“MOM (or DAD)!! Can you help me with this?”

I’m sure this is a question that’s repeated all day throughout the world. The languages might change, but it’s the same message. This little sentence really means, “I don’t get it. I know I should by now, but I don’t. HELP!”

Think about all the tasks you have taught your children, or the skills your parents taught you. Eating, dressing, arts and crafts, water safety; I could never list them all. Each accomplishment comes with lots of practice, lots of patience, and maybe a little exasperation. Parents need to acquire new heights of patience and it’s not easy. Sometimes I wonder why the earth doesn’t tilt off its axis from all the eye-rolling that precedes helping junior glue those popsicle sticks together. Again. Even though Dad just explained how to do it.

I remember getting my first Easy Bake Oven. What an ingenious invention.

A plastic case (it sure didn’t look like any oven I’d ever seen) surrounding a 100 watt bulb that cooked a 3 1/2 ” cake. Add a little frosting, and voila! Dessert for eight. Don’t ask me how anyone kept a straight face as I served cake slices the size of matchsticks.

But to get to the final product, I had to decipher the cake directions. It sounded easy. “Just add water and bake.” But to me, the instructions before me ranked right up there with nuclear fission. “Add what to what? How much?” The oven was getting awfully hot. How do I avoid burning myself?

“MOM!! Can you help me with this?”

I’m sure there was an eye-roll or two, but God bless her, my Mom hung in there with me so I could produce a slightly charred, hockey-puck of a cake. Yum! She was the soul of patience, reminding me of someone else who was consistently patient with constant questions.

Jesus tried to make his message simple. But in spite of all his explanations, parables and teachings, he heard a lot of “Can you help me with this?” Think about the Lord’s secret pupil, Nicodemus.

The message and language Jesus used was often confusing to him. Jesus said he would have to be “born anew”. Wow. “How can man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus replied.

I’m sure there were a few giggles around the room at Nicodemus’ expense. Jesus was a little surprised by his question, but wasn’t condescending or dismissive. In his infinite patience, he tried to explain it another way. I’m sure he’d keep doing that until his student understood.

I’m so glad I have such wonderful models of patience in my Mom, and especially in my brother, Jesus.

We all need help sometimes, and rely on others to hang in there until we ‘get it’. May God grace me with the virtue of patience, so I can have the joy of reflecting his Kingdom. And the quiet strength to explain how to glue popsicle sticks. Again.

I wonder if my granddaughter would like an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas?

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Take some time this holiday weekend to do something creative.

Cook, paint, play dress-up with the kids…

Accept the gift of rest from your labors, and the opportunity to be silly and have fun.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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We all have different ‘day jobs’. We are teachers, parents, nurses, pastors, business persons. Each of us chose a career that we hoped would bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. We are all unique and uniquely called to our strengths and passion.

But as different as we are, we remain bound together by a common call.

So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.   2 Corinthians 5:20

We are all Ambassadors for Christ. We share that special occupation. Knowing that, maybe it’s time to ask how that job’s been going lately. For a more accurate assessment, it might help to take a look the job description. What does an Ambassador really do?

1) An Ambassador represents their home country while living and working in the country they have been appointed.

We were loved into being by our Father to live on the earth. But it isn’t our true home. Our country of origin is heaven, where our Father lives and waits for our return.

To be a good servant for heaven, we have to learn all we can about our home country, just as any earthly ambassador does. We have to know the policies, expectations and freedoms of heaven. Only then can we serve it well. If I don’t know anything about my home, I won’t be an effective representative.

2) Ambassadors consult with their country’s leaders to review policy and to gain wisdom on how to proceed in troublesome times.

A good ambassador knows that the job means ‘standing in’ for their country. They know they are not the actual leader. To keep up with the needs and wishes of the Chief of State, they have to be in regular contact with the President. The lines of communication have to be open and clear.

As agents for the Lord, we stay in contact with our ‘president’ through prayer. Daily communication with God keeps us graced with the wisdom we need to act in his love and mercy. If we don’t stay in touch, the connection will get crossed or filled with static.

Any ambassador will tell you that’s a dangerous place to be. The goal is to act on the word of our Commander, not our own wisdom.

3) Ambassadors protect fellow citizens as they travel through the foreign land.

Not only do ambassadors serve their country’s leadership, they also serve their countrymen. They are constantly open and ready to protect any resident in trouble, or assist with direction if questions arise.

Ambassadors for Christ also make it a special goal to serve their fellow travelers on earth. We are called to serve anyone who is tired, poor, sad or thirsty. A great relationship with God is not an end in itself, but spills over to assisting everyone who needs our help.

So that’s the job description. This is what we are all called to be. If our performance review was next week, would we do anything differently?

And more importantly, what would our Boss say about us?

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I hadn’t been on a train trip in a long time.

My best friend moved away when she got married, so it had been years since we were able to have a long visit. With our children raised and out of the house, we both knew the time was right to plan our mini-reunion.

I decided to travel by train, so I purchased round trip tickets. The trip would take five and a half hours. It sounded like a fun adventure to me.

There are two trains stations in Chicago, one for city trains, one for Amtrak. My husband and I identified the right place on a map, and make our way downtown. A quick kiss in the drop-off lane, and I trundled through the rotating doors into Union Station.

Looking up to check the monitor for my train, I thought, “That’s funny. These are all commuter trains?” Oh no. I was at the wrong station. I had to drag my eighty pounds of luggage six city blocks to Union Station. My arm muscles were jumping, and I was a sweaty mess. But I made it.

I silently thanked God for my two strong legs and a rolling suitcase. Only one more challenge. Once on the train, I had to heave one of my bags up to the overhead racks.

My arms were so weak from pulling the suitcases. When I swung the bag up to shoulder height, the forty-pound bag slid back into my face. My glasses were shoved off my eyes and jammed sideways across my cheeks. I was frozen in place, knowing I couldn’t hold on.

It seemed like hours, but in the next few seconds I didn’t know if I was going to fall, or if the suitcase would knock me aside and hit another rider. Just as I felt myself start to fall, a man appeared behind me, grabbing my bag while asking “Do you need any help?” He effortlessly launched the bag up to the rack. To me, it was a miracle. I was so relieved I wanted to cry.

“Thank you! Thank you so much!” He just nodded in my direction, and took his seat. Grabbing my glasses, I realized the frames were in one piece. Another miracle!

A few stops before my destination, I asked the conductor to take the suitcase down for me. My angel was getting off the train at the end of the line, just like me. I planned to thank him again when we stopped. Without his help, I would have gotten hurt that day, struggling helplessly in the narrow aisle of the train car.

I didn’t get a change to talk to him. Instead, I watched him climb down the stairs of the train car, and disappear into the crowd. I never did see his wings…but I know they were there.

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Linking today with: Unforced Rhythms

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Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people,

a heart that forgives the worst,

a mind that forgets the bad,

and a soul that never loses faith in God.

~aedriel

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I saw the subject line on the email first. It read “Blogging Opportunity”.

Hmm…that sounds interesting. The note came from my blogging friend Linda from Creekside Ministries , which made me even more curious. Linda and I have been connected through blogging since my Evangelize To Me days. She has a wonderful blog site, and several months ago, she offered a free half-hour blog review, so we got to talk on the phone too. I knew whatever she was offering would be fun.

She asked if I’d like to join in on a blog-hop with a writing theme. I would answer some questions, and then be able to introduce three blog friends to everyone. The timing was right (as you know, it’s been busy around here!), and I loved the concept. So here we go!

Part One/Answer Questions

1) What am I writing or working on?

I’m trying to balance my time between blog writing and writing for magazine submissions. The blog posts are shorter, but that doesn’t mean they’re easier. I used to post three times a week, but that didn’t leave enough time to work on freelance assignments, so now I blog on Mondays and Thursdays. On Saturdays, I post a thought or image for the week.

Currently I am very busy being rejected by magazines. It’s a humbling experience, and like many writers, I often wonder why I’m doing it. But I always find my way to writing again, or reworking what I have. As long as I feel compelled to do it, I’ll keep submitting and hope for the best.

2) How does my work differ from others of it’s genre?

My work is different because…well, it’s me. But beyond that, I try to make the main theme the small daily events that God uses to speak so clearly. I hope my own ‘voice’ is clear and conversational, because I like the banter back and forth in the ‘comment’ section. I blog to share faith, but also to connect. What good does it do to share in a vacuum? I cherish all my blog-friends.

3) Why do I write what I write?

I did share how I got started started in writing in the “About” tab, but if you haven’t read it, I’ll just say I felt called to share the thoughts that seemed to always be running around my head.

It’s interesting how God identifies and calls us to our passion. My last job was as an office nurse, and I worked there for over twelve years. It never would have occurred to me to write as a hobby or profession. I think I am living proof that God works in mysterious ways.

4) How does my writing process work?

This is a hard question, because every time I read it, I laugh!

All I can say is that when I start to freak out about having nothing to say, God chooses that moment to back up the dump truck of ideas and lay a few at my feet. Phew!

I like to start writing on yellow legal pads. It’s easier to scratch out, draw arrows, make grocery lists and then throw away the first drafts. It’s much more satisfying to wad up the offending pages and play b-ball with the garbage can than just hit ‘delete’. What’s the fun in that? When I finish tinkering, I’ll move to the computer, typing and editing from there.

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Part 2/Meet the Bloggers

I met Kim Adams Morgan within of weeks of starting to blog. We both launched our blogs at the same time, and we had many angst-ridden emails to each other trying to figure out ‘how to’. She has a very busy and eclectic blog. There are guest bloggers, recipes, fashion style; all with a theme of celebrating the Lord.

I am a Christian who leaks Jesus. I can’t help it. I want everyone to hear His message. My passion is helping people live God-centered lives. I love design; one of my favorite things to do is consignment shopping. It feels great to save something from the landfill and give it new life. I also love cooking and creating new recipes. Rick and I have been married almost 10 years and have an adult daughter. We love to do organic cooking and gardening. It has been a great health choice for us. I write at Pouring Down Like Rain. www.kimadamsmorgan.com

Victor is a Catholic Christian blogger from England. I think I met him as a result of one of his comments on another blog. He is faithful, funny, whimsical and inventive all rolled into one. I can be laughing out loud at his blog posts, or sit in wonder at the wisdom of one of his characters, Fr. Ignatius. He is the author of Visions, and I am the proud owner of a signed copy.

Victor Moubarak was born at an early age as a baby a long time ago in a far away northern land where men were strong and big and tough and women told them what to do. In his life Victor has faced many ups and downs, especially when working as an elevator attendant in a Department Store. He was quick to learn however the usefulness of books and always carried with him a large volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica. It was particularly useful for standing on and reaching the top button in the elevator.

His hobbies include sitting down, writing and painting. He has written a few books to be found on his website and blog and he is currently busy painting an old chair and the garden gate and fence. He blogs at: Time For Reflections

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Shade is a new friend who was recommended by another blogger. I’m so glad I wandered over to her visit her. She writes in such an encouraging way, you can’t help but feel lifted every time you visit. The posts are always grounded in Scripture, and take me from emotion to faith every time with her down-to-earth and relatable themes.

“Shade Akinbiyi is a visionary woman with the passion to reach out with compassion to the hurting and hopeless. Through the application of  Scripture she encourages and inspires many to the realization of their unique identity in Jesus Christ. She equips by teaching them with the truth of God’s written word, which in turn transforms and empowers them to walk in their purpose. Shade is blessed with 2 adult children, John and Mary. She lives in the United Kingdom with her family.” You can visit Shade at Prophetic Voice

I hope you’ll all visit these bloggers, I know they’d love to meet you! And don’t forget to join me at Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook !

Here’s my vote for “Craziest Guy” in the Bible/Old Testament Division.

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask for a sign of the Lord your God; let it be as deep as Sheol or high as the heavens.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.”     Isaiah 7:10-12

Really Ahaz? REALLY? God says you can ask for anything and you refuse? Even Isaiah was nonplussed, saying  “You weary my God…” Some biblical scholars call Ahaz’s answer a great example of false humility. But all I can think of is Barney Fife’s description of Ernest T. Bass on the Andy Griffith Show. “He’s a nut!”

Let’s compare Ahaz to other biblical characters who came face to face with God.

King David was chosen by God to lead the Israelites. He was enormously successful because of his faith, and because of his powerful prayers. “Defend me, take up my cause against people who have no pity…rescue me, God.” (Ps. 43:1) God stood by him while he conquered his enemies.

When Jesus was out walking on the road, two blind men called out “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” And they were cured. (Matt. 9:27)

Remember the ten lepers? Again, Jesus was walking by and they cried “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” They were instructed to show themselves to the priests. On the way, they were healed. (Luke 17)

It’s very clear to me that God wants us to ask. He is ready for us to call out, cry out, or whisper softly our hearts desire. If only we’d ask.

Can you imagine the scene if the lepers acted like Ahaz? The Lord walks by, and the ten call to him. Jesus stops and asks “What do you want of me?” The lepers suddenly find the dirt on the ground fascinating, while exchanging furtive glances between them. Finally, one speaks up: “Well…uh…never mind Jesus. We’re fine. Go ahead on your way.”

When Our Father speaks to Ahaz saying, “Tell me what you want,” it’s not a trap. He’s not asking so he can turn away and ignore the request. He really wants to know.

When Jesus walked the earth, he responded to the requests he heard for healing. He cured the sick, and raised the dead. But he always waited to be asked. Even if the situation was obvious, he wouldn’t act without clarifying the intention of the person who needed his touch. Jesus didn’t intrude into anyone’s life. He waited humbly. And he is the same today as he was yesterday. He doesn’t intrude into our lives either. He wants to be invited. He wants to be asked.

“Ask and it will be given to you…”    Matt. 7:7

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“Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice.”  Parable of the Persistent Widow Luke 18

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“I rise before dawn and cry for help” Psalm 119

Let’s not weary God by refusing to come to him and pour out our needs. He wouldn’t ask unless he wanted to know. He’s waiting with open ears and an open heart. What’s your heart’s desire?

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The Ryan Family Reunion 2014 is a memory. All my siblings and most of their spouses came, and a little over fifty in total gathered together to reconnect and have some fun.

One of my favorite memories was the family dinner at a local restaurant. We had a private dining room, complete with a coat closet that the ‘littles’ could run in and out of when they got bored. Long rectangular tables loaded with food were surrounded by chatty people. Smiles exploded into laughter amid the joy of being together. One memory would fall into another as events from long ago were shared with new eager ears.

After the main course, two of my brothers got up and called for attention. It was time to play “Ryan Family Trivia.” Questions submitted were read to the group. “Who totaled Dad’s car?” “Who got caught sneaking in a second story window after curfew?” My brothers and sisters knew the answers, but outside of that, it was a learning experience for our children and grandchildren. They learned a lot about their parents, aunts and uncles (and there might be a little explaining to do later!).

It reminded me of the way I learned about my spiritual family.

It was very similar to Ryan Family Trivia. I learned about Jesus and his Father from the stories and events told and retold by my parents, teachers and spiritual ancestors. Just like all my family albums, I have keepsakes to remind me of my Lord when I get a little shaky on my heritage. The bible, books about saints and the faith stories of my own family keep me connected to God, and to my spiritual family.

It never occurred to my nieces and nephews to doubt the stories from the old days. They’re hearing them from the people who experienced them. There’s no reason to think we’d make anything up. (Believe me, between the eight of us, there’s plenty of material to keep the younger ones amazed and amused for days.)

But that wasn’t the experience that our fathers in faith had when they spoke about the Lord. The crowds that heard St Peter’s stories about Christ had a hard time believing what he had to say. Losing patience, he said in 2 Peter:

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

He had to keep telling the teetering faithful that the events in the life of Jesus were not a bunch of made-up lies. Peter was there; he saw it all. That made him trustworthy.

As I sat in that restaurant dining room on an ordinary Friday night, I learned a lesson in faith. Although the younger generation wasn’t present for their parents shenanigans, they heard and believed the stories. In my spiritually dark days, may this memory spark a little light, and lead me back to a shining faith in the trustworthy words of God.

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Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all.

~Emily Dickinson

Photo credit: aholyexperience.com

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