At the Well

When No One is Watching

2011-09-09T19:54:00.003-04:00

Some of you may know that we homeschool our kids. As their teacher, I am therefore keenly aware of their academic (and behavioral) performance on a daily basis. Once a week, however, they have an opportunity to be taught by someone else! We participate in a national academic program called Classical Conversations. One of their weekly requirements is to prepare and then deliver a presentation in front of their class.

This week's assignment was to narrate a Bible story, using props, visuals, etc. My 9 year old son chose the classic tale of David and Goliath. For his visual aid, after much encouragement from me to think it through and be creative, he hastily drew a crude cartoon on a small white board depicting 2 hills, a stick figure "Goliath" that resembled a stereotypical jungle head hunter, and "Philistines" fleeing a tumbling boulder down one side of the hill (I must have missed that in the original account!). I sighed. "OK, Matt" I said, "Are you ready to practice your presentation in front of me?" To say that is performance was less than well planned or orchestrated would be an understatement. After his disjointed story account, multiple verbal pauses ("Ummm.."), and haphazard visual aid references, I encouraged him to think it through more in his head, giving him pointers about how he might improve his story. I went to bed discouraged and thinking that his performance may be an awkward moment for all!

At Classical Conversations, I chose to spend the day in our daughter's classroom since I had been in our son's the prior week. I sent him off to his class and wished him luck! At the end of the day, I saw his tutor in the hallway and asked how his presentation had gone, sheepishly apologizing for Matt's lack of preparation. The tutor gave me a perplexed look and said, "What are you talking about? He did great!" I then learned that his story account was accurate (with events in the right order!), his use of the picture was amusing and well done, and his delivery was smooth and engaging! After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I thanked the tutor and walked away with a semi-dazed look on my face, but so thankful that my son's performance away from me had actually been better that his in-person attempt!

If you are a parent, you understand the pride which comes when you hear that your child has behaved (or in this case, performed) well when you were not watching! When another parent commends my child's behavior to me when I was not present, I feel so happy! It's easy to behave well when the rule-maker is watching, but how do we act, think, perform, when he or she is not? Christians can fall into the same trap -- behaving "well" when we are around other Christians, our spouse, etc. but then falling into "secret" sins behind closed doors, or when we are around non-believers. When thoughts and actions are godly when no one is looking, or when around others who would give us the liberty to abandon our faith, then we have made our heavenly Father smile indeed!

But isn't that what young David did when he fought Goliath? David was away from home, surrounded by non-believers -- Philistines on one side, and cowardly Israelites on the other! No one would have scoffed or thought twice if David had recoiled in fear from the giant as they had, abandoning their faith in adversity. Yet the instruction of his father, Jesse, did not leave David! His faith demonstrated away from his eartly father showed us all that he believed and adopted as his own, the faith taught by his father!

Keep Climbing!

2011-06-13T21:14:00.007-04:00

My family and I were recently in the lovely mountains of North Carolina for Synod, our denomination's annual pastor's meeting which lasts 3 days. For the pastors and elders in attendance, those days are filled with meetings, committee updates, networking and assemblies. But for the spouses and kids, Synod is three days of fun! We wives get to reconnect with old friends around the pool, listen to inspirational speakers, play with our kids at the nearby lake, or drive into the lovely town of Hendersonville to stroll.

Now that my kids are past the age of 8, they also have the opportunity to attend a kids camp! "Campers" get to participate in crafts, nature walks, swimming, paddle boating, climbing wall, evening camp fires with s'mores, and the most coveted of all events -- the 40 ft. high zip line! Brave participants gear up with harnesses and helmets and ascend to a tiny platform for the big leap which sends them soaring nearly 200 feet! The climb up the pole begins easily, like any standard ladder, but about 2/3 of the way up, they must abandon the familiar rungs, twist slightly around the pole and ascend the remaining height via large metal "staples" not unlike those a utility worker might use. It is at this transition point that some kids decide the climb is not worth it, abandon their visions of Peter Pan, and climb down, sometimes in tears.

This year was no exception. One little boy, in particular (I'll call him "Johnny"), remained "stuck" at the transition point for nearly 20 minutes while patient instructors attempted to encourge him to either let go and be lowered down, or go for it, and keep climbing! Besides the promise of an amazing ride, he was reminded that the harness and belay held him firmly, and the instructor would not let him fall! After many tears and several failed attempts to go either up or down, Johnny finally determined to press on! Mustering all of his 8 year old courage, he listened carefully to the instructor's directions about exactly where to place his feet, when and where to reach, etc, and in a few short moments, he was at the platform and ready to zip at last! After another agonizing 10 minutes of encouragement from the platform instructor, he finally let go and slid from the platform for his epic flight over the heads of the much relieved bystanders and waiting kids below! Once on terra firma again, Johnny practically danced back to the pole, beaming with delight, shouting, "This is the best day of my life!!" High fives were exchanged, cheers and whoops were shared, and Johnny glowed with pride (and relief)!

I thought about little Johnny today and about my walk with Christ. I often feel like he did, at a transition point where the familiar and safe path gives way to the unfamiliar and risky. How tempting it is sometimes to just say, "I can't do it!" and abandon the journey. But then, what soaring experiences would I miss? And besides, like Johnny, I'm harnessed! God will not let me go! He is in total control, but wants me to keep climbing! Next time I'm at one of those places in my life, I'm going to remember that zip line and hope that I too can muster the courage to press on!

Shaky Ground

2011-05-26T10:44:00.007-04:00

Jesus affirmed that we would have troubles in this life, but He very simply countered that reality with the overwhelmingly powerful truth that He has overcome the world! How strange it must have been for the disciples to hear such a statement from a man! Jesus, this humble teacher? Yes, they had seen Him perform miracles, but "overcome the world?!" Really? When the tsunamis of life hit our shores personally, such talk almost seems laughable! When our world has been turned upside down from loss, divorce, betrayal, illness, crime. . . can this simple statement from our Savior really give us what we long for -- peace, comfort, healing, victory?!

It is easy to say, "yes" when we are standing on calm ground. It was easy for Peter to declare boldly that he would never betray Jesus! But how quickly his confidence and bravery fled in the face of the slightest persecution! We have a huge advantage over Peter, who did not yet understand the cross! We know that Christ has conquered sin and death, and that He loves us eternally! That is our joy and our hope! But how fast that joy and hope seem to flee in the face of great turmoil, as if stolen from us along with our steady ground, and we feel naked and afraid, like Peter!

But Peter did eventually understand when he came face to face with the risen Lord, and he became a fiercely passionate voice for the gospel, even to the point of his own death! Receiving the Holy Spirit allowed Peter to see the resurrected Christ rightly, and enabled him to understand Jesus' compassion and love for him despite his dismal failure. This gave Peter an entirely new perspective and drive, and the shaky ground he would often come to stand on no longer compared to the hope set before him! Peter, perhaps, finally understood Jesus' words about having overcome the world! Here was the God Man, who prevailed against the grave, AND who is Love itself towards us, despite our weaknesses! Who would not want to align themselves with such a hope, such a strong tower, such a powerful love?! The hope set before us is infinitely greater than our trials, and He makes us bolder witnesses for the gospel when we consider Him our most precious treasure! This does not diminish the hardships we face! But we are not left feeling naked and alone! The Holy Spirit is in us!

He is no fool who takes refuge in the LORD, for no earthly stronghold, no matter how impenetrable, and no philosophical idea, no matter how lofty, can protect the soul like the One who has prevailed against the walls of hell itself, and renders all other ideas infinitely beneath His smallest thought of love towards us!

One Man's Trash...

2011-04-01T11:21:00.003-04:00

Recently, a new Goodwill store opened in our community. I went there a few weeks ago looking for a porcelain lamp for my sun porch. And there I saw one that was just what I was looking for! But it had one major issue. The lamp shade was covered with tiny rust spots on its delicate fabric pleats. The previous owner had obviously negleced this lamp and now deemed it usesless. But not I! I snatched it up at the whopping price of $6 and took it proudly home! Once there, I applied white vinegar to the spots with a Q-tip, and the rust stains began to fade! It now sits on my sun porch adding light and beauty to the room! One man's trash, as they say, is another man's treasure!

It's good that we have the opportunity to make seeminly useless things "new" again. It is a sweet reminder of how Christ took one man's (Adam's) trash (us!), and made it His treasure! Once beyond repair, ugly, stained and useless, Christ purchased us from the spiritual rummage sale and made us new again through His sacrice!

Happy Easter, friends!

An Unimpressive God

2011-03-26T08:20:00.021-04:00

If you know me well, you know that I am a huge fan of really bad comedy! I love slapstick humor, lame puns, British comedy and punch lines that make most people just groan and change the channel! The cult-classic mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap, combines all of these elements, so of course, I love it! In it, the viewer follows the heavy metal band, Spinal Tap, as they go on tour and it mocks the inner workings of the rock and roll industry, the laughable self aggrandizement of celebrity, and the soap-opera-worthy story lines that take place behind the scenes of an industry that takes itself waaaaay too seriously!

One of my favorite parts comes when the band is brainstorming ideas for the stage design of their upcoming "Stonehenge" tour! Sitting at a restaurant and classically doodling ideas on a napkin, they devise an elaborate and impressive idea! An 18-foot tall replica of the enormous pillars of Stonehenge, gently lowered from the sky amid smoke, lights, screaming guitars, and dancing Druid dwarfs! It would be monumental! It would be impressive! It would be awe-inspiring!

Unfortunately, they made one tiny mistake. On their drawing, they jotted 18" rather than 18'. The addition of that one, minuscule tic mark, in the hands of the set designer, transformed their massive 18 foot high pillars into a Barbie-sized version of only 18 inches! The effect, as you can imagine, is a ridiculous, underwhelming, laughing-stock! As the lead singer prepares the audience to be mystified and awed, and as the smoke rises and the tension builds with rumbling cymbals....down drops the tiny monolith to the horror of the band members who are forced to continue playing as if nothing were unusual. The scene reaches it side-splitting climax as the elfin-clad dwarfs emerge and dance around the tiny prop! The juxtaposition between the elaborate concert with it's promise of an unforgettable climax, and the miniature reality is hysterical and ironic!

After the concert, the band is debriefing with their manager, analyzing why the band seemed to be "down" that night. Among the various critiques, Nigel (lead singer) sarcastically pipes in, "I, for one, do not think that the problem was that the 'band was down!' I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf! Alright? That tended to understate the hugeness of the object!"

So. . . how do we apply Nigel's "wisdom" to ourselves? Unfortunately, we sometimes pull a mini-Stonehenge with our faith! We add to or take away a little something from the Truth and end up with a weak, watered-down God. For example, we can...

Focus solely on the grace, love and forgiveness of God while conveniently ignoring the justice and wrath of God towards sin. This is dangerous, because we then fail to seriously address the sin in our lives because, "God is love and we are all sinners who are forgiven." Christ's sacrifice is diminished if we separate His justice from His grace. Yes, as believers, we are forgiven through the blood of Christ, but the result should be a changed life! Not a perfect life, but certainly changed!
Look at God as a "Divine Watchmaker" who wound up the world and now just lets it run on its own without His intervention until He returns. This is a classic heresy in the church. This makes God small by denying his sovereignty in all things past, present and future! The Bible is clear that God is intimately involved in EVERYTHING, no matter how minute, and has a plan for everything we experience, even those things which are very difficult to understand.
We can focus so heavily on God's wrath and judgement that we forget grace. The flip-side of #1, people who constantly wring their hands wondering if indeed they are saved, worrying whether or not they have been "good" enough to earn God's favor, make God small by saying, in essence, "The sacrifice of Jesus was not enough to atone for my sins!"
We can focus on the blessings of God and not the God of blessing. When the primary reason for our faith becomes our desire to have our needs met (physical healing, release from some circumstance, deliverance from some oppression or injustice, inner peace, prosperity, etc.) then we have made God small indeed, reducing Him to a cosmic Santa Claus who exists, not for His own glory, but for bestowing gifts upon his good little children. In that case, God ends up serving His creation, not the other way around. We have placed ourselves on the throne. Yes, God loves to give good things to His children! But His ultimate purpose for everything He does is His own glory and to make us more like Christ!

These are just a few examples of ways in which we commonly err in our beliefs about God. God can not be made limited, ineffective, forgetful, indecicive, or weak. If we have relegated Him to any of these characteristics, it is we who have made a mistake, not God, and we must go back to Scripture for a clearer understanding! Otherwise, we have "understated the hugeness" of God and may find ourselves dancing and worshiping around a tiny, ridiculous fake!

(If you want to see the Stonehenge fiasco clip from the movie, here's the link! Be forewarned, however, that the "f" bomb is dropped at the beginning, but that's the only offensive portion. ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMVMHNG68m8&feature=fvsr

Naughty March!

2011-03-15T09:23:00.005-04:00

Oh, March, you foxy, fickle month!

Why do you tease me so?

Sending balmy sunshine one day,

And on another, snow!

The breeze that whispered thoughts of spring

the day before are gone!

Replaced by frozen winds that sing

A very different song!

The tulips in their beds arose

Confused by winter air!

For you had coaxed them from their sleep,

Then laughed at their despair!

I think you need a harsh rebuke

From April, May and June!

For you give spring a bad name, March,

With your tricksy siren's tune!

Just eat it!

2011-02-24T15:03:00.004-05:00

All of us at one time or another have placed an unripe piece of fruit on the counter or window sill in order to ripen. Presently, I am staring at a bartlette pear that, just days ago, was hard as a rock! Today, it's soft and juicy! At this point, I have two options. I can eat the pear or continue to let it sit. If I eat the pear now, it will be sweet and delicious and bring nourishment to my body! But if I let it sit much more, it will begin to rot and eventually be thrown out like the majority of the bananas I seem to buy! Such a waste.

The Word of God is not unlike our fruit situation. I am told to meditate, or allow the Word to "sit" for a while as I turn it over in my mind and allow it to penetrate my heart. But until I apply the Word in my life, it will do me no ultimate good, and my faith will become stale and powerless. The Word must become part and parcel of who I am! It must be eaten, not just examined! Swallowed! Not simply chewed! Applied! Not just read.

I'm going to eat my delicious pear (and make some banana bread)!

"Thy words were found and I ate them,

and Thy Word became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;

for I have been called by Thy name,

O Lord God of hosts."

(Jeremiah 15:16)

Battle Scars

2010-05-20T12:57:00.007-04:00

My kids' best friend was driving home with us the other day from a soccer game. As we went along, I was listening to the three of them converse on a variety of topics. I always enjoy listening to the conversations of kids. Children have a way of talking about very mundane things in the most serious fashion! As we drove, the topic somehow shifted to the various injuries the three had suffered throughout their many, long years on the earth! My son (8) recalled how, as a toddler, his finger had gotten smashed and he lost a fingernail (which fortunately grew back). My daughter told the tale of having to receive an IV at the hospital when she was 2, and how she sledded into a brier bush a few winters ago, her cheek still bearing a tiny scar from the traumatic event! Their friend recalled many tales of bike crashes and apparent brushes with death!

As I held back laughter, I was reminded, as each tried to "up" the others' tales of survival, of the scene in the movie Jaws where the three men on the boat are drinking and showing off their scars from shark attacks, moray eel encounters, gunshot wounds and shell shrapnel. Finally, after raising their glasses and drinking a toast to one another's leg scars, the boat's gnarly captain, Quint, opens his shirt revealing his bear chest, and, pointing to the center, says "See right here?" "Yeah," the others replied, squinting to see. "Mary Ellen Moffet. . . She broke my heart!" Whereby, the three drunken men erupt in laughter.

What is it about humans that we seem to have a need to tell of the battles we've encountered, the wounds we have survived, and the scars we bear? When I was listening to the kids, I was fascinated by the fact that, at such a young age, they have this need to retell tales of traumas past! There was an air of pride in their speaking as they each tried to outdo the others' story. It was to me very clear what each was saying: "I suffered! I survived! Hold me in awe!"

As the conversation died down, I was reminded in a sweet way of how Christ bears the most awesome, inspiring, incredible scars of all, and how we should be telling the story over and over and over about how He suffered on our behalf, and then raise our glasses high around the Lords' table and drink the cup of blessing together! He suffered! He rose again! Hold Him in awe!

"Therefore, as it is written, let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!" (1 Cor. 1:31)

ET or not ET?

2010-05-05T11:33:00.013-04:00

Stephen Hawking, widely known as one of the world's most brilliant scientific minds, recently stated in an interview that, based on mathematical probability alone, he believes that alien life likely exists on other planets or in some form in the galaxy. This is not a new thought by any means, but what he said afterwards was. Rather than enthusiastically endorsing our making contact with alien life (as we have been doing with vigor for years), he strongly discourages it!

"To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational. The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be like."

Hawking goes on to say that any advanced, intelligent life form may pose a serious threat to us should we ever encounter them, and may only seek contact with Earth in order to raid our natural resources, devastating our planet and populous! He envisions more of a "War of the Worlds" versus "ET" scenario! But why?

"We only need to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we don't want to meet. If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans."

Do you see what the underlying acknowledgement is here? The core premise to all of his statements is one that the non-Christian world refuses to acknowledge and mocks Christianity for. . . that humans are at heart, basically evil, not good. At the very least, Hawking is saying that even life forms far superior and advanced to the human race that may exist on other planets would potentially pose a threat to us, rather than a blessing. In other words, intelligence, technological or educational advancement, even other-worldly life experience, environment, political and religious differences do not guarantee compassion, mercy, kindness, tolerance or love. Hawking need only look to own history to say that people (and hence any humanoid life forms) are ultimately self-serving, and capable of the morally unspeakable, regardless of how "evolved" they are. The notion that human beings are "basically good" is simply flawed. We can not assume that any other life form out there is any different than we. Mr. Hawking is giving what is likely an unwitting nod to this idea when he suggests that we should actually avoid at all costs making contact with alien life!

Of course, if mankind's core nature is flawed (that is, sinful), then this naturally leads to two questions:

1) Why are we flawed, that is, how did we get this way? and

2) What then shall we do?

For the first question, Christians know that no amount of education, science, technology, government program, tolerance counseling, happy thoughts, anger management or any other "self-help" course are going to fix our sinful natures. We also understand that "good" and "bad," "right" and "wrong" are not determined by majority, culture, experience, convenience, personal preference or any other humanly-based measure. What is good, bad, right or wrong can only be determined by the one who is in charge of the whole kit and caboodle -- the One who created it, God Himself. God tells us in the Bible how human kind became sinful. For non-Christians, there is ultimately no answer to the question, and they are left with subjectivity, because there is, in their minds, no ultimate source of truth. "Truth" is fluid. What is morally acceptable is subject to change. And if that's so, on what basis are we to tell an alien life form that destroying us for their benefit is "wrong?" Based on what?

For question #2, Christians understand that only God can solve our problem! We are unable. We look to Him and His plan of saving us from our sinful natures. This is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ! For non-believers, again, there is no ultimate answer to this question, for everyone will have a different "solution" based on their own experiences, thoughts, beliefs, feelings, agenda, . . . or even planet!

So, I am grateful to Mr. Hawking for finally stating what Christians have known for centuries -- that human kind is fatally flawed, at its core! We are innately selfish --self-seeking, self-motivated, and self-absorbed, often to the great detriment of others, and no amount of learning or advancement changes this. Only Christ offers us what we really need -- a new heart, and new spiritual eyes to see and love Him!

"There is no one who does good, not even one." (Romans 3:12)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It's Not My Beach!

2010-04-09T14:15:00.015-04:00

On a recent trip to Kauai, Hawaii, we were enjoying one of the beautiful beaches, when we saw, in the distance, an area of sand roped off with orange cones and bright nylon string. The approximately 20' x 20' space began at the water's edge and came onto the beach in front. When we got closer, it became apparent why this prime piece of sunning real estate had been fenced off. Right in the middle of the space was an adult female Monk Seal, about 8 feet long, sleeping soundly, the opening and closing of her sandy nostrils the only sign of life! Lifeguards and park rangers keep careful watch of the beaches in Hawaii and take very seriously the protection of the wildlife that use the shorelines for nesting and resting! Monk Seals will sometimes occupy the same spot on a beach for days, moving only occasionally to shift position, or sun a different side! The animals are roped off to keep curious spectators at a safe distance for both seal and human! Though generally docile, Monk seals can and do bite when they feel threatened.

As I was observing this marvelous creature, a woman sitting behind me in a beach chair began to talk to me. Apparently, she had been occupying the exact spot in which the seal was lying only moments before. She complained to me in a very loud and angry manner how she had literally been run off the spot by the seal! "I had just gotten my chair, my towel, my cooler and all my stuff situated in that exact spot when that @#$% seal came out of the water and ran me off! It nearly bit me! And that's the best spot on the beach! Can you believe it?" she griped!

I tried to be sympathetic, but found her irritation rather amusing and, frankly, perplexing! I said with a smile, "Well, I don't know about you, but the way I see it, this is her beach, not mine! And she's a LOT bigger than I am, so as far as I'm concerned, she can have any spot she wants!" The tourist shrugged and went back to her chair. It reminded me of the old joke, "Where does an 800 pound gorilla sit on an airplane?" Answer: "Anywere it wants to!"

Can you guess the analogy I'm going to make here? Don't we sometimes react to God the same way this woman reacted to the seal? Things are going along according to our plans, and then when God changes our course, or "moves" us in any way we had not intended, we get angry, or at the very least, deeply disappointed! We question God's motives. We question God's power. We question God's wisdom! We even question His love for us! We somehow forget whose "beach" we're on! We forget whose really in charge and whose kingdom we're supposed to be working for! Instead of joyfully and willingly giving up our plans, desires, and wants for what God has planned for us, we gripe and moan and miss out on the thrill of going in faith where God directs for His glory!

The woman at the beach was unable to appreciate the magnificent animal in front of her, and the privilege she had to be able to move graciously aside to make room for this amazing creature. (Now, true, the beach technically belongs to humans too, but it is a needful habitat for the seal, while a place of recreation for us.) She also failed to appreciate the potential danger her bad attitude put her in! Her foolishness could have easily ended with a serious bite! But, in comparison, how slow we are to be in awe of our God, the King of the Universe, and to make ourselves soft clay in His capable, loving hands -- going where He wills, and pleases! And how foolish we are to forget the power He wields. After all, this world is God's "beach" not ours! We are visitors here, and He gets to direct things, not us. Thankfully, He is a gracious and generous host!

"Weak Christians are very apt to three things -- to choose their mercies, to choose their crosses, and to choose their employments."

(Thomas Brooks 1608-1680)

Digging Deeper

2010-04-02T15:29:00.012-04:00

My daughter had to recently recite a poem as part of school. Rather than a lengthy poem, she chose to recite several small ones. Her favorite was this one by Robert Louis Stevenson:

At the Sea-side

When I was down beside the sea

A silver spade they gave to me

To dig the sandy shore.

My holes were empty like a cup.

In every hole the sea came up

Till it could come no more!

We've all experienced digging in the sand at the beach, and noticing how, when you reach a certain depth, the hole rapidly begins to fill with water! My kids love seeing how far down they can dig, and then enjoy standing in the pool created! The deeper one digs the hole, the more water fills it up!

A fitting picture, I think, for the Christian life! The deeper we go in our faith, the more profoundly we seek to know our Savior, the more enthusiastically we dig into His word, then the more He is pleased to fill us up with His Spirit, His blessings, His joy, His peace. . . we find that we simply cannot avoid being filled with the goodness and wisdom of God! If, on the other hand, we are feeling empty, it may be wise to ask ourselves if we are taking the time to really dig deeper in our love for and knowledge of the Lord.

So grab your shovels, everyone, and lets hit the spiritual beach!

Man vs. Wild vs. Faith

2010-03-18T20:18:00.010-04:00

Discovery Channel hosts one of my kids' favorite TV shows -- Man vs. Wild! In each episode, former British Special Forces soldier and survival expert, Bear Grylls (yes, his first name is Bear), pits his wits against the worst that nature can dish out and demonstrates for us couch-potato viewers how to survive in some of the world's most dangerous places (should we ever suddenly find ourselves lost in an anaconda-infested Brazillian swamp on our way to Food Lion).

Once a location is chosen, Bear is airlifted in and dumped (often literally) on the scene, far from any civilization. He is typically equipped only with a small hunting knife and the clothes on his back. We watch in amazement as Bear endures the most dangerous, and often nauseating, of circumstances! (As I type this, Bear is "peeling" a frog in order to eat it -- raw! In an earlier episode, he used the rotting, fly-ridden carcass of a dead camel as a shelter!) He eats bugs, makes fire with sticks, sets traps with rocks, builds shelters in trees, navigates roaring rivers on make-shift log rafts, and has demonstrated everything from making fishing spears with bird skulls to the necessity of staying hydrated, no matter how you have to do it to survive (yep, he's even done "that")! Is it any wonder why this is my 8-year-old son's favorite show!?

So, why would ANY human being do all of this? He obviously risks his life each week to promote the advantages of preparedness, not to mention the shameless entertainment of people who will NEVER be in a position even close to having to ingest stinging ant larvae for the protein! Does Bear Grylls simply have serious thrill issues? Well, maybe, but probably not! He likely does it for two reasons: 1) He loves it and 2) He gets paid handsomely for it! Take away one of those two things, and he would probably instead be back in Britain working as a bodyguard for Hugh Grant or something.

So. . . what on earth is my point? Well, I was thinking. . . if Bear Grylls is willing to put himself at such risk for something he loves (the thrill of survival) and for the reward (presumably a large paycheck), why are we as Christians often willing to risk so little for our deep love of Christ, and the eternal rewards He offers us? Why is our passion for Christ and His glory so dim? Why is mine? Why are we so afraid? What is lacking -- our love for Christ and His work (which is far more exciting than any Man vs. Wild episode), or do we lack the belief that there really is a reward awaiting us? Or both? Are we afraid, perhaps, that if we take risks for God's kingdom, He will not protect us?

Well...there's one other thing that you may not know. Bear Grylls does not really go into all those snake-infested, leach-filled, putrid-bog-laden environments alone. No. He has a camera crew with him, who are also expert outdoorsmen. They go where Bear goes. If Bear climbs a steep cliff, they do too. If Bear plunges into the icy waters of the Arctic Sea, so does his crew. They are instructed to interfere ONLY if Bear gets into a life-threatening situation. Once, Bear fell into an ancient Bedouin well in the desert and had to be pulled out. Yes, Bear was risking his life, and does every week, BUT he has protection! Are we so different? Don't we have God's divine protection --His Sovereign will for our lives that will not allow anything to happen to us outside His providence? And unlike Bear Grylls, we are equipped to the hilt! No 3-inch bowie knife for our wilderness trek! We are equipped with all of the resources of the King of the Universe! Whatever we need to complete our mission, God will provide in abundance! We need only bring one thing along -- faith.

So. . . my prayer tonight is for God to give me the courage to be a Christian with serious thrill issues! I need to get off the couch and into the game! Help me, O God, to take more risks for your glory, for I know that you are with me, and my reward in heaven will be great -- an eternity with the God of glory, who is love itself!

Standing the Heat

2010-03-13T09:31:00.004-05:00

I haven't been posting to my blog lately. It seems that the busyness of life, and the rise of Facebook, have trumped my ability and sometimes my desire, to be creative in thought. But my creative juices just aren't being met on FB, so I'm going to attempt to begin posting again on a fairly regular basis. This may come as welcome news to some, while raising a collective groan among others! LOL

Our small group has been watching a video together about living the Christian life. David Powlison, a counselor with CCEF, often uses an effective illustration to talk about how people react to the circumstances of life. Challenges and trials are depicted at the top of his chart as a blazing sun, and he calls it the "heat" of life. From there, people can take one of two routes. The "heat" can either produce a "thorny," ungodly response from us, or we can view the "heat" in light of the cross of Jesus Christ and bear godly fruit, rather than thorns that entangle us, and harm others.

As I was thinking about this (and feeling quite conviceted in my own life), a picture came to my mind. On our recent trip to Hawaii, there was a lovely flower garden beside the condominium where we were staying. In this garden grew an enormous cactus which was loaded with lovely pink and yellow flower buds! My daughter wanted to take a picture of it, and as we came closer to it, we noticed something very interesting. This large, prickly-pear-style cactus had something very obvious missing. Thorns! We searched high and low, but found no thorns, only flowers!

What a picture of how I want my life to be, I thought, -- able to withstand intense "heat" like a strong cactus, yet producing beautiful "fruit" and no thorns!

The Day After Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving
The turkey’s all gone,
The pies are consumed,
And my waistline has grown!

The dishes are piled
in my sink very high
And the laundry has grown
Nearly reaching the sky!

But the kids got to play
With their long distance cousins
And grandma and grandpa
Got hugs by the dozens!

Our family all gathered
Around the big table
And thanked our dear Lord
That for this we are able.

And for giving us more
Than we ever could need
Our homes, and our health
And a country that’s free!

So, Happy Thanksgiving
My home’s now a mess,
But I’ll clean it up gladly
For I truly am blessed!

Winter Falls

2009-01-18T15:25:00.007-05:00

Driving up the winding, forested road towards Hot Springs, one encounters around a certain turn a great waterfall, seemingly out of place amid the dense trees and viewless corners. A chasm suddenly appears, revealing a steep drop and a cascading torrent which crashes a hundred feet below. The winter day we happened upon the falls saw temperatures in the single digits, creating a fog as the water reached the bottom which rose like smoke and clouded the rocks below. The trees near the falls appear as if freshly snowed upon, each donning a white coat created from the mist. It appears at once beautiful but strangely eerie, and I am reminded how a cold heart touches everything around it. The falls roar and rush with fierce movement, but all around is frozen, motionless, silent. And I see that when I sin, I rage and command all around to listen while I leave my hearers stricken and still in the wake. Cold words or deeds can fall with great force and create an icy smoke which lingers and lands on those closest to us, leaving them dumbstruck and shivering. Like the trees around the icy falls who await Spring, how those who dwell in the midst of an icy heart long for the Son to rise up and bring warm life again! Thank you God, for a gentle yet powerful glimpse into my own depravity, and the hope I have in you!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T12:21:00.005-05:00

Well, another year comes to a close. Every New Year's Eve I remember with fondness a tradition practiced at my Grandparent's home. It was not uncommon for my Dad's parents to keep their five grandchildren (including me and my brother) overnight on New Year's Eve. While we thought this was a great tradition, it is only as an adult (and a parent) that I now realize that this thoughtful gesture was likely done each year in order to free our parents up to go out for New Years sans kiddies! Nevertheless, we kiddies did enjoy ourselves. The highlight of the evening for us cousins was to see who could make the most elaborate or ridiculous hat to wear at midnight. Using construction paper and lots of bows, ribbons and paper left over from the recent Christmas mayhem, we set about our task and then at midnight we would all rush out into the yard sporting our creations making as much commotion possible with noise makers, horns and cow bells! We indeed "rang" in the new year, and Granddaddy topped it all off with fireworks!

It is fitting to celebrate the start of a New Year, for it is by the grace of God that we start even a new day! And it gives us yet another opportunity to praise Him for the most awesome new beginning He's ever given us -- new life in Christ!! That new beginning can happen for us at any time. For many, it comes early as we are raised in godly homes and the Spirit calls us at a tender age. For others, God may choose the teen years, or midlife. The Lawson's dear neighbor and friend, Bob, is celebrating a new beginning at the end of his life. Struggling with cancer for years, he had been struggling against God for his whole life. But here at the closing of his earthly life, in what will likely be his death bed, he has experienced a glorious dawning! His life is in reality now just beginning!! David in his visits with Bob has remarked that since giving his life to Christ, Bob's entire countenance has changed! He exudes peacefulness, where before he was agitated. He is smiling, joyful and engaging with visitors, rather than closed, hesitant and downcast. At a time the world would say should be his saddest hour, Bob is radiant with hope, peace and joy!

Likewise for Jenice's father who's recent hospitalization for heart trouble has given her and others the opportunity to talk to him about his real "heart" trouble, his need for Christ! And God has graciously seen fit to draw this man to himself at the twilight of his days who has worshiped idols his whole life, namely the god of money. That is grace, my friends! Who but our loving God would offer salvation to one who has shaken his fist in His face for over 7o years? And who but our loving God can surprise the hopeless with joy, give peace to the tourmented soul, and hopeful anticipation, not dread, in the face of death?

THAT'S the power of the Gospel! THAT'S the "foolishness" that the world mocks, but we know is the ONLY reality -- that we were dead in our sins, but Christ died for us and was raised from the grave that we might have eternal life! Not just that we might experience life after death, but experience the things of God's in this life -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control!

So, friends, Happy New Year, and may it be merry as we praise God for His abounding grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, hope and renewing power! I can't wait to see what God does in our midst in 2009! Just look at how he has blessed the close of 2008 with these two amazing miracles, like fireworks of celebration! Thanks be to GOD!

This Holy Christmas Night

2008-12-20T11:21:00.002-05:00

Be Careful Little Eyes...

2008-11-27T07:39:00.005-05:00

(photo taken in 2004)

Last evening, I sat down at my computer and checked one of the national news sites. There I was confronted with the headline and accompanying gruesome pictures from the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, where over 100 have been brutally murdered. My stomach sank. I sat there motionless staring at the carnage depicted before me. Suddenly, Matthew appeared from upstairs. Not having time to toggle to a different web page, and not wanting him to glimpse the bloody photos, I snipped, "Matt, go back upstairs!" He immediately complied, but I felt the pang of having raised my voice to him, and his confusion at my doing so. I went quickly upstairs to seek him out, and he was playing and seemed to have forgotten all about it in a matter of seconds. I gave him a big hug and explained that he had not done anything wrong, but that I didn't want him to see a scary picture that was on the news.

At 6:00 this morning, Matt came into our bedroom and, like many mornings, crawled in between David and me. As he snuggled into my shoulder, my mind went back to India, and I held him closer. I know that I will not be able to protect him from the horrors of the world much longer. His innocence, and Emma's, right now is so precious. Matt and Emma's tender hearts turn away from all things scary or disturbing. Last year, we had to leave the latest Veggie Tales movie ("The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything") before the first scene was even complete, because Matt found the bad pirate zucchini too scary!! Emma could not watch "March of the Penguins" because the discovery that some of the penguins die in those desolate conditions was too much for her to bear. We laugh, but this morning I thought about the children who were surely witness, and perhaps even victim, to the terrorism in Mumbai, and how their little eyes should never have to see such wickedness. Their innocence has been brutally stolen from them, never to be regained.

This Thanksgiving morning, I thank God for many things. My country, where such attacks are rare. Our armed service men and women who put themselves into those gruesome scenes so that we are protected from them. For the innocence of childhood, and the hope of innocence one day restored through Christ. Advent is upon us when we celebrate Christ's first coming into this world. And I say, Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Return!

Went With the Wind

2008-11-13T11:25:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, you just need a good laugh. The Carol Burnett Show was my favorite as a kid! Carol was totally my hero, and I mimicked her at school every chance I could, earning me the "Funniest in the Class" award in 5th grade! But enough about my glory days (groan). I wish they still made TV shows like this, but unfortunately, they, like this sketch, have "Gone With the Wind". So take 15 minutes to sit back and enjoy!

PART 1

PART 2

Pray for our Country!

2008-11-01T08:29:00.006-04:00

Election Tuesday is just around the corner and I doubt there is anyone who thinks this election is not one of the most important in our lifetime. I urge everyone not only to get out and VOTE, but also to PRAY!

Pray that God's will be done in this election!
Pray that whomever gets elected will uphold our country's Constitution and not seek to reinterpret and rewrite it according to their own ideals and agendas!

Pray that our new President will have wisdom on how to keep our country safe from our enemies who, make no mistake, want nothing more than to see America destroyed! By the way, our enemies have endorsed a candidate. Do you know who?

Pray that laws that protect innocent life will be upheld, and more put into place! How can we as Christians support legislation that directly violates God's Law?

Pray that the man God chooses to lead us will be a man of prayer, seeking God's perspective and will on all matters. May he be a man who understands and acknowledges the Christian principles this country was founded upon and seeks to stand firm on those principles, not giving in to special interests or clanging voices who shout "Rights and Tolerance!" when what they really want is approval of their sinful behaviors.
Pray that our freedoms which were fought for with the blood of our founding fathers would be upheld! May we as Christians always be able to preach, witness, and raise our children without fear! Brothers and Sisters, do you know that in many countries (even in Europe) this is not the case? There are many in this country who would love to label the preaching and teaching of God's moral law as "hate speech."

Again, pray that God's will be done, that He would be glorified, and that He would be lifted up once again in this nation which He has blessed so richly. May our Lord's hand of blessing and protection never be removed from us. Pray!

A Project with Dad

2008-10-29T13:01:00.004-04:00

My son has been begging us for something for over a year. He has been longing to have a bike ramp! Since store-bought ramps are pricey, David told him several months ago that perhaps the two of them could build one together. The idea of buying a ramp was exciting to Matt, but the idea of making one with Dad was over-the-top AWESOME! From that moment forward, we heard almost daily reminders from Matt about the project. "Daddy, when can we start building the ramp?" Well, yesterday, David borrowed a friend's truck and headed to Lowes. For the next 3 hours or so, David and Matt worked in the garage together. There is just something about a child's desire to work along side their Daddy. David could have built the ramp without Matt's help, but giving Matt the opportunity to share in the project gives Matt not only a sense of accomplishment, but a stronger bond with his Daddy.

God doesn't need our help when it comes to the fulfillment of His plans. But isn't it wonderful that He wants us to work with Him on His most wonderful project -- the redemption of the world!? I wonder why we are often unenthusiastic about working along side our heavenly Daddy? We should be like Matt, asking when and how we can help, anxious and excited not just about the final product, but for the chance to learn from the Master and gain a closer bond with Him!

Putting Things By

2008-10-20T18:08:00.005-04:00

Autumn is the time of year that folks "put things by," a phrase which is old-fashioned, but much needed these days! As a child, I have vivid memories of helping my Grandma and Grandaddy wash and scald Mason jars so that they could be filled with stewed tomatoes and set aside for use throughout the following year. Of all the things he cans, my Grandaddy is probably most famous for his chow-chow. If you are not familiar with this Southern delicacy, chow-chow is a pickled relish that you put on other things to eat, primarily pinto beans! It is a combination of chopped cabbage, green tomatoes, cauliflower, onions and green & red peppers, cooked with pickling spices and vinegar and then canned. A steaming bowl of fresh-cooked pinto beans with chow-chow on top and a big hunk of buttermilk corn bread were a common and much-anticipated meal around my house growing up.

My Grandaddy is now 91, and a week ago I sat him down at his kitchen table and told him that I simply must have his chow-chow recipe! To me, the idea of this tradition being lost one day was unthinkable! Of course, like many folks who are working from age-old traditional recipes, Grandaddy doesn't work from a written recipe, just years of experience and eye-balling amounts and ingredients. But after a while, I managed to write out the gist of this family secret, and rushed home to begin preparations for attempting my first batch! Sunday night, I chopped and chopped vegetables and soaked them in salty water overnight. On Monday morning, I began the cooking process and canned my very first chow-chow! David and I tried some on the four-bean soup I had made the day prior, and while I can't say that it's as good as Grandaddy's, it was very good for my first attempt, and I think Grandaddy will be pleased! Most of all, I was excited that a tradition was being preserved (no pun intended). It was also a reminder of how quickly our heritage can be lost. One generation is all it takes for us to forget about our past. How urgently important it is, not just to preserve our family's story, but to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord, lest the next generation forget.

Putting Things By:

Today, the smell of vinegar-soaked vegetables waifed through the house hitting anyone who entered with the unmistakable smell of Autumn. I carefully followed Grandaddy's instructions, constantly testing, tasting and worrying whether or not I was doing it correctly. After all, this was not just chow-chow, it was a family tradition! This was my childhood memories being packed into pint-sized glass albums! Completed, I stood back and admired the colorful product -- green, gold and red. Each pop of the lid upon opening a new jar releases a flood of images and feelings. As the tangy-sweet smell escapes I recall suppers of pinto beans and corn bread around my childhood table; standing tip-toed in my Grandma's kitchen struggling to reach the jars I was helping to wash, my tiny hands perfect for the job, she said, because they could reach all the way inside; the smell of stewed tomatoes; the sweet taste of purple grapes picked from the vine; the feel of October beans in my hands as my brother and I shelled and admired their pink stripes and speckles; the warmth of the wood stove in their den, and the feeling of perfect contentment . These were Autumn activities which repeated themselves every year at my Grandparent's house. Grandaddy's mother taught him the importance of "putting things by," and his basement shelves are proof that he heeded her words of wisdom, row after row of canned tomatoes, pears, jellies, and of course, chow-chow lined up like colorful, glass soldiers awaiting their orders! The days of really needing to can vegetables, make jams, store apples, onions and potatoes, and chop firewood for winter are gone, but I tell my kids, as they watch me pour the hot relish into another jar, stories of my childhood, of their Grandparents and Great Grandparents, traditions we have kept, and most importantly, faith that must be passed down. Indeed, the importance of "putting things by!"

McCain Brings Down the House!

2008-10-17T09:49:00.005-04:00

John McCain delivered a side-splitting roast last night at the Alfred E. Smith memorial dinner in Washington. Where were these writers when it was time to prepare him for the debates?!!!!

Deliverance!

2008-10-14T08:50:00.011-04:00

I got up very early this morning before the sun, and before the kids! Clutching my hot coffee mug, I settled onto the sofa to catch the morning news, our dog Jack curled up at my feet. I flipped through a few channels, and the movie "The African Queen" was on (Bogart and Hepburn, 1951). This is one of my favorite films, and I can never resist watching it, though I've seen it dozens of times.

It was near the end of the film, which takes place in the jungles of Africa during WWII. Charlie (a slovenly, gin-swilling captain of a tramp steamer) and Rose (the straight-laced spinster sister of a prim British missionary) make an unlikely duo who team up after the Germans destroy the Mission village. In what begins as merely an attempt to flee to the safety of civilization, they decide instead to strike back, and begin a treacherous journey down the Ulanga River in order to reach a large lake at its mouth. Therein lies the Louisa, a German boat which patrols the lake and all activity around it, preventing Allied troops from securing the region. Charlie and Rose devise an elaborate plan to sink the Louisa, but first they must make it down the Ulanga, which has never been navigated.

They brave being shot at, swarms of African insects, multiple boat troubles, and treacherous rapids which nearly dash them to pieces. At what should be the culmination of their efforts and heroism, at the base of the river they become stuck in an unnavigable tangle of reeds and high grasses. Unable to see above the reeds, they cannot tell where they are and assume that they are doomed to perish in the swampy, leech-infested bog. No longer able to push or pull their boat in any direction, they eventually collapse from fatigue and despair, and await a slow death.

What they cannot see, however, is that they are only 100 yards from the open water of their destination. Nor can they see or know of the rain storm that is beginning miles upriver in the mountains. As they sleep, the rainwater working its way downstream begins to flood the river and slowly makes its way to the marshes where their little boat sits embedded in mud. As the water slowly rises, the boat is eventually freed and begins to float again, and drifts naturally towards the open water. The sleeping occupants awaken to what appears to be a dream -- they are moving! They lift their weary heads and see their deliverance!

Sometimes it feels like we are stuck in that quagmire. We strive and trudge our way towards the finish line in our war-beaten little boats, experiencing great trials and yet little victories along the way, and just when we feel like all of our efforts for the cause of Christ should finally bear victorious fruit, our circumstances suddenly change and overwhelm us, and we can see no way out. Over time, despair, exhaustion, and hopelessness set in and we are tempted to simply give up because we have stopped moving forward -- so we think. But we must remember that God is always working and has already secured our deliverance! We will lift our head and behold the miracles He is doing on our behalf that were unseen by our limited vision, but absolutely planned by Him for our benefit and His glory! Full understanding and sight may not come in this life, but until then, we must not collapse under the weight of what we cannot see or understand. We must let Christ be our eyes, focusing on Him, and letting Him take care of the boat! And unlike The African Queen where Charlie shouts, "We did it!" when victory finally comes at the end, we will instead shout, "HE did it!" which is really the whole point, isn't it?

Bow Before Him

2008-10-09T12:35:00.005-04:00

I took the kids apple picking last week, and was reminded why Autumn is my favorite season. The day was perfect -- crisp blue sky, warm but with just a little nip in the air. Seeing limbs bowing under the weight of their fruit is a picture of what my life should be -- bowing before Christ as I present to Him the fruit HE is producing!!! When our lives produce true spiritual fruit, we cannot help but bow and worship!

The Orb of Confusion!

2008-10-02T13:07:00.013-04:00

My kids love the cartoon SpongeBob Squarepants! For those of you not familiar with this highly-sophisticated animated series, the show centers on its protagonist, SpongeBob, a sea sponge, his friends, and his job at the local burger joint -- the Crusty Crab. Like any good cartoon, the forces of good and evil are portrayed, and the series also boasts its own superheros, Mermaid Man and his trusty sidekick, Barnacle Boy, who are periodically called into action to fend off their arch nemesis, ManRay (who is eventually captured and imprisoned in frozen tartar sauce!). Like I said, it's highly sophisticated.

In one episode, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy go on vacation and leave their secret cave and all its hi-tech weapons (including the Boat-mobile) in the care of SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick (a cognitively-challenged starfish). While surveying the cave, they discover ManRay, suspended in the frozen tartar sauce, and accidentally thaw him, whence he recommences his effort to take over the world -- WHAA-HA-HA-HA-HA (diabolical laughter)! On his way out, ManRay steals all of the superheros' secret weapons, leaving SpongeBob and Patrick defenseless --EXCEPT for one weapon he overlooked! The Orb of Confusion!

This grapefruit-sized orb, when switched on, renders anyone within a certain radius very confused, thus making them much easier to capture! SpongeBob and Patrick, of course, end up using the device on themselves accidentally, turning them into tongue-lolling, drool-producing, eye-rolling, stupefied morons incapable of doing anything but standing in place while uttering the classic "Duuuuuhhh!" -- essentially, not too different from their normal operating mode.

So, what on earth does this have to do with ANYTHING?! Well, I've been watching the election coverage and the financial crisis coverage for a while now, and have determined one thing. The Orb of Confusion seems to have found its way into Washington and is rendering our government useless! A resounding "Duuuuhhhh!" seems to be emanating from the halls of our Capital, and the mouths of the majority of our news media! Fortunately for us, we have a SuperHero who's always on the scene and who's plan cannot be thwarted even by Orb-stricken government officials, confused talking heads, or even our arch nemeses around the world! So, as I watch in disbelief the Orb in action, I can take heart that our SuperHero, God Himself, is on the job!

Just plain cute!

2008-09-12T10:34:00.003-04:00

We were recently at the Virginia Safari Park where you get to ride a wagon through acres of countryside and pet and feed the animals which roam freely there. We had a great time, and upon our return to the main park area, one of the workers had an "animal encounter" waiting for us -- a hedgehog. I've seen them in photos, but never in person. We got to pet "Hedgie" and feel her prickles (which were down). Then the worker turned her upside down to reveal her soft belly. Well, I'm sorry, but I'm just a sucker for cute critters! So, I'm sharing these pics just because! Thank you, God, for delighting us with your creative heart!!!

Clear Direction!

2008-09-05T09:18:00.004-04:00

Emma had soccer practice last evening. This year, she plays on an all-girl team of 8-10 year-olds. Last night, her coach put her in the position of playing Right-Center for a scrimmage with an all-boys team. In this position, the player should remain on the right side of the field, typically towards the center, but can travel up and down the field as necessary if they get the ball and can dribble it towards a goal. If they find themselves on the left side of the field, unless they have the ball, they should return to their position on the right to defend that side. All of this knowledge about what a Right-Center can and cannot do was confusing to her. As a grown up, my brain can understand the concept of defending a position, anticipating where the ball will go, returning to position, knowing when to step out of your pre-described bounds when necessary, etc. But for Emma, it created a frustrating ordeal. She found herself receiving orders from three different coaches (head coach and two assistants). One would tell her to stay in position, then moments later another would shout for her to advance on the ball, and then another would yell for her to fall back, etc. As I watched, I was impressed at how Emma patiently complied with each order, but I could tell she was beginning to feel frustrated. After practice, I told Emma how proud I was of her for not just throwing up her hands and walking away. She admitted that she was very confused at having so many people shouting seemingly contradictory directions at her!

I am SO glad that God has made it simple for us easily-confused children!! For those people who believe that there are many paths to heaven, I say what a horrible and cruel idea! If that were true, I would be so very, very confused, like Emma was last night! One path would shout "This way!" and another would prompt me to change direction moments later. I would be tempted to follow whatever path my emotions prompted, only to become frustrated when my emotional wind shifted or I came to another ideological crossroads.

If there are many "true" paths to heaven, then, implicitly, there are also many false paths. How would one know the difference? What a treacherous journey it would be, wondering all the time if I had really chosen a "true" path and not a false one. Some argue, "Well, its the sincerity." In other words, as long as you are sincere in your faith journey, then God will let you into His heaven! Really? Then Hitler must be in heaven, for no one was more "sincere" in his beliefs than he. And the radical Islamists are certainly "sincere" in their religious beliefs! And how awful to believe in many gods, like the Hindus, appealing to one "god" for this, and another for that. Who could keep it all straight and not go crazy!?

No, God knows that giving us One way is the ONLY way to keep us from straying. He doesn't shout one direction one day, and then shout another contradictory order the next! He is never divided, and never flip-flops in His plan for salvation. What a relief! A clearly defined path to reach the goal! Thanks be to God for the Cross of Jesus Christ that, like a pin stuck in a map to reveal the traveler's destination, marks our path to eternity, and His blood covers the road I am to take among the many twisting, turning options that would lead me astray!

The Rain Came!

2008-08-28T13:12:00.006-04:00

Early Thursday morning, I awoke to an unusual sound these days -- rain! I poured myself a cup of coffee and looked out the window above my kitchen sink and saw a doe with her twins enjoying the weather! I had seen them before, but that morning they had an extra bounce, so to speak, in their step. The fawns would eat for a moment, and then erupt in play, chasing each other and leaping in the air. Their mother would watch them carefully while chewing on a juicy leaf knocked down from the rain. It was one of those little moments that delight the spirit.

The Rain Came

The ground was so dry,
The grass, brown from lack.
Weeks had gone by.
When would the rain come back?

Then it came!
And the ground drank deep
Of the gentle rain,
As if awakened from sleep.

A doe and her fawns
Came, delighted by the shower.
I saw them on my back lawn
In the early morning hour.

The little ones leaped
Among the drops,
While mother kept
Watch with each of their hops.

I smiled at the scene,
Remembering the way
My soul had once been
Like the earth was that day.

But the Reign came down
On my parched, dry heart.
And the joy that I found
Made my soul leap and dart!

Thank God for the rain
And all the little things
That remind us again
Of the Life that He brings!

The Obedience of Faith -- as taught by my dog!

2008-08-24T13:03:00.006-04:00

I wrote this silly poem after we had our puppy, Jack, for about 8 months or so. If you've ever been a puppy owner, you'll understand! Thankfully, Jack has come a long way since then, and has learned obedience (mostly). I often wonder if I've come as far!

Jack

My dog, Jack, is quite a hound
Both joy and pain to have around.
Just when he’s tipped the garbage can
He cuddles up and licks my hand.

I tell him, “Come!” when he is out,
And just as I begin to shout
So loud I wake the neighbors up,
He ambles in, that scheming pup!

He nipped my hand the other day
When all I wanted was to play,
But didn’t see his precious bone
He wanted just to be his own!

To think I paid for this abuse!
If I could think of some excuse,
I’d put him up for dog adoption;
Yes, this would be a humane option!

Let someone else with great endurance
(And liability insurance)
Take on this rascal. I give up!
I’ve tried to train and love this pup…

But then I look at him and see
That I’m, in fact, a lot like he.
And God has yet to cast me out
Though often He has had to shout

For me to “Come!” I know I’ve been
Both joy and pain, like Jack, to Him.
So now more patience puppy gets
(perhaps that’s why God gives us pets)!

Entertainment Wasteland

2008-08-17T16:23:00.009-04:00

Have you ever been flipping through the channels on your television and thought to yourself, "Man, there's all these shows but nothing but garbage on!" In reality, this thought typically replaces the word "garbage" with a less eloquent term, the likes of which I'm not comfortable including in my blog!

Well, to prove my point, that TV has really gone down the toilet, I was engaged in said channel surfing the other day, and ran across a show being offered by none other than the History Channel called "All About Dung!" I'm not kidding! I thought to myself, "It's finally happened. TV producers have at last figured out that we will watch anything!" After all, if viewers will actually sit through reality shows like "Wife Swap" without organizing open revolt and torch-and-pitchfork-bearing mobs to storm the TV studios, then why not take programming to its inevitable conclusion -- a show about dung!

Have I tempted you? Well, dear reader, just take a look at the show's description as found on the History Channel's website...

Join host Monty Halls as he investigates the historical, medical, scientific and evolutionary importance of poop on an excremental safari guaranteed to fascinate even the most squeamish of viewers. You'll be surprised by the amazing manner in which the world puts dung to use. Discover that through a 14,000-year-old human dung deposit it has been determined that humans inhabited North America 1300 years earlier than previously thought. Climb a 100-foot mountain of bat guano in Borneo that is teeming with insect life. Travel to India and view housewarming rituals using sacred cow dung as good luck. Finally Halls drinks coffee made from poop and investigates, through their large droppings, why mammoths might have disappeared.

WOW! Now that's entertainment!! So, the next time you are surfing the channels and thinking to yourself, "Man, there's nothing but (*bleep*) on TV!" remember, you're right! Why not just accept it? Then poop, I mean POP, yourself some popcorn, and grab a Baby Ruth or some Milk Duds, and sit back and enjoy!

. . .Of course, you could read a book.

Living Water

2008-08-06T09:27:00.009-04:00

On our recent "stay-cation" we had lots of things on our to-do list. The week was not designed to be particularly relaxing, rather, an opportunity to get some much needed work done around our home! But, we did promise the kids that we would take one day to just have fun. So, finally on Saturday we headed for Craig's Creek thanks to our generous friends who let us use their cabin as home-base for the day! We spent the day wading, swimming, tubing and fishing in the many ripples and pools. Treasures were found -- an old milk-glass jar lid, green and blue slag from the old iron smelting days, crayfish, minnows, and lots of good skippin' rocks!

As the day came to a close and we made our way from the center of the babbling creek, where the water was clear, to the shore, we had to wade through the murky, still water near the edge. There, bright green algae grew beneath the surface, waving as in slow motion in the shallows, like long green locks of hair. The rocks were slippery and each step sent clouds of orange mud swirling around our toes. "Yuck!" the children cried! They did not like having to cross the still shallows.

I remarked to them, "Which part of the creek do you prefer to play in -- the middle where the water is rushing and moving, or the shallows where the water is still?" Naturally, they said they much preferred the moving water where the fish swam, the small rapids provided tubing and swimming adventures and the algae had no opportunity to grow on the rocks! "The Bible calls that kind of water 'living water' because it's alive and moving!" I said. "Do you remember who called Himself the 'living water?'" I asked. "Jesus!" they replied (to my relief). "Yes!" I said. "When we have Jesus in our hearts, it's like having a bubbling brook in our soul which is powerful, clear, and alive, overflowing with the love of Christ to others!" It was a small teaching moment that I was grateful for, and David said, "That's awesome! You should blog about that!" ;-)

Living water is mentioned a number of times in the Bible. In the Song of Solomon, it says,

"A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all chief spices- a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon."

We are the bride of Christ, and to Him we are to be as a beautiful garden, producing abundant good things, and like a fountain, alive and pure! But, alas, we are all too often like the prophet Jeremiah described in chapter 2:

"Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. "

In ancient times, cisterns were made, hewed out of rock or from clay, to collect rain water for use when fresh water was unavailable or the rivers dry. Naturally, the water accumulated in these holding bins was not fresh and clean, like water gathered from a running stream. It's stagnant. It's a place where disease could breed in the stillness and heat. Jeremiah says, we forsake God who is the fountain of living water for our souls, and instead we make ourselves spiritual cisterns which hold worthless, inadequate, impure things. And not only that, but our cisterns are broken! We fool ourselves into thinking that we're accumulating knowledge, wisdom, treasure, happiness, etc., but when we go to draw from our self-made cistern, we find nothing there! It's empty! Life apart from Christ is ultimately empty, stagnant, and a breeding ground for sin, despair and death!

In John chapter 4, Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman at the well and tells us that HE is THE source of living water!

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

And in John chapter 7, Jesus says:

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

What a picture! And the inspiration for the name of our church, "Wellspring!" Why do we waste our time trying to fill our broken cisterns with the things of the world or unbiblical so-called "spirituality," when God has given us the gift of THE ONLY Living Water -- Christ who is pure, life-giving and cannot be contained! I look at the recesses of my heart which I have not brought captive to Christ, and I say like my children wading through the stagnant shallows, "Yuck!" I want to stand in the living water and be cleansed! I can not drink from my cistern -- it's empty! I can not offer a drink from my cistern to others, for even if I could the water would be undrinkable. I want the Living Water to feed me and to then flow out of me, for, like a rushing river, it cannot be held back or hemmed in. When I offer a drink to others, I want it to be from God -- the clean, clear, delicious truth of the Gospel!

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;

the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and

he will guide them to springs of living water,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

(Revelation 7:11-17)

Change for Change's Sake

2008-07-23T09:56:00.009-04:00

My 91 year-old Grandfather has a treasure chest in his basement! At least, that's what we grand kids always considered it! Descend the creaky wooden stairs to the basement, and pull the long string at the bottom to turn on the lights, and across the neat, well organized workshop sits a large chest freezer. On top sits a cloth-covered anvil which holds the chest shut. The sealing mechanism on the freezer broke years ago, before I can even remember, and the anvil is still there today! Granddaddy would escort us children over, remove the anvil, and the chest would magically open with a frosty cloud revealing the "treasure" inside! What could get a kid so excited about a freezer? Well, treats, of course! Granddaddy always kept his freezer stocked with Hostess products that he would buy at the local bakery store. He would get them in large quantities for very cheap whenever they would bake too many, or if they were "day old". Then, he'd just freeze them for us to enjoy. Honey buns and chocolate cupcakes (with the little swirl on top), Twinkies and Ho-Ho's were always in the freezer! I don't think there was ever a time when my brother and I visited as children that we didn't get to select something from that treasure chest! What bliss!! Of course, I can't speak for my parents who then had to deal with our sugar buzz for the rest of the day!

Recently, I was visiting Grandaddy and asked him if he had any treats in the freezer that the kids could select. To my astonishment, he said that he had not stocked any such goodies for years! WHAT? No honey buns??! No Hostess cupcakes with the little swirl and the cream inside? Not a single Ho-Ho?! Why, this is just not right, I declared! The treasure chest simply MUST have treasure! It's not natural! Grandaddy chuckled, of course, at my dismay, and I was playing it up for his benefit. But. . . there was a part of me that, deep down, was really upset, not that the kids would be denied a sugary treat, but that the familiar had changed! I can remember feeling the same way when the Roanoke Wiener Stand gutted their downtown store, removing the old wrap-around, formica counters and stools, and replaced them with modern fixtures and stand-and-eat counters! The walls now depicted a mural painted by a local artist and not the old racks of Wrigley's gum, candies and other wares. Cokes sold in the little glass bottles were no longer offered. The food remained the same, but the atmosphere just didn't have the same feel, and I felt sad by it.

What's going on with me, I thought? Am I just turning into one of those cranky old people who sit around a talk about the "good old days?" And I thought about where these feeling may be rooted. I think that humans are, at their deepest level, creatures of habit. After all, when God created Adam and Eve, the garden was a predictable place. Not boring, just predictably peaceful and delightful. It was perfect. It had a routine. Adam and Eve knew that each day would bring new delights and surprises, but they were in the context of their perfect, familiar garden, and each evening God would personally visit and they could share their day's adventures with Him on their walk. "Change" to Adam and Eve always meant something positive and exciting! A new flower is discovered! A berry is found that is sweeter than any prior! They learn a new skill, or invent a new game together! But when sin entered into the picture, suddenly their predictable, familiar lives were thrust into the realm of constant negative change and unfamiliarity! How frightened they must have felt! Suddenly, change did not always mean change for the better! Change had immediate negative implications as they walked out of their beautiful garden into a completely different world full of hostility, pain and confusion! And most importantly, an inward change had taken place. Their hearts were darkened by sin. They were afraid of God. They were ashamed.

Thus began our love-hate relationship with change! We love positive change -- a baby learns to walk, a fresh coat of paint brightens an old room, a medicine cures an illness. But negative change hurts us deeply at times. A friend moves away. A job is lost. An incurable illness strikes a loved one. A crime takes place. A parent dies. John the Baptist had the awesome job, however, of heralding the greatest positive change ever to come! He shouted "Change"! "Repent!" For the Kingdom of Heaven was coming! Jesus embodies change -- positive change. One could say that He changed the way the people thought about change! The people wanted to change their circumstances. They wanted to end Roman oppression. But Christ showed them that inward, not outward, change is required. Our biggest enemy isn't "out there" -- it's us! It's who's sitting on the throne of our heart, not the throne of our country, that needs attention! Our outward circumstances are not going to be perfected in this life, but our inward heart change will enable us to live here with the same peace that Adam & Eve had despite them!

When I cringe at the things I don't like being changed, I am really longing for "the good old days" that Adam and Eve had in the garden! I am longing for heaven and mourning the effects of sin. When I felt sad about honey buns not being in my Granddaddy's freezer, what I was really feeling was the painful knowledge that I know that one day my Grandaddy will not be in that house! I pictured myself opening his door, like I opened his freezer, and not finding what has always been there. But THANKS BE TO GOD who has given us Jesus Christ. For I can handle the negative changes in this life IF I ALLOW GOD TO CHANGE MY HEART! Faith gives me the ability to weather the rough changes because I am confident in what lies ahead! I will mourn, but not as those who have no hope! I will weep, but joy comes in the morning! I can look forward to God's upcoming, ultimate change to all of creation when Christ returns and I can finally taste of what Adam and Eve lost, knowing that it will never be lost again! This is why we preach to the nations. This is why we long for our children and our family and friends to know Christ! For we know the hope we have through Christ is true, and it changes everything in this life and the next! Change for Change's sake? Yes! God changes our hearts so that we might know His peace in this life, and participate in the final change when one day death is swallowed up in life! "Change!" we shout like John. "So that you will be changed!"

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Stretch

2008-07-14T09:46:00.018-04:00

My Mom and I talk often of our respective growing-up years. I enjoy her tales of childhood during the "good old days" of the 40's & 50's (for a sample, see "Tunnel Vision" posted on March 28). This morning I was telling Mom about a lemonade stand the kids had set up in our yard a few days ago. We talked about how, these days, one cannot just let children operate such a stand unsupervised, not knowing exactly who such a business may attract. We reminisced about how much freedom we had as children -- running through the neighborhood with our friends and returning home only when hungry or out of daylight! I have vivid memories of riding my bike through the labyrinth of streets around our home with my friends, playing kick-the-can for hours, bouncing from one friend's house to another, all the while my Mom knowing basically where I was, but not worried that I would promptly return home when I heard my Dad whistle for dinner.

My Mother's childhood was similar, but decidedly more dangerous! While my brother and I enjoyed relative free reign when it came to the outdoors, my Mom and her siblings and playmates took it to a whole new level! Playing outside unsupervised was a given, but the games they played would make a modern Mommy quake with fear! Cowboys and Indians was played with real rope used to tie up your captives, who often remained in said condition for hours! Deep, treacherous ravines which I would forbid my children from approaching within 40 yards, were opportunities for my Mom and her friends to practice their log-crossing skills! Fire was a common plaything and they would dig large pits for roasting potatoes on a stick! My mother was so good at hide-and-seek that once she hid so well that her friends eventually gave up on her. She waited for several hours before leaving her winning hiding spot. . . a large water drain pipe which led underneath the nearby highway! "Everyone had BB guns, knives, and slingshots" my mother remarked! "It's truly a wonder that we did not seriously hurt or kill ourselves!"

One popular game my Mother played all the time was called Mumbly Peg (or "Stretch"). The object of the game is to get your opponent to stretch his/her legs to the point where they can no longer keep their balance. Sounds innocent enough, right? So, how do you play? Simple, really. Two players stand facing each other. One stands with his/her feet about shoulder length apart. The facing opponent then takes their trusty jack knife and throws it near his opponent's feet (which were typically bare)! Where ever the knife sticks into the ground, the other player must then stretch the nearest foot to that spot, trying to keep his balance. This is done over and over until the player loses his balance and falls over. Then players switch spots. Sort of like Twister ala Charles Manson! Ah, yes, the charm of the "good old days!"

I think sometimes Christians feel like we're playing a game of Mumbly Peg with God. He keeps throwing the knife and we must stretch to meet His target. We succeed with one throw, but always fear the next, anticipating either falling over, or worse, getting stuck with the knife. We often fear what God will have us "stretch" to do, so we play it safe, sitting on the side lines and watching others play, or we quit the game all together. But then I remember that the stretch goals God puts before us are not pointless exercises for spiritual playmates with serious thrill issues, nor are they the contrivance of a heavenly bully attempting to humiliate us! They are meant to sanctify us, glorify Him, and fit us for heaven. When we teeter or fall, we are reminded that we are unable in our own power to reach God's standard, but we stay in the game because we love Him and want to please Him, not because we are afraid of Him. We have the opportunity to, in faith, stretch beyond our human capabilities and experience God's hand in our lives as He time and again steps in and makes possible what is impossible for man! We say, "I can't stretch to that point, God!" And He says, "I know you can't! But I can!" And the big difference between God's plan to mold us into His Son's image, and a game of Mumbly Peg? The only one who gets pierced is Him.

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

1 Corinthians 9:25-26

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3

Job Interview

2008-07-11T22:01:00.003-04:00

When David was in Seminary, I worked as a recruiter for a management consulting company. This Python video represents every recruiters twisted fantasy to mess with their interviewee, but is also a great reminder that I'm glad that God doesn't find joy in messing with us in a similar fashion! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-07T14:51:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, to my sweetie! Fourteen years ago, I married a young, dashing accountant working in Washington, D.C. Since then, God has led us on an adventure which gets better and better each year. The adventure led us first to seminary, then parenthood, and then church planting. God has given me a wonderful gift in my husband! David, thank you for being my best friend, my companion for life, and such an awesome Daddy! I love you!

Independence

2008-06-30T11:20:00.004-04:00

One of David's favorite things to do is wrestle with the kids. This is a fatherly duty, according to him, as mothers are to be soft and comforting, Daddies are required to be more rough-and-tumble! This morning, David had Emma in a good-morning bear hug on our bed. At one point, he pulled the covers over Emma's head to tease her, whereby she replied, "No, Daddy, I am keeping an eye on a particular spot in the room!" David replied, "What spot is that?" Emma responded, "The door!!"

I think it's interesting how even young children seek independence. All parents have heard the mantra, "I can do it myself!" from their children from the time they can talk! Even before that, what parent hasn't had little fingers struggle to get free from their grasp as they walk through a store or a parking lot! Efforts to aid a toddler in any activity often result in a pudgy hand pushing you away in an effort to do it themselves (and usually requiring: a) band aids, b) paper towels, or c) glue, as a result!). As a parent, you want your children to be able to do things on their own, but we are better able to assess what they can handle at any given time. And so, we demand obedience in things like holding hands while crossing the street, or helping our child in the kitchen until we feel they can maneuver independently in these areas!

Adults are not much better than a toddler when it comes to our demands for independence. And the One we kick against is much wiser than the very best parent. I know that Emma was enjoying her time with her Daddy this morning and feels safer in his arms than anywhere else on earth! She wants the security of knowing her Daddy's arms are there whenever she wants/needs them, but also wants to feel like an independent agent in the world. Just as Emma struggled to loose herself from her Daddy's playful grip, we constantly try to wriggle out of God's grip, don't we? We know that in His arms there is no safer place, but we still like thinking of ourselves as free agents in the universe! If Emma could get her "wish" of being free of parental restraints, she would not be happy. She would be lost, and in danger. Likewise, if we as humans could possibly have our "wish" and somehow manipulate God into just showing up when we call Him, like some cosmic genie, we would be wretched indeed. Getting what we want all the time is not happiness, it's just selfish hedonism. And we would miss the opportunity to know God! Emma feels loved and safe with her parents because she knows us, and respects us. We have a relationship and a bond that has been forged since her birth, and in her heart she knows that the boundaries we place on her independence are for her good. What a tragedy it would be to be deprived a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and only have his magic wand, so to speak, to fix our blunders or give us what we want all the time. But that's the human condition -- we are always trying to flip our relationship with God, putting ourselves on the throne!

God gives us true freedom, not independence. We will never be independent of Him, for every breath we take is a gift and the result of his sovereign hand upon the universe! Even in glory, we will be 100% reliant upon the grace of God every day! But we have freedom to live and move within His loving boundaries which are meant to bless us and glorify Him! We are also free from our slavery to sin, and the fear of death! This gives us yet MORE freedom -- freedom to live radical lives for Christ! Freedom to be risk takers for His kingdom, knowing that He is always holding onto us, like a loving father. This Independence Day, I am thankful not only for our country and the human freedoms we enjoy here, but ultimately for the freedom I have been given through Christ! Help me, Lord, to give thanks for the grip you have on my life and not resist your demand for my obedience and your efforts to keep me wholly dependent upon you!!

Raiders of the Lost Garage

2008-06-22T13:19:00.008-04:00

I think there is a reason the words "Garage" and "Garbage" so closely resemble each other. At my house, the reason is clear! Yesterday I undertook the noble quest in search of my garage floor which has been unseen for over a year! In the spirit of the new Indiana Jones movie (but more closely resembling a Junie B. Jones book), I set out to see if the ancient rumors were true -- that there actually was a once-thriving garage on the end of our home, not simply the overgrown jungle of junk that currently resides there!!! Tools in hand (20 garbage bags, a broom, and a can of root beer) I hacked and swept my way through old toys, bags of clothing, Christmas decorations, pots, pans, and other various kitchen items, wrapping paper, party supplies, broken furniture and shoes, and made my way to the legendary mountain known as, "If I have a yard sale one day." Like any experienced climber, I evaluated the slope and my options for assent. I could take the more challenging course known as, "Leave the pile and actually have a yard sale in the near future, possibly making a whopping sum of $50.00" OR, I could opt for a route that, while less challenging, would offer an immediate mountaintop experience! So, yes, I chose option 2, stuffed my car to the brim and drove to the nearest Goodwill drop point! Three trips later, the mountain was all but gone and, lo, the garage floor, once only a rumor, began to reappear!! But I needed more supplies! So off to Lowes we drove, and home we came with a new, industrial-strength shelf! Picnic baskets, coolers, tackle boxes, wrapping paper, and holiday decorations were lifted off the floor and to their new home! I filled 8 trash bags with junk, like an archaeologist discarding the useless sand and dirt in order to get to the fossils underneath. More garage floor opened up and the excitement in the air was palitable! Not only was I excited, but the kids were too! Open space means only one thing to them -- play space! "Ooh, Mommy, can we ride our bikes out here? Can we use this room for a play area?!" Even our dog, Jack, ventured into the garage sniffing around as if saying, "I had no idea this room was even here!" Protective of my new found discovery, like a wild-eyed, paranoid prospector ala "Treasure of the Sierra Madre," I quickly laid stake to the space and routed my greedy claim jumpers! "No!" I shouted, "It's mine! All mine! Ha ha ha ha ha! (crazed, diabolical laughter)." Of course, I don't know if this newly discovered space will ever be used to actually house our car, but at least I can now make my way to the freezer without endangering my life! I may even plant a little flag on the top of it to mark the historic occasion!

A Fresh Start Awaits!

2008-05-29T12:21:00.008-04:00

As May quickly comes to a close, I look forward to my favorite time of year -- Summer! It's not because of the weather, although I do enjoy trips to the lake or pool to cool off. In fact, I probably enjoy the Fall most because of the crisp temperatures and beautiful colors. But I look forward to Summer the most for the same reason most kids do -- Summer break! Now, many parents do not look forward to break, because suddenly their kids are home all day and parents must find ways to occupy their time. But as a homeschool Mom, I enjoy the break almost as much as the kids do! Then, in the Fall I feel re-energized to face another school year with a positive attitude. A fresh start!

I love the way God gives us fresh starts! My brother once commented that he was so thankful that God made day and night. He said, if there was never night, just an ongoing day in which we never slept, then if you had a bad day it would just keep going on, and on, and on, and on. . . . I had never really thought about it that way. But once again, God is pretty smart. Each morning that we wake up is a fresh start! Morning means a fresh start, Spring heralds a fresh start for the Earth each year, and of course ultimately the cross offers a fresh start through forgiveness!

Now hold on, because I'm going to offer one of my famous analogies here, so bear with me. No analogy is perfect and breaks down when taken too far but. . . that being said, I was thinking about how faith and sanctification are sort of like the rotation and revolution of the Earth which brings about daylight and the seasons. Faith, like the rotation of the Earth, gives us light. When the part of the Earth we occupy is turned away from the sun, it experiences darkness, night. But the Light has come into the world and, "...shines in the darkness" (John 1:5). Christ's descent into the world allows us to suddenly be able to see God for who He is! When we see Him through faith, the darkness we've been stumbling around in is lifted, and we have spiritual daylight! We are able to turn away from our sins and towards the Son! How sad are those who "...loved the darkness rather than the light..." (John 3:19).

But it's not enough that we see Him, we must be close to Him. We have light, but we also need growth! As the Earth is warmed the closer it is to the Sun as it revolves around it, so we are warmed in our spirit the closer we are to the Son! We grow and blossom through the process of sanctification. When we find ourselves wandering away from Christ, our souls grow cold and growth is slowed or inhibited. God wants us to see Him through faith (light), AND to have a relationship with him (closeness). He wants us to see who He is, but then He wants us to stay close and to be transformed into His image!

Just as night turns to morning and the Earth doesn't stay in perpetual Winter, we are offered both light and closeness through the forgiveness found in the cross of Christ! A fresh start, a Soul Spring, awaits all who turn not only to see, but to abide. And just as the Earth does not turn itself, our faith and sanctification are the work of God. He is the gravitational pull on our souls, just as the Sun pulls on the Earth and keeps it in orbit. Resistance would be foolish indeed. For if the Earth could resist the sun's pull, it would be catapulted into the outer reaches of space and destroyed. I'm so thankful that I am safe within the sovereignty and will of my heavenly Father!

So when you find yourself discouraged, caught in a cycle of sin, or wondering why your life isn't producing spiritual fruit, remember that God's forgiveness through Christ offers you a fresh start, but you must turn toward the Son and remain close when you feel His loving hand gently pulling on you!

To Weep with Those Who Weep

2008-05-22T14:31:00.008-04:00

I was reading Kathryn Campbell's website today (http://www.kathrynskeepsakes.com/) and learned that Stephen Curtis Chapman's youngest adopted daughter, Maria Sue, was tragically killed in an accident outside their home yesterday. She was hit accidentally by the family car, being driven by Maria's teenage brother. Below is the text from the news release...

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN, {with the family SUV driven by her teenage brother]. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

You can leave messages of condolence on the Shaohannah's Hope website (http://www.shaohannahshope.org/) Attached is the video they have posted in Maria's memory. It moved me to tears, and reminded me that for every orphan like Maria that we weep for because we knew her, there are thousands more who go unnoticed, and who suffer and die each day without ever having the chance to be part of a loving forever family like the Chapman's for even a small time. My prayer is that God will use this tragedy causing His Spirit to move many to give precious children like Maria Sue a loving home.

Getting the Point

2008-05-16T10:45:00.005-04:00

The kids and I went last Monday with a group to the Virginia Safari Park near Natural Bridge. This is a drive-through zoo, where the animals roam freely over hundreds of acres of beautiful countryside. We boarded a large tractor-drawn wagon and headed into the park! Each passenger received a small white bucket full of grain pellets in which to feed the animals who would approach at various stops along the way. Our guide mentioned the various animals we would be encountering -- bison, antelope, camels, llamas, water buffalo, ostrich, zebras, etc. She told us that we could hold our buckets out to let the animals feed from them, BUT she said, she recommended that if the animal has horns or antlers, place a handful of pellets on the floor near the edge instead, and let them lick it up. Why, you ask? Because the animals are sometimes so excited to get the pellets, that you could accidentally get poked with horns or antlers trying to feed them.

Sure enough, as we made our first stop we were approached by a myriad of creatures -- llamas, water buffalo and Watusi cattle! I've seen the Watusi cows on TV before (large horned cows found in parts of Africa), but these horns are MASSIVE! So big that they almost look like dunce caps placed on both sides of the cow's head! Gentle animals, but I definitely did not want to encounter those horns, so we did as our guide instructed and let these animals partake from under our seats! It was really fun (albeit a little slobbery!).

OK, now the lesson I learned. I have found in life and in ministry that people are much like those Watusi Cattle. We all want to be fed -- we are needy people after all! We all need ministring to, we all need counsel, and we need to work together for the building of His kingdom! But sometimes when you are trying to help someone or just work along side someone, you encounter their horns. Unintentional perhaps, because we all have them, but it's not uncommon to get poked, even gored from time to time! Learning how to "feed" and work with our brothers and sisters can be tricky. We need to rely on our guide, Christ, to direct us on how best go about it -- take it out of our hands, so to speak. After all, we are all beggers just telling other beggers where to find bread! When I try to feed others out of my own bucket of supposed wisdom or strength, I can get hurt, because counsel or ideas not well received, or our deeds not recognized as we think they should be, have a way of jabbing at our pride, our self-esteem, and our feelings. Differences in personalities can cause horns to become locked together, and sadly, we can even decide to use them as weapons! But when we follow our Guide's instructions, our horns needn't be so threatening! God tells us everything we need to know about how to live and work together in peace, how to mentor one another in love, how to resolve conflicts, etc. And I can receive those things from others because my own image is not at risk. My identity, as David preached, is rooted in Christ, not in myself and my own works or "wisdom". It's not about me, you see! Ooh, that was hard to type! But it's really not! It's about Christ, and His Kingdom! So, following my guide's instructions, I can give constructive criticism, advise, correction, etc. without crushing someone's spirit, and I can receive it without being crushed! And real forgiveness flows out of this godly dynamic! We are all going to encounter each other's "horns," from time to time, so I want make sure I am following God's Word on how to keep from accidentally poking someone! I'm also hoping that as God sanctifies me, my horns will actually become smaller and smaller!

Fishing

2008-05-04T15:29:00.009-04:00

As you probably know by now, I love to fish. It's one of my favorite hobbies. My family did a lot of fishing growing up, and we practically lived at Smith Mountain Lake during the summers! Bass, perch, crappie, and yes, even carp were fair game (although we never ate the carp -- not that there's anything wrong with that!). The opportunities to go fishing nowadays are few and far between. Dear friends of ours invite us occasionally to their family's cabin on Craig's Creek and I enjoy not only great fellowship, wading and playing with the kids in the creek, but a chance to wet a line and try for a few trout or bass! This past weekend, Wellspring had its annual Women's retreat at Camp Bethel. Camp Bethel boasts a number of spring-fed ponds always stocked with trout! Big trout! I caught one two years ago during our free time, that was literally the biggest fish I had ever caught! For a trout, it was a monster nearing two feet in length. Unfortunately, I was alone and could not hold both the fish and my camera to get a shot of it with me. This year, however, I came prepared! I had a camera AND a witness (not to mention a cooler!). Free time rolled around, and I headed for the pond. My friend Sara joined me after a while and was witness to my first catch -- a nice sized trout! I held him and asked Sara to get a picture of me and my prize. She obliged, but could not figure out how to turn the camera on. My hands, of course, were busy holding a very wiggly, strong fish, so I attempted to instruct her with words while pointing to various things on the camera with the fish's head! This of course got us giggling, and it's a wonder we didn't drop the camera and the fish in the water! After our amusing photo op, I threw the fish back in the water (dumb!) because I didn't have my cooler with me, and I thought it unlikely that I would catch another. But lo and behold, I caught another even bigger than the first, this time with my friend Suzanne with me who held onto the fish while I ran for the cooler (thanks, Suzanne!). This whopper was followed by two others, smaller but still very respectable! They all got put on ice and taken home. Dinner! David was a good sport when I got home Saturday, and promptly cleaned the fish for me. Let me tell you, the outsides of these beautiful trout are a lot prettier than the insides! But in order to enjoy our delicious catch, the insides needed to be cleaned out! Thanks, sweetie!

So why tell you all of this, except to brag about my superior fishing abilities and creative camera techniques? Well, I was thinking (dangerous). Our retreat this weekend was entitled, "What's going on upstairs? Building a godly thought life." The Bible says that "As a man thinks, so is he." Our outward appearance and works can be really good looking, even God-honoring. But the Bible reminds us that our true self is on the inside, and typically the toughest spiritual battles we face are the ones raging between our ears! It's easy to look really good on the outside, but what's going on upstairs? Are my thoughts being brought captive to Christ? Am I sinning in my thoughts towards others? Am I harboring unforgiveness, resentment, or guilt? Do I need to change the way I think about myself, about others, about my circumstances, about God? How can I clean out my mind, like David cleaned out those fish? Our speaker, Joyce Ames, said that we begin by "thinking about what we're thinking about." I need to go fishing, so to speak, in my own head. And when I "catch" something that's not biblical, I need to correct it -- with prayer, with confession, with right thinking that is in accordance with His Word! A good litmus test is Philippians 4:8. . .

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

When what's going on in our minds is biblical (never perfect, mind you, but striving for godliness), then we truly please the Lord. For outward "good" deeds done with wrong motives, or accompanied by ungodly thoughts, are really a lie. God looks at the heart. God doesn't just settle for the "catch." He wants our "insides" cleaned out! My outward self will pass away, and my insides, my soul, will stand before God in eternity. That's the real me. How I long for my mind to be cleaner than my best day of outward "goodness." So, I'm grabbin' my rod (of correction -- God's Word) and goin' fishin'! Join me?

Walk On

2008-04-21T09:53:00.006-04:00

"Emily's Entourage" in the blue shirts participating in the JDRF Walk for a Cure in Charolotte, April 19. My mother, Carolyn is in the left foreground, Matt is in the wagon (naturally) being pulled my Emily's sister, Meagen. Emma is to the right of the wagon, and my brother, Brian is in front of Emma with the blue backpack. Emily can be seen just over Brian's right shoulder, with the blond pony tail.

Emily's team had 39 walkers and raised more than $10,000!

Emma with her cousin, Emily.

On Friday, the kids, my mother and I drove to Charlotte for the Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure held on Saturday. Many of you know that my beautiful, 12-year-old niece, Emily, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just after Christmas 2006. Since then, she and her family have been through the inevitable ups and downs of such news. The fear of the unknown, the worry, the "why me" questions, and the incredible lifestyle changes associated with diet and insulin injections. But through all of the sadness, they have leaned heavily on Christ for their sufficiency. Their church family, their extended family, their friends, and even complete strangers have come along side to offer encouragement and support. Emily has been incredibly strong, taking so much in stride despite the four or five daily injections, the detailed carb counting, the doctor visits, the constant finger pricking, and the feelings of being "different" now from her friends. God has been very sweet to her, placing others in her path who are going through the same thing, providing caring adults in her school who are knowledgeable about diabetes to help in her care, giving her opportunities to attend camps for kids with diabetes so she can see that she is far from alone, and providing friends just like her to talk with.

Now that a year has passed since her diagnosis, home life for Emily and her family is different, the same, and even better. What I mean is that, yes, things are different. There have been huge changes which are noticeable daily. Emily's condition is factored into everything they do, everywhere they go, everything they eat, and everything they plan. But much is the same. They continue to do the things they love. Both Emily and her sister, Meagen, still enjoy dance classes, YMCA scouting, band, swim team and all the things they loved before. Emily is learning how to live with diabetes, not let it define her. And in some ways, their lives are better. They have weathered a severe storm and have seen God's goodness throughout. They have experienced God's provision and sufficiency like never before, and have seen the body of Christ spring into action all around them. They hold tighter to one another and tighter to Christ, living with gratitude for every day.

Emily and her family -- my brother, Brian, my Sister-in-law Elizabeth, and Emily's big sister, Meagen, are an inspiration. This trial has not stolen their joy. They walk on. And so should we when faced with the inevitable suffering of this life. Thank you to everyone who supported my trip to Charlotte with your prayers and donations. And thanks be to God who walks with us and gives us hope.

Dandelion Days

2008-04-11T09:51:00.010-04:00

It's that time of year again -- time to mow the lawn! Spring has sprung and our yard is quickly recovering from it's winter slumber. Unfortunately, our lawn isn't the pristine, weed-free carpet you might find in a typical Southern Living spread. No, it's much more interesting! We have a variety in our yard -- crab grass, chickweed, chain grass, clover, and the inevitable dandelions! But perspective is everything, right? As David and I bemoan the constant cutting, weed-pulling, fertilizing, and trimming, our kids are delighted by the little wonders that even weeds can produce. The chickweed sprouts tiny purple flowers that Emma gathers in miniature bouquets for Mommy. Patches of clover hide good-luck charms to be found! Clover flowers are quickly made into flower necklaces and bracelets. Crab grass provides an opportunity for Matthew to make a musical instrument (place it flat between your thumbs and blow for a kazoo-like sound). And of course, dandelions are the best. They love blowing the puffs, but they especially like the stems. My mother taught me this trick that she used to do when she was a little girl. Take a bowl or bucket of water. Then gather as many dandelion stems as you can (the longer the better). Remove the flower heads so all you have is the hollow stems. Then, carefully peel the stem into thin strips (kind of like peeling string cheese). Place the strips into the water and watch! They curl up into tight ringlets, like telephone cords or Shirley-Temple-like curls! The kids love it! They make as many curls as they can, producing a bucket full of "noodle soup"! They could do this for hours!

The Maple tree in our front yard is also a source of multiple wonders. Matt has finally figured out how to climb up by himself, and shimmies quickly up whenever I open the front door it seems! Emma soon joins him (with a little boost from Mommy), and they perch themselves on the limbs and pluck "helicopters" to launch. "Helicopters" as you may know, are the seeds that the Maple produces. When tossed into the air, they spin and twirl to the ground, rotating like a helicopter propeller. Then they play pirates, look for woodpecker holes, bugs, or just enjoy the view! Several days ago, the kids invited me to join them in the tree. I used to be an expert tree climber (just ask my Mom who can probably attribute most of her grey hairs to the huge Tulip Poplar in our front yard growing up). No problem, I thought! I grabbed a limb and hoisted myself up pretty easily (I've still got it, I thought!). I sat with them a while and then decided to get down. Hmmm. . . a little trickier. I dislocated my knee two years ago, so simply jumping was not a good option lest my leg buckle. So I opted to swing down. I grabbed a nearby limb and jumped. Ah, yes, it was that moment that I realized that I'm not ten anymore as I felt every muscle down my triceps and under my armpits pull like taffy that's been sitting out too long! Ouch!! But, I didn't let on to the kids. I want them to think that their Mommy can still keep up with them. Truth is, my arms are STILL hurting three days later!! Oh well, it was worth it. I even got to launch a few helicopters!

Unfortunately, our fallen world now produces thorns and weeds, but isn't God amazing that our hearts can find delight even in these things -- as long as we have the perspective of a child. It takes maturity in Christ to see God's goodness in the "weeds" we encounter in our lives. It is interesting that true, Christian maturity requires a child-like faith. These Spring days of crab grass and dandelions are a lesson to us grown-ups that it's that simple, child-like faith that delights the heart of God!

They're Baaa-aaack!!!

2008-04-04T08:45:00.012-04:00

I LOVE being a stay-at-home Mom, but some days I can understand the allure of remaining in the workforce. When I was working in Charlotte, the office I showed up to every morning in my nice, pressed suit was clean and bright. There was always fresh coffee brewing, and free juice compliments of one of our biggest clients, Coca-Cola/Minute Maid, in the break room. Occasionally someone would bring in hot, fresh bagels from one of those fancy boutique bakeries! Yes, there's something nice about spending your work day in an orderly, clean, civilized environment!

Fast forward to 2008. . . Now I'm in charge of my "work environment" which seems like it should be a simple task since I'm physically at home most of the day. What I have found, however, is that besides the two little tornadoes at home with me all day, the laws of physics themselves are conspiring against my efforts! I can spend an entire day cleaning, vacuuming, doing laundry, dusting and organizing, step back and admire my accomplishment, and the next day my home will look like, as my Grandma Campbell used to say, the wreck of the Hesperus again! And not just in the big things like unmade beds, dirty dishes, or clutter but even the small things, like dust! Where is it coming from?! We have hardwood floors through 90% of our home, AND we have three air purifiers which are supposed to drastically cut down the amount of dust. So, how is it that a day after I dust the ENTIRE house, I am finding, not just surface dust, but dust bunnies!? They congregate under the tables, camp out under my bed, and bounce across the floors like miniature tumble weeds through the hardwood desert of our den! I am tempted to say that it's just the law of atrophy at work, but at the rate in which they show up, it's like a conspiracy! My home seems to have been designated a dust-bunny sanctuary (maybe I missed the letter from Al Gore) where they are free to roam and multiply! I find myself fighting this battle daily. Every time I think I am making head-way, I have to start all over again.

God has woven the story of redemption into the fabric of creation. The law of atrophy tells us that things don't get better over time and on their own! But as we see Spring budding, we are reminded that the winter of atrophy in our souls has been conquered, and new life is available to us through Christ. But the world is still groaning, and although our sins have been forgiven and God sees us as perfect through the work of His Son, that doesn't mean that we don't still have to fight our fallen nature daily! The battles of my flesh keep coming back, and once more I must fight them. Just when I think I've conquered a particular hill in my life, it shows up again, or a new one presents itself. It's like that children's song, The Bear Went Over the Mountain (to see what he could see). And what do you think he saw? Another mountain! Frankly, it gets tiring. But every time I suck up a dust bunny in my Electrolux, I remind myself that one day I won't have to fight those battles of the flesh anymore! God will provide the perfect work environment for me in whatever place He is preparing, and atrophy will be a foreign word. For now, I'll suit up for another day on planet Earth, toast myself a cheap, Food Lion bagel, and do my best to fight the good fight to the Glory of the One who reminds me daily that He has already won the war.

A Matter of Perspective

2008-03-31T16:56:00.011-04:00

So many people have told me how much they enjoyed my Carp stories (See Mar. 25 Post, "Fish Tales" to get caught up) that I thought I would see how much more "wisdom" I could glean from these delightful creatures.

When I was a kid, on the wall of the family's trailer at the lake was a plaque that read the following:

“How to cook carp: Take one 4-5 pound carp cleaned with head on. Marinate carp in 2 cups white vinegar and 1 pkg. Italian salad dressing mix for 8 hours. Place carp on a clean cedar board. Bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours. Remove from oven, discard carp and eat the board”.

You know, there is one country where Carp is considered good eating. Can you guess where? Great Britain. Yes, there are actually fishermen from England who travel all the way to the US just to go fishing. . .for Carp! We used to run into them around here once in a while, but now that they have heard that the Carp just hop right into your boat down in Mississippi, they all head down there now (groan)! I don’t know why the Brits like eating Carp, or how exactly they prepare it. My Granddad says that it tastes like dirt, literally. Because Carp are bottom feeders, they have a muddy taste which is why people don’t eat them. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that the Brits like the taste of Carp. Some people would argue that the English are not exactly known for their fine cuisine. In fact, in London, there is a road called Queens Way, and it’s known for it’s outstanding restaurants. When I was there many years ago, I don’t think I saw a single English restaurant on Queens Way. There was French, Lebanese, Brazilian, Italian. . .no English restaurants. In fact, some say that if you travel in England, the best place to eat is in the local pubs where you can relish the local favorites like stuffed sheep stomach, kidney pie, deep fried fish & chips with mushy peas. . . hmmm, you know, this whole Carp thing is beginning to make more and more sense. And let’s face it, when you wash anything down with Guinness, you quickly forget what the food tasted like anyway. [All this, however, runs contrary to my dear friend, Lizi, who is from England and is one of the best cooks I know (although I've never tried her carp). Carp is actually relished in Asia, too, but my guess is that the wasabi drowns out the taste].

I guess the point to all of this is that perspective is everything. What we consider rubbish, others may consider haute cuisine. I recently told someone that we as human beings so often fall into the error of considering every perspective but God's. We rely on our own "wisdom" or that of the world, rather than living life through the eyes of faith. God is the arbiter of what is true, what is noble, what is good, what is beautiful, even what to feel. We must hold everything in our lives up to the lens of Scripture and seek to understand God's eternal perspective. All challenges are spiritual in nature. Am I self-loathing? Maybe I'm allowing someone else besides God tell me who I am. Am I overwhelmed by my circumstances? Maybe I'm not trusting God's righteous, sovereign hand in my life, or recognizing His discipline. Am I unhappy or unfulfilled? Maybe someone or something else is occupying the throne of my life besides God. . . .Wow, those Carp are good for something after all!

Tunnel Vision

2008-03-28T09:41:00.010-04:00

People often ask me where I'm from since David and I came here from Charlotte to plant Wellspring Church. I am actually from Roanoke. It's always interesting when I’m out of town and meet people, and I tell them I’m from Roanoke, I often get in reply, “Oh, the Lost Colony -- that place where the settlers mysteriously disappeared!” And I have to correct them and say, “No, that’s Roanoke Island off the coast of NC. Roanoke Virginia, is the place where all the college graduates mysteriously disappeared (ba-da BING!). . . I know, I know, that’s harsh. After all, I came back to Roanoke after nearly 10 years away. I lived in the DC area for a few years (where I met my sweetie), and then Charlotte for 7 years. And here I am, back in the beautiful Roanoke Valley!

Much of my family is still in this area, and I love having that connection for my own kids. It's really neat to be able to share my own childhood experiences with them -- that many of the elements of my childhood are now their own, like the Mill Mountain Zoo, the Star, the downtown Farmer's Market, the Roanoke Wiener Stand, etc. They love hearing stories from my past, David's past, and especially from Grandma. My Mom has some really cute memories, and her grandkids are always prodding her to amuse them with the many recounts of her childhood.

One of the favorite stories takes place when my Mom was around 4 or 5. Her mother had just completed a home-made, three-layer, coconut cake for a church event. As they were rushing around getting ready to leave, my Mom admired the cake sitting on the dining room table ready to be transported. It was beautiful! It was big! It was fluffy! It was sweet! How she longed to taste the icing -- just a little, teeeeny taste. Surly no one would be the wiser. So, very carefully she took her finger and sampled a tiny bit of icing. She looked and noticed that her finger had left a small indentation. (Now, this is one of those times we have that come as close to an out-of-body experience as we'll ever get). My Mom went into sort of a trance. She touched the spot where her finger had been and took another small taste. She became fascinated with the impression her finger was leaving in the cake, "I wonder how far I can dig?" she thought to herself. And then it happened. The click-clack of her Mother's shoes approaching on the hardwood floor suddenly snapped her out of it, and she was staring at a finger-sized tunnel nearly halfway through the cake's side! She had become so transfixed by her little excavation project, that reality had been temporarily suspended! Truly, my Mom had experienced "tunnel vision!" Now what?!

Well, she reacted as most 4-year-olds do when faced with the impending consequences of their own sins -- she ran! Outside she bolted and plastered herself flat against the back side of their shed, with her heart pounding out of her chest! It wasn't long before she heard that back screen door fly open with a SMACK! and the high-pitched, anger-invoked, quivering voice of her Mother shouting, "Carolyn!!!" Through the back yard my Grandmother stormed, like a mad, snarling beast, and my Mother can recall hearing the SNAP! of a branch being torn from the nearby weeping willow (affectionately known as the "switch" tree)! The friendly, charming neighborhood of Sunset Village was now a dangerous place, for next door, Mrs. Eller was hanging out her wash. She had observed my Mother's flight and the subsequent pursuit of my Grandmother. "Lib! She's behind the barn!"

I don't think I have to elaborate any further, and can leave you, dear readers, to fill in the blanks from this point forward. This is not only a great childhood story, but it's a picture of how we ourselves often get "tunnel vision" and forget reality -- God's reality. We become transfixed by the world -- by something so seemingly attractive and innocent that before we know it, we've fallen into sin and, now what? Like my Mom, we typically run, thinking somehow we can escape the gaze of God and any reprocussions from our actions. My mother would certainly have gotten punished regardless of whether or not she had chosen to confess versus run, but I have a feeling that the wrath of my Grandmother would have been much less faced with a contrite, humble and repentant child. Instead, she had to chase down the offender, and the rubuke was harsh. Personally, I'm taking this lesson to heart. I'd much rather confess my sins to God and face His loving discipline than attempt to hide and experience the inevitable rod!

No Fly Zone

2008-03-27T08:33:00.008-04:00

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can take spontaneous trips with your family. A few months ago, David had a continuing education class in McLean, Virginia. We were preparing to send him off for his 3-day trip when it occurred to him, "Why don't you come with me and take the kids into DC to see the Smithsonian while I'm at class?!" This had not even occurred to us, but I thought it was a great idea! The kids had been studying Ancient Egypt in their history lessons (Natural History Museum!), and our entire science curriculum this year was on astronomy (Air & Space Museum!), so my mind raced with the excitement of letting them see up close so much that would reinforce what they had been learning! In about five hours I had us all packed, hotel reservations made, plus a sitter arranged for our dog, Jack, and our fish, George (that has to be a record)!

We had a great time! The hotel had a shuttle service that would drop us off at the nearest Metro station and we would take the subway to the Washington Mall, and spent two days like that exploring! Since it was the middle of the week, we practically had the museums to ourselves! The last day we were there, the kids decided that they wanted to go up the Washington Monument. After enjoying the great view, they were delighted to discover a large tree nearby with low limbs just yards away from the monument, and within sight of the White House! While watching them climb and play, I noticed a flock of geese that had landed nearby, busily nibbling the grass. Earlier, I had described to the kids that parts of Washington DC have a "No Fly Zone" around it, and attempted to explain what that meant. Matthew, noticing the geese, said to me, "Airplanes can't fly over the White House, but birds can!" We laughed as we contemplated how birds could even land on the White House, and how they had no appreciation for whose lawn they had lighted upon -- the powerful person who dwells there and is unapproachable without special invitation!

This got my mind thinking about how we humans are a lot like those birds. Apart from Christ, we can have no real appreciation for whose world we have lighted upon, no concept of the awesome sovereignty and power of the One who allows us to dwell in His world! The "No Fly Zone" created by our sin that separated us from God has been lifted through the grace offered us in Christ! We are given special invitation to approach the Living God! Oh, that the eyes of the lost would be opened to see God for who He is, and worship!

Fish Tales

2008-03-25T13:43:00.007-04:00

Fishing is a big sport around here, as many of you may know. My family fished a lot when I was a kid. We did most of our fishing at Smith Mt. Lake when family campgrounds outnumbered houses. My Grandparents and my Uncle both had lots they rented at a campground there called Indian Ridge (now a fancy subdivision). We spent so much time there, camping and fishing and just getting together with friends and family! My family loved to fish. In fact, my Uncle Jerry was so passionate about it that every year he would save his Christmas trees and then bring them to the cove and dump them in his favorite fishing spots. This was supposed to attract fish. And it worked for a while until the fish finally got smart and realized that there was just NEVER going to be presents there! And, of course, they stopped coming around them… But seriously, these trees really did attract fish.

One species we tried not to attract, however, were Carp. Have you seen these things? They get huge! My Granddad calls them "water pigs". If you have ever been to Smith Mountain Marina you know what I mean. Around the dock of this marina swim hundreds of Carp. Some get nearly 4 feet long, and people go there and feed them popcorn that you can buy inside the marina’s store. These Carp literally clammor over each other to get the popcorn, some completely out of the water at times with their big mouths open. They don’t have teeth, so you can even hand feed them! Well, I was there once as a teen, no joke, and there was a lady there watching the fish and she was holding this little fluffy, white miniature poodle (you know where this is going, right?). Poor little thing -- looked just like a giant piece of popcorn! So tragic, really…. No, just kidding! She didn’t drop the poodle, just relax! But my warped adolescent mind was imagining how awful, yet strangely cool it would have been to see!

And now there are these things called “Flying Asian Carp”, have you seen these? They were imported from Asia back in the 60’s and 70’s and are causing a real problem in the Mississippi basin. Apparently, these fish, which can get to be 45-50 pounds actually leap out of the water when startled, and you see videos of people out on their boats trying to steer through the water and these Carp are literally jumping out of the water, dozens of them, and landing in the boat! And the guys on the boat are waving their arms around trying to avoid being slapped in the face by these things! This is not a joke! It’s like Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python! You just can’t make stuff like this up. Experts are trying to figure out a way to get rid of this invasive species, but they just don’t know how. Well. . . I think they should save up all their Christmas trees and dump them in the river! And when the Carp all gather to see where the presents are, they can net them, BAM!, right there, while they’re all together! Oh, come to think of it, that won’t work because they’re Asian Carp! I don’t think they celebrate Christmas in Asia, do they? Well, that’s probably why they haven’t tried it. (groan) I’ve recently heard that Mississippi is now really trying to use this epidemic to their advantage (true story). They’re now promoting the flying Carp to hunters and other sportsmen who are being escorted on big tour boats with bows & arrows (with line attached)! So, we wish them luck with that. . .

All this silliness aside, many of Jesus' friends and disciples were fishermen, and of course He told Peter that He would make him a "fisher of men." Like I tell my kids, Jesus is pretty smart. He used the widley known image and experience of fishing to communicate a profound truth. Christ told Peter to let down his nets again after many failed attempts. Peter complied, and you know what happened. The nets were so full, Peter had to call for another boat to help haul away the catch! For most sports fishermen, it's not the catch that's most enjoyable -- it's the attempt. As disciples of Christ, we are to fish for souls. The catch is up to Him! He will lead us where and how to fish, but we need to be ready with our nets!

(Want to see a video of the Asian Carp epidemic? Check this out!)

More than we can bear...

2008-03-24T09:23:00.012-04:00

Yesterday was Resurrection Sunday -- Easter morning! After the morning basket mayhem with the kids, and a wonderful worship service, we drove to my aunt's home in Goodview to enjoy Easter luncheon with my extended family. The patriarch of these gatherings is always my Grandfather, Howard, who will be 91 this April. He's led a tough life. At age 8, his father died leaving his mother and 9 siblings to manage their farm. They did ok for a few years, but in the 5th grade, my Grandfather dropped out of school to work it full time. It wasn't enough, however, and they had to sell. His mother got a job cleaning houses, and the kids were split up. Some lived with relatives, others with friends or aquaintances. My Grandfather lived with a farmer in Bonsack and was his farm hand. Once he reached his teen years, he began getting other jobs. I often tease him that I don't think there's a job out there that he hasn't tried! He worked in a meat processing plant, furniture manufacturer, farmer's market, drove a cab, even worked for a munitions manufacturer in Radford. It was that job that kept him out of WWII, as he was exposed to too many toxins from the arsenal to be accepted into the military. He did, however, get enlisted as an army cook! This explains why he seems incapable of cooking for less than 20 people! Finally, Granddad ended up at N&W Railroad. He started as a Brakeman on the caboose and after 33 years, retired as a full conductor. After more than 60 years of marriage, 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, he is still mentally and physically sharp, and maintains his home, vegetable garden, and duck pond.

Two years ago, his wife, my Grandma, passed away. Her health had been poor for years, and Granddad waited on her hand & foot. His love for her was deep and constant. Her passing was hard, and we were worried that, like many elderly couples, Granddad would soon follow as a consequense of his own grief. But God is merciful. Granddad made it through the funeral in what seemed to be a daze. He remembers very little about the day, and tears up when he recounts it, feeling bad that he can only remember bits and pieces. I tell him, however, that perhaps it was the mercy of God -- protecting him from more than he could bear. He agrees.

I tell my kids all the time that God is pretty smart. I am so grateful that God has protected us from more than we could bear. We can not bear the weight of our sins, or pay our debt to God. But he knows our frame, and in His infinite mercy, He made a way to save us from ourselves. This Easter, and every day, I am so grateful to God for His mercies in the little things, like protecting my Granddad's heart through his most difficult challenge, and for the greatest mercy to us in Christ.

**At the Well**