“DAD-DEE!!!”

A father crouches in front of his screaming two year old son. Just in from making a snowman, his son is desperate to shed his snow-laden coat. Ice and snow packs the sleeves and collar of his soggy outerwear.

Hurrying to remove the offending coat, the young father jams the zipper mid-slide. But he has a plan. He’ll just slide the coat down to his son’s boots and have him step out of it.

“Stand still honey. I’ll pull your coat down instead.”

He is rewarded with an earsplitting cry of fear. “NO, NO, NO!”

The boy only knows one way to get a coat off. Unzip and slide it off his arms. That’s the way he’s always done it. But now, that way isn’t working. Snow burns his arms and neck, and his father has some crazy notion about sliding his coat down to the floor?

Sounds familiar to me. Standing before a pressing problem, I try everything I know to solve it. Despite all my efforts, sometimes nothing seems to work. Answering my desperate prayers, my Heavenly Father suggests a new strategy. Instead of meeting that suggestion with trust, I stand with my hands over my ears rooted in front of that dilemma. Refusing to see the new possibilities, I fall apart, crying out to him again: “DAD-DEE!!!”

New ways…new options…new paths. They are scary, but only because they are different and unexpected.

I’ve written before about how tired and busy I was a few years ago. I had finally hit the breaking point with volunteer jobs. I knew it was important for me to donate my time as I was able, and I did enjoy it. But I was involved with the local homeless shelter, our church council, reading Scripture at services, heading the Worship Commission, leading a small group, working part-time, and going nuts full-time. It was just crazy.

Even thought I knew it was too much, I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘no’. I stood in front of a wall of my own making and wailed to the Lord. “I’m so tired! What should I do?” I heard my heavenly Father gently tell me to cut back on my activities, but I just didn’t trust that word. I had never quit anything in my life! Like the two year old hearing about a new way to take off his coat, I thought it sounded absurd.

But the pain I was in, like the snow that burned the little boys arms and neck, was immediate and painful. Feeling cornered and hopeless, I began to say ‘no’. What a surprise! The tension eased. I could breathe. I had more time for my family, myself, and for my prayer life.

The daddy in our story finally was able to yank that wet coat to the floor, to his son’s absolute amazement. I know the feeling. If I will only listen, the creative and loving word of my Father will ease my pain too. To my absolute amazement.

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

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“What’s wrong with these cookies?”

It wasn’t an accusation really. They did taste a little ‘off’. My husband was only thinking out loud. We stood in the kitchen, both taking small bites of the oatmeal raisin cookies. I felt a bit like a detective at the scene of the crime.

Then it came to me. “Oh no! I forgot to add the baking powder and baking soda. That’s why they look and taste so different.”

Doesn’t it seem funny that such small things make such a big difference in the final product? Forgetting sugar or oil, now that would make a big difference. Oh well. I guess it shows that even the smallest ingredient makes a big impact.

I learned a lesson about baking ingredients that day, but I also realized that the same simple wisdom carries over to my life too.

I was born with gifts and talents given to me by my heavenly Father. I wasn’t born with an instruction manual though. As a child, I have no idea what those talents are. It’s up to me to uncover them as I grow and start to realize what sorts of things I like, and have a natural ability to do. It’s kind of like unwrapping a new birthday gift every day. Maybe I’ll figure out how to crawl, or ride a bike. Maybe I’ll realize I have an ear or a  voice for music. Finding a few weaknesses will be part of the process too. (I already know I’m terrible at math, and I can’t fix even the simplest plumbing or electrical problem.) All of this information helps clarify where I can make an impact.

The constant discovery is important work. Each and every one of the talents I find are vitally important to my ability to serve as God’s servant.

We are all invited to participate in this great Birthday Party of Life. He loves to see us sitting on the floor, unwrapping our presents. He delights in seeing us master physical skills, problem solve, and learn to love. Slowly, with each opened gift, we become more and more empowered to be the people he needs to do his work in the world.

The key is never to hold back. Use every gift. We’ll need to carry all our skills wherever God calls us. I don’t want to be caught without my tool belt! Every day, there are divine opportunities that the Lord chooses to give to just the right person. He’s going to send you or me based on who has the right talents to accomplish the plan.

So no matter how big or small, your abilities are important. They make you perfectly suited for your unique calling. We have to be sure that we don’t throw any gifts away with the wrapping paper. If we do, we’ll will be just like those oatmeal raisin cookies. Something will be missing, and our effectiveness will be a little ‘off’.

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She asked me to bring my vacation photos to lunch. I don’t know about you, but I very rarely print my photos anymore, so I decided to just bring my iPAD. It had plenty of digital prints of the trip.

We met at our local Panera and exchanged hugs. I hadn’t seen her in several months, so we had a lot to talk about. We ate and talked for almost two hours. We never got around to vacation pictures, but I didn’t mind. Getting caught up on each other’s lives is always fun.

Saying goodbye at the curb outside the restaurant, I headed for my car. I had a few stops to make before heading home. It wasn’t until I jumped back into the car after the Target run that I realized…the iPAD wasn’t in the car.

I froze. My stomach felt sick. I knew I left it in the booth at Panera almost an hour ago. My mind flashed to last year when when I put down my earphones and iPOD to weigh myself at the gym. I got to my car and realized I left them on the floor by the scale. When I got back, both were gone and never seen again. That fast.

I fought the urge to go faster than the speed limit for the fifteen minute ride back to the restaurant. I tried to talk myself out of panicking. Of course, all I could think of was “My husband is going to kill me.” Well, he’ll have to stand in line. I’m going to kill me first.

Back at the Panera, I walked up to the booth where we sat for lunch. No one was sitting there, but my black case wasn’t there either. Sweat was popping out on my neck. I couldn’t believe I forgot to grab it.

It was still crowded, but I saw a worker standing in front of the bakery case.

“Has anyone turned in an iPAD?”

“Oh my gosh! Someone just gave me an item zipped up in a black case. We didn’t open it, but we thought it might be an iPAD.”

I was rooted to the floor until she brought out my case, complete with the tablet inside.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” She replied, “Don’t thank me, thank the honest customer who turned it in.”

How right she was. A person completely unknown and unseen by me, protected my property and saved me from considerable misery. As I drove home, I wondered how many times God has intervened in my life to protect me or my property. Or from a having a miserable day. He certainly worked through this honest customer, but I know that he also moves in plenty of ways that I don’t recognize.

I will remember the customer in my prayers. And I have pledged to be more aware of the other ways God cares for and protects me too. I’ll never see them all. But I’m ready to be more awake.

My Father is always working. And so am I.   John 5:17

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“Will you pray for my needs? It seems like God isn’t listening to me.”

Have you ever heard someone ask you a question like that? I always get a flood of conflicting emotions when I’m asked to pray for someone who thinks their own prayers are ineffective. I’ve wanted to say “Of course God hears you! He always hears the prayers of his children.”

But if I think back to some hard times in my own life, I gain some perspective. Difficult situations have a way of grinding down even the strongest of faiths. Any parent who has tried to pray their way through a child’s surgery knows that feeling of insecurity. When my daughter had her eye surgeries, I asked everyone I knew to pray for her. I absolutely believe in the power of intercessory prayer. But I also wanted to be sure God heard me.

A uniquely human trait is the experience of great faith in one moment, and great doubt in the next. God knows all about it. He made us, and knows we need help. That’s why we have the gift of each other; to encourage and uncover our faith when strength wavers.

Consider the plight of our biblical friend, Job. Not only was he devastated by loss, he was further afflicted by his well meaning friends. When his buddies heard of his problems, they traveled to be with him in his crushing sorrow. When Job finally gives voice to his disappointment and depression, he gets quite a surprise. Instead of support, Job hears a litany of correction.

Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees. But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed. Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?    Job 4:4-6

So…that’s super helpful. Thanks Eliphaz.

He’s blaming Job for his lack of faith. But Job had great faith! It was just hidden in the desolation of losing his entire family, property and livestock.

When I was stressed about my eight year old going under general anesthesia and having a (very competent) doctor operate on her eyes, I never lost faith in God. I just didn’t think that my feeble prayers would be enough. Honestly, the stress was blocking my ability to pray too.

I sure didn’t need someone to tell me “Don’t worry, God hears your prayers.” I needed someone to hug me, tell me it was going to be okay and promise to pray. I was looking for Christ in an earthen vessel.

The challenge for me now is to recognize myself in anyone who is asking for prayer. To understand what stress does to our hears and souls. This point in time is not a reflection of someone’s faith. It’s a cry for compassion.

Those who hear that cry are challenged to respond in love. A hug. Hopeful words. A prayer. That’s how we become his hands and feet. That’s how we heal a suffering world. What a beautiful treasure.

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“As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for you, O God.  Psalm 42:1  NIV

I know we’re all familiar with this Psalm. I have read it in prayer and proclaimed it at church with my faith community. It’s a beautiful expression of desire for the Lord

Well, I know that intellectually anyway. In my most private moments with Jesus, I would repeat these words, but be at a loss. How does a deer feel when it pants for water? I live in a house with a very reliable water system. I am blessed to have enough money to buy a soda at the drive-thru if I get even the slightest bit thirsty when out shopping.

What is it like to truly have a desperate thirst for water?

The past weeks have been a revelation to me. Finally, I have a glimpse into the mechanics and spirituality of ‘panting’ for water.

After breaking my right fibula (in spectacular fashion, I am told) I had surgery on 1/7/15. My stay in the fabulous “Che Hinsdale Hospital” didn’t include taking advantage of their shower due to my 3/4 cast and pain level. After two days, I was discharged to home. No weight bearing on my right leg for six weeks.

My husband set up a blow-up mattress on our small pull-out couch on the first floor. It’s near the facilities and it’s a quiet space. Perfect. Just one problem. I am now deathly afraid to climb the stairs to the bathtub. My neighbor lent us their shower chair (thanks Kathy!!), and it was waiting for me in the tub on the second floor. Two more days came and went. My hair was so beaten down, and my head itched. It had been five days since I’d soaped up my scalp. Oh yes my friends, like David’s deer, the pant was on. How can I get to that running stream?

Enter the physical therapist. She came on Sunday and taught me how to scale the stairs backwards on my rear end. Then I practiced pulling myself up on the last stair; hopping a 1/2 turn to face the stairs, and jumping up to the landing with the help of my walker.

Not pretty. But very effective. I made it!

The effort of the exercises she gave me, and negotiating the stairs did me in, so I had one more day of imitating that deer.  The next day dawned, and after my husband and I joined hands in prayer, I set out to climb the Alps stairs.

Not pretty. But very effective. I made it!

I spent a good long time in that warm water. I felt like a new person when I was done. Oh King David, how I understand your metaphor now. How I had ached for running water, the water that cleanses, freshens and renews.

I’ll never look at getting clean the same way again. I hope it will always remind me of my desire to be cleansed and renewed in my soul too. As the water rushes over me, may I always thank our God who created it, and placed in my heart and soul the pulsing need for it.

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PS. Thank you to Jean at Healthy Spirituality. Her post on 1/11/15 inspired this entry.

I know a few bloggers who are photographers.

Maybe you’ve seen their photographs too. I really like the photos of old buildings like silos, homes and churches. I think about who lived in those buildings, and how the old church walls are covered with generations of prayers.

Some of the prettiest photos I’ve seen are of dew on leaves or flowers.

In the morning, the droplets of water roll and drip off the plants, giving them a shiny, glowing appearance. It’s almost like natures jewelry for the flowers of the field. Even King David spoke out what the Lord said about the beautiful sight:

He that rules over men in justice, that rules in the fear of God, is like the morning light at sunrise on a cloudless morning, making the greensward sparkle.  2 Samuel 23

As beautiful as those dewdrops are, they’re really not helpful to the plant. Those droplets are more ornamental because the stems and leaves can’t use them. The flowers need water at the base of the plant, so it can soak into the earth and water the roots.

It reminds me of some experiences I have had. The very thing I need to heal me is right there, it’s just in the wrong place. So…it’s useless.

For instance, I have read the holy words “Be not afraid” many times. The King James Bible boasts of having 103 repetitions of this theme. Some web sites say it’s more like 365 times, once for each day of the year. But the actual numbers are less important that the constant message.

In God I trust, I will not be afraid.  Psalm 56

Do not be afraid…  Genesis 26:24

So do not fear, I am with you…  Isaiah 41:10

So why do I still feel afraid sometimes? Well, after studying this photo, I think I know why. I read the Scriptures, but they don’t soak into me. It’s just not enough to have the words of God in front of me. That’s too much like wearing them on my skin. I have to place them where I can use them, and that’s in my heart and in my life.

When I have a headache, I like to use Advil. But I don’t take the tablets and put them on my head. It’s not going to do me any good up there. I have to swallow the pills so the medicine can be released and be absorbed by my body. In other words, I have to internalize the cure.

It’s the same with the Scriptures. The word of God is the ultimate power that allows me to bloom in peace, and the reassurance that I am never alone. I can have all that Good News. But there’s a catch.

Just reading about The News isn’t enough. I have to “internalize the cure”.  I have to allow those words to soak into my heart. Then the healing can truly begin, and my days of fear will be a distant memory.

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It seems that I have chosen just the right challenge for myself in the New Year. I just wrote about my theme for the year, ‘Joy’. Well, now I face a real test to find the joy in a tough situation.

Over New Years, my husband and I visited my daughter and her family in Indiana. New Year’s night, we babysat our two granddaughters while their parents had a greatly appreciated night out. Walking down the staircase with my one-year-old granddaughter in my arms, I fell down the last three steps and landed on the tile in the foyer.

By the grace of God, my granddaughter was fine. (Joy #1)

I broke my leg. (Still looking for the joy in that one.)

I’m scheduled for surgery on January 7th, so by the time you read this, I’ll be home and on my way to healing. May I ask for your prayers for a successful procedure and a speedy (or speedy-ish) return to normal?

Naturally, I broke my right leg, so no driving for me for quite a while. I’ll take this enforced quiet time for prayer, writing and visiting my friends who have blogs. Actually, that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? (Joy #2)

Here are some of the comments on my last post:

1) You had the same word ‘Joy’ last year and was challenged by it in your circumstances.

Yes Sharon, I think I’m starting to relate to your experiences.

2) You look forward to seeing how God teaches me joy in 2015.

I seem to be off to a roaring start.

3) I won’t fully enjoy the downhill until I’ve struggled up the hill.

Yes Lulu, I think I’m going to learn that big time.

4) My joy comes from being in and with Christ who never leaves me.

Amen my friends. In him, I am cradled in the best hands possible.

Here’s my ‘before’ photo. I’m in a splint and Ace wrap. I believe I’ll have a cast after surgery. Progress! And I’ll come out of surgery sporting some permanent hardware. I’ll be the proud owner of a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture.

Oh Joy!!!

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It’s a shiny new year, so it’s time to pick a shiny new word to guide me through 2015.

Introducing: JOY !

The word came to me on a very cold day last month. Outside, the temperature was below freezing with a biting wind. I don’t like to exercise in that kind of weather, but I despise treadmills. They’re so boring, and hard on the knees too.

So I pulled on my wind-resistant jacket, fleece hat, neck warmer, and wool mittens. I stepped on the path, and naturally, the wind was blowing right at me. I pulled my neck warmer up to cover my nose, and pulled my hat down to my eyebrows. As I hunched forward into the wind I thought “I must look like a moving coat rack!” The only time I looked up was to cross streets or greet another crazy person out for a walk.

A half hour later, I turned around to head back to the car. It was like a new day! The wind was at my back so I could release my nose from it’s fleece cover, and pull up my hat. I looked up at the beautiful view of a piercing blue sky. The sun was shining too. It was beautiful.

Isn’t that always the way. When cold winds blow and it’s freezing in my life, I’m hunkered down too. I get so involved in defending myself against the storms, I don’t see what glorious things God has set before me.

But what else could I have done? I had to cover up in the cold weather. As I finished walking to the car, I wondered…what was missing? Then it came to me. Joy.

The first half of my walk was a painful experience. But if God was with me, joy was with me too. I just had to challenge my self to find it. It’s harder to find in icy weather, but it’s not impossible. No, I didn’t see the sky on the first part of my journey, but why beat myself up over it? I needed to ask myself instead ,”What did you see?” Now challenge is ‘on’ to find the good things.

I started thanking God for my warm coat, mittens and hat. I told him how much I enjoyed exercising outdoors, and how happy I was to be able to do something positive for my health. Finally it came. Joy!

So in this new year, I’m going to take another look at the things I see as joyless experiences. I may not see anything positive at first, but if I take the time, I know God will lead me to joy. It might take a while, and that’s ok. My word for last year was “Surrender”. In 2014 I worked on surrendering my timing to his. So I’m well prepared to wait.

I’m ready for a year with more joy in my days. With surrender in one hand, and joy in the other, I can’t wait to start!

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PS. Thank you to everyone who viewed and commented on my first video! I was so nervous about stepping up. But I didn’t have to be, you were so kind and supportive. It just warmed my heart 🙂

In the new year, I hope to do a video upload one or two times a month. Blessings!