Through The Bars

Ephesians 4:1 -- "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

image: barbsfitublog.wordpress.com

Stacked up in great piles were shiney shades of bright red, green, yellow, and any combination of the three reflecting the neon ceiling lights in a brilliant rainbow. The colors in the produce section of my local Publix never cease to amaze me. And the sheer number of apples stacked in precarious pyramids astounds. Just look at them all the next time you're in there!

And don't even get me started on the citrus fruits! I had no idea there were so many different species of oranges! ... ...

... ... Squinting into the bright morning, Daddy and I dodged Davao traffic to reach the tiny little closet of a space nestled amid a whole row of tiny little closet-sized store fronts. It was a special occasion - it was my birthday. Every year on this day, Daddy took me to the quaint little grocery mart just so the sweet store owner could hand Daddy a brown paper bag.

Not just ANY brown paper bag. A very special one - that I could only open once we were back in the car. I couldn't wait to be seated in the powder blue Range Rover so I could indulge in my birthday treat. The excitement of it was almost too much to bear!

Inside that little bag was a big shiny red apple and a glorious, sweating can of American Coca-cola! Two things that could not be found by normal means on the streets of Davao City, Philippines. But somehow [we won't ask how] every year on my birthday the kind little store owner managed to find these two things just for me. He never did it for Mom or Dad or Karla - for some magical and wonderful reason - it was only for MY birthday.

The two seemingly mundane things in that crinkled brown bag were extra precious to me. The apple was always somehow the best apple I'd ever tasted and the Coke had to have been produced from an extraordinary and magical batch of Coca-cola and then hidden away in some fairy-tale hillside.

... ... As the Publix bagger placed my case of regular Coca-cola on the side of my grocery cart to walk me to the car - it occurred to me how very much I take for granted now that I'm all grown up and back in the States. I couldn't help but think about that special brown paper bag and the feel of my Dad's hand firmly and safely wrapped around mine as we dodged jeepney's and mopeds on crowded streets. Every birthday was a grand occasion and every single apple was a cherished treat.

As Paul sat in jail writing his letter to the church in Ephesus he expressed the honor he felt that he could pen his Savior's name from the grimy prison floor. In those moments he wasn't feeling sorry for himself or pacing the floor, frustrated with the hold-up in his ministry. [I would] He was very humbly and very simply grateful that he still had air enough in his lungs to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn't complain. [How could he NOT complain?!]

image: "Paul's Cell" Pilgrimthomas/TravelPod/ www.tripadvisor.com

For that reason - his words to us are even more precious. His attitude is even more astounding when you consider from whence his words were being shared. He encouraged his brothers in Ephesus not from a grand pulpit or a solid cobbled town square - but from a rat and flea infested cubby-hole surrounded by the stench of human filth. His sentiments were special - like the apple and the coke gifted to me on my birthday in the Philippines.

Paul's message is beautiful.

So when Paul encourages us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received - I think not that I should behave as a prince dressed in the royal robes befitting an adopted heir of Heaven's mansions - but instead, I think of humility. I think of gratitude and true appreciation. I think of the so very many things with which I have been blessed and continuously take for granted.

Like big fat red apples and a case of Coke.

Like air conditioned church buildings with padded seats - like street lights and posted speed limits signs - like quicky-marts and self-serve gas stations ... like Keureg Coffee makers and individual packets of artificial sweetener - like insulin pens and the abundance of soft-bristled tooth brushes.

Like the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

I get to blog about the love or our Savior from my beat-up office chair in the comfort of my own home on a computer hooked up to the internet. I get to daily read the Word of God from more than one translation sitting on my bookshelf. And if I have a prayer request - I have but to post it on the social media of my choice or pick up my smart phone and dial up a friend.

How richly blessed are we? ... How very richly blessed?

Suddenly being content in the calling of my Savior takes on a whole new meaning - and I am reminded of simple, abounding and unending JOY.

Light Up The Shadows

Psalm 119:93 -- "I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have revived me."

image: New Line Cinema

When the music rode its crescendo as Gandolf peaked the crest of the hill outside Helm's Deep - piercing the darkness with his wizard's staff - goosebumps broke out on my arms. It took every effort to remain seated in the theater and refrain from jumping up and shouting "yes!!"

Reinforcements had arrived, at last! The Fellowship of the Ring was in great peril and had staved off the ever-advancing forces of the evil Orc army so far - but they were quickly over-run. They were out of time it seemed, and the darkness felt to be pushing in from all sides. Where was hope?

...and then it came - as Gandolf brought reinforcements with the rising sun - blazing into glory as the battle for Helm's Deep took on new life and the tables were turned on the brutish Orcs! There was hope, indeed! There was light, and darkness fell silent as courage and "humanity" lit up the shadows of doom and despair.

Whew! - good triumphed over evil and the tense muscles in my shoulders could relax as I let out the breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

Ever feel like the warriors at Helm's Deep? .... like, darkness is closing in all around you and you have no way out? Where is the rainbow after the storm?, you ask. Where is the silver lining on all the gray, gray clouds?

I'll be one of the very first people to admit that things seem pretty dark, right now. I'm not just talking politics and economy, either. I'm talking about the general state of the human race. Humanity just seems to be so very self-absorbed lately. I avoid the news for the most part - because I know there isn't going to be anything good on there. I don't read the paper for the same reason. It's just so -- depressing.

And then - there is a little boy by the name of Drew Wood.

Having been dealt the devastating blow of leukemia as just a little fella this mini super hero has been in intensive care for what feels like forever - fighting an additional medical enemy - one that is yet to be clearly defined. Amid the stormy waters of his little ocean it would seem that his life-boat has sprung a leak. It just felt like the fowl weather had the upper hand - that the shadows became too great and too long to really overcome.

But in this darkness - God has not changed. He is still The Great Physician. He is still All Mighty. And yes, He is still in the miracle business. We cannot forget God's Living Word - His true HOPE, His great mercy! We must not forget that God hears every single prayer we utter in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we prayer warriors rally around Drew and are richly blessed by God's power and amazing, amazing grace - we are given the joy of all kinds of light shining out from one tiny hospital room. We see the light of parents that remain obedient to God in the face of terror and heart-ache. We see Christian brothers and sisters unite in fervent prayer. We see kindness in the faces of health care providers and gentleness in friends and neighbors. We see an outstanding courage in a tiny little body and a heart that emanates the unending love of Jesus Christ.

praying for Drew

It occurs to me - Drew is so very much more than a leukemia patient. His family and his ordeal have become a shining testament to the grace and glory of God!

Take THAT, darkness!

Over the hill, just beyond the horizon is a brilliant and blazing sunrise!!

When we face darkness - we mustn't forget God's Word - His promises, His precepts, His hope - hasn't changed. They are the same as they ever were. We need to allow them to revive us. In God lies our reinforcements, our light in the midst of shadows.


For information/udates on Super Drew Wood's battle and prayer requests pertaining thereto - you can go to First Baptist Church of Orange Park, FL at www.opfirst.org

Mulligan!!

Jeremiah 18:3-4 -- "3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make."

Photo © 2013 Jay Graham - jaygraham.com

Inside my favorite pair of tennis shoes I could hear my toes squeak as my very wet socks rubbed between the souls of my feet and the bottom of my sneakers. Twinkles of early morning sunlight blinked through the branches of the trees that bordered the golf-course and I could see the copious amount of tiny water droplets clinging to the crisply shorn grass on the green.

Dad Dalton and Steven kept crunching through the dew-laden blades as I struggled to act like I knew what I was doing - lugging my clubs clumsily on my shoulder and trying to keep up with their long easy strides.

It was sweet of them to let me tag along. For starters, I'd never played a round of golf  in my life and I KNOW I was slowing them down. Further more - it was clearly meant to be a Father/Son outing, and yet there I was, trudging along like a kid sibling that didn't want to be left out.

Lining up the put just as Dad Dalton taught me, I aimed for the ridiculously small hole in the middle of a large, lush green space and held my breath. Tense with anticipation, I watched the hole after I made my swing. Chuckles came from the Dalton gang to my right. I looked down near my feet to see that I'd completely missed the ball. It lay there, still and quiet, mocking my efforts...

I looked up at two of the men I admired most in my life and sheepishly called out "mulligan!" - then lined up my put for the second time and finally made contact with the golf ball.

You can guess how it played out. Six strokes later I finally picked up the evil little white ball and physically put it into the cup - begging the two smiling Daltons to just put a three by my niche on the score card. [I learned they weren't even keeping my score.]

Sigh - I wanted to mulligan my entire "game" - it was so very, very marred. For the first time in my existence I totally understood the meaning of the mulligan/do over.

It would be nice if life were that easy to remedy. Just -- ball up the whole thing/experience that went awry and do it over again. No pain. No frustration....as simple as Jeremiah's potter reshaping the clay into something of which he would be proud.

But it really isn't simple. It takes effort, dedication, and a great deal of skill to shape clay into art. Even more so when the clay has already partially been formed. Reshaping, chiseling, molding -- and intimate care has to be taken to turn a "mistake" into a "masterpiece". And more often than not - it's the clay at fault - NOT the potter. Something a little off in the mix, perhaps?

image: wordpress.com

....or in our case - a little stubbornness? We are the clay and our Father is the Potter, after all - when we try to form ourselves or push against the Potter's will - disaster results.

It's a good thing The Potter can reshape and ultimately grant us each a mulligan. [sometimes, more than one!] He can take a thing that we've messed up beyond recognition - and turn it into something worthy of a place in the ultimate of all galleries - in the company of Jesus, our Savior and THE Father, Himself!

In fact - we've been granted the ultimate mulligan. We've been given the chance to be completely re-born!! We don't have to walk around in the muck and mire of our original sin-laden package! We can allow Jesus to REform us!

THAT is a beautiful thing!!

Thank you, thank you, God!!

Dear Lord, take this mess of a "game" I've created and make it into something full of your beauty and grace! 

So Sorry

I humbly apologize, my computer is not working once again. Until I get it fixed or replaced - or get a keyboard for my tiny tablet -  I will be unable to post new blogs. I hope to have the issue resolved by next week....I deeply and most sincerely thank you for your patience.

Kingly Heart

Psalm 161:1-2 -- "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul."

Through a dense early morning fog, the massive and formidable Spanish Armada pulled into the frigid waters off Tillbury, England. The fiery red hair of Queen Elizabeth I was neatly pinned up as the timid sunshine bounced off of her highly polished armor.

The morning dawned at the pinnacle of what would be known as the "Golden Age" and history was about to come down to the sturdiness of two rulers: King Phillip II of Spain and Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Far from hiding within the thick palace walls in safety as advised, Queen Elizabeth placed herself right in the middle of her troops as they prepared for a battle that none of them had any hope to win. She looked them in the eyes and gave them these words:

"I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe should dare invade the boarders of  my realm; to which, rather than any dishonor should grow by me, I myself  will take up arms..."

She wasn't about to go down without a fight. And let me tell you - that woman could throw quite the royal "punch". When the smoke cleared and the sea ran red with the blood of the Spanish, it was England that stood victorious. That's right! England! Against the entire Spanish Armada! [you'll have to look up the info on the infamous Spanish Armada when you get the chance, it was amazing].

It could be said of Queen Elizabeth I - that she was one of the most loved rulers in England's fine history. She had spine, no one could doubt that. But she had a great deal of heart, too. She never forgot to take into account the well-being of her people. What other ruler would bother to stand in the middle of the nation's military troops and look them each square in the eye so he could wish them God Speed in battle?

But of everything I love about Queen Elizabeth I - it's her humility that makes my chest fill with pride.

At the end of her reign, she said: "Though God has raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my crown: that I have reigned with your love."

THAT is what she cared about the most. That she did a good job as a ruler. It wasn't the power, the money, or the hobnobbing with royalty around the world - it was that she was a just and right ruler for the country that stood behind her.

When it came time to make the big decisions - the ones that mattered - the ones that hurt to make - she made them with calm resolve. She didn't ASK to be born into a royal blood-line. But she was determined to be the very best ruler she possibly could. It was not an easy thing for her to do. Not only is ruling a nation a difficult thing - but she did it as a woman WAY before women's rights were even thought about.

We are princes, you and I. We have been given the most precious gift of God's grace and the shed blood of His only Son, Jesus Christ. We COULD be proud. We know what Elizabeth didn't know standing on that grassy hill top at Tillbury - we KNOW we've already won the battle. We KNOW we've been given crowns --

But we should also look out through the eyes of humility. We should rally the troops with passion and love - just like Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Lost In Translation

Hebrews 5:14 -- "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."

image: zimbokitchen.com

Sulemon leaned over my desk with a grin on his face and asked me if I wanted him to bring back anything from his homeland in the Middle East. I was about to decline his offer when a favorite food popped into my head - one that cannot be purchased in this country. But far from the Middle Eastern part of the world where he would be - Sadza is an African dish. So under my breath I murmured "not unless you can bring me back some sadza."

He actually perked up and said "Oh yea! You can't get that over here, can you?"

I was very surprised that he knew what I was talking about - and in the lengthy impromptu conversation that followed I learned that Sulemon spent a number of years in Africa as a child. We swapped stories - and for a moment it was so nice to meet a fellow human at my office that knew a little bit about what I was describing.

Heads starting popping up out of cubicles and passers-by stopped in their tracks to watch our animated conversation. A couple of them showed genuine interest - but more than a few looked at both of us as if we we'd just stepped off the mother ship.

I couldn't contain my excitement. I asked Sul if He'd seen Victoria Falls. He then asked if I had. Alas, I was too young to stand by the falls when were in Africa, because there were no guard rails at the time. My parents wisely decided to leave my sister and I behind when they peeked over the edge of the roaring torrents and white water rapids as they crashed into the rocks and river below. But I DO remember the statue - surrounded by wiry trees and big boulders - David Livingstone peered down at us from a perch that revealed his accomplishments in etched copper.

image: Livingstone@Victoria Falls/tripadvisor.com

Sul and I discussed the statue at length. And the falls. And the fact that you had to keep your car window rolled up when you passed through a known baboon habitat - or you could end up with a nasty bite and a few items missing from your purse or pack. We discussed Baobab trees and weaver birds and miles upon miles of dusty roads washed out by the seasonal rains.

It was wonderful. And for a time, I didn't mind that I was the "weird" one with all the travels under her belt and a unique understanding of foreign policy. Because there was a person in my office that understood. Many of my experiences as child and teen often get lost in translation, but when Sul and I began talking - he "got it".

Ever feel that way?

Ever start in on an anecdote that was apparently only funny at the time it occurred or in a certain place? [ya know, location humor?]. Ever offer an opinion that didn't seem to match that of those around you because yours involved a Bible reference? Ever marvel at a storm or a rainbow while the rest of the world passed by completely oblivious to the might and wonder of God?

Ya know what's awesome? We have been given One who really, really GETS us. No need for lengthy explanations or an attempt to bring home some understanding. We have been given One that walked the earth just as we do. He suffered the same temptations, the same joys, the same victories, and even some of the very same trials that we do. He totally UNDERSTANDS. Because unlike the masses - He can relate.

So - we really CAN approach the throne of grace with confidence that we are completely known and understood. We aren't speaking in words that will be lost in translation. Every single prayer we utter will be heard. Every single heart-beat poured out at the foot of the alter will be totally understood. 

What a reason to celebrate!!

NOTE: Sadza is the staple food of cooked corn meal in Zimbabwe and other African countries. 

Lizard Chins

Numbers 14:8 -- "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

image: landrethonline.com

Brilliant Florida sunshine slowly drank up the beads of water still on my legs. A few kids were jumping into the pool and I could hear water hit the concrete walk-way. Next to me - my Mango smoothie slowly melted and my husband lay back in the chaise with his eyes closed against the brightness. Even though we were under a large Oak tree, the heat was intense. But I love hot days when we can both head to the pool for a relaxing dip.

On the decorative light pole next to Steven I noticed an Anole doing his very best push-ups. I couldn't see the female for whom he was showing off, but I knew she had to be close by because as he pushed up and down in pure lizard muscle, his chin flap would pop out and almost luminesce in brilliant red. He was a bold one, that little Anole.

Just a few inches away was another male, sunning under one of the chaise chairs. He wasn't pushing up in brilliant display - nor was his chin flapping open and closed in an effort to gain some attention. He was just sitting there enjoying the sunshine. Every now and then he would turn his head as if he had a question - then he'd go right back to sunning himself. He was either timid and decided not to waste his time against an unbeatable opponent, or he didn't care to flirt. I wasn't quite sure which.

No sooner had I contemplated the mood of the second Anole than the first big male captured the attention of his prize. He and his new lizard bride ran off into the grass for some privacy. [I guess].

So -- to the victor go the spoils, eh? Or in this case, is it "to the bold?" Shy guy - still resting in the sunshine - didn't run off victorious. He didn't have a new little family or any reason to celebrate. He just sat there. Doing virtually nothing.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?

I wonder what would have happened if Moses' group in the desert decided they were too timid or too afraid to march forward into the Land that God had promised to them? What if they'd been afraid of failure? Too shy? Or just too lazy?

I don't think they would've won the day and the new land, do you?

And - way back at the burning bush - what would've happened if Moses had decided he was too timid to lead God's people out of Egypt in the first place?

HMMMM....food for thought, no?

Ya know - Jesus has already secured victory for us. He gave it to us freely when he died on the cross with all of our sins strapped to him. Why are we not shouting it from every mountain top? Are we afraid? Are we shy? Or, like the Israelites set to march on a new land - are we too afraid of failure?

Those of you who have had the privilege to hear my sister sing know that her every heart beat sings out to praise the Lord when she's up there on that platform. There is no question about it - every single syllable is pouring out thanks and worship. But what you might NOT know - is that she suffers from terrible stage fright. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

It doesn't matter that she was practically born with a mic in her hand - each and every time she steps out in front of a crowd her stomach nearly dances away with her and her hands start to shake - be it ever so slightly. And yet, she still goes out there - to do what God wants of her. Clinging tightly to the strength of God, she never gives in to the jitters. She doesn't allow her naturally shy nature to win. Instead - she claims the victory already given to her by Jesus Christ.

So -- what are WE gonna do? Are we gonna cling to the promises of God and do magnificent push ups enhanced by brilliant red Anole chins? Or are we gonna be Shy Guy and bide our time underneath the chaise.

We are saved either way -- why not be bold for the Lord?

True Independence

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 -- "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

image: ohanafun.net

'Tis the season for summer cookouts, firecrackers, and an air laden with dense smoke due to the illegal fireworks Floridians manage to smuggle in for the fourth of the July every year. I can hear the bratwurst sizzlin' on the grill and smell that wonderful aroma of burning charcoal. Ah .... sweet nostalgia.

I pull out my favorite T shirt - the one I got from the Cracker Barrel clearance rack - with it's beaded silver stars and red glittering stripes. There can be no question that while I was raised on foreign soil - I bleed true red, white, and blue. I am ready to celebrate US Independence.

AND - in the spirit of celebration - I came across Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. At first the verse seems to be in complete support of the OPPOSITE of independence. I mean, it says right up front that two are better one. But then I got to thinkin' about somethin'. . .

REAL freedom.

In the midst of a grocery isle with its American Flag themed cups, napkins, paper plates and everything else - I can smile because I AM a free spirit. On top of a Savior who has given me freedom from my sins, God has blessed me with an amazing husband and at least two friends that allow me the freedom to be exactly who I am. There is true Independence when one can grow and bloom into the full person God designed without becoming root bound by legalism, negative opinions, or even judgement of character.

Completely supported by people who accept you - dare I say, warts and all - IS in fact, a beautiful freedom. In fact, these wonderful people allow me to experience growing pains, celebrate victories, and learn new lessons every single day.

Can we offer that freedom to others?

In a hurricane of hurled angry voices over the gay rights issue are we willing to step back and be there for someone who might fall, like it says in Ecclesiastes? Can we truly love a person with whom we don't necessarily agree? Will others KNOW we are Christians by our love?

Well, just take a look at your own friendships - aren't there times when those closest to you don't always agree with the things YOUR doing? Do they give up on you? Do they battle you to the death of the friendship and leave you behind, stricken with grief? And in your own life - have you been ALWAYS on the side of right? Have you NEVER made a mistake? Have you shared every single conviction your friends have experienced?

One of my most dear friends doesn't share my taste in movies. She has different convictions in that area. But that difference doesn't keep us from spending time together - or even seeing the occasional film together. We respect one another. We don't stop loving each other because we don't have the exact same tastes, convictions, or passions.

THAT is true independence. True freedom. While each of us are, indeed, parts of the same body - we are not each the SAME part. In addition to being just plain weird - being exactly like every other body part would be inefficient and incoherent.

So - why don't we celebrate - nay, ENCOURAGE - true independence and real freedom by loving others as God has instructed? Two ARE better than one! Be there for someone and allow a someone to be there for you.

Isn't THAT what God wants?