Joy comes in the morning

Times may seem bleak right now, but we can know that even when disaster abounds and emptiness seems to occupy spaces once fruitful, our hearts are filled with an everlasting peace. Empty 'barns' and lost 'flocks' may not be our worry today, but empty pantries and drained bank accounts may be our present worry. Even in the midst of these struggles, we can rejoice in the Lord. Why? He remains our strength when our weakness abounds!

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Joy comes when we worship him - it actually ushers in his peace and joy when we surrender our hearts in worship. In short order, we find our strength being renewed and our peace restored. These are found in his presence, not in the circumstances we face. Even though...these are not words of surrender, but of conviction!

We can focus fully on the disaster at hand, or we can rejoice in the fact God NEVER abandons his chosen people. It is so easy to focus on the bad stuff around us, but when we do we miss out on God's peace, joy, and we might even miss his purpose in it all. It is in intentional surrender that we realize our greatest strength. We endure, not under our own power, but his. As we surrender to him in worship, we find his strength becomes ours - we walk boldly, see the good in the midst of the bad, and experience a peace that surpasses all the chaos and calamity that abounds.

Don't get me wrong - we might 'feel' the pressure and threats that abound, but we don't have to give into or be led by those feelings! God is moving, our emotions may be running on overtime, and we may be looking a little too frequently in the direction of despair. We choose to give in or rise above it. It is his peace that actually helps us rise above it all. It is a choice - it is a determined focus. Worship with all your heart and begin to experience God's presence with you in it all. He NEVER abandons us. Just sayin!

Joyful or Happy?

Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. (Philippians 2:1-2)

What is it we have 'in Christ' that we didn't have without him in our lives? For one thing, we have been given more than just forgiveness as we might think of it. When we forgive someone, do we forget the offense? No, there is a lingering remembrance. With God, there is no remembrance of the sin. When I was in grade school, the teacher would use the chalkboard all day, erasing with those black erasers. It left a tell-tale white residue on the board. At the end of the day, I enjoyed 'cleaning' the board with the soft 'shammy-like' eraser that removed all that residue and made the board look like new. I think of grace as God's 'shammy-like' eraser - removing not only the sin, but all the residue it leaves behind.

What are the enjoyments of grace? For one thing, we live with a clear conscience. We enjoy the privilege of walking away from sin, knowing we don't have to follow that path any longer. We also enjoy the power of Christ's protective covering over our lives, knowing we don't need to fear temptation, but can speak God's powerful name in the moment of temptation and receive all that is needed to avoid it. We enjoy each other's fellowship, drawing from one another's experiences in Christ. These aren't just 'meager blessings', my friends. They are tremendous blessings, undeserved and unrestricted. We should relish each one, thanking God often for them.

What are our goals once we come into Christ's love and grace? I think they might just lead us into a desire to live in harmony with each other, but how do we get from being selfish, self-centered individuals to the place where we actually desire to live in unity, learning from each other, and uplifting one another? We lay down our 'agendas' for the way things have to be in order for us to be 'happy' and focus on the tremendous joy of living in grace. Happy people aren't happy for long - simply because their happiness was based upon a moment, a certain person's treatment of them, or some 'fulfilling' experience. Joyful people find contentment in being sustained in the hard times, while enjoying the elation of the better times. How? In Christ all things are a blessing - hard stuff and easy stuff alike. Just sayin!

The place of true joy

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Regretfully, there are just some moments in life when joy is the furthest thing from the emotions we are feeling at that moment. The world seems to equate joy with happiness, though, so when anything disturbs our happiness, we might say that our joy has been stolen by the event or memory. Joy is a much deeper feeling and is not based in circumstance - it is based on the relationship we have with Jesus. Happiness is elation over something that happened - it is fleeting and isn't guaranteed to be 'evoked' all that often.

Joy is the emotion that emerges when we remember we have been placed securely in the arms of Jesus, that nothing and no one can rock our world so badly as to remove us from that safe place. Some will understand it best when we say that joy is internally based, while happiness is externally stimulated. If the external factors are just right, there will be happiness. If they are not as expected, the joy is soon fleeting. Joy is found in knowing we serve a big God - bigger than the circumstances at hand, always overseeing our lives, and never letting us flounder when our faith is a bit challenged.

Whatever happens - always be thankful. That isn't possible when all we rely upon is the emotion of happiness. Nothing guarantees the external factors will always be 'right' or 'good', but God ensures us that he walks with us through anything - good or bad, easy or difficult. Never stop praying - perhaps this is the key to understanding joy's deeper roots. We always have someone to turn to, even when the emotions aren't as 'positive' or 'high' as we might like them to be. We can turn directly into the arms of Jesus, look fully into his face, and share those ups and downs with him. This is the place of true joy. Just sayin!

Don't lament, repent

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! (Psalm 30 11-12) 

If we stop to consider what sin does to the emotions, physical body, and even our spirit, perhaps we'd describe it much as being in a state of great loss and mourning. It strips us of our joy, but it also strips us of our hope. We wallow in our downfall much as the mourner 'wallows' in the extreme sorrow over their loss. Mourning involves a deep ache for what was lost - there is an internal agony that often makes its way to the surface. Sin has a way of stripping us down - laying us bare, causing us to bemoan our losses, agonizing that we don't have a 'way back'. We might be incapable of finding our 'way back', but God has already set the 'way back' into motion - we just need to call out for his mercy.

As some may be able to relate, sin leaves an agony that is hard to describe. The 'mental' aspect of sin is hard on both the body and the spirit. It leaves us tormented and in deep misery - unable to see our way past it and 'wallowing' in the mire of it. For a while, we 'mourn' out loud - as though lifting our woeful lament would be enough to 'do penance' for our sinful actions. Yet, all the woeful lament is doing is creating more and more turmoil deep within our soul. We can lament our sin, or we can repent of our sin. There is a big difference - one just keeps us wallowing in the mire, while the other lifts us out, cleans us up, and clothes us with garments of great beauty. Grace's garments are most beautiful when they adorn the sinner's now clean body, soul, and spirit!

Look again at our passage - God is the one who 'disrobes' us of our clothes of mourning and replaces them with those 'grace garments'. We cry out, but God does the work of clearing away the mess within our emotions, bringing renewed strength to our bodies, and creating a right spirit within. Our response is to sin and dance before him. Does the mourner dance? Not at all, for the depth of the sorrow is like an anchor that keeps him tethered to the place of bemoaning his sin. Does the one who has been lifted from the pit of sin dance? You betcha! For the soul set free is unable to refrain from the display of the joy that comes when the soul is set free from the misery of sin's darkness and mire. Just sayin!

Sin-Bogged Shoes

You have changed my sorrow into dancing. You have taken away my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. You wanted me to praise you and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever! (Psalm 30:11-12 ERV)

Some days I just don't feel like dancing, how about you? There are just times when the weight of all that I am feeling 'plants my feet' in one spot and I just muddle through. The more I muddle in the muddle, the more weight I feel. If you have ever walked through a particularly muddy section of land, you would likely have noted how quickly the mud attaches itself to your shoes. Before long, those lightweight shoes begin to feel like lead boots! Sin is kind of like that - we muddle through it and wallow around in it long enough and we will find we get 'weighed down' by the 'attached dirt'. The more we try to move, the harder it becomes to actually take big steps in the right direction. 

God's greatest joy is when one of his children actually look down at those mud-bogged feet and then turn their eyes to him, asking for his help to be freed from the 'bog' of sin. Too many times we think we must 'muddle through' on our own, but if we want to be free, we might need to leave those 'sin-bogged shoes' right there in the bog! God is more than capable of lifting us out of the bog, but he doesn't want us to take those sin-bogged shoes with us! They only serve to hold us back from the freedom he wants so badly for each of us to enjoy. Maybe that is why repentance includes being 'redressed' through God's grace.

Redressed by grace means we shed the sackcloth - the torn, dirty garments of our old nature - allowing his Word to wash us clean, then taking the 'fresh clothes' he offers. Joy, peace, hope, love - garments he gives us through grace. Remember the story of the wineskins? Jesus said we don't 'patch' the old wineskins with new patches - we replace the wineskins or risk the new wine being lost when the patches don't hold! Too many times we ask God to do a 'patch job' in our lives, not really wanting to shed the old and take on the new. Truth be told, we are trying to control how God gives us his grace. We want it on our terms, holding onto the old baggage, while attempting to take on the new nature.

I cannot tell you how much God's silence in those moments of me holding onto what he tells me to leave behind have affected me through the years. That silence 'speaks volumes', doesn't it? It is as though God is just waiting for us to realize walking around in those 'sin-bogged shoes' won't cut it anymore. He waits and he watches, allowing us to get a bit more mud on those already bogged soles. Not because he wants to, but because he wants us to want to be rid of whatever weighs us down, free to take on the beauty and joy he provides when we finally do. Just sayin!

Just a candle...

The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung. (Phillips Brooks)

Most of us have all sung some form of Christmas carol at one time or another. It doesn't matter that it was or wasn't in tune, we sang out. Why? There was something about that time of year that made your heart burst into song. Jingle Bells, Noel, or O Come All Ye Faithful - the songs burst forth. We hear them on all the overhead PA systems in malls, grocery stores, and on the radio while we travel here and there. Did you know that singing praises is an expression of joy? It is the expression of the heart to God. With that in mind, let those songs rip!

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5:11-12)

When we have taken refuge in Christ, the natural outcome is to give praise. Don't stifle it - let it out! As God spreads his protection over us, our soul begins to feel a song rising within. There is something about feeling 'well and protected' that brings a sense of contentment and peace over our lives. Do you know what contentment and a sense of wellness does? It makes us want to express gratitude - psalms and songs of praise are nothing more than an expression of the heart revealing the immense gratitude we have within.

During this season of Christmas, let us not stifle God's praises. Worship him in spirit and in truth. Let your inner man loose - let those hymns, songs, and psalms rise. Carol on! Have you ever really listened to some of the words of those carols? I came across one the other day that touched my heart. So, as we end today, I will include the lyrics for you to consider. A candle - God's perfect light - know the riches you have this season! Enjoy!

A Candle in The Window: https://tinyurl.com/lrwsqfh

There's a road that I remember leading to a special place
Where the door was always open to a smiling face
There's a picture on the mantle of a boy that looks like me
It's always the same, there's a stocking with my name
And a candle in the window, a flame against the night
There's a candle in the window, it's like God's perfect light
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window

Maybe it's just wishful thinking I can hear the sleigh bells ring
Almost taste the pie she's baking, it's Christmas Eve

And there's a candle in the window, a flame against the night
The candle in the window, it's like God's perfect light
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Wherever the years may take me no matter how far I go
There's going to be a candle burning, it's always nice to know
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Treasure it

But he knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I’ll pass the test with honors. I’ve followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I’ve treasured it. (Job 23:10-12)

Devotion is the character trait which really cannot be "seen" in the way we dress, what we drive, or the things we amass around us. It is "seen" more in the people we hang around with, the way we spend our time, and the attitude of heart which is exhibited in the actions we take toward others. Devotion is just a synonym for love, evident in where we find our foundation for life, who it is we emulate in our actions, and what it is we commit to without wavering. Devotion also determines our delight - there is very little in which we take delight that does not first begin with an appeal to our hearts. Throughout scripture, devotion is linked with determination - for what we come to value we develop a strong determination to obtain and make our own. God is always searching for even the smallest hint of us being willing to align with his heart. When he sees this tiny bud of devotion, he begins to nurture it until it becomes a fully adorned "tree" of dedication - anchored with three strongly attached roots of commitment, allegiance, and loyalty.

When our roots are solid, the growth produced and the ability to withstand the various influences which seek to uproot us are evident. If we "align" ourselves within "good soil", the chances of giving into every wind of change which comes across our lives is a little less likely. We will remain securely rooted in that which gives us "grounding". Even a tree firmly rooted will begin to grow "toward" the most influential "winds" in their life. This is where we need the "winds of devotion" to blow stronger than any other wind which might seek to change the course of our growth. One thing which consistently catches my attention is the way trees grow in various regions. Trees often give into the "prevailing" winds in their lives. Devotion occurs when we determine which "wind" we will accept as "prevailing" in our lives. We can give into the winds of the times, or even the winds of circumstance. Nothing makes us grow as strong, tall, and "equally balanced" as the gentle breezes of the Holy Spirit in our lives! When we are determined to grow, not toward the "loudest" winds, but toward the gentle breath of God, we have a much more balanced growth!

It is really the heart of God that each of us "delight" in the tender care of his watchful "gardening" of our lives. We need those withered "branches" lopped off - for they only take up space, hindering other growth from appearing. We need the soil "turned over" on occasion, because we only get new growth when the soil of our hearts finds new "oxygenation" on occasion! Delight is really a result of our determination and our devotion. I guess you sum all three of these into one word - desire! Job said it well, "I have not just obeyed his advice - I've enjoyed it - treasured it!" He had made a determination to make God his primary desire! He delighted in the counsel of God - determined to have it affect his course. He had devoted himself to God's plans - no matter how difficult they may have seemed at the moment (and heaven knows Job faced many a tough blow in life). He made no attempt to remove himself from being aligned with God's best - no matter that "all hell was breaking loose" around him. He was devoted, determined, and he took great delight in the things and choices which pleased the one he had the greatest desire to please - not himself, not his peers, but God! Now, that is something which "tickles" the heart of God! Just sayin!

God uses opposites

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. (Psalm 97:11)

Seeds are unique to the type of plant from which they come and their purpose is to bring forth growth that is the same as the plant from which they came. You cannot expect to obtain passion fruit from a grapefruit seed, nor grapefruit from a grape seed. To expect something other than what you plant is just plain silly. You might have planted some 'bad seed' and then hoped for a better outcome than what you planted, but that just isn't logical. Maybe this is why God reminds us it is reasonable to expect to harvest what we plant, and we must plant in order to harvest. The one planting seeds is as significant as the seeds being planted - not to mention "where" the seeds are planted - because the outcome is based on both. If God is the planter of the seeds, the harvest is more likely to produce the type of growth which will edify and build us up. He takes great care in planting just the right seeds which will grow into exactly what we need in order to dispel darkness and to increase our joy. These two "seeds" really produce fruit beyond what we may realize at the first blush - probably because of where they are planted. It is in looking at where God does the planting that we find a little insight into the growth which is produced.

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people. Thinking about the soul of man, we might think of the darkness which dwells there when God's light has not invaded the space within. Our souls are where we focus on the connection existing between God and man - the eternal part of our being which will dwell forever either in the presence of God or the fires of hell. The soul is often thought of as where we form our "morals" which guide our every decision. If our soul is shrouded with darkness, the choices we make may be less than "upright". The "morals" we form may be a little "tainted" by our viewpoint - dark places in our soul tend to yield dark actions. Our view (our morals) are made lighter by the seed planted by God's hand. Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. Knowing the heart is the seat of emotion, isn't it awesome God plants "joy-seeds" there? He plants seeds of joy - bringing something to our hearts which all other seed will never quite be able to produce. Joy differs from happiness in that joy is lasting, where happiness is dependent upon the circumstances and the outcomes we experience in life. Joy is totally deep-seated, or shall I say "deep-seeded", buried deep within the heart. Joy is a result of "connection" - the connection of the soil of the heart with the roots of the seeds of JOY God plants deep within the heart. The heart holds both joy and grief. Isn't it truly a work of God to turn places of grief into places of the deepest growth - the seeds of joy producing great growth from within the soil of the grief we experience.

The absence of joy is grief. The opposite of light is darkness. The seeds God plants are exactly the opposite of the condition of the soil in which they are planted. The seeds are planted in the very type of soil where their growth will have the greatest impact. If you have ever seen a plant grow so big as to take over the area in which it was planted, I think this is probably what God has in mind when he plants the seeds of joy in the grief of our soul, or the seed of light into the darkest places of our emotions. We see scripture advising to not expect a harvest if there is never any planting going on. In giving God access to our souls, we are encouraging seeds of light to be planted. In giving him access to our emotions, we are encouraging seeds of joy to be planted. In turn, we can see the harvest they will produce. These are seeds which we cannot plant ourselves, but we can open up to the planting of our heavenly Father's hand. We attempt to plant all kinds of seeds ourselves, but they fall far short of the harvest God intends for our lives. Wouldn't it be wise to allow God to do the planting, in order to have the optimum harvest produced? Just askin!

How about yours?

Just before mom's passing, I found myself crying at the drop of a hat. You might just say something, then almost imperceptibly, the tears would begin to well up and there you are, leaking tears I've never been one of those individuals who "leaks" tears very often, but a good cry does something to cleanse our soul, doesn't it? The most precious tears are often shed right when I least expect them and in times of either anticipated loss, or those times when loss has occurred. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be loss that drives me to tears. I can be driving down the road, listening to the Christian station, when a song comes on which "hits" me right where I am in life. The words do more than carry me along - they minister to my heart. In turn, I might just "leak" a little! Truth is, I like to laugh much better than I enjoy crying! Yet, there are some definite "types" of tears which I think say much more than any amount of laughter. These are the tears of grief, joy, comfort, and hope.

Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:3 MSG)

The tears of grief come on occasion. We experience grief because we have some sense of loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, but it could be the loss of reputation, relationship, or something more material such as a special bracelet someone made for us. I remember losing my dad when I was around thirty. He was a very special man in my life. I could always turn to him. He never judged. His heart was always open, no matter what my behavior (and boy did my behavior challenge his love at times). The night before he died, I went to see him after I got out of my nursing class. I was tired after a long day on the nursing floor, but I knew I needed to be there with him. As I drove home that night, I recall vividly a song I have only heard another two or three times since then. In the words of the song, a small child came home to cars and people surrounding his home. The crux of the song: Grandpa has gone home! I knew this was God's way of telling me my heavenly Father was ushering my earthly father home. He left us at five the next morning. Yep, I "leaked" that night driving home. But...it was a "good leak" because I knew exactly where my dad was going and I knew my heavenly Father had each of us who were left behind in his tender care. We all experience grief - there is something quite "cleansing" about the shedding of the tears which come from a broken heart. I think those tears are all captured in God's hand, then carefully transferred to little bottles. Each bottle bears our name. As God looks at each of the bottles, he sees some fuller than others, but each tear has such meaning - not one of them escaped his notice. Not one of them is ever forgotten by him.

The tears of joy likely come more often. Have you ever been so in awe of something someone did for you, so overwhelmed by the moment, you just "leak" tears of joy? You know the ones I mean - the moment just ministers to your heart. Those moments when more is spoken in one deed or one carefully chosen word than could ever be demonstrated in a thousand deeds or words. I have been blessed with some pretty special friends in life. Each season of my life has brought at least one specific friend who walks closely with me through that season. In my young adult years, I had the closeness of a friend who encouraged my spiritual growth, challenged me to go to Bible College, and then even took care of my children so I could! She changed their diapers, fed them lunch, and even helped me get them potty-trained - all while I was getting my education. As I walked down the aisle to receive my diploma that night in 1984, I knew I was receiving this diploma for two people - because she made it possible by her sacrifice! Yep, I "leaked" tears of joy as we embraced, she told me how proud she was of me, and I just held onto her knowing how awesome it was to have such a friend. You see, we left within the week, never to see each other again. Our "season" was ending. But...oh what a time of joy we had celebrated over the years! There is nothing quite as uplifting as having someone alongside in the journey. In those "moments" - tears of joy are only natural. Now, I have a BFF who stands by me in thick and thin, enjoys throwing in a hook right beside me in the river, and who challenges me in new ways to grow, be consistent, and be the best I can be.

The tears of comfort and the tears of hope are a little bit related. I have noticed myself being very sensitive to various songs of worship at church, or when they come on the radio. In the words, I find such comfort. They minister deeply to my spirit and in turn, they minister to my mind and body, as well. You see, God cannot touch our spirit and leave our mind or body unaffected. In touching our spirit, he is getting at the heart of what makes us unique - for it is in the spirit where we connect with God. The songs I am finding such comfort in right now? Those which speak of the nearness of God. I just am in a season of needing to experience his "nearness". You probably know what I mean - those times when words just fail, but the presence of God just speaks volumes. We all need these times of comfort for our soul - the best place of comfort is in the arms of Jesus. I don't know about you, but when he holds this sinner close, I leak a little! We all get to the place we just don't see any way things are going to work out. We are at the end of our rope and we just see ourselves circling the drain, so to speak. Tenth Avenue North has a song called, "Any Other Way". The words which I'd like us to hear from this song are really found in the chorus: "It's not enough just to say we're okay. I need your hurt, I need your pain. It's not love any other way." The words are words of hope. The Lord is speaking them. He is saying, "YOU needed my hurts. YOU needed my pain. Frankly, it is NOT love any other way!" It gives me great hope knowing God doesn't skimp on the very thing we need to be free of our own hurts and pain! Just some thoughts on tears this morning. Yep, I leaked a few just writing this, but that is okay. They are in my bottle - shelved carefully in his care. How about yours? Just askin!

Rejoice ---- and again ----

There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. (John Calvin) Too often we almost pass by tremendous things of beauty and never even consider they were put there for our enjoyment! I stop to watch the inch worm make his way from one leaf to another. I observe the slowness and tenacity of the small snail in the garden. I notice the fragility of the opening bud on the hibiscus bush knowing full-well it will be short-lived, but cast such a brightness into the garden. I watch as the leaves slowly descend to the ground on a hot summer's day. These were meant for our enjoyment, not just a casual glance now and again!

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today! (Psalm 118:24)

This morning I wish to ask a question: "What have you only casually observed this week?" This is a tough question to answer with all honesty, but I believe it is a necessary one! It could be the very thing you have 'casually observed' this week is yourself, or that person right across the room from you right now. I see us all fall into this trap from time to time - looking but not really seeing; hearing but not really listening; thinking but not really considering. If God made all things for us to enjoy - even the hairy spider trapped in between the window screen and glass - then why do we miss so much of it? It could be we are just to absorbed in other things to rejoice in their beauty and purpose! All things and people were created for a purpose - regardless of how 'ugly' they may appear!

We might miss what our psalmist is telling us if we aren't careful. His words are not just mere advice to us - they are a remedy to our not listening, considering, and seeing! We spend so much time focusing on 'getting happy' that we forget it isn't something we achieve - it is a result of us taking time to rejoice! Rejoice first - happiness will follow! Look at the 'order' in which he presents the topic: 'This day', 'Rejoice', and 'Be happy'. First we get the day into focus - we don't let it get away from us. We bring it into focus and then we rejoice in it! That very action of focusing and rejoicing will result in the best thing every - we get 'happy' in it. We may not look forward to everything ahead of us - like considering how to remove that hairy spider from the predicament he finds himself in - but when we take time to notice what he has made and then rejoice in it, we find well-springs of happiness that soon fill our souls.

Why is it our hair kind of stands on end and we get a little shiver up our back as we take notice of that hairy wolf spider trapped in the window? Maybe the response of our body is even a thing of beauty we should be rejoicing in - because God made us with those responses to danger as equally as he made us with those responses we observe with the things that bring us immediate delight! Even the 'ugly things' in life have a way of causing us to rejoice - for God created those warning responses to help keep us safe and secure. He reminds us there are always going to be 'ugly things' attempting to find an inroad into our life, but he also reminds us he has made a way for us to escape - making the rejoicing all that much better! So....rejoice! Just sayin!

Be there

2 Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. 3 For the Lord is a great God, the great King of all gods. 4 He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains; all are his. 5 He made the sea and formed the land; they too are his. 6 Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker, 7 for he is our God. We are his sheep, and he is our Shepherd. Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him! (Psalm 95:2-7 TLB)

After over half a century on this earth, I have learned a thing or two - but I haven't learned everything I need to learn! One thing I have come to realize - not everyone will celebrate Christmas with joy, nor will all welcome it as a season to be "merry and bright". There is a heaviness of heart that engulfs some and the "season" is just not all that enjoyable. Sure enough, on the outside they give a good appearance of "getting into the spirit" of Christmas, but somewhere deep down inside, the "spirit" of Christmas just isn't moving.

While not everyone is going to celebrate Christmas with the same "gusto" or excitement, the door remains open for all to do so! God's hand will be outstretched, his heart open, and his grace overflowing - we only need to have an open heart to what he desires to do in us today. The truth of the matter is that God loves us with an intensity that goes beyond our "desire" to know him - even so far as to provide the only means by which we could come into fellowship with him. For this, we should all be thankful. For this, we should all be singing praises!

The lack of "gusto" doesn't mean someone isn't a a believer, or that they aren't solidly connected in their relationship with Christ. It may be they are under a burden they are not meant to carry alone - but they just aren't sure how to ask anyone else to help them carry it! This Christmas season, please remain open to God's leading - someone may be counting on you to recognize they aren't really "into" the spirit of the season. Someone may be waiting specifically for you to notice they need help with that burden they are bearing up under.

There is no greater service we can engage in this Christmas season than to be aware of those God puts in our path. They are there for a purpose - it is never accidental. Some will be happy - others will be downright miserable. Some will be open to sharing - others will just need you to be there as a friend. Some will realize all their wishes are coming true - still others will experience the continued disappointment of wishes not realized as of yet.

Regardless of where we are at today, there is someone just waiting for us to "be" the spirit of Christmas in their lives. It isn't about the gift we purchase - it is about the "Spirit" we bring into the relationship! Just sayin!

Joy-Filled

Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. (Philippians 4:4 ERV)

In modern days, we often equate happiness to joy and vice-versa. Happiness is dependent upon the circumstances. Joy is something much deeper, welling up from within. This is why scripture tells us to be "filled with" joy. When people are "favored" in some manner, by good fortune, luck, or some happening that delights them, they are said to be happy. When people are said to be joyful, it usually wells from a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment. There are subtle differences, but one is very dependent upon circumstance while the other is more of a lasting emotion. A lot of people try to give really deep meaning to one and a shallower meaning to the other, with happiness being very fleeting and joy more of a lasting emotion. The truth is that both are emotions - one can be a little longer lasting because it is based in keeping our eyes on Jesus even when the circumstances aren't all that great.

I think that is truthfully the only thing different between the two. Happiness tends to be short-lived because it is focused on the moment, while joy might just be a little "longer lasting" because we are constantly renewed in that joy each and every time we take time to focus upon Jesus. When we see that individual we haven't seen in ages, we are happy - the circumstances give us a sense of delight or thrill. When they are gone, that sense of happiness begins to wane. Joy is a "renewable" thing - it comes in waves and fills us often to overflowing. How? We take time to focus upon Jesus and his grace, love, peace, and other blessings begin to fill us up. In time, what we are filled with begins to "spill out", and others begin to sense this sense of deep joy we have in life. They may not understand it, but they sense it. I have often experienced a deep sense of joy and had nothing going right in my circumstances simply because I didn't take my eyes off Jesus during those harder times. I may not have been entirely happy to be going through those times, but as long as I kept my eyes on Jesus, nothing and no one could steal my sense of joy.

Adversity will come in life. What we do, where we maintain our focus during those seasons of adversity - this is what determines how it is we will navigate within those seasons. William Arthur Ward says it this way: "Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." I think the thing that keeps us moving along when it seems like we should be beat down by life is this deep-seated joy of the Lord within. Where his presence dwells, there are endless possibilities, even when the circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Just sayin!

Teach us to number...

Have you ever planned for a trip, or some big event, and found yourself counting the days until that moment?  I have! In fact, I usually do a countdown till vacation simply because those moments away for refreshing and renewal are not that frequent - I look forward to them with delight.  The process of "counting down" really brings you to a place of anticipation, doesn't it?  I think that is why Advent calendars were invented - to help kids know when they could truly anticipate the time when they would unwrap their presents.  With each passing day, they could look at the calendar and come to a place of knowing how many more "sleeps" it was before the big day.  Most of us don't live with this sense of anticipation everyday, do we?  We might on occasion, but it is not a way of life for us.  I wonder how differently we might see things if we were to truly understand just how short our days on this earth are - would it change how we live each day?

Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom. With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness.  Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive.  (Psalm 90:12, 14 VOICE)

I think we get to the place of "taking for granted" each new day and every waking breath.  I think I first recognized this when I went into nursing and came face-to-face with individuals who were given very short spans of life to live based on their "terminal diagnosis".  In short order, their worlds were set on end - hearing those words "three months or less" were like a gavel being struck when a judge is issuing a sentence.  No amount of begging or bargaining was going to change the prognosis.  Although treatments may work to "ward off" the inevitable for a later date, the "sentence" was still the same.  Some curled up, went inside to that dark place we can sometimes find inside ourselves, and just stopped living right then and there.  Others fought for every waking breath they had left.  In the end, life was just "too short" or there was "too much left undone or unsaid" for some.

When our psalmist prays, "Teach us to number our days...", he is not being morbid.  Rather, he is asking God to give him a sensitivity to the shortness of life on this earth and the breadth of life into eternity.  In fact, when we begin to consider life this way, we might just become a little less concerned with the shortness of days physically walking around in this body of ours and more concerned with the time we spend after this body is gone!  The psalmist is just putting things into perspective - nothing lasts forever as we know it today.  Stop for a moment and consider how much of God's love, protection, and oversight in your life's events you recognize today.  Now, think back to a time just about a year ago, or maybe even a little longer.  What things between that time and today revealed a little bit more of God's love or care over your lives to you?  What events transpired, how many issues arose where he intervened in beautiful ways, and what about those times when he met with you in some way that simply left you speechless and in awe?  There is so much passage of time, we almost forget about those moments, don't we?

As our psalmist asks for God to help him number his days, he isn't just saying, "God, help me to realize how short time really is for me here on this earth."  He is asking God to help him make the most of each day, so more of God's grace and love is seen in his life and passed on to those around him. When we realize our "limited days", we view each opportunity as a unique experience.  I don't take for granted my days with my grandsons - fewer and fewer between as they grow older and pursue activities which are of interest to them.  I try to make it to some of the baseball games, cheering loudly and just hanging out.  I invite them to help me with projects in the yard which might give us a little time together.  I even put Legos together and build playing card houses.  Why?  My days with them matter - they bring me joy.  God is much like I am with my grandsons - he doesn't take for granted each moment we spend with him - for those moments bring his such joy!

Each new day is an opportunity for us to be surprised with God's kindness and delighted by his love.  I think we might look to be dazzled by his love and overwhelmed by his kindness, but if we change our perspective a little, we might just recognize the simplicity of joy instead of always seeking the fleeting moments of "happiness".  Joy is lasting - it is what forms in those moments of connection.  Happiness is not as reliable - for it is based upon the circumstances. Perhaps our psalmist's prayer is one of seeking connection in a more consistent manner - instead of seeking to have circumstances constantly lined up in a way which never brings sorrow, disappointment, or despair.  When connection is consistent, even the darkest of moments are times when his love is revealed.  Just sayin!

Well done!

There are just times when you stand back, examine the fruits of your hard labor, and declare, "Man, that is good"!  Okay, now honestly, am I the only one that has ever looked at a finished project and thought how wonderful it turned out, just admiring all the beauty in the project?  I think this is natural - to see the fruits of your labor begin to produce something kind of excites some sort of pride within you that just tickles you.  It isn't as though we want everyone under the sun to notice what we did - we just find some sense of inner delight in seeing the end result.  When does this become an issue for us?  It becomes an issue when we "thrive" on the compliments for our labors - when we "need" the attention we get from having done the job.  It is as though we aren't just saying, "Man, THAT is good," but we are saying, "Man, I AM GOOD."  Our satisfaction moves from having done the job to having been "noticed" for doing the job.  This is when pride enters the picture in a way which focuses on the one completing the job as deserving of some merit.  In this type of situation, it as though someone thrives on the attention they receive, getting some sort of "credit" they kind of add to the account which they feel gives them some sort of self-worth.  The long and short of it is that we don't find our self-worth in what we do for ourselves, but in what has been done for us because we were incapable of doing it ourselves! 

When pride comes, shame is not far behind, but wisdom accompanies those who are humble. The right-living are guided by integrity, but the crooked ways of the faithless will lead to ruin. (Proverbs 11:2-3 VOICE)

Look at the connection our writer places between pride and shame - one follows closely behind the other.  Why?  Pride is literally a struggle with OUR opinion of our own dignity, importance, merit, and even our sense of superiority in a circumstance.  No wonder shame follows closely behind!  It isn't wrong to admire a job you have completed and find some deep sense of satisfaction in how well it turned out.  I decorate the Christmas tree each year, then stand back and admire the beauty of all those ornaments, twinkling lights, and knowing it will soon be filled with packages for my loved ones all around its base.  Many of those ornaments are handmade over the course of my kids' or grandkids' lives, given to me with love, and serve to remind me of their love for me and my love for them.  Those which mom handcrafted, fired in the kiln, and painted with such care speak of a time in her life when she still had her eyesight and her ability for fine motor coordination was totally intact.  The ones which come from co-workers remind me of the laughs we have shared, and the struggles we have navigated through over the years. The tree's beauty is not in how well I did in placing those ornaments upon those branches, but in the meaning of each piece which adorns it!  Oftentimes, the beauty we see in the lives of another is not so much in their ability to have done something so well we rave about the job they have done, but in seeing their commitment to the job, the joy they took in doing it, and in the love expressed in having been engaged in the work at hand, somehow blessing another with the fruits of their labor.

Pride is a constant battle for each of us - not because it is some monster hot on our trail all the time - but because it is a natural part of who we are to look for some confirmation we have done well in this life.  I think this is only natural.  We need praise and even to be recognized when we have put ourselves into a project, heart and soul.  What we don't want to do is cross over that line where we begin to expect or live for the praise we receive.  After all, our self-worth isn't found in that praise or recognition - but in the actions of Christ's life given for ours.  When we said "yes" to Jesus, asking him to become the center of our lives, we were actually saying our own "merit" isn't what is important, but the merit of Christ within us, moving us to live and love as he would have us to live.  There is no greater "compliment" we can receive but to have someone recognize Jesus is alive and well within each of us!

Now, lest we think this thing called "pride" is always a bad thing, it is not.  Pride can be the delight we take in seeing another blessed by some action we took, or observing the happiness which seems to invade the lives of one we have spent time with.  There is a deep sense of "well-being" which invades our hearts when we see another blessed, knowing the "job" we have done is a blessing to them.  We don't look for the "honor" in the recognition of the job, but it is okay to accept the thanks and praise of those who have been blessed by the "job done well" on their behalf!  God doesn't want us to refuse the compliments - he just doesn't want our whole worth to center around them!  He wants us to recognize our worth has a much deeper center - his Son!

Keep in mind that the "unhealthy" form of pride is when the focus is on self.  Self-satisfaction, self-worth, self-regard, self-love, self-admiration, self-glorification - all of these often lead to something we term as self-sufficiency.  This is when we drift into dangerous territory - for any time we think of self as sufficient for anything, we are sure to realize shame following closely behind whatever it is we are finding so much pride in ourselves about!  Trust me on this one - self is not sufficient to redeem our lives.  Self is not sufficient to restore our fellowship with God the Father.  Self is not sufficient to really love another - we need to be embraced by the love of God in order to really understand how it is we are to love another. It is this issue of "self" which gets us into the place where pride crosses the line.  As long as we are focusing on allowing Christ to be the center of our lives, whatever actions come from that "centered place" will be a blessing to those around us, and even to our own lives.  In the end, we will receive the "job well-done" our hearts desire so much, but it will come from his lips!  Just sayin!

Overjoyed - not just happy

What brings you joy in life?  How is it that you experience joy?  There are many today who equate happiness with joy - if I am happy, then I will be joyful.  Joy comes when you have experienced a "deep delight" in something which you have found pleasurable.  Something exceptionally good or satisfying has been experienced and we find extreme pleasure in it - lasting, deep, and meaningful pleasure.  A silly joke makes us happy, while the experience of the birth of our firstborn may make us joyful.  One carries the idea of the emotional "response" to the situation, while the other describes the condition of the heart and soul as a result of what one has experienced.  Happiness is a little more fleeting than joy - with joy, there is a memory formed which goes a lot deeper than that of the thing which gave us a little bit of happy emotional "release".

I’m overjoyed at your word, like someone who finds great treasure. (Psalm 119:162 CEB)

To be overjoyed is to be overcome with this deep sense of having experienced something of great delight.  In the Latin, this term comes from the root word which means to "fill with gladness".  When we think of being "overjoyed", we can equate it to being a cup which is not only filled to the brim, but the stream of water which filled the cup still continues to run, causing the cup to be continually filled to overflowing with a newness or freshness of that water. When God gives us blessing through is word, it isn't just to fill us - it is to bring us to the place we overflow with his goodness and grace - until we are experiencing a continual filling and renewal of that life-giving source within us.

We all find some things pleasurable, while others are not so memorable or significant in the scheme of things.  We might get a regular paycheck which is pleasurable, but when we get a bonus for some reason - that brings us a sense of unexpected blessing and joy.  There is something about being given what we didn't expect which just delights our soul.  God knows this and he is intentional in his actions of "overwhelming us" with what will bring great joy to the depths of our spirit and soul.  He isn't concerned with what makes us "happy" in a fleeting sense of the word, but what makes us deeply content, settled, and assured.

Our psalmist doesn't say he is overjoyed with the word - as though it was something he occasionally referenced.  He is overjoyed AT God's word - because it is what has become the constant resource for his daily bread.  He is well accustomed to finding his renewal there - AT the table of God's grace.  A lot of the time we are content to have the word of God WITH us, but God wants us to experience what it is like to be AT the faucet of his grace and renewal continually.  

I have told you before that I like these survival shows where you see how these men can survive for days in the wilderness with little more than a pocket knife and a length of fishing line.  One of the greatest treasures they seek is water - for the body cannot live without the life-giving substance for very long.  One of the first things they do after they construct a place of shelter is to find some source of "consumable" water.  Did you catch that?  The water has to be consumable - without bacteria which will invade their bodies and wreak havoc on their system.  Probably the most important thing they must consider is that the source of water must be sufficient enough to sustain them for their entire time in the wilderness.

They might find water, but until they find the source which is continually renewed, they are not going to settle for that place of dwelling.  Maybe this is what God has in mind when he draws us deeply into his word - he knows it is what will help us dwell long in his presence and find life-giving resource for the challenges which lie ahead.  Just thinkin!

Not just another carol

As we have begun our Christmas season, I am taking time to look at some of the traditions and decor of the season we have come to just take for granted.  Today, let's explore how it is we came to enjoy the act of caroling during this season.  The practice links back to a Catholic Franciscan monk known as Francis of Assisi.  Sometime in the 13th century, this Franciscan monk was burdened with the long held tradition of the priests singing these lofty songs which the common folk could not really understand, relate to, or participate with.  In his mind, the songs should be simpler, more down to earth, and touch the people at a level they could relate to in their everyday lives.  They weren't just to be limited to the great cathedrals and church buildings, but to the streets, byways, and even the homes of those who celebrate the birth of Jesus.  His impression of the first Christmas, that of Jesus' birth on this earth, was one of celebration and great joy.  Solemn "church songs" were not expressive of this same joy, nor celebration of the greatness of the season.  His hope in bringing the people into the "songs of the season" was that they would come to celebrate the joy of Jesus having come to earth, becoming our means whereby we could enter into eternal relationship with God and enjoy the blessings of the season over and over again.

That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep.  All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened.  But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy.  This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.  You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven!  Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”  (Luke 2:8-13 CEV)

Up till this time, the Catholic church used the old language of Latin to sing all their songs. This was definitely not the language of the common man - so most of the songs were quite melodic and enjoyable to the ear - but missed the connection to the common man's heart. This burdened Francis greatly - hence he made his move to bring the music to a level whereby we might understand the joy of Christmas and experience the peace of God's presence ourselves.  At the time, he didn't write all the music to which the carols are set, but he took the "words" of the song and set them to some of the commonly sung songs of the day. This is not an uncommon practice, as a song can have a different set of lyrics and take on quite a different meaning.  These came to be known as "carols" - popular songs with a new set of lyrics - all bringing forth the joy and celebration of Christmas!

The term "carol" was first used of some pretty pagan type of worship, in which the pagan tradition of dancing around in circles to celebrate the Winter Solstice was associated.  Yet, Francis saw something in this enthusiastic display of "worship" which was missing at the Christmas celebrations - the joy, enthusiasm, and creative jubilee of celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Up until this time, "worship" in the church was quite somber and lacked the enthusiasm we are used to seeing in today's culture in so many a church.  Did you also know that Francis was tagged as the first to set up the nativity scene we have come to enjoy as part of our holiday decor this time of year.  In turn, he wanted to write yet another tune to celebrate this - one set in Latin again, but now set to a tune others in the community could recognize.  Although the song remained in Latin so it could be sung during the mass, the tune was easily recognizable.  Psalmus in Nativitate was the first song to be labeled as a Christmas carol - a tradition of caroling was begun.

It should come as no surprise to the believer that the season we call "Advent" or the "Christmas Season" is one of great celebration.  It was marked first with a call to celebrate the coming of the Messiah - the babe born in a manger over 2,000 years ago.  The call to celebrate did not fall on deaf ears - for waiting shepherds who knew no other response than to be obedient to the instructions to "discover and celebrate" is a story retold through the generations and recorded for all of eternity in the scriptures.  The purpose of the first carol was a call to "discover and celebrate".  All of the carols originally were sung as a similar call - come and celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah!  It wasn't until much later, perhaps as late as the 19th century, that carols began to veer away from this proclamation of truth about Christ and become a little more "lightly" penned to included characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and Santa.

The carols of old were really for one purpose - to celebrate one's faith in Christ - with enthusiastic joy and celebratory glee.  Now, that is something we don't want to lose sight of this Christmas season - the celebration of Jesus - the enjoyment of his peace - and the expression of his gift of eternal life in absolute abandon to him!  Just sayin!

Joyfulness and Justice - Journeying On

We are well underway with our exploration of the character traits of a child of God - those traits which actually "reflect" better than any "image" we see of ourselves in the mirror on our wall.  Today, we consider our "J" list - Justice and Joyfulness.  I have chosen a rather long passage, but I think it is rich with blessing.  Justice is really another way of saying we live in such a manner so as to display right conduct.  In dealing with others, and often ourselves, we are equitable in treating others as God has treated us.  Now, at first, this seems a little too easy for us to simply respond, "Check", and move on.  Let me assure you, living "just" lives is a lot harder than some of the other traits we have explored to date!  In fact, because it deals with the behaviors of others, often in reflection of the way they have treated us, it is one of the hardest ones to master!  

Train me, God, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to. You’ve always been great toward me—what love! You snatched me from the brink of disaster! God, these bullies have reared their heads! A gang of thugs is after me— and they don’t care a thing about you. But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child! Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, As you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.  (Psalm 86:11-17 MSG)

Here we find David faced by some folks in his life who we might say didn't welcome him with open arms - in fact, they were out to get him!  Life just isn't going David's way at the moment!  The "bullies" are abounding.  Do you know what a bully is?  It is someone who "badgers" another person because they think the other person is actually WEAKER than they are!  They see the other person as "smaller" or "less significant".  Imagine that!  They saw David, the man with a heart after God's own heart, as "smaller" or "weaker" than them!  Isn't this just the way people who don't serve the Lord see Christians? They almost shake their head in disbelief that we'd need some kind of "crutch" like Jesus to get through life!  Let me assure those of you who might have been told Jesus was some "crutch" you needed in life - he is life itself, not just some "support" we lean upon!  

The times when "justice" becomes evident in our lives are those when our fellow men see an area of "weakness" in our lives as an opportunity to focus their attack.  Let me give you a little secret - most of us already know where our areas of weakness are and we have something our enemy doesn't know about - God's strength manifest in the very spot our weakness shines through!  Look at our passage again - David is not bemoaning the bullying of his attackers - for he sees this as the very moment God will be totally on display in his life.  Justice will prevail - first in his own life, and then in his dealings with those who seek to intimidate, demean, tear down, cause havoc to abound, and just simply make his life miserable!  Why?  He has learned to rely upon the one thing which always remains consistent - even in his inconsistency.  That one thing is God's character - his grace, kindness, gentleness and even his power.  

Let's not forget the progression we see in this passage.  David begins with his own attitude and purpose in the interactions with these "bullies".  He asks God to set HIS path straight - to have HIS mind and heart put together, undivided and determined.  This is where justice begins - with the setting straight of US!  When our hearts and minds are blameless, we stand strong in the midst of whatever the "bullies" throw our way.  What does this "putting together" process assure David of in his life?  Simply put, he will not be dependent upon the circumstances of life in determining what gives him happiness in life - he will be joyful in the justice of God, first toward him, then toward his enemies.  Look at what he asks God - make a how much you love me, God!  Have you ever prayed that prayer?  Have you ever faced some of the toughest enemies of your life and prayed that God would just put himself on display in your life in all his fullness and glory?  When you do, he is honored to answer that prayer!

So, justice and joyfulness really are inter-related, just as so many of our other "traits" have been.  Whenever we begin to see our weakness as God's opportunity, we also might just count on our "bullying" friends to see it as their opportunity to attack where we are the weakest.  Yet, in those moments of attack, God's putting us together, giving us the integrity to stand strong, and letting his justice to shine through.  In these times, we stand in joyful awe of what God does, how he uses us to shut down the bullies, and just how much power he puts on display where we only saw the extremes of weakness.

On a final note, let me just say David got pushed around a little by life's bullies.  In fact, he notes it is God who will "put him back on his feet".  This might just indicate every "pushing around" we get from the "bullying enemies" in our lives won't leave us standing quite as strong as we hoped.  In those times, take heart - God is there to help you back onto your feet.  Relationship "bullies" abound - some push us down a little more than we'd like.  God stands at the ready to help us back up on our feet again.  We only need to rely upon his outstretched hand to pull us up.  Financial "bullies" taunt and toy with us - his providing hand is at the ready.  Health "bullies" plague us with worries galore - his carefully tender hand is at the ready to soothe our pain and ease our worries.  We do "get down" in life, but remembering there is a difference between happiness and joyfulness may just be the key to where we look when we are "down".  We may be down, but not for the count!  Just sayin!

Space - it is necessary!

Breathing Room:  The "space" we create whenever we don't fully occupy every iota of "space" in our lives with stuff!  This is as close to the definition as I could come to - something which I heard my pastor preach this last weekend. As I have returned from vacation, one thing really means a lot to me whenever I can enjoy these times away - they create some "breathing room" in my life.  As I have already shared in past blogs, the time away is really to refresh, renew, and regain what the tough schedule of work and family can take out of me.  In returning home though, I was met with a couple of tragic events right here in my immediate neighborhood.  I learned of the tragic taking of the life of my neighbor's 23-year old son and the sudden death of my other neighbor across the way.  As I heard of these events, the tragedy of a young man taking his own life and the tragic end of a "closet alcoholic's" life, it made me think about the importance of "breathing room" all over again.

God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.  When I’m far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, “Guide me up High Rock Mountain!”  You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, a lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest.  You’ve always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you.  (Psalm 61:1-5 MSG)

I think there are times when we don't realize just how little "breathing room" we give ourselves.  We pack in emotional turmoil until it bubbles to the surface, almost volcanic in its capacity, until one day we just cannot take it anymore.  No space exists for anything else - especially not hope.  We fill every empty space in our lives with things which will distract and numb whatever once filled those spaces.  No space exists for the things which matter most - relationship, love, and security.  The danger in "filling" without taking a close look at what is "filling" the space is we often don't realize the destructiveness of what fills the space!

Here's the real tragedy in these two events - on the surface everything looked as it should be.  The young man was successful, doing well in school, top of his graduating class, good job, nice car, all the electronic devices young people thrive on.  The single man and his dog - nice home, all the toys a man could want - camper, nice truck, fishing boat, big screen TV.  On the surface, all looked well.  Deep inside - not so much!  

I hope you will hear the intent of my heart today - no one should be without some "breathing room" in their lives and there is no other place to find or create it than at the feet of Jesus!  All the rest will only provide a miserable substitute for that which he provides with his presence, power, and purpose fully occupying the space it is intended to occupy within our lives.  There is no "breathing room" like that which God provides when he enters into the "space" of our lives.  It almost seems contradictory - something enters space and actually gives us more space?  Yep, when his love and grace enter the "space" of our lives, the stuff which only paints a picture of security, happiness, and purpose begins to fall away - creating more space for the stuff which really does matter.  

As David says in this passage, God will always be the one to give us "breathing room".  He is a place to get away from it all.  In this, we should find comfort for our weary souls and healing for our wounded emotions.  We cannot live at the pace we keep without reaping the consequences of the unending demands.  We cannot fill every crevice of space in our daily routine and expect to "find time" for God.  He must be our priority - for when he is, all the "space" we need really seems to get set in order in our lives.  It seems contrary to practical knowledge - it is!  Give him more space and he will actually "create" space (breathing room) in our lives!

Remember the families of those I have mentioned here today.  They will need God's comfort in the healing process.  Most importantly, examine your own lives today.  Do you need some breathing room?  Are you living to the limits? Are you merely "fronting" an experience of happiness and contentment in life? In getting real, taking down the "fronts" and asking God to put a "right order" to the things in your life, you will find the "space" he gives will actually fulfill more than you ever imagined!  Just sayin!

Tears stain the face, but heal the soul

I have some friends who seemingly cry at the drop of a hat.  You just say something, then almost imperceptibly, the tears begin to well up and there you are, them leaking tears and you standing there holding your hat in your hand!  I've never been one of those individuals who "leaks" tears very often, but a good cry does something to cleanse our soul, doesn't it?  The most precious tears are often shed right when I least expect them.  For example, I can be driving down the road, listening to the Christian station, when a song comes on which "hits" me right where I am in life.  The words do more than carry me along - they minister to my heart.  In turn, I might just "leak" a little!

Crying is better than laughing.  It blotches the face but it scours the heart.  (Ecclesiastes 7:3 MSG)

Truth is, I like to laugh much better than I enjoy crying!  Yet, there are some definite "types" of tears which I think say much more than any amount of laughter.  These are the tears of grief, joy, comfort, and hope.  

The tears of grief:
We experience grief because we have some sense of loss.  It might be the loss of a loved one, but it could be the loss of reputation, relationship, or something more material such as a special bracelet someone made for us.  I remember losing my dad when I was around thirty.  He was a very special man in my life.  I could always turn to him.  He never judged.  His heart was always open, no matter what my behavior.  The night before he died, I went to see him after I got out of my nursing clinicals.  I was tired after a long day on the nursing floor, but I knew I needed to be there.  As I drove home that night, I recall vividly a song I have only heard another two or three times since then.  In the words of the song, a small child came home to cars and people surrounding his home.  The crux of the song:  Grandpa has gone home!  I knew this was God's way of telling me my heavenly Father was ushering my earthly father home.  He left us at five the next morning.  Yep, I "leaked" that night driving home.  But...it was a "good leak" because I knew exactly where my dad was going and I knew my heavenly Father had each of us who were left behind in his tender care.  We all experience grief - there is something quite "cleansing" about the shedding of the tears which come from a broken heart.  I think those tears are all captured in God's hand, then carefully transferred to little bottles.  Each bottle bears our name.  As God looks at each of the bottles, he sees some fuller than others, but each tear has such meaning - not one of them escaped his notice.  Not one of them is ever forgotten by him.  

The tears of joy:
Have you ever been so in awe of something someone did for you, so overwhelmed by the moment, you just "leak" tears of joy?  You know the ones I mean - the moment just ministers to your heart.  Those moments when more is spoken in one deed or one carefully chosen word than could ever be demonstrated in a thousand deeds or words.  I have been blessed with some pretty special friends in life.  Each season of my life has brought at least one specific friend who walks closely with me through that season.  In my young adult years, I had the closeness of a friend who encouraged my spiritual growth, challenged me to go to Bible College, and then even took care of my children so I could!  She changed their diapers, fed them lunch, and even helped me get them potty-trained - all while I was getting my education.  As I walked down the aisle to receive my diploma that night in 1984, I knew I was receiving this diploma for two people - because she made it possible by her sacrifice!  Yep, I "leaked" tears of joy as we embraced, she told me how proud she was of me, and I just held onto her knowing how awesome it was to have such a friend.  You see, we left within the week, never to see each other again.  Our "season" was ending.  But...oh what a time of joy we had celebrated over the years!  There is nothing quite as uplifting as having someone alongside in the journey.  In those "moments" - tears of joy are only natural.

The tears of comfort:
Lately, I have noticed myself being very sensitive to various songs of worship we sing at church, or when they come on the radio.  In the words, I find such comfort.  They minister deeply to my spirit and in turn, they minister to my mind and body, as well.  You see, God cannot touch our spirit and leave our mind or body unaffected.  In touching our spirit, he is getting at the heart of what makes us unique - for it is in the spirit where we connect with God.  The songs I am finding such comfort in right now?  Those which speak of the nearness of God.  I just am in a season of needing to experience his "nearness".  You probably know what I mean - those times when words just fail, but the presence of God just speaks volumes.  We all need these times of comfort for our soul - the best place of comfort is in the arms of Jesus.  I don't know about you, but when he holds this sinner close, I leak a little!

The tears of hope:
We all get to the place we just don't see any way things are going to work out.  We are at the end of our rope and we just see ourselves circling the drain, so to speak.  Tenth Avenue North has a song called, "Any Other Way".  The words which I'd like us to hear from this song are really found in the chorus:  "It's not enough just to say we're okay.  I need your hurt, I need your pain.  It's not love any other way."  The words are words of hope.  The Lord is speaking them.  He is saying, "YOU needed my hurts.  YOU needed my pain.  Frankly, it is NOT love any other way!"  It gives me great hope knowing God doesn't skimp on the very thing we need to be free of our own hurts and pain!  

Just some thoughts on tears this morning.  Yep, I leaked a few just writing this, but that is okay.  They are in my bottle - shelved carefully in his care.  How about yours?  

What's under your tree?

Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips 
      all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. 

(Psalm 119:12-14 The Message)

It is the Christmas season once again.  As I spent the day yesterday digging decorations out of the shed and erecting the Christmas tree, I began to ponder what should be under the tree this year.  As many do, my grandsons make up a list of "wants" - taking special care to list the items that they hope for the most at the top, working their way down to the things that matter, but just not as much.  At the top of the list are two Disney videos - toward the bottom are the undies and socks!  Christmas morn will come soon enough.  Stacks of brightly wrapped items will be divided at the feet of their respective recipients.  Crumbled tissue paper and empty wrappings will scatter the floors.  All the "loot" of the holiday will be displayed over and over again.

I have to ask this question:  What will be under your tree this year?  As I put out the decorations yesterday, I asked Mom where to put the nativity scene.  Many years ago, she crafted this scene in a ceramics class, tenderly painting each piece.  The detail is amazing and the characters stand almost 12 inches tall.  It is not a small thing to put out for our enjoyment.  Without a thought, she replied, "Put it under the tree!"  

She could not have known what I was already thinking, but she hit the nail right on the head with that answer.  The most important "thing" I want under our tree is Jesus!  So, without delay, the nativity was erected right under the tree.  Yep, it will "lessen" the available space for those brightly colored packages, but I cannot think of another "gift" that has more meaning than Jesus!

Sometimes we need to slow down long enough to ponder the direction we are traveling.  David tells us that he took time to delight in what God tells him about living than in gathering that elusive pile of riches at the end of the rainbow.  I think that is the focus of Christmas - gain what is not elusive, let go of what is!  

David reminds us that counsel if of no value unless it is embraced.  We can read the Word time after time again - all the while getting absolutely nothing from it. But...in that moment of time when that counsel becomes more than words on a page, it is "transferred" into our hearts.  That moment of "transfer" brings life.

God's greatest joy is in the passing of his wisdom onto us.  He delights in us embracing his Word.  I think of a "transfer" as the passing of something from one to another.  The root of the word is "to change" - it is in the transfer of God's Word that change begins to occur.  What God gives, we delight in.  What he speaks, we embrace.  This is where "change" occurs - in the "transfer" of what he has and who he is directly into our lives.  

David uses the word "delight" when he considers what God has given him.  The "transfer" that occurs when God's hands are in the "giving" is something that brings both enjoyment and pleasure.  It is like getting what we have on our "wish list"!  We revel in the enjoyment of what we receive!  There is nothing more rewarding to God than in our delight in his counsel!  

As you ponder what goes under your Christmas tree this year, consider Jesus first.  You may not follow suit and put the nativity scene under there, but keep Christ at the center of your holiday and see what delight that brings!  Let this be a season of amassing "change" - not just stockpiles of wants and wishes.  Enjoy Jesus as much as he enjoys you!