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Someday you're going to want to come home again. And, you're going to feel that you can't. But know . . . that you CAN. "All you who are weary, come home." - Will Thompson 1880 Softly & Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
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"Forgiveness is the name of love
practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all of us love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour - unceasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak - that is, the human family. " - Henri Nouwen "If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable,
I certainly don't recommend Christianity." - C. S. Lewis This quote makes me smile for it brings to mind times the Holy Spirit has prompted me out of my "little pink bubble" - so to speak - and into situations and associations and conversations I'd rather not meet, But I've learned that as I move out of my 'bubble' and into the complexities of circumstances and relationships I'd much rather avoid, the Holy Spirit himself comforts me for he's there right along with me in the discomfort of life's affairs. We can do hard things - for Jesus gives us strength to power through. Be encouraged. Be comforted. "Prayer, properly utilized, can revolutionize our lives. It can help us to meet our difficulties, solve our problems, heal our diseases, overcome our weaknesses. It can bring us to a new plane of life."
- Norman Vincent Peale White gloves, lacy ankle socks, hunting eggs in flouncy dresses, baskets filled with chocolate eggs and marshmallow bunnies, food laden tables, family and friends . . . these are my childhood remembrances of Easter.
If I recall correctly, I believe it's been about four or so years since the kids, grands and I were last able to gather for this holiday. I'm currently working remotely and honestly, Easter slipped my mind until a colleague attempted to educate me, from his self-proclaimed pagan perspective, on the Christian facets of this celebration. Holidays incite strong emotions for many. Christmas and my birthday are my particular triggers; for these are times I especially desire to celebrate surrounded by those I love. During a celibate season, Valentine’s taunted . . . until I learned to embrace and enjoy the richness afforded the single life. Holidays serve as imperative reminders of our need to slow our pace and momentarily step back from the structure of our lives to reflect, to gather, to celebrate and to give thanks. Holidays and their associated rituals reflect belief systems which in turn speak to the quality of our lives or at least our aspirations toward such goals. Holidays expose our heart’s hurts and our vulnerabilities and our desire for community where we may still need to invest time into developing or perhaps even forgiving. In the quiet, I pondered why I’d given such little thought to this holiday; for to me, Easter is the essence of what compasses each aspect of my life. And then I realized, Easter is my heart’s daily contemplation and not a mere seasonal observation. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty and the risen Savior resides in the hearts of ALL who welcome him, this Easter Day and every day. This kind and eternal love is my daily celebration. I pray your heart, too, embraces and rejoices in Jesus’ love for . . . you. John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." Happy Easter. New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. "If you feel hard to love and easy to overlook, I want to tell you that you are worth fighting for, pursuing, defending, having a spot at the table and using your God given voice. You are not defined by others opinions. Jesus gives you your identity. Your purpose in life is not limited by others belief in your abilities but by a calling from God Himself. You, friend are dearly loved. - that's all! - Gwen Adams
"We are mirrors whose brightness,
if we are bright, is wholly derived from the Son that shines upon us." - C S Lewis  I recently came across this lesson I created for a Sunday school class I taught when my two youngest were in third and fourth grade. I gave a copy to each of my students and asked they put their name on the first line and, after consideration, place the name of a person that presented them with a challenge, on one level or another, on the second line.
One child angrily refused to participate as he was so upset with his offender. I appreciated his honesty, his struggle, for I admit, I too find this exercise in love most difficult. But, though I have not always lived up to a "love" that went beyond what felt right to me, my heart's aspiration is to attain love's heights. I believe a couple of the difficulties presented in loving as instructed in 1 Corinthians 13 is that we do not understand our own unique value nor the necessity for appropriate, healthy boundaries in relationships. When reading this definition of love, often we infer boundaries are nonexistent. However, if we look at his life, Jesus clearly understood his identity, his direction and goals and his boundaries. Boundaries enabled Jesus to stay his course and to remain in a state of love toward others, even those who aggressively opposed him. Embracing our identity, our worth in who Christ states that we are, as well as, employing respectful boundaries enables our hearts to reach out beyond the feelings that others may incite with a commitment that looks to their best interest. Love perseveres even when confronting issues that work to divide. Love looks to the good of another even while drawing lines in the sand. Love is powerful. Love is not a pushover; it does not concede in the face of an adversarial perspective. Love heals to the very core of a matter. Love maintains vision. Love motivates to action. Sometimes God works in
- not so mysterious ways, but . . . in the quiet everyday of our lives. "You ask me, "What's the greatest act of faith?" To me it is to look in the mirror of God's word and see all my faults, all my sins, all my shortcomings and to believe that God loves me exactly as He says He does." - Paul Washer
As a young woman, it seemed a monumental act of faith to love and forgive others their faults, their sins, their shortcomings. But, after experiencing more than a few trips and thuds and falls of my own, I discovered that the most challenging person I'd ever extend grace, forgiveness and love to is to - me. This improbable feat of believing that God accepts and truly loves me seems an unprecedented miracle. And in truth, it is a miracle, a miracle of His love. "God is not difficult to find,
in fact, God is impossible to avoid, for there is nowhere God is not." - Unknown "Men ask for a rainbow in the cloud, but I would ask more from Thee, I would be, in my cloud, myself a rainbow - a minister to others' joy."
- George Matheson Thoughts on my morning reading and meditation - Mark 1:29-45
This is a beautiful telling of the heart of Jesus. Jesus loves people. He loves when there is no guarantee of reciprocation, respect or compliance. He loves when people push boundaries, impose expectations and force demands. Jesus loves. With a heart of love and a focused intent, Jesus set quiet boundaries. He shared his heart intent and purpose, in part, with those close to him. Jesus spent time in quiet communion - away from the Noise Needs Expectations Demands Misconceptions Illusions He spent time quietly communicating with His Father Your Father My Father Jesus knew his Father, he knew himself, he understood his purpose and he maintained focus - he set boundaries to balance and govern the demands, expectations and illusions held by others. Jesus loved his Father, he loved people and he stayed true to his course to offer eternal life to the people he loved, to the people he loves still today. Lord Jesus, help us attain clarity and assuredness of your identity and our identity in you. Quiet our hearts to hear your sweet voice speaking and, too, quiet our hearts to the noise and clamor that distracts us from our purpose and from abiding in your amazing love for us. Amen ”I’ve learned that no one is born a prayer hero. They are shaped and refined on the practice fields of life.”
~ Dutch Sheets “Being taught to avoid talking about politics and religion has led to a lack of understanding of politics and religion. What we should have been taught is how to have a civil conversation about a difficult topic.” -- Unknown
I am thankful for those in my life who are likeminded. But too, I am grateful for those, who over the years, have challenged my perspective. They too have helped me to grow. Evangelism, I believe, is innate within the human psyche for this is often how we work to develop our community and connections secure our quality of life validate our own worth In the process of securing our position - when we feel threatened on any of these levels - we work to control our environment by pressing others with our views. On many, many occasions, my perspective, my beliefs have been challenged by others who work to evangelize me regarding politics religion morality And these too: diet, exercise, profession, education, relationships . . . are all topics 'evangelists' have used to proselytize my direction to their persuasion. Those who are likeminded and those of a dissimilar perspective each have worked to help me grow, to help me form and develop a backbone in areas I’ve not always stood strong. They’ve forced me to dig deep into my own soul and soberly face my own reflection. So, here is to respecting and helping one another grow. |
AuthorWhen my college Professor asked each of us students to share our favorite read with the rest of the English class, I responded, "the Bible.” I love that I can find in the Bible poetry, drama, history, psychology, analogies, inspiration, prophecy, metaphors, prose, love stories, adventure, politics, anthropology, songs, advice, a higher sense of value toward others and even myself and the way of salvation for all. The Bible is exciting, a wealth of knowledge, a comfort. And I hope the things I share in my blog entries inspire your love for God's word too. Archives
October 2024
Categories - Spiritual |
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