anyone planning to teach a class for young people on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Ecological Novice

2008-02-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

I like the new black reusable bags that are now available at some stores. The tag says they are:

-100% recyclable
-Made from 85% recycled materials
-Made from approximately 4 plastic soda bottles
-Can replace 50 plastic shopping bags
-Can carry the same weight as 2-3 plastic shopping bags

They are a nice thing to use and I think I owe it to the world having used disposable diapers with all three kids! I never understood why the environment issue was so divisive. On the corporate level, I know it has to do with money, but why have so many Christians seen it as a “liberal” issue? If you believe that God created the world for us, and then commissioned us to take care of it, then why the animosity?

After watching the “Beach Games” episode of The Office, I have decided that I want to rent some of those big plastic sumo suits. I wonder if THEY are biodegradable?

Ambassadress

2008-02-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

In thinking about the word ambassador in II Corinthians 5:20-21 and Ephesians 6:19-20.......

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." II Cor 5:20-21

"19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:19-20

............I have decided that if this were a paying gig, I would have been fired a long time ago!

Touch Up Your Make-up

2008-02-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

If this is for real, it's amazing that I am still married!

The Good Wife's Guide - Housekeeping Monthly 1955

1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

3. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.

5. During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

6. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.

7. Be happy to see him.

8. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

9. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

10. Don't greet him with complaints and problems. Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.

11. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

12. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.

13. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

14. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. A good wife always knows her place.

Ode to the Magic Eraser

2008-02-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

I should be getting paid for this free advertisement, but I’m just sharing it because it must be shared! This was the ultimate test of the famous Magic Eraser. As part of my bad day yesterday, I scraped the side of the van on the entrance to the garage. It was a pretty big scrape. There was brown paint all along the driver’s side. I was sure we would have to pay to have it buffed out, but I decided to try the Heavy Duty Magic Eraser on the paint first. It worked! With a little elbow grease, all the paint came off and you can’t even tell that I scraped it! The paint on the van was not affected either. So, I assert that the Magic Eraser is one of the best inventions to come along in ten years. So, here’s my question: Have you used the Magic Eraser? and What is the most amazing thing you have used it on?

Little white sponge
Truly a magical rectangle
Your ingredients are a mystery
One swipe and stains are history

Twice Feel the Cold

2008-02-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

One of my books was missing. The extensive search of the house came up negative. So, we moved onto interrogating the suspects. We brought them in for questioning. It was necessary to separate them, we simply could not afford for them to talk to one another. Tim and I were sure that at least one of the suspects was ready to talk. After what seemed like.........minutes of tearful questioning, Kendall, age three, admitted to taking the book, listing it on Ebay and mailing it to Miami. Looking back, we may have forced the confession. Regardless, our interrogation skills remain un-paralleled.

We went to Astoria, Oregon yesterday. It was beautiful! We discovered that the Goonies Action Figures are THE hot item (I’m guessing it has something to do with it being filmed there). It was a tempting impulse buy, but I could see the future, and in it…..Sloth and Chunk were wearing Barbie and Hannah Montana outfits. We passed.

Today, was one of the worst days we have had in a while. I will spare you all the details and just share a bit of late night perspective from The Benefits of Adversity by Jeremy Taylor.

“Our virtues are but in the seed when the grace of God comes upon us first; but this grace must be thrown into broken furrows, and must twice feel the cold and twice feel the heat, and be softened with storms and showers, and then it will arise into fruitfulness and harvests.”

A Pause and a Find

2008-02-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

I, am, addicted, to, commas. For the most part, commas are supposed to indicate a short pause in a sentence, but I, just seem, to stick them, all over, the place. At other times I probably should use a comma but I don’t. Later, I read my writing out loud to try to hear where the pauses should be, but they sound different every time! Also, it feels ridiculous sitting here reading and trying out these dramatic pauses. So, please bear with me on the comma placement.

I love Antiques Roadshow. I love watching people come in and put their junk on the table, only to find out that it is worth a great deal. It is especially fun when they really have NO idea that they own a valuable piece of the past. I always wonder how their lives will change once they return home with their treasures.

Tim and I were talking about the Ultimate Antiques Roadshow from II Kings 22-23. Josiah sends Shaphan on a mission to a place full of antiques, a.k.a the Temple of The Lord. In it, Hilkiah finds a dirty, dusty, old book. Only it’s not just any old book, it is The Book of the Law. They know it’s an important find, but it’s not until they take it to Huldah, the antiques expert, that they find out how much it’s really worth. Once they do, the entire kingdom changes. That’s what I call a good day of antiquing!

Baked Goods and Automobiles

2008-02-14T23:12:00.000-08:00

Tim and I don’t make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day anymore. We tried to when we were dating and newly married, it just didn’t take. Our Valentine’s Days always ended up being terrible. One year, Tim bought me a pink cupcake, and for some odd reason, I threw it out the car window. I don’t know why.... I was just sitting in the car and then I chucked it out. The next year I tried to fill Tim’s car with balloons. He forgot something, came back, and caught me right in the middle of doing it. The year after that, Tim gave me a chocolate cake, and you guessed it, I chucked that one out the window to. Why? Why do I have this thing with baked goods and moving automobiles?! I have no idea. Needless to say, Tim does not give me baked goods anymore.

Once we were married, things did not improve. Dinners never worked out. Hair appointments turned into disasters. Valentine's Days were terrible! So, after we had been married four years, and had had four terrible Valentine’s Days, we decided not to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day anymore. However, we did start one tradition that I love. We started writing each other letters. They are divided into three parts: emotional, physical and spiritual. Tim’s letters make me laugh, blush, smile and cry. I love the letters that Tim gives to me, BUT my favorite part is writing Tim’s letter. I LOVE, sitting down, reflecting on special moments, thoughtful gifts and meaningful conversations. Valentine’s Day, however commercial, is a chance to realize how thankful that I am to have Tim.

“You're not perfect sport, and let me save you the suspense, this girl you met, she isn't perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other.” –Good Will Hunting

Belief-O-Matic

2008-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

I spent two hours working on Valentine's cards for the kid's school parties. It is a bit crazy to spend so much time on cards that the kids are only going to throw away, but I love the process of making them with Ry. We sit, we create, and we talk. We had a good talk while making the cards. She asked me if I had ever had any boyfriends before her daddy. I told her that I had. She was curious about this. "What was he like?" "Was he like daddy?" "But, daddy was better right?" I assured her that her daddy was the best. We then talked about the possibility of her getting married someday, and she assured me that she was going to find someone who was as good as her dad. It was a lovely talk. I look forward to making Valentine's cards every year.

I took a religion/spirituality test today. Belief-O-Matic - need I say more! It was interesting and made me think about some of my core beliefs. Part of the test requires that you rate how important these particular beliefs are to you, this part of the test was pretty thought-provoking. It was a good opportunity to reflect on some of my beliefs and see where they line up with the beliefs of others. So, it's good to know that I have some options if this church of Christ thing doesn't work out! If you decide to take it, share! Here are my top 10:

1. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (100%)
2. Orthodox Quaker (97%)
3. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (95%)
4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (91%)
5. Bahá'í Faith (87%)
6. Seventh Day Adventist (86%)
7. Jehovah's Witness (81%)
8. Eastern Orthodox (80%)
9. Roman Catholic (80%)
10Orthodox Judaism (78%)

Urban Journey

2008-02-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, someone asked me when Tim and I first became interested in urban ministry. For me, it was when I first saw the movie Sister Act. The one with Whoopi Goldberg as the witness-protected, makeshift nun. Having not been indoctrinated in the ways and traditions of the church, she does not realize that breaking with convention is impossible. So, through a new choir, and some serious relationship building in and out of the church, she bucks the system and leads the church in becoming a light in a dark neighborhood. This was the first time, that I began to see church, and its purpose, in a different light. Perhaps, being set apart (meaning removed from the issues that affect our world), was not the true calling of the church? Perhaps, the church was intended to be fully invested in its community, truly knowing its inhabitants and the issues that affect them?

Several years went by. Tim and I met at a church during college, were married, graduated, got good jobs, had kids, and moved into the suburbs. We settled into a typical suburban life, Whoopi’s stint in the convent long forgotten. In 2003, we were students in an Urban Ministry class in Albuquerque, NM. Our professor, Dr. Dan Rodriguez from Pepperdine University, took us to visit some urban churches and ministries that had made themselves fixtures in some rough neighborhoods. There was one that really struck a chord with us. Joshua’s Vineyard, is located in what is known as Albuquerque’s war zone, also known as Trumbull. We met Pastor Gerald Martinez, his wife and his children. They purposefully moved into what is considered the worst neighborhood in Albuquerque, established relationships with members of the community, and built a transformational church. They have ministered to drug addicts, prostitutes, gang members, and the poor of their community. Crime has gone down since their ministry began and their presence is known and appreciated in the neighborhood. Tim and I were greatly moved by the courage and dedication of Mr. and Mrs. Martinez. They believed that Jesus choosing to come and live 'in and among us' was not just a great Bible verse, but an example to follow. They had the faith to move their family into a rough neighborhood and bring the hope of Christ with them. I remember feeling embarrassed that I could live a few miles away and not even know that there was a place called a war zone in my city. During our visit, I realized that there were moms in neighborhoods like this all over the world, moms like me, who just wanted good schools and safe neighborhoods for their children. Again, I started to think about what a church could do in a community when it was fully invested in it.

(I have learned that Extreme Makeover Home Edition recently built a home for the Martinez family. Apparantly, one of the Extreme Makeover vehicles was stolen at a hotel which was not located in the immediate vicinity of the church).

During this class, our interest in urban ministry grew as we visited other urban churches and ministries, and had the opportunity to listen to people whose lives had been transformed within them - both spiritually and physically. In addition, we enjoyed books like Good News and Good Works by Ronald Sider, Urban Ministry by Harvie Conn and Manuel Ortiz, and later, Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.

Tim and I started viewing the Gospels through a different lens and saw the ministry of Christ in a new light. We began to see that Jesus not only cared about the spiritual health of people (Luke 19:10, John 3:16), but their physical and mental needs as well (Matthew 8:13, 12:15, 14:13). His ministry was holistic, and although His ministry was for everyone, He had a special concern for the poor and marginalized. Luke 4:18-19 became one of our favorite passages.

16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:16-19

Today, we are thankful that God has brought us to a church (Portland Urban Ministry Project – PUMP) where these beliefs about the ministry of Christ and the practice of this theology come together. In 2000, a small group of mission-minded and passionate Christians got together and started dreaming about what they could do in the name of God in a rough part of Northeast Portland. PUMP was established and a mission to raise a generation of urban Christians was born. At PUMP, Tim and I are growing and learning a LOT. The members not only answer our constant barrage of questions, they also encourage us to be part of the process. Urban ministry and community living have both positive and negative aspects, the community is constantly changing, but we have been very encouraged by the members of PUMP. Their mission, and passion for God and their neighbors is contagious. So, it seems that God has set us on an urban journey and we are now at a stage where we get to be part of a Good Work that He is doing. We are still not sure what the future holds for us, but we know that God’s desire is for us to serve and minister to the marginalized.

“10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:9-10

Conventionality Is Not Morality

2008-02-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

While shopping in an antique store, I came upon a great find. A ten volume set, The Best of the World's Classics, Funk and Wagnalls Company, 1909. $15. (Each volume smells great, I give them a musky five stars!). In the sixth volume, I came across an intriguing letter from one of my favorite authors, Charlotte Bronte. Here is a portion:

"Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last. To pluck the mask from the face of the Pharisee is not to lift an impious hand to the crown of thorns. These things and deeds are diametrically opposed; they are as distinct as vice from virtue. Men too often confound them: they should not be confounded: appearance should not be mistaken for truth; narrow human doctrines, that only tend to elate and magnify a few, should not be substituted for the world-redeeming creed of Christ."

No wonder I like her work.

On another topic, Sleeping with the Enemy is showing on the Family Channel. "Come on into the living room kids, we are going to watch a "family movie" together. It's about a husband who beats his wife, she fakes her own death, and then he tries to kill her. Anyone want some popcorn?"

Judging a Book by Its Smell

2008-02-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

I love smelling books. I mean REALLY love smelling books. My favorites are very old books. New text books are also good, but I prefer good ol' paperback. I will admit that one of the major reasons that I like to read is the smell of books. A really good smelling book takes me longer to read because I keep stopping to smell it. I know I am not the only one, according to the results of a recent poll, ‘college students are most likely to characterize smell as the physical quality of books they most love.’ ‘In a survey of 600 college students, 43% identified smell – either new book smell or old – as the thing they most love about books as physical objects.’

I have noticed that many folks in blogland rate books. I think it would be fun to rate books by their smell. Some possibilities:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Copyright 1960 - a pleasing and aromatic novel, you will enjoy the musty yet timeless fragrance that emanates from this first edition.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Copyright 1893 - savor the antiquated vapor that radiates from this fragrant piece of literature.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Copyright 2004 - a fresh smell on an old story, this one is bringing paper-back.

I know we are going to save a lot of trees when all books become available to purchase and read online, but, being old-fashioned, I am sticking to turning pages and…….smelling books!

Grammar and Blues

2008-02-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

What I have learned doing homework with my kids in the last two nights:
1. Early fire engines used steam to pump water from a tank, which was pulled by horses. Dalmation dogs used to run next to these steam engines to keep rats and robbers away from the horses. (Why a robber would want a steam engine, I do not know).

2. A, and An are articles. You use a in front of words that start with a consonant. You use an in front of words that start with a vowel or vowel sound. (I remember them being called articles, but I can't ever remember being taught the vowel/consonant rule. I was just taught to use the one that makes sense).

Super Tuesday Blues
The primaries started making me physically ill. Seriously, my ears are throbbing. I had to shift gears. So, I switched over to youtube.com and started watching 80's videos. I am choking on nostalgia...cough...cough...cough. My favorites:
The Outfield
The Police
The Cure
Duran Duran
Pat Benatar
Cyndi Lauper

When it comes to the 80's, I love nostalgia.

Some Kind of Wonderful

2008-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Some Places I Want to Go Before April:
Newport (Oregon Coast Aquarium)
Bernadette Breu Antiques
Pittock Mansion
Rejuvenation
Peanut Butter and Ellie’s Café

*Suggestions Welcome!

My Top 10 Favorite 80’s Movies (in Order):

Some Kind of Wonderful
Say Anything
Better Off Dead
Can’t Buy Me Love
Pretty in Pink
Dead Poet’s Society
Sixteen Candles
Blade Runner
St. Elmo’s Fire
When Harry Met Sally

Check out the complete list here and feel free to share your favorites!

Bowling Shoes

2008-02-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

We went bowling last night. We all had a great time!

Last night's bowling scores:
Cheryl - 129
Tim - 131
ARGHHHHH!
Bowling shoes gross me out! I need to get my own.

Today, we were lazy. We slept late and basically just hung out. It was nice. I did start reading Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers by Chap Clark. In addition to being a professor of youth, family, and culture, he also spent several years in middle and high schools learning about teens and the issues that they deal with personally, and from society in general. He talks about different stages of teenage development, such as adolescence and mid-adolescence. Most striking to me he is assertion that a great many teens feel abandoned by the adults around them. So many of them just need someone to be there and listen. A ministry of presence. So far, I have enjoyed it, but some parts really make me sad. I love this quote that Clark included:

"Power, no matter how well intentioned, tends to cause suffering. Love being vulnerable, absorbs it." -Philip Yancy

Looking forward to watching the Super Bowl and hanging out with friends tomorrow!

Washing an Ipod

2008-01-31T23:21:00.000-08:00

Patience is something I am focusing on for the New Year. I have always wanted to be more patient, but lately, it has become a serious area of focus. I want to be a patient wife, mother, and person in general. I want for my children to look at me and see a patient mother. Unfortunately, it is a huge struggle for me. In order to grow in patience, I am praying, studying, and trying to be intentional about its practice throughout the day. There is no small irony in the fact that we are teaching on patience at church this Sunday. God has a sense of humor.

The dictionary defines patience as the ‘ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.’

I like this definition because it helps me to pinpoint the exact area of difficulty. For me, this is the ability to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties. Difficulties like: getting all three children out the door for school in the morning, staying on top of the laundry, getting everyone to their activities on time, cleaning juice up off of the floor for the sixth time in one day, accidentally washing an Ipod, etc. Difficulties. It is encouraging to know that God is unlimited in His patience with me. God knows I need it!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Crushing on Orange Crush

2008-01-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

Everyone has at least one strange thing that they like to do. One of mine is finding strange and weird recipes. Today, I found one that made my day! I have now discovered the perfect birthday meal for myself. Tim, I hope you read this! The first recipe combines my love for using the crock-pot, and my love for Orange Crush.

Orange Crush Crock-pot Chicken
4 lbs. chicken
1 (12 ounce) can orange soda
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 bay leaves
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
salt and pepper

Rinse and pat dry the chicken; place chicken in crock pot. Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Combine the orange soda (Orange Crush) with the soy sauce and pour over the chicken. Toss in a couple bay leaves and set crock pot on low for 6 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the breast meat reads 170°F. Potatoes, carrots, celery and onions may also be included as the chicken cooks (maybe half way through the cooking process?). Remove chicken to serving dish (along with any vegetables you might cook with it), to cool/settle 5 minutes, before serving.

Dessert - Orange Crush Pound Cake
1/4 c. butter softened
1 c. vegetable shortening
2 3/4 c. sugar
5 eggs
3 c. sifted cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Orange Crush (no substitutions)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. orange extract

Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Beat until light and fluffy. Sift flour and salt together; alternately add orange crush/flour to creamed mixture. Stir in flavoring. Pour into 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool cake slightly and spread with frosting: 1/2 tsp. orange extract 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, soft Combine and cream. Spread on warm cake. Thank you cooks.com.

Check out this blog from Touch-A-Life-Ministries.

Silver Sparkly Gloves

2008-01-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

I had an experience this weekend that I can’t get out of my head. We were at a youth rally at a wonderful church this weekend. It is the church where we had seeds of faith planted, and watered, and where we grew in our faith. It is the church of our roots. On Sunday morning, close to 500 people were gathered for worship in the auditorium. It was great and the singing was beautiful. We were sitting in the last pew. During one of the first songs, I saw a small, dirty, and frazzled woman coming from the front of the auditorium, followed by a brother from the church. She looked very different from anyone else in the auditorium. As she passed, we exchanged glances. We shook hands. She had on silver sparkly gloves. She said “thank you”, and then she and our friend left. I had this feeling that I should follow them and after a few minutes, I found them in one of the classrooms across the hall. Her name is Alice and she gave me a hug when I entered the room. She spoke to us about trying to get her son back, her sick husband who is in need of medication, how hard she works to make sure that he has it, about being bi-polar and hungry. She also talked about God and how good and faithful He is. We stood in a circle and prayed. We then took her to the kitchen and some of the members of the church got her some food. I was not surprised to find out that Alice is often helped and prayed over at this church. About five years ago, I would have focused on what a special experience this was, and how nice it was to help Alice out. Today, I can’t stop thinking about why, in a church of about 500 Christians, there was only one Alice?

The Warming Fire of Worship

2008-01-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

Alas! I have been unable to win at Mahjong Titans, Fortress! The victory pop-up eludes me. What is the secret? My samurai skills fail me.

Recently, I bought some old books. I have been thumbing through one just because I like the title, The Indifference of Juliet.

I am really enjoying For All God’s Worth by N.T. Wright. I have learned that ‘worship’ derives from ‘worth-ship’, which means, giving God all He’s worth. Two thoughts: 1. that is awesome, and b. no wonder worship is so difficult. How can I possibly communicate God's worth. I am thankful that He sees the desires of my heart.

I love the way Wright describes everything that is God. I always hate when people use corny phrases to describe things….. BUT…..I feel like this is a book that you drink, not read. Some parts I read over, and over, and over again. Like this one, on worship:

“It is right, therefore, that from time to time the church should take stock of that which is most central, most important, most vital in our common life together. Though we sing with the tongues of men and of angels, if we are not truly worshipping the living God, we are noisy gongs and clanging cymbals. Though we organize the liturgy most beautifully, if it does not enable us to worship the living God, we are mere ballet-dancers. Though we repave the floor and reface the stonework, though we balance our budgets and attract all the tourists, if we are not worshipping God, we are nothing.

Worship is humble and glad; worship forgets itself in remembering God; worship celebrates the truth as God’s truth, not its own. True worship doesn’t put on a show or make a fuss; true worship isn’t forced, isn’t half-hearted, doesn’t keep looking at its watch, doesn’t worry what the person in the next pew may be doing. True worship is open to God, waiting for God, trusting God even in the dark.”

Worship forgets itself in remembering God, now that is something to think about!

Jesus of Bethany

2008-01-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

We taught at a youth rally this weekend. It was a blessing to stand in front of a room full of teenagers and talk about the reconciliation that Christ brings. We are always thankful for opportunities to teach.

From For All God’s Worth: True Worship and the Calling of the Church by N.T. Wright

“Think how it works. The world, like Martha, says: ‘We must do things this way; this is the only way we know how to live.’ No, says the Bethany Jesus, there is a different way to live, which will turn your world upside down. The world, like Martha and Mary, stands weeping at the tomb, saying there’s no point opening this all up because it’ll only stink. No, says the Bethany Jesus; I have prayed to the Father, and there is life hidden in that tomb. The world, like Judas, stands mocking at those who worship Jesus with everything they’ve got; what use will that be in addressing the problems of society? Every use possible, says the Bethany Jesus: it has been written that the Messiah should suffer and rise again, and that, as Lord of the world, he should send out his heralds to announce to the world that there is a different way of living, a different way of being human, a way characterized by forgiveness through and through.
This is what it means for the ascended Lord to entrust his church with the task of evangelism. Evangelism is not simply a matter of bringing individuals to personal faith, though of course that remains central to the whole enterprise. It is a matter of confronting the world with the good, but deeply disturbing, news of a different way of living, which is the Bethany way, the way of love. With the drawing of this Love and the voice of this Calling, we shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
The Bethany Jesus comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable. He wants us to be his agents in doing so. For this, we need to know that he is the ascended Lord of the world; and we need to be indwelt by his Spirit. The life of heaven, through the prayer of the ascended Lord, is to become the life of the earth.”

Tim

2008-01-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

I love watching Tim with our kids. I love dads. They are the givers of piggyback rides, fixers of broken toys, ice cream cone cleaners, sound effects experts......they are all that is fun! Not that moms don't also do these things, but dads seem to do them with this wonderful boyish joy. It's contagious!

MLK Day

2008-01-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

Super Powers and Antiques

2008-01-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Tim asked me what super power I would like to have, I said invisibility to sound cool, but that's not really true. In truth, I would like to be able to touch any object and see where it's been, who owned it, etc. I think about it everytime I go into an antique store........."Who did this book belong to?" I thought about it again yesterday at this huge antique show in Vancouver. It's not a cool super power, but I would like it. So here's the breakdown of the day:

2 adult admission tickets - $12.00
1 bag of kettle korn - $2.50
1 big pretzel - $3.50
1 bottled water - $2.00
2 old books - $6.00
2 handkerchiefs - $4.00
Kendall yelling "wip off" as we walked around the building - priceless!

It was hard not to laugh given the circumstances. She learned this new phrase from Tim when one of the toys she was given would not work. He told her, "Sorry honey, looks like this was a rip off." She liked it and has been saying it ever since. The problem was that she says it pretty loud and the vendors at the antique store did not know the history behind it. They probably just thought she was repeating her cheap parents!