Showing posts with label Spiritual Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, October 23, 2009
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes
it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
~Maya Angelou
Let's pick up where we left off...
7. Sometimes a change of direction is required in order to continue the work of transformation
In a season of transformation, there may come a time when something we are doing no longer works or is not conducive to the direction we see God leading us. In order to press on, we may have to adjust our course a bit – or, maybe change directions altogether.
Upon hearing about the plot of the enemy and seeing the state of the workers, Nehemiah realizes that it’s no longer possible (or safe) to have everyone dedicated to the rebuilding the wall. He then implements a new strategy for the work of restoration (4:15-23).
8. Don’t overlook opportunities to take up the cause of others
Chapter 5 relates some issues occurring internally among the people. In a nutshell, “the rich were getting richer and the poor getting poorer primarily because of the way that the financial transactions contravened the Mosaic Law. Interest was being charged on loans in such a way that the people became crippled by debt. Nehemiah bravely addressed the issues and sought to equalize the economic levels among the people”[1]
There could be a number of reasons why scripture takes a break from the story of Jerusalem’s wall project (Chapters 4 & 6) to tell us about the economic woes of the people and how Nehemiah addressed the situation. To me, it’s a reminder not to become so engrossed in the work of transformation that I miss opportunities to help & serve others. Not only that, but it’s a picture of unselfishness that convicts me of my own selfish ways.
9. More opposition? Yes…and sometimes from within your own people.
Opposition is a common theme in the story of Jerusalem’s restoration. We see it before restoration even begins, it carries on during the work and it continues even after the work is done. In Chapter 6 we see more pot stirring from Sanballat & Tobiah, as well some trouble from within.
“One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetable, who was shut in at his home…”
“I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah & Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.” (6:10-14)
10. When true transformation occurs in your life, even your enemies will take notice
“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (6:15-16)
When a person overcomes obstacles to walk in true God-given victory, it is a testimony – even to your enemies. What glory to God!
11. The voice of opposition will occasionally find you even as you walk in freedom
Even after the completion of the wall, Tobiah continued to send intimidating letters to Nehemiah! (6:19)
To wrap up, transformation looks different for each one of us. We may not always experience the things outlined here, but we can certainly be aware of the possibility. Bottom line is when we let God do the work, the end result is going to be more than we could ever hope for or imagine!
God bless!
k
[1] David Pawson, Unlocking the Bible (page 584), Great Britain: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, 2007
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
In my last post I began to share some of my thoughts from the book of Nehemiah - a book that has been speaking (very loudly!) to me lately. Towards the end of the post, I listed 11 lessons that I have learned from Nehemiah & the Israelites...lessons that I saw as being relevant to those undergoing seasons of transformation. Today I want to elaborate a bit on the first 6.
1. Seeking God in humility and repentance can bring about His favor and provision for the process of transformation.
When Nehemiah heard of the trouble back in Jerusalem, he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed. He confessed the sins that the Israelites (including himself) committed against the Lord and asked for success and favor in the presence of King Artaxerxes. The king granted all that Nehemiah asked, and then some. “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. …The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me” (2:8-9)
2. Making a move towards transformation in your life will invite voices of opposition.
As Nehemiah sets off for Jerusalem, we are introduced to Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official. At the end of chapter 2 we begin to see the voices of opposition rise up. “…they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.” (2:10). This will not be the last we read of these troublemakers!
When Nehemiah came to the people of Jerusalem, he laid out the problem and a plan for restoration. “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (2:17)
The people of Jerusalem agreed with the following declaration: “Let us start rebuilding.” (2:18).
Scripture tells us that when Sanballat and Geshem heard about this, “they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’” (2:19)
3. The work of transformation does not require special skill – only willingness to work
Chapter 3 of Nehemiah gives a very detailed account by name of those who worked on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. One would think that only the most skilled masons and construction workers would be on task. Not so. God used perfume makers, priests, women, government officials and entire families to do the repair work on the wall. Each of these willing participants has the honor of their name in Scripture to this day.
4. Opposition will continue during the work of transformation
“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria…” (4:1)
“Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side said, ‘What they are building – if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!’” (4:3)
“They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.” (4:8)
5. During the work of transformation, be on guard for exhaustion, discouragement & fear.
The work of transformation is hard! Sometimes we just want to be done. In our zeal to get there, we can begin to do things in our own strength, which brings on exhaustion. Times like this can open the door to discouragement and fear. We see this happen to the Israelites.
In 4:6, the wall is halfway finished and scripture tells us that the people “worked with all their heart”. In verse 4:10 we see exhaustion “The strength of the laborers is giving out,” and discouragement, “and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall”
Knowing that exhaustion and discouragement can and probably will come, it’s wise to be on guard for it. In the case of the Israelites, we see that this exhaustion and discouragement gives way to fear:
“Also, our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work’ ” (4:11)
The fear spreads quickly and becomes exaggerated: “Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us’ “ (4:12)
Imagine what kind of road block this can be to the work transformation!
6. Have an arsenal of tools for responding to opposition
Scripture shows several different responses by Nehemiah and the Israelites to the trouble coming their way. In one instance, we see Nehemiah respond to the ridicule of Sanballat & Geshem with proclamation:
“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you will have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” (2:20)
In another case, we see an imprecatory prayer:
“Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.” (4:4-5)
We also see that in addition to prayer, it’s wise to have practical solutions in place:
“But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat” (4:9)
”Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.” (4:13)
Most importantly, do not lose sight of God…remember where your refuge, strength and ever present help comes from! Nehemiah did, and he encouraged the people with the reminder:
“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome…” (4:14)
- Sometimes a change of direction is required in order to continue the work of transformation
- Don’t overlook opportunities to take up the cause of others
- More opposition? Yes…and sometimes from within your own people.
- When true transformation occurs in your life, even your enemies will take notice
- The voice of opposition will occasionally find you even as you walk in freedom
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Most of us can recall a time in our lives where we experienced a season of transformation. Maybe you are in the midst of that season. Maybe you look at it as restoration…or change…or sanctification…or recovery…or….? Whatever word you choose, the fact remains that it is difficult and requires the power and grace that can only come from the God of the universe. Those things attempted in our own strength may last for a time, but true transformation (restoration, change, recovery, etc.) is life-long and sends a message of hope to those around us. There is much to be gleaned from the Bible on the topic of transformation. One book in particular that has been speaking to me recently is Nehemiah.
A little background on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah: The book was written during a period of restoration in and around Jerusalem after the exiles had returned from Babylon. Nehemiah, an Israelite living in the citadel of Susa, was cupbearer to the King Artaxerxes. In the beginning of this account, he hears disturbing news from his brother who has just come from Judah. “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (v1:3). This news was distressing to Nehemiah, whose response was sorrow and mourning. Nehemiah approached the king to request a leave of absence so he could go back to his broken land and rebuild the city where his fathers were buried.
In the book of Nehemiah, the physical restoration of the walls of Jerusalem paved the way for spiritual healing in the Israelites. The rebuilding of the wall is followed by a time of renewal (chapters 8-10) and reformation (chapters 11-13). For me, I long for a time of renewal and reformation in my life but for now, my aim is to gather knowledge and learn from the Israelites and their time rebuilding the wall of their city. The following are lessons that I see as I have read thru the book of Nehemiah:
- Seeking God in humility and repentance can bring about His favor and provision for the process of transformation.
- Making a move towards transformation in your life will invite voices of opposition.
- The work of transformation does not require special skill – only willingness to work
- Opposition will continue during the work of transformation
- During the work of transformation, be on guard for exhaustion, discouragement & fear.
- Have an arsenal of tools for responding to opposition
- Sometimes a change of direction is required in order to continue the work of transformation
- Don’t overlook opportunities to take up the cause of others
- More opposition? Yes…and sometimes from within your own people.
- When true transformation occurs in your life, even your enemies will take notice
- The voice of opposition will occasionally find you even as you walk in freedom
In part 2 I will begin to elaborate on these lessons in a little more detail. I hope that this has whet your appetite a little ;)
Transforming hugs & kisses,
k
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hey yall...
A quick update for you from the Club Amaro compound...
Here's a shot of Abby with a new bracelet that came in the mail from Grandma.
Abby loves, loves, loves this bracelet - not only for the fact that it's an accessory (which she is all about these days!). But, slightly more than that she was excited about having a way that she could share Christ with her class mates. (The bracelet has beads and charms that hold significance to the story of Jesus - it enables someone to briefly tell the story and have a starting point for further discussion). That night during evening prayer time, she prayed that God would give her boldness in sharing Jesus with her classmates the next day at school.
The first thing she told me when she got in the car the next day was how many kids she told about Jesus using her bracelet! The count fluctuated a few times in the telling, but it averaged out to about 6 kids. She said that some of the kids seemed "very interested" in what she had to say. She was SO excited....it made me slightly ashamed of my own lame evangelistic pursuits. I know there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Ro 8:1), so my shame did not last long. I was touched by her desire to see those around her know the truth of Jesus...I only pray that we as parents can fan that flame in her and that it would not die out by our complacency and luke warm Christianity.
Now, if you'll allow me to remove the heavy weight that just crashed down in the middle of my post, I'll tell you about our fun evening out last night...
The small group that Mike and I are involved in at church had a "multiplication party" (our group had enough people where we were able to split off into two groups). One of the members of the small group has parents that own a 25 acre farm down the road a bit. It was like Southern Living met up with Old Mac Donald....the house was beyond beautiful and sitting next to that was a barn, farm, horses, etc. It was a whole lotta fun. Here's a few highlights:
A bonfire welcomed the guests (even though it was 90 degrees out!) and was later used for S'mores.
Abby with friends Aubrey and Ella
A nice big hay ride for all - Abby went on it twice (by herself).
Abby and Aubrey
Some of the horse stalls...one of the horses is there and tolerated all the kids bringing it grass from the nearby lawn.
Small group leaders R & E lead in prayer before dinner.
Just thought this was a cool shot.
Hope all is well!
Love and S'mores,
k
A quick update for you from the Club Amaro compound...
Here's a shot of Abby with a new bracelet that came in the mail from Grandma.
Abby loves, loves, loves this bracelet - not only for the fact that it's an accessory (which she is all about these days!). But, slightly more than that she was excited about having a way that she could share Christ with her class mates. (The bracelet has beads and charms that hold significance to the story of Jesus - it enables someone to briefly tell the story and have a starting point for further discussion). That night during evening prayer time, she prayed that God would give her boldness in sharing Jesus with her classmates the next day at school.
The first thing she told me when she got in the car the next day was how many kids she told about Jesus using her bracelet! The count fluctuated a few times in the telling, but it averaged out to about 6 kids. She said that some of the kids seemed "very interested" in what she had to say. She was SO excited....it made me slightly ashamed of my own lame evangelistic pursuits. I know there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Ro 8:1), so my shame did not last long. I was touched by her desire to see those around her know the truth of Jesus...I only pray that we as parents can fan that flame in her and that it would not die out by our complacency and luke warm Christianity.
Now, if you'll allow me to remove the heavy weight that just crashed down in the middle of my post, I'll tell you about our fun evening out last night...
The small group that Mike and I are involved in at church had a "multiplication party" (our group had enough people where we were able to split off into two groups). One of the members of the small group has parents that own a 25 acre farm down the road a bit. It was like Southern Living met up with Old Mac Donald....the house was beyond beautiful and sitting next to that was a barn, farm, horses, etc. It was a whole lotta fun. Here's a few highlights:
A bonfire welcomed the guests (even though it was 90 degrees out!) and was later used for S'mores.Abby with friends Aubrey and EllaA nice big hay ride for all - Abby went on it twice (by herself).Abby and AubreySome of the horse stalls...one of the horses is there and tolerated all the kids bringing it grass from the nearby lawn.Small group leaders R & E lead in prayer before dinner.Just thought this was a cool shot.Hope all is well!
Love and S'mores,
k
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
...spoken like a true 37 year old. But I've heard it said that 40 is the new 30, so that really only makes me 27 according to my logic. Yes?
Every year on my birthday I claim my Psalm for the year (the Psalm number corresponding to the year that I have turned). Psalm 37 is a good one, and I am very excited about it. If you can stand it, I would like to share some of my favorite verses from it (all verses are taken from the New King James):
That is just good stuff. I love all the God "action items"...He shall:
My "action items" involve committing and trusting. If I commit my ways to the Lord and trust in Him, these promises are for me to hold on to! But how about those days when my commitment and trust levels are put to the test - or they just disappear completely? What happens to these promises then? Hmmmm...I guess I'm not really prepared to answer that. But, for me, I think part of the answer lies in something that Abby said to me last night as I was getting her ready for bed. She cupped my face with her precious little hands, looked me dead in the eyes and said, "Mom...you're not perfect....but you're sweet!".
God knows I'm not perfect...He knows the limits of my commitment and trust...and He knows my heart. God said to Samuel, "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) My heart desires to commit and trust, even if sometimes my actions don't line up. Someone may look at me and disagree, but only God can judge my heart so I'll leave that up to Him. The trouble comes when our hearts get out of alignment...but that's another topic altogether (and one that I don't care to bring up on my birthday post!).
The good news is you don't have to be 37 for all of this! God's promises are for the young and old alike...no matter where you're at in your life.
Commit and trust...and may the Lord bring it to pass!
love & 37 candles,
k
Every year on my birthday I claim my Psalm for the year (the Psalm number corresponding to the year that I have turned). Psalm 37 is a good one, and I am very excited about it. If you can stand it, I would like to share some of my favorite verses from it (all verses are taken from the New King James):
"Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday." v.5-6
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. " v.23-24
"But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him." v.39-40
That is just good stuff. I love all the God "action items"...He shall:
- bring it to pass
- bring forth your righteousness and justice
- uphold with His hand
- be strength in times of trouble
- help and deliver
- save
My "action items" involve committing and trusting. If I commit my ways to the Lord and trust in Him, these promises are for me to hold on to! But how about those days when my commitment and trust levels are put to the test - or they just disappear completely? What happens to these promises then? Hmmmm...I guess I'm not really prepared to answer that. But, for me, I think part of the answer lies in something that Abby said to me last night as I was getting her ready for bed. She cupped my face with her precious little hands, looked me dead in the eyes and said, "Mom...you're not perfect....but you're sweet!".
God knows I'm not perfect...He knows the limits of my commitment and trust...and He knows my heart. God said to Samuel, "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) My heart desires to commit and trust, even if sometimes my actions don't line up. Someone may look at me and disagree, but only God can judge my heart so I'll leave that up to Him. The trouble comes when our hearts get out of alignment...but that's another topic altogether (and one that I don't care to bring up on my birthday post!).
The good news is you don't have to be 37 for all of this! God's promises are for the young and old alike...no matter where you're at in your life.
Commit and trust...and may the Lord bring it to pass!
love & 37 candles,
k
Monday, August 25, 2008
No - this picture wasn't taken in October or November. This picture was taken last Sunday after church. Leaves on the ground in August, you say? Yep - that's what happens when there is a DROUGHT. Apparently, these parts have experienced drought for a few years now with last year being the worst. This August is one of the driest on record in the last 60 years. They actually pray for rain at church!
Today our prayers were answered...rain has falled steadily all day long. At times is was so heavy that you had to raise your voice a bit so the person next to you could hear. At other times, it was a gentle sprinkle - a respite for grocery shoppers taking their cart of Kroger goods to the car (like me!).
Like the leaves falling off the tree in August or the rain pouring all day long after so long without a drop, I'm reminded that I am not in control! If it were up to me, I would build a spreadsheet with charts and graphs and couple it with a computer program that would generate the times and seasons of all things to happen. I would email it to all the elements and post it on the blog. I know you're probably glad that I resigned from the universe caretakers position...
Stepping back from the universe perspective and taking to a human perspective - I feel the need to control things in my life. For awhile this works...but inevitably my hands tire of holding onto everything and something slips. I can't do it on my own. With God, it's in the letting go where true freedom and liberation can be found.
The author of Hebrew's tells us that Jesus upholds "all things by the word of his power". I love the Amplified version which reads, "upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power". He makes the rain fall when it needs to fall - He's in charge of every leaf on every tree, the cattle on 1000 hills and every hair on my head. Shhh....listen....that's the sound of me letting out a deep sigh of relief. God is in control...that doesn't mean that I sit as a passive bump on a log and let everything happen around me. It means that I get to participate with the Creator of the Universe as he "guides and propells" my life by His "mighty word of power".
I'm excited to find rest in the hands of the everlasting God...may you find your rest as well.
k
Monday, August 4, 2008
A hungry Abby polished off her egg this morning in the blink of an eye...her comment upon finishing the last bite? "Man, I finished that egg in a jiffy!"
After my chuckling died down, Abby started in on her fruit, which consisted of some peach and pear. The peach, while very delicious, had a skin that was not so pretty. Abby picked it up, looked at it and commented, "this peach skin is spinning out of control".
Oh the years ahead where many other people will have input into Abby's vocabulary and life besides Mom and Dad...people who say things like "jiffy" and "spinning out of control". If this is the extent of it, then I can't complain - but it does remind me how important it is as parents that we take action and bathe our children in prayer DAILY.
"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street."
Lamentations 2:19
After my chuckling died down, Abby started in on her fruit, which consisted of some peach and pear. The peach, while very delicious, had a skin that was not so pretty. Abby picked it up, looked at it and commented, "this peach skin is spinning out of control".
Oh the years ahead where many other people will have input into Abby's vocabulary and life besides Mom and Dad...people who say things like "jiffy" and "spinning out of control". If this is the extent of it, then I can't complain - but it does remind me how important it is as parents that we take action and bathe our children in prayer DAILY.
"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street."
Lamentations 2:19
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Don't worry, the adventures are still happening! Here in Fort Worth, we've actually fallen into a routine that resembles something normal. Although for some reason, I keep forgetting to set an alarm at night and end up waking up at 9:30 or 10 in the morning. OH DARN! I know, I'll have to come back to reality one of these days.So - I'm here to update you on some highlights of the last few days...actually, most of them are concentrated around events of today. Randy's Dad (Connie, aka Great Grandpa, aka GGpa), stepmom (Betty, aka Great Grandma, aka GGma) and nephew (Jake, no aka) drove down from Cameron, Missouri to visit with us this Easter weekend (that's a good 12 hour day driving!). They arrived late in the evening on Friday, so we didn't get to see them until this morning. Unfortunately, Randy had to work all day long today (makin' those jet airplanes is a big job)...but we set out to have a fun day despite his absence.
First on the list was an Egg hunt at Grandmama & Grandpapa's church. Gmama wasn't really sure what to expect, but we figured it would be worth the 3 minute drive to check it out. So Mike, Abby, Gmama, GGma, Jake and I set out to hunt eggs. The church did a real good job on the pre-hunt warm up (songs, story, prayer). However, upon arrival to the egg-hunting "field" we were all disappointed to find about 2000 eggs just laying on the grass. I mean, what's up with that? Doesn't 'hunt' sort of assume that there's work involved? Anyway - there was a "ready, set, go". Then chaos ensued as about 20 or so 5-12 year olds were unleashed into the field to indulge their every egg hunt desire. Regardless of the setup, we didn't want to miss out on our piece of the pie...so, Jake and Abby came up with their strategy and took off at the appointed moment. They decided to run as fast as possible to the END of the field and work their way back while the other kids got greedy right there at the beginning.
I am probably making this egg hunt to sound like a battle out of the movie Braveheart...in fact, it was quite civil. The kids who got more were even sharing with those who didn't get much - warm and fuzzy, you know. Abby and Jake made out pretty good with the candy-filled eggs (although much to my hormonally-induced chagrin, there was no stinkin' chocolate. whad up with that?) Abby shared alot of her candy with Jake since he was a good helper.Once we got home though, Jake took matters into his own hands and took all the eggs out to the backyard and hid them for Abby to find. Now THAT was alot more fun! Of course Abby had to have a turn at hiding the eggs for Jake as well...
We had a great time visiting with the Greats (and Jake) today. We'll get to spend tomorrow with them as well...the whole family will be able to attend Resurrection Day service at Gmama & Gpapa's church. I just loaded about 4 days worth of pictures, so don't forget to check them out by clicking here.
Lastly, Mike and I had the opportunity to attend and incredible Good Friday service at a local church here in Fort Worth. Most Good Friday services are the same no matter where you go - dark lighting, candles, an old rugged cross propped up somewhere on stage, communion and the old hymns that talk about Jesus on the cross. This service wasn't any different, but somehow it was nice to just be "anonymous" somewhere while we took some time to remember the price that was paid for all of us.
I remember having gone to church for quite awhile before I truly understood what Resurrection Day meant. I couldn't understand why Jesus had to die at all...if God is God then why couldn't he just forgive us and be done with it (didn't seem like a good plan to me - and I know everything). It was Easter - probably 1999 or maybe 2000 when I had that "Damascus Road" sort of moment and the revelation of what transpired on the cross was revealed to me. We were having our "Come and See" group on the cozy couches of Fireside Court when a man named Lee answered my "why" question....very simply he said, "well, what else could God do to show you how much He loves you?" It's not rocket science, but for some reason when Lee said that, it all made sense. Of course there's alot of theology that goes along with the meaning of cross - but, hey - I can't argue with the "sky parting" moment that I had when Lee spoke his simple words to me. Jesus loves me - and the way he showed me is by enduring the cross to pay my sin bill, in full, forever. And, I'm not sure what more he could have done than that.
Enjoy your Resurrection Day!
He is risen,
k
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Abby has now joined the ranks of the bold and the daring. Yesterday, without any prompting, she asked to go on the Dragon Rollercoaster at Pixie Playland. Prior to this event, Abby had 1 other confrontation with the Dragon - that was during a trip to PP w/ Grandaddy & Mom. She took one look at that thing and make a quick decision to move on to the teacups (I think Grandaddy let out a sigh of relief at that moment since I was going to make HIM go on it with her!).
Not only did our precious child go on it once, but she asked to go on it twice! She had 3 tickets left - so that meant 3 rides by herself, or, 1 ride by herself and 1 more ride on the rollercoaster with Dad (Dad needed a ticket too!). She chose to ride the dragon again! Now mind you, this is not like riding the Matterhorn or anything - it's a rather tame coaster. However, Dad - who has ridden with the best of 'em, came off the ride a little shaken. Of course, he's also no longer 14 years old.
I, Mom, had the privilege of watching my only child and my dear husband board the monster - Mike looking a little like he was reliving something of his youth and Abby not really looking like she knew what she was getting herself into. Now, I had to trust that the good folk at Pixie Playland knew what the heck they were doing when they posted the signs about how tall you have to be to ride....and, our little munchkin passed with a few inches in her pocket. I watched them pull down the safety bar, which looked more like a decorative accessory then something that would keep my child from flying out of her seat.....I felt like tapping the 17 year old kid running the show there and asking him if those bars were in the right position, etc. But, I took comfort in knowing that Abby was nestled securely in her Daddy's arms.
Off went the dragon....3 times around the track it went. I watched Abby experience for the first time the thrill of a roller coaster. Man, I wish I had a camera or video to show you....I can only convey in words. The expressions were priceless.... Not having the life experience that we do, Abby was probably not playing in her mind the dangerous malfunctions that could occur. She was completely oblivious to fear at that moment - just feeling the joy of the ride . That precious smile of hers conveyed to me that she felt completely secure. If you ask me, I attribute it to the feeling of Dad's arms around her.
As I like to do, I must draw a spiritual parallel - the picture that I saw while watching two of my favorite people being whisked around a pair of metal tracks was this. As I'm experiencing my life - the roller coaster that it is - that during each twist and turn the strong arms of my Heavenly Father are wrapped tight around me. To provide safety in times of fear, to provide comfort in times of need, to provide love and truth in times of doubt. I pictured myself on the dragon for a brief moment and could almost hear my Saviour next to me whispering, "no need to fear, my child....I am here".
Enjoying the ride,
momma k
Not only did our precious child go on it once, but she asked to go on it twice! She had 3 tickets left - so that meant 3 rides by herself, or, 1 ride by herself and 1 more ride on the rollercoaster with Dad (Dad needed a ticket too!). She chose to ride the dragon again! Now mind you, this is not like riding the Matterhorn or anything - it's a rather tame coaster. However, Dad - who has ridden with the best of 'em, came off the ride a little shaken. Of course, he's also no longer 14 years old.
I, Mom, had the privilege of watching my only child and my dear husband board the monster - Mike looking a little like he was reliving something of his youth and Abby not really looking like she knew what she was getting herself into. Now, I had to trust that the good folk at Pixie Playland knew what the heck they were doing when they posted the signs about how tall you have to be to ride....and, our little munchkin passed with a few inches in her pocket. I watched them pull down the safety bar, which looked more like a decorative accessory then something that would keep my child from flying out of her seat.....I felt like tapping the 17 year old kid running the show there and asking him if those bars were in the right position, etc. But, I took comfort in knowing that Abby was nestled securely in her Daddy's arms.
Off went the dragon....3 times around the track it went. I watched Abby experience for the first time the thrill of a roller coaster. Man, I wish I had a camera or video to show you....I can only convey in words. The expressions were priceless.... Not having the life experience that we do, Abby was probably not playing in her mind the dangerous malfunctions that could occur. She was completely oblivious to fear at that moment - just feeling the joy of the ride . That precious smile of hers conveyed to me that she felt completely secure. If you ask me, I attribute it to the feeling of Dad's arms around her.
As I like to do, I must draw a spiritual parallel - the picture that I saw while watching two of my favorite people being whisked around a pair of metal tracks was this. As I'm experiencing my life - the roller coaster that it is - that during each twist and turn the strong arms of my Heavenly Father are wrapped tight around me. To provide safety in times of fear, to provide comfort in times of need, to provide love and truth in times of doubt. I pictured myself on the dragon for a brief moment and could almost hear my Saviour next to me whispering, "no need to fear, my child....I am here".
Enjoying the ride,
momma k
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Abby came home from school today with a glitter-covered star. She informed me that she is a sherrif now, because she has her star. And, she learned about cowboys today as well. I took the star and put it on her shirt and she immediately transformed into sheriff mode. Very cute.
This reminded me of the transformation that takes place when Abby puts on her veil when she is playing dress up. As soon as I place that veil on her, her entire demeanor changes....she has this look on her face and she begins to walk slowly, gently grasping the veil and bringing it before her eyes to gaze upon it. It's quite a sight to see. She knows that veil is very special (actually, it's a ratty torn hand-me-down but she sees it differently) and she acts differently when it's first place on her head.I love the verse in Isaiah that says, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Is 61:10 - NKJV) To me, Abby is doing a "dress rehearsal" if you will of what I should be doing every day. Our God has clothed me with salvation - knowing that "garment" is on me should change how I act. I am the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Once again - a child teaches me...funny how that happens!
mama k
Friday, April 20, 2007
With just a walk past the toy section at our local department store, it's easy to see that toy manufacturers make a KILLING off of childrens desire to have the latest and greatest toys, gadgets, characters and what-have-you's. I admit that we fall into the trap once in awhile, but not too often. One of the blessings of a small house tends to be that there's not alot of places to store stuff. I sometimes wonder if we are numbing our kids ability to **imagine** when we give them a toy that's got rules and boundries. I'm not saying that toys are bad (and I'm CERTAINLY not saying that rules and boundries are bad!!!) It's the EXCESS of what's out there (and in some cases, the time-wasting factor of some toys) that's troubling to me.
Enter: the box. We received a desk chair yesterday (compliments - yet again - of the Bank of America Rewards program) and it came in a huge box. Abby took one look at that and yelled - "CAT CABIN"!!!!!! (She's recently taken to pretending she's a cat). No sooner then the chair business was out being assembled did she jump in and begin to plan her decorating strategy. I hit that thing up with a utility knife (for door and window) and tape gun (make those walls higher - use the flaps!) and - WAAAAAA LAAAAA! You gotch-yourself a nice little kitty cabin. Not only that, but you've got a happy kid and weeks of imagination usage.
I had coffee with a friend this morning and we talked about how young children have the capacity to have imaginary friends and believe in magic and unseen things. Our culture offers plenty of options to satisfy and feed that capacity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God "sets eternity in the hearts of men" (NIV). I like the Amplified version of this verse which reads that He, "planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy]". I could be wrong, but I think God "divinely implants" the ability for us believe the unbelievable and see the unseeable (is that a word?) to prepare us for faith in Him. It's too bad that as we "grow up" we are so inundated with the "substitutes" for the Way the Truth and the Life (aka Jesus). Sometimes, it's good to just drop everything and play in a box.
Soap box aside, Abby is having a great time in her box....I just love that she does that, and I love even more what that teaches me (the old one).
Cheers!
Momma Kitty.
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