The neighbor smiles and waves hello.
He doesn’t realize what today is.
The barista greets me and serves with a smile.
She doesn’t see the pain in my heart.
The boys run and laugh and climb on their dad.
They don’t grasp the weight of the day.
The banker politely nods and says good-bye.
She doesn’t understand where we’ll soon go.
The drive-thru girl smiles and says have a nice day.
She doesn’t know what my day holds.
The man crossing the street looks into the car.
He doesn’t care that there are tears in my eyes.
The man in the suit asks if we are the family.
He doesn’t participate in our last moments.
The man who is working shovels dirt into the grave.
He doesn’t weep as he does his job.
The God of the universe looks down from above.
He realizes
He sees
He grasps
He understands
He knows
He cares
He participates
He weeps
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Written Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Christian
1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Notes from "The Bible Knowledge Commentary" on 1 Peter 4:16:
There is no shame if one suffer(s) as a Christian rather than as a criminal. On the contrary, that name should be a source of praise to God for it identifies the bearer with the blessings of salvation. The term “Christian” (Christianos) occurs only three times in the Bible
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Notes from "The Bible Knowledge Commentary" on 1 Peter 4:16:
There is no shame if one suffer(s) as a Christian rather than as a criminal. On the contrary, that name should be a source of praise to God for it identifies the bearer with the blessings of salvation. The term “Christian” (Christianos) occurs only three times in the Bible
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Time to Laugh
Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. This is a conversation I had with Owen last night while he was in the bathroom. . .
Owen: Mom, can you wipe me?
Me: No, that's your job.
Owen: Will you pay me for it?
(Brandon and I laughing hysterically)
Me: I don't think I can do that.
Owen: I think you can.
(More laughter)
Ecclesiastes 3:4 . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .
Owen: Mom, can you wipe me?
Me: No, that's your job.
Owen: Will you pay me for it?
(Brandon and I laughing hysterically)
Me: I don't think I can do that.
Owen: I think you can.
(More laughter)
Ecclesiastes 3:4 . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .
Friday, May 21, 2010
My Psalm
Born Still
May 14, 2010
Too tired to sleep
Don’t want to think
Can’t get the images out of my mind
A lifeless body
Silence persists
This just can’t be happening again
Prepped and prepared
Feeling so scared
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Crying out to my King
Maker of everything
Hold me now Lord, I need you tonight
Quietly you came
We gave you a name
This moment I’ll never forget
Your tiny form
You had been born
Straight into the Father’s embrace
I love you little one
Your life has truly begun
It won’t be long until we’re together again
For now I must stay
I will glorify and praise
The God who has provided a way
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
May 14, 2010
Too tired to sleep
Don’t want to think
Can’t get the images out of my mind
A lifeless body
Silence persists
This just can’t be happening again
Prepped and prepared
Feeling so scared
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Crying out to my King
Maker of everything
Hold me now Lord, I need you tonight
Quietly you came
We gave you a name
This moment I’ll never forget
Your tiny form
You had been born
Straight into the Father’s embrace
I love you little one
Your life has truly begun
It won’t be long until we’re together again
For now I must stay
I will glorify and praise
The God who has provided a way
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Monday, May 17, 2010
In this world . . . (orginally posted Sept 2009)
This is an old post of mine from September, it's a good reminder for me right now.
The Bible clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. How do you deal with heartache? Nat King Cole would tell you to:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Yep, that’s about the best the world has to offer. When life gets hard and sorrow comes your way, smile and hope for the best. Although I’ve taken this theory for a test drive, it always seems to come up short. God has shown me a better way and given me a new song to sing:
Cry when your heart is aching
Seek God especially when its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, ask Him why
If you search God’s word through your fear and sorrow
Trust Him and I assure you tomorrow
You’ll see the Son come shining through for you
We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This guarantees us some pain and sorrow along the way. God doesn't expect us to smile through our grief and sorrow. As a matter of fact, He counts our tears and weeps along with us. So where do we go from here? If we seek Him, we will find Him. Don't be afraid to bring your sorrows, your fears, and your questions to God. Wrestle through your heartaches with the One who can bring hope and healing. Allow the Bible to speak truth into your life. When your emotions are running wild, allow God's truth to penetrate your heart. He loves you, He cares for you, He will never leave you. God has a plan for our lives and nothing that happens has not first been sifted through His loving hands. So, the next time you are faced with heartache, turn off the radio and tune into the One who has overcome the world.
. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
The Bible clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. How do you deal with heartache? Nat King Cole would tell you to:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Yep, that’s about the best the world has to offer. When life gets hard and sorrow comes your way, smile and hope for the best. Although I’ve taken this theory for a test drive, it always seems to come up short. God has shown me a better way and given me a new song to sing:
Cry when your heart is aching
Seek God especially when its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, ask Him why
If you search God’s word through your fear and sorrow
Trust Him and I assure you tomorrow
You’ll see the Son come shining through for you
We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This guarantees us some pain and sorrow along the way. God doesn't expect us to smile through our grief and sorrow. As a matter of fact, He counts our tears and weeps along with us. So where do we go from here? If we seek Him, we will find Him. Don't be afraid to bring your sorrows, your fears, and your questions to God. Wrestle through your heartaches with the One who can bring hope and healing. Allow the Bible to speak truth into your life. When your emotions are running wild, allow God's truth to penetrate your heart. He loves you, He cares for you, He will never leave you. God has a plan for our lives and nothing that happens has not first been sifted through His loving hands. So, the next time you are faced with heartache, turn off the radio and tune into the One who has overcome the world.
. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
Friday, May 14, 2010
"Faithful"
A portion of the song "Faithful" by Steven Curtis Chapman . . .
I am waiting for the rescue
that I know is sure to come,
cuz You are faithful.
Yes You are faithful.
I've dropped anchor in Your promises,
and I am holding on,
cuz You are faithful.
God You are faithful.
I will proclaim it to the world.
I will declare it to my heart
And sing it when the sun is shining.
I will scream it in the dark.
You are faithful!
You are faithful!
When you give and when You take away,
even then still Your name
is faithful!
You are faithful!
And with everything inside of me,
I am choosing to believe You're faithful.
So faithful...
Though I cannot have the answer
that I'm wanting to demand,
I'll remember You are God
and everything is in Your hand.
In Your hands you hold the sun, the moon,
the stars up in the sky,
for the sake of Love, You hung Your own Son
on the cross...to die...
You are faithful...
Yes, You are faithful...
When you give and when You take away,
even then, great is Your faithfulness!
Great is Your faithfulness!
I am waiting for the rescue
that I know is sure to come,
cuz You are faithful.
Yes You are faithful.
I've dropped anchor in Your promises,
and I am holding on,
cuz You are faithful.
God You are faithful.
I will proclaim it to the world.
I will declare it to my heart
And sing it when the sun is shining.
I will scream it in the dark.
You are faithful!
You are faithful!
When you give and when You take away,
even then still Your name
is faithful!
You are faithful!
And with everything inside of me,
I am choosing to believe You're faithful.
So faithful...
Though I cannot have the answer
that I'm wanting to demand,
I'll remember You are God
and everything is in Your hand.
In Your hands you hold the sun, the moon,
the stars up in the sky,
for the sake of Love, You hung Your own Son
on the cross...to die...
You are faithful...
Yes, You are faithful...
When you give and when You take away,
even then, great is Your faithfulness!
Great is Your faithfulness!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Expecting
On Sunday, Brandon announced to the congregation that we are expecting. As he continued with his greeting and prayer, my mind couldn’t get that word out of my head. Expecting. When a couple announces they are expecting, one can reasonably assume they are referring to a new baby. What does the word expect really mean?
Expect (verb)
1.to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of
2.to look for with reason or justification
3.to suppose or surmise; guess
4.to anticipate the birth of (one’s child)
Brandon and I have been “expecting” five times now. Five times we have looked forward to and anticipated the coming of a baby. However, our expectations have only been met twice. We are praying for a third such occasion right now.
When we experienced our miscarriages, our expectations were not met. I would go so far as to say our expectations were crushed. All that we had looked forward to and anticipated did not come to be.
The title of my blog is “Great Expectations.” My journey through the crushing pain of unfulfilled expectations has left me a bit timid. I have been afraid to expect too much. When you allow yourself to have great expectations, you open yourself to the possibility of great pain. I’d rather just lower my expectations and be pleasantly surprised if things go well or that when things do come crashing down, at least I am not buried in the rubble.
I don’t believe that this is how God wants me to live. He has given me a hope that is secure, an anchor for my soul (Heb 4:19). I can eagerly await and anticipate eternity in heaven with my Lord and Savior--an existence absent of death, mourning, crying and pain (Rev 21:4). Although this world is full of trials and tribulations, I can live in great expectation. I can live in a state of looking forward to something that is SURE to happen. I don’t have to suppose, surmise, or guess what the outcome will be.
Maybe this security of a sure expectation will allow me to open my heart to expect great things here and now. Maybe the disappointments and hurts sure to be experienced here on earth will be softened by the knowledge that this is not how it will always be. It is like taking a huge leap knowing that although I may get some bumps and bruises along the way down, I am assured of a soft landing in my Father’s strong and secure arms. I might have my eyes closed, but I think I’m ready to jump.
Expect (verb)
1.to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of
2.to look for with reason or justification
3.to suppose or surmise; guess
4.to anticipate the birth of (one’s child)
Brandon and I have been “expecting” five times now. Five times we have looked forward to and anticipated the coming of a baby. However, our expectations have only been met twice. We are praying for a third such occasion right now.
When we experienced our miscarriages, our expectations were not met. I would go so far as to say our expectations were crushed. All that we had looked forward to and anticipated did not come to be.
The title of my blog is “Great Expectations.” My journey through the crushing pain of unfulfilled expectations has left me a bit timid. I have been afraid to expect too much. When you allow yourself to have great expectations, you open yourself to the possibility of great pain. I’d rather just lower my expectations and be pleasantly surprised if things go well or that when things do come crashing down, at least I am not buried in the rubble.
I don’t believe that this is how God wants me to live. He has given me a hope that is secure, an anchor for my soul (Heb 4:19). I can eagerly await and anticipate eternity in heaven with my Lord and Savior--an existence absent of death, mourning, crying and pain (Rev 21:4). Although this world is full of trials and tribulations, I can live in great expectation. I can live in a state of looking forward to something that is SURE to happen. I don’t have to suppose, surmise, or guess what the outcome will be.
Maybe this security of a sure expectation will allow me to open my heart to expect great things here and now. Maybe the disappointments and hurts sure to be experienced here on earth will be softened by the knowledge that this is not how it will always be. It is like taking a huge leap knowing that although I may get some bumps and bruises along the way down, I am assured of a soft landing in my Father’s strong and secure arms. I might have my eyes closed, but I think I’m ready to jump.
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