Hot and Tired

So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:40-42 (NLT)

The story of the woman at the well gripped our attention and imagination as our Bible study teacher shared her ideas of the events of that day. We only know a few sketchy details of this woman: married five times and even now just living with a man, alone at the well in the middle of the day, with a surprise request from a strange Jewish man. Something was not right because women usually went together early in the morning to draw the water, enjoying the camaraderie of being together. However, her reputation cast her out of that circle of friendship and fellowship, leaving her alone in the heat of the day to get the much-needed water. Startled, she responded abruptly when a weary Jesus sat down and asked for some water. She noticed that He didn't even have a bucket, but rather than demanding water from her, He offered her living water. She questioned Him, not understanding what He had in mind, and then imagine her surprise when He proceeded to recite the sordid details of her life. Right about now I would have turned away in shame but Jesus had met her at the point of her greatest need. She wanted life – a real life – without all the drama and trauma that she encountered at every turn. She probably had tried it all without success and was ready to give up but this Man said, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again, But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." No wonder she flew down the dusty trail, forgetting her jar in her haste, to tell everyone in town of her new discovery. Her life changed in an instant as she grasped who this stranger was and what He was offering her. We may not be outcasts like this woman but life may disappoint and discourage us at every turn. We try unsuccessfully to handle it ourselves and may even want to give up. Jesus knows what is going on in our lives and His offer is available today – to anyone who asks. Notice that He didn't hurry on down the road but stayed two more days. The patient Jesus answered their questions and the revelation of the power of this Living Water changed this town. Thirsty? Ask the woman at the well – she has a great story to share.

Freedom

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)

I woke up this morning to a clear sky, sunlight streaming through the windows after a torrential monsoon yesterday. We celebrate the 4th of July, much like we do Christmas, with special decorations, a patriotic shirt, a favorite meal, and friends around the table. Last night we had our friends who lost their home to the fire last week over for dinner. As we shared the news of the destroyed house and hopes for the new one, I thought about the changes life throws our way. We encounter rocks in the road that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Yet, as I listened to them share the story of the fire, I heard the surprise and joy in their voices at the out-pouring of love and concern from the neighborhood. People that they had never met called with offers of housing, dinners, and help. They have a wonderful attitude about the whole situation – truly showing grace under fire. Yes, freedom is serving each other…not because we have to but because we want to, showing the love of Christ through our actions. In an election year, we hear promises constantly tossed about by the candidates. I urge you to remember that you can only change one person – yourself. It is up to each of us to bring freedom to those around us by serving them with a heart of love. Enjoy today as we celebrate the birthday of this wonderful nation. God bless America!

Patience ... again

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

I hung up the phone with an unsettled feeling rolling around in my stomach. Things were not right and I knew that part of it was my fault…yet, not ALL my fault. This weekend we celebrate two years in the desert and as much as I love it here, it has not been an easy time. Still thinking about the conversation, I noticed that doctor's appointments dominate my old calendar. I was about ready to have my own private pity party but decided to call a friend to see if I was off base figuring a little perspective is what I really needed. She reminded me that one of the drawbacks of getting older is the lack of energy and more importantly, the recuperation time we now need. The last months have been particularly trying and she suggested that I should be a little easier on myself and get some rest. I know she is right but one thing I have little patience for is not being able to do what I have always done. Soon I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit reminding me that we had just finished studying about patience last spring in Bible study. Oh…right. Years ago my mother told me to be careful about praying for patience and it looks like I am still learning. I apologized for my actions and cleared the calendar. In a few days, I'll be rarin' to go.

Fire!

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NLT)

With a phone call, my cozy, comfortable afternoon was shattered. "Do you see the fire up the street?" "No," I replied as my book fell to the floor. We have huge thunderstorms during the summer and I often watch with fascination as lightning streaks across the sky—something new for this California girl. However, a huge crack of thunder and lightning an hour earlier had startled me. It sounded like it was right outside my door. At the same time, I noticed the TV immediately turned to snow. Minutes later I heard fire trucks race up the street but still I did not think fire since we have had fire trucks at our house on two occasions for medical emergencies. Startled, I ran outside to discover flames roaring out of the roof of our friend's home, a few doors up the street. That boom of lightning had struck their attic and fire engulfed the house. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles littered the street as we watched the streams of water pour out to extinguish the flames. The worst sound was chain saws cutting the garage doors, checking for a car. The neighborhood grapevine crackled with disbelief. At first, we all stood around with no answers because the owners of the house had left that day on a trip to Europe. But, one neighbor had their itinerary and caught them before they flew out. I can only imagine the shock and disbelief they must have felt when they learned that fire had destroyed their home. I spoke with my friend this morning, their trip postponed, and she is so thankful that they are safe and realizes how devastating it could have been. Sure, we enjoy our homes but in the end, stuff is replaceable…life is not. As I commiserated with one neighbor while watching the firemen, we agreed that the "things" of life are nothing compared to our relationships and the people we love. God reminds us to place our treasure in gold, silver, and precious stones so that when we encounter the fires of life, it will purify rather than destroy and only make them more valuable. This tragedy has forged our neighborhood together in a way that day-to-day life never could. Beauty will rise up from ashes.

Traveling Mercies

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:3-5 (NLT)

I love visiting family but traveling from one side of the country to the other in two weeks drains my energy and strength. Whoever said that traveling is easy and fun must be pre-9/11. Airports have become a cattle call – lining us up and herding us through. No food, no drink, crying babies, and delayed departures are the norm. Driving is not much better but at least I have control over my schedule rather than the airlines. However, fuel costs, excessive heat, and busy highways contributed its own set of hassles. David, the psalmist, must have done a lot of traveling, too. His irritations were different from mine but that did not keep him from recognizing the hand of God in his life. Whether headed to battle or to his home, David acknowledged the watchful eye of God over him. Looking back in the rear-view mirror of my life, I can see God's intervention in the interruptions, delays, high costs, or irritable people that crossed my path. He put His hedge of protection around me when I drove 15 hours to the Bay Area and two hours to Memphis in the middle of the night. Upon reflection now that we are home, we had a great time visiting the grandgirlies and meeting a new set of Mark's relatives at the reunion. Yes, His blessing overflows with love for these we call ours.

6/26/08

Exclamation Point

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV)

I like to listen to talk radio while driving but I clicked the radio off after a few minutes of a particular host who was subbing for one of my favorites. He was too "in your face" and a bit exhausting to listen to. I thought, "I need a comma rather than an exclamation point today." The phrase, "exclamation point" comes straight from Beth Moore who describes herself as one. I love Beth and it is a very apropos description of her. And, sometimes, that is just what I need, a cheerleader, or more likely, someone to give me a kick-start to get going. But today, I am tired. Headed to a family reunion this weekend, we took the night flight, which included a two-hour drive to Memphis, and my head finally hit the pillow at 3 AM. I was in no mood for a lecture; I needed a calm, quiet, soothing, "comma" kind of person on the radio. The off button served its purpose. I am so thankful that God gives us the Holy Spirit who knows exactly what we need. There are days when I draw on the fruit of the Spirit and then He gives me opportunities to show His power to those I meet. Yet, there are moments when I don't even know what to pray. Disappointment or sorrow may overwhelm. Frustration and anger interrupt my journey and send me on a detour. But the calm in His voice leads me to still waters and allows restoration of my soul and spirit. A little rest is just what I need. Then…watch out!

Graduation Day

"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

As we lay side by side in the bottom bunk last night, I talked with Tori, my six-year-old granddaughter, about the upcoming celebration of her graduation from kindergarten. We had driven 15 hours to be with her for this special day. As we chatted, I mentioned to her that this was the first of many graduations to come; eighth grade, then high school, followed by college. I got a big grin but I knew that she really had no idea what I was talking about. At age six, it looks like a very long road ahead. But at age 61, it seems to have just flown by. The years pass quickly and these milestones keep us moving forward. Sometimes, we have a goal but other times it is just the thing we do. Then, armed and ready we tackle life and walk the path put in front of us. It may be smooth or it may take some detours. At the end, I always think of my pastor-friend, John, who reminds us when we hear of the passing of a loved one, they have graduated to their heavenly home—the ultimate graduation that we all strive for. I asked my quiet, shy, middle child Tori if she would mind if we clapped for her when they handed her the diploma. Peeking from under her long eyelashes, she grinned again and shook her head. Today we did just that. Tears blurred my vision as I watched her walk across the room and reach up to shake hands with the principal. Such promise resides in that little girl. Well done, Sweet T.

In Word or Deed

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Although my calendar shows no earth-shattering schedule, this past week just flew by. Yesterday my dad arrived for a week's visit – the same day I spoke to our Women's Bible Study. Neither of those events should have flustered me but when thrown together, I felt hurried all week. That unsettled feeling left me vulnerable to some doubts and fears whispered by the enemy. "You are not ready, " I knew in my heart that I was prepared to give the message that God had given to me. Yet, Satan wanted to keep me off balance and temporarily succeeded when I got the phone call that the twenty ladies I expected to be there were probably going to be more like forty. Abruptly, my hands grew cold and sweaty, my heart skipped a beat, and I started to rethink my talk. It suddenly became all about me. But, after a quick SOS call to a friend for extra prayers and taking some time to bow my will to the will of my Father's, I felt His peace fill my heart and mind. I am happy to report a demolished enemy as 46 excited ladies arrived to study God's Word and hear His message. Today, I rejoiced when I heard that one of those ladies had taken the truth and put it into practice in a difficult situation with a friend. That is what it is all about…thank you, Lord.

All That I Need

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

Some things tend to push me over the edge. Rudeness and unprofessional behavior are two and this week I experienced both. Change is never easy and this proved true once again. In an effort to be on top of things, I decided to make some financial changes. I expected some resistance and was not disappointed. As I prayed for wisdom, I asked God to specifically speak to me because I dreaded the necessary conversation with my financial advisor. Turning to the daily reading in my devotional, Closer Walk New Testament, I found this prayer at the end of the scripture; "Father, sometimes I too can see ahead situations I would rather avoid, circumstances I would rather run from, and people I simply don't want to deal with. I praise you that just as you gave Jesus the strength and courage he needed, you will do as much for me. I praise you for the promise that your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. I know that includes the courage I need. Truly your grace is sufficient for all that I face." As the day progressed, He gave me the grace to speak with clarity and the ability to be resolute in my decisions. I know that God observes all that we say and do but it was nice to receive an email of confirmation later in the day from an interested party to the whole matter. It was a good reminder that nothing we say or do goes unnoticed. Thank you, Lord, for giving me all that I need.

Rocky Path

God does all these things to a man— twice, even three times- to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him. Job 33:29-30 (NIV)

Today is Spa Day. My sweet husband gave me a birthday gift certificate for "the works" and I am really looking forward to it. It has been a long month…in fact, several long months. You may have noticed in past blogs that life around here presented challenges. For many weeks, early in the year, I took the blame for not being the wife he needed. We even had a series of counseling sessions with our pastor to try to smooth out the rough edges. Only married for four years, we discovered the past sneaking up and influencing some of our responses to each other. I wanted to work to change mine and received some great help by reading Love & Respect. However, the lows that Mark hit appeared more often and went deeper no matter what either of us did. Over the months, I prayed for joy for him because I could see contentment with life slipping away from his countenance and personality. I had no idea that what I was observing was depression. I just knew that at times, the Mark that I loved had disappeared and was very hard to find. He was just as frustrated and couldn't do anything to stop it or pull himself out of it. We had no idea of what we were dealing with, so we struggled through those days. I walked on eggshells so as not to aggravate him. He kept to himself. But God did not leave me and spoke to me through His word, especially the Bible study, Living Beyond Yourself. I don't know why I was surprised but each week as we studied a different fruit of the Spirit, I found the encouragement that I needed…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. It was just what the Doctor ordered for a troubled heart. Now, I notice that the subject of depression is everywhere I turn – from an article in Ladies' Home Journal to a PBS special last night. My prayer is that we can share together what we learn as we struggle along this rocky path. There is light…and hope.