I am finishing two major projects for my summer semester. In writing this post, I am hoping to sort out all the thoughts that are running through my brain!
I find it fascinating that with almost every course I have taken on this educational journey/pursuit, I have had the opportunity to live out, in my life, the subject matter. It seems this semester is not different. As I have faced each of my personal medical experiences this summer, I have been reading books concerning God, medicine/medical ethic issues and suffering. (or, literally, the theodicy problem, which attempts to answer questions like, "Is God good? If so, given the scope of suffering, can we think of God as all-powerful? (Long, p xi)) And, then the book that made visitors to my hospital room a little nervous, "The Christian Funeral." Yep, that's me--the patient that wants to live well--but required reading, none-the-less!
The first morning of my hospital stay, after receiving my delicious breakfast of ice-chips--one of the two glasses of them that I received each 'shift'--my nurse asked me if I wanted the TV on. "No," I replied, "I have some reading I want to do." She said, "You gonna read a sexy novel, then?"
I am still laughing about that one--my answer was, "no, not really, it's actually homework." Who takes their homework to the hospital with them? I guess I have been packing books in my suitcase for so long that it has become a habit!
Anyway, I have so much to learn about medical ethics and the words to use in counsel from a ministry perspective, concerning suffering and pain. What was a surprising realization for me was that the actual responsibility of medical professionals is to teach us, as patients, how to take care of our bodies, enabling us to live. If life is not an option, then they teach us how to die with dignity. Pretty sobering, isn't it?
As I prepared both, for my class work and for the days I would be in the hospital, I watched one of my most favorite movies. The very first scene is simply "A True Story." Of course, it is Hollywood, and there was probably some creative license taken, however, the real story did actually happen in history.
It is the story of the survival and leadership, in 1941-45, of the Polish Jewish Bielski brothers. This band of brothers helped around 1200 people survive, in the woods, instead of face the massacres that awaited many of their family members. The movie: Defiance. The brothers decided early on that their revenge, their act of defiance, would be to LIVE! How amazing is that?
And, no this movie is probably not on your church's list of family-friendly movies--but at a certain age, perhaps it should be! Sometimes, you have to be radical to actually LIVE in this lifetime, expressing ideas and convictions that go against what the world would think as OK. Telling the truth, for example, or living a life of fidelity with your spouse.
I cannot imagine the horror the Jewish population faced in those years, the undignified ways in which many (most) faced death...and I will not pretend to think that my recent surgical inconvenience can begin to compare.
However, my conviction remains, my heart breaks and my mind reels when I consider the ways in which many of us take this life for granted, each and every day.
Live well--in each circumstance, by the Grace of God--defy the odds and live WELL!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
The Whirlwind that has been July
What a beautiful morning! Inside and out! Recently, I have been reminded of the fragility of life. You would think I would know this to my core, holding each moment as sacred. Truly, until recently, I thought I was doing a pretty good job of living in the moment, not taking my relationships for granted. Perhaps more than I needed a reminder, I needed to write about it...so, we'll see how this goes:
Yesterday, we got an urgent request for prayer from a dear friend whose husband had had a mild heart attack...he had just been playing with his little girls, water games...thankfully, we live in a time and place where, with expert medical attention, within a couple of hours, he had a stint in place and was resting peacefully. These are YOUNG people, with little girls--WOW!!!
July has been a whirlwind of unfamiliar, yet necessary, medical experiences and procedures for me, personally. I will not share details here, but I will say that there were moments when 'waiting' was all I could do. Waiting to be seen, waiting to heal, waiting for test results, waiting for my system to wake up from a major surgical procedure. Just waiting. Worth the wait: pathology came back "stage zero"--no treatment required.
I have cried, been frustrated, confined to a hospital bed, I have rested, relaxed, and had peace that surpasses understanding. I have laughed, prayed, received notes, cards, flowers, a gorgeous and most therapeutic blanket. Our children & grandchildren drew pictures, made cards and carefully hugged and kissed me. Friends and family have faithfully called, texted, sent Facebook messaged, and came to visit.
I was discharged from the hospital on the eighth day--pretty much pain free--without the use of prescription drugs. Today, I was told that I can drive my car, as long as I feel good. How fun is that? I do feel like I need to rest every couple of hours for this is the process of healing that I must not take for granted.
Mostly what I want to say, is that our bodies are amazing things--the symptoms I had, for my body was giving me subtle clues for a long while and I was not listening well--are all gone. The lesson? Learn to listen, life is fragile, and it is worth living!
And, today, the top is definitely coming down--it's a convertible kind of day, I think!
Yesterday, we got an urgent request for prayer from a dear friend whose husband had had a mild heart attack...he had just been playing with his little girls, water games...thankfully, we live in a time and place where, with expert medical attention, within a couple of hours, he had a stint in place and was resting peacefully. These are YOUNG people, with little girls--WOW!!!
July has been a whirlwind of unfamiliar, yet necessary, medical experiences and procedures for me, personally. I will not share details here, but I will say that there were moments when 'waiting' was all I could do. Waiting to be seen, waiting to heal, waiting for test results, waiting for my system to wake up from a major surgical procedure. Just waiting. Worth the wait: pathology came back "stage zero"--no treatment required.
I have cried, been frustrated, confined to a hospital bed, I have rested, relaxed, and had peace that surpasses understanding. I have laughed, prayed, received notes, cards, flowers, a gorgeous and most therapeutic blanket. Our children & grandchildren drew pictures, made cards and carefully hugged and kissed me. Friends and family have faithfully called, texted, sent Facebook messaged, and came to visit.
I was discharged from the hospital on the eighth day--pretty much pain free--without the use of prescription drugs. Today, I was told that I can drive my car, as long as I feel good. How fun is that? I do feel like I need to rest every couple of hours for this is the process of healing that I must not take for granted.
Mostly what I want to say, is that our bodies are amazing things--the symptoms I had, for my body was giving me subtle clues for a long while and I was not listening well--are all gone. The lesson? Learn to listen, life is fragile, and it is worth living!
And, today, the top is definitely coming down--it's a convertible kind of day, I think!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
A Pivotal Moment Due to a Random 3 by 5 Card
Do I really have anything to say today? I am bleary eyed, and a little groggy from the lack of sleep this past week. However, there is much to do today. Why on earth would I take time to write in this blog when there are books to write, and respond to--there are probative questions to develop an turn in--and there is research to be done. And yet, all I want to do is tell you about my week! That is the great thing about this blog: you can read it, or not! Either way, I get to write!
First of all, many of the friendships I have formed at this school were deepened as a direct result of sitting through a week of class together! The class, Rhetoric in Christian Leadership. It was exhilarating, challenging, frustrating, exhausting and fun! We had opportunities to 'think out loud'--it turns out, I'm pretty good at it, especially when I do not understand the question at hand.
We had opportunities to do extemporaneous speeches, where a question was written on a 3 x 5 card, we were told "go" at a certain point, and we had twenty minutes to prepare an answer...and then a specific number of minutes to speak about that answer--forgive me the number of minutes is a blur of a memory at this point--7 or 10 seems correct.
We each had a partner (in my case there were three of us) to work together to script a mock radio talk show concerning out topic of choice. We had to take the "opposite" stance of our "real" position on the topic, in an effort to formulate truly hard questions about our topic...what an exercise...punching holes in your side of any given situation is difficult, but healthy. To better clarify, we each wrote our name and topic on the back of a three by five card. Each person then drew from the stack of these cards. For example, I drew my friend, Mike's card. That meant that I took his position on his topic, and he asked my the hard questions about his issue.
My topic was the current foster care system and the problem of kids who 'age out' of that system without adequately formed healthy adult relationships. These kids, especially those aging out of a group home setting, are at great risk for homelessness, joblessness, illness, violent, addictions, lack of educational opportunities and early child-bearing. These are very real concerns for our entire society--for there is something that can be done, and it is very simple, really. However, that is not what this blog is concerning today. I will write more on my topic later.
Thank with me, for what I am about to say blew me away. I drew a card and this is what it said, "Why does a loving God permit pain and suffering?" Yeah, let that one sink in for a moment. We were given creative license to make up the qualifications of our guests, giving them appropriate credentials to speak about our the topic. As we practiced for my partner's interview, he did the opening to his 'show', introducing me and after my name he follows with "she's joining us this morning to talk about her new book on today's topic: why Christians suffer". I was shocked.
And, so I said, well, do you want the title to the book I am actually writing? Of course, he took it and incorporated it into our show...and so, I was able to take my journal (that is my starting point of this book) and refer to it as we did the interview. It was a blast.
This experience was surreal, in that it struck me as I answered his questions (and our 'listening audience who were actually a viewing audience were completely engaged) this is to prepare me for when this really happens--sort of a rehearsal for life--but what a gift.
I do not know what the coming days look like, but I think that interview will not be my last opportunity to speak about love and loss, joy and pain, suffering and healing and where God might be while we go through these things on earth. No, God is not finished writing my story. And, He is not finished revealing to me 'the next thing' in my life!
Yes, teens that age out of the foster care system is a very real concern for me. I am committed to raising awareness of the enormous opportunity we have to help in this crisis. Yet, I can't help but think that many of them are there because someone in their life did not adequately process their grief and it took over--causing all kinds of havoc. And so, my bigger message concerns appropriate grief.
When our radio show finished, applause erupted, and many encouraged me by saying, "You have to write that book-- you have a message that needs to be heard." I do believe that to be true.
But, for today, I will read about how to distinguish characteristics of people's world views (in order to be a better communicator) and then do some reflective work about becoming a 'revolutionary communicator'...yes, I am truly in my element, and in this place for a reason...I'll keep you posted on the book, though!
First of all, many of the friendships I have formed at this school were deepened as a direct result of sitting through a week of class together! The class, Rhetoric in Christian Leadership. It was exhilarating, challenging, frustrating, exhausting and fun! We had opportunities to 'think out loud'--it turns out, I'm pretty good at it, especially when I do not understand the question at hand.
We had opportunities to do extemporaneous speeches, where a question was written on a 3 x 5 card, we were told "go" at a certain point, and we had twenty minutes to prepare an answer...and then a specific number of minutes to speak about that answer--forgive me the number of minutes is a blur of a memory at this point--7 or 10 seems correct.
We each had a partner (in my case there were three of us) to work together to script a mock radio talk show concerning out topic of choice. We had to take the "opposite" stance of our "real" position on the topic, in an effort to formulate truly hard questions about our topic...what an exercise...punching holes in your side of any given situation is difficult, but healthy. To better clarify, we each wrote our name and topic on the back of a three by five card. Each person then drew from the stack of these cards. For example, I drew my friend, Mike's card. That meant that I took his position on his topic, and he asked my the hard questions about his issue.
My topic was the current foster care system and the problem of kids who 'age out' of that system without adequately formed healthy adult relationships. These kids, especially those aging out of a group home setting, are at great risk for homelessness, joblessness, illness, violent, addictions, lack of educational opportunities and early child-bearing. These are very real concerns for our entire society--for there is something that can be done, and it is very simple, really. However, that is not what this blog is concerning today. I will write more on my topic later.
Thank with me, for what I am about to say blew me away. I drew a card and this is what it said, "Why does a loving God permit pain and suffering?" Yeah, let that one sink in for a moment. We were given creative license to make up the qualifications of our guests, giving them appropriate credentials to speak about our the topic. As we practiced for my partner's interview, he did the opening to his 'show', introducing me and after my name he follows with "she's joining us this morning to talk about her new book on today's topic: why Christians suffer". I was shocked.
And, so I said, well, do you want the title to the book I am actually writing? Of course, he took it and incorporated it into our show...and so, I was able to take my journal (that is my starting point of this book) and refer to it as we did the interview. It was a blast.
This experience was surreal, in that it struck me as I answered his questions (and our 'listening audience who were actually a viewing audience were completely engaged) this is to prepare me for when this really happens--sort of a rehearsal for life--but what a gift.
I do not know what the coming days look like, but I think that interview will not be my last opportunity to speak about love and loss, joy and pain, suffering and healing and where God might be while we go through these things on earth. No, God is not finished writing my story. And, He is not finished revealing to me 'the next thing' in my life!
Yes, teens that age out of the foster care system is a very real concern for me. I am committed to raising awareness of the enormous opportunity we have to help in this crisis. Yet, I can't help but think that many of them are there because someone in their life did not adequately process their grief and it took over--causing all kinds of havoc. And so, my bigger message concerns appropriate grief.
When our radio show finished, applause erupted, and many encouraged me by saying, "You have to write that book-- you have a message that needs to be heard." I do believe that to be true.
But, for today, I will read about how to distinguish characteristics of people's world views (in order to be a better communicator) and then do some reflective work about becoming a 'revolutionary communicator'...yes, I am truly in my element, and in this place for a reason...I'll keep you posted on the book, though!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
One More Mother's Day...
One more year. Yes, one more year I have made it through Mother's Day. That is a strange thing to say, you might be thinking, but trust me when I say--there have been some years that I did not think I could make it--the pain was too fresh. Have you ever been there? I am here to tell you that there is hope for new and brighter days--it's sort of like being in a place that is darkest just before the dawn...the pain will lessen--but cherish the memories, please.
For me, this past Mother's Day was delightful. We were able to see our family for the noon meal...and laugh and eat and talk together. (--sort of, the venue was pretty crowed and the tables that we got to sit in were round instead of rectangle--so we were sort of spread out, but it worked out just fine).
One of my favorite things on Mother's Day is the cards, for they are always sweet...the girls do a pretty good job of writing what they are feeling at the moment--which always makes me tear up...and then we take pictures...of me with our girls, then the whole family together.
For many years, in the 1980's and then through the beginning of the 1990's we would share the noon meal with my Grandma Sisk. That gathering would usually include all the 'Sisk' cousins--of which none of them ever carried the last name of Sisk--and there were always babies to cuddle, and Grandma to make laugh. Making Virginia laugh was never a difficult task--for she dearly loved life and loved to laugh. She was really good at it, too!
Then, as our family transitioned from a small family to a LARGE family, we opted not to travel so much on this day, rather staying close to home. Within eight years, the holiday became a bitter reminder for me of what was not to be. When we sent Macy to Heaven, the day instantly became a symbol of frustration for what my life would never be again. In some sort of twisted way, I felt like I had failed at mothering--because we were walking around with this hole in our family, for the one that was no longer here with us.
Please do not mis-understand. I love our family so much...and every moment we are together I cherish...so the line between selfishness and nostalgia sometimes can gets murky. For several years after our loss, I did not want to do anything to celebrate that day, truly I wanted to just skip it, for I simply did not feel very festive--and I did not feel worthy of any kind of 'honor' that the day is designed to offer. I did try, though, on some level to join in but the day would begin and end with tears.
This lasted for several years--and then one year, I decided to begin preparing for the day in advance. I took to task to remember appropriately what a special gift we have been given in each of our children and grandchildren. Each one needs to be celebrated and each one needs to understand how very much they mean to me. The Truth is, I will be given all of eternity to celebrate with Macy. And, while there is breath in my lungs I have a responsibility to celebrate those that are here with us now in a way that will be enjoyable and bring honor to Our God.
For the years ahead, I will strive to cherish the memories of all the Mother's Days I have lived. I shared above about my Grandma. What you may not realize is that she died on Thanksgiving Day 1991...and to this day, I do not go to a good place to eat without thinking of her--for not only did she enjoy laughing--she loved a good meal--and pie!
The current Mother's Days will be fun to watch Alayna be lavished with precious hand-made gifts from her children--and the sweet words that they are prompted to write about her and to her on this day. She is an awesome mommy and her children and her husband love to be with her.
I have much to be thankful for, and the time we have here on this earth is so short--I do not want to waste a minute feeling sad about 'what might have been'...for that is not reality!
One last thing: if you belong to the same "club" as me...I am sorry for your loss...but please try to approach Mother's Day with a different perspective than dread. Please, cherish the blessing and the memory and enjoy those that are there with you now, for that is all we are assured of--right now!
For me, this past Mother's Day was delightful. We were able to see our family for the noon meal...and laugh and eat and talk together. (--sort of, the venue was pretty crowed and the tables that we got to sit in were round instead of rectangle--so we were sort of spread out, but it worked out just fine).
One of my favorite things on Mother's Day is the cards, for they are always sweet...the girls do a pretty good job of writing what they are feeling at the moment--which always makes me tear up...and then we take pictures...of me with our girls, then the whole family together.
For many years, in the 1980's and then through the beginning of the 1990's we would share the noon meal with my Grandma Sisk. That gathering would usually include all the 'Sisk' cousins--of which none of them ever carried the last name of Sisk--and there were always babies to cuddle, and Grandma to make laugh. Making Virginia laugh was never a difficult task--for she dearly loved life and loved to laugh. She was really good at it, too!
Then, as our family transitioned from a small family to a LARGE family, we opted not to travel so much on this day, rather staying close to home. Within eight years, the holiday became a bitter reminder for me of what was not to be. When we sent Macy to Heaven, the day instantly became a symbol of frustration for what my life would never be again. In some sort of twisted way, I felt like I had failed at mothering--because we were walking around with this hole in our family, for the one that was no longer here with us.
Please do not mis-understand. I love our family so much...and every moment we are together I cherish...so the line between selfishness and nostalgia sometimes can gets murky. For several years after our loss, I did not want to do anything to celebrate that day, truly I wanted to just skip it, for I simply did not feel very festive--and I did not feel worthy of any kind of 'honor' that the day is designed to offer. I did try, though, on some level to join in but the day would begin and end with tears.
This lasted for several years--and then one year, I decided to begin preparing for the day in advance. I took to task to remember appropriately what a special gift we have been given in each of our children and grandchildren. Each one needs to be celebrated and each one needs to understand how very much they mean to me. The Truth is, I will be given all of eternity to celebrate with Macy. And, while there is breath in my lungs I have a responsibility to celebrate those that are here with us now in a way that will be enjoyable and bring honor to Our God.
For the years ahead, I will strive to cherish the memories of all the Mother's Days I have lived. I shared above about my Grandma. What you may not realize is that she died on Thanksgiving Day 1991...and to this day, I do not go to a good place to eat without thinking of her--for not only did she enjoy laughing--she loved a good meal--and pie!
The current Mother's Days will be fun to watch Alayna be lavished with precious hand-made gifts from her children--and the sweet words that they are prompted to write about her and to her on this day. She is an awesome mommy and her children and her husband love to be with her.
I have much to be thankful for, and the time we have here on this earth is so short--I do not want to waste a minute feeling sad about 'what might have been'...for that is not reality!
One last thing: if you belong to the same "club" as me...I am sorry for your loss...but please try to approach Mother's Day with a different perspective than dread. Please, cherish the blessing and the memory and enjoy those that are there with you now, for that is all we are assured of--right now!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
My Chains are Gone?
"We don't know each other any more. An astonishing story." (a couple of Mike Barnicle's comments on Morning Joe MS NBC 5/8/13)
These words were spoken in relation to the news story about three women kidnapped in 2002...and only now, in 2013, one escaped to draw attention to the rest in Cleveland, OH--some report that they had been chained by the waist, living in the basement of a house by three brothers for all this time.
We are completely amazed how this could have happened in twenty-first century, United States of America. The Land of the free, the Home of the brave. Some are saying that police have been led to this house at various times throughout the years, but no action was taken. How could this happen to young women, not little girls, young women, without someone noticing?
I do not have any idea how it happened, and I'm pretty sure that there are details of this incident that we will never know.
My questions range From: how could three brothers do such a thing? How could three young women 'stay'...did they even have a choice? And, where were the police investigators-- the women were reported missing--at what point did the search for them stop? Is it possible that no one saw anything, at all?
To questions along the lines of: Could this kind of thing be happening in my town, in my neighborhood? Or, in yours?
We live in a generation where no one wants to get involved. And do we, in this 21st century, really want to get to know each other? The next time you are in a busy public place just look around. People are enamored, I might go so far to say obsessed, with their cell phones--no time for face to face conversation--there must be a screen involved...(think skype, snap-chat, etc.)
On the other hand, we have information from around the world at our finger-tips through the technology of those phones. As a matter of fact, I have downloaded an app that makes my phone buzz to alert me of 'breaking news.' (the DOW hit 15,000 yesterday, for example)
And yet, our society remains uninformed...uninvolved and seemingly very lonely. It was with great shock and awe that I listened recently to a group of students arriving for their class time with loud and rude comments and gestures--the class was called Interpersonal Relationships...really.
I think of these three recently 'freed' women --free to live a life with out being chained by the waist. Certainly in bondage. But at the very same time, those students are in a form of bondage to an image they are trying to live up to--struggling to be accepted by their peers with their actions and words--only to make themselves and those around them more miserable.
We can be in bondage to our jobs, our addictions, our friends, our debt, our passions and/or our______(fill in the blank). Indeed....just about anything that captivates us to the point that we can think of little else. Indeed, we do not have to be chained by the waist in a stranger's basement to live in bondage and slavery, do we? We can walk around as 'free people' and yet live in bondage.
One Sabbath, Jesus, while standing in the synagogue in Nazareth, read these words once written by the ancient prophet, Isaiah (61:1,2)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (my emphasis)
Then he rolled up the scroll and simply sat down...with all eyes "fastened on him"...he began to teach them by saying, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (This account and Jesus' teaching that got him driven out of Nazareth are found in Luke 4:14-30)
The reason I write His words here is to share with you that the prophecy has truly been fulfilled! There is a way out of bondage...we do not have to live as slaves...or captives...our chains can truly be gone, just like these three young women who's pictures we see on the news this morning.
I once heard Sheila Walsh (Women of Faith Speaker) say, "Freedom is not the absence of bars, it is the Presence of God." There is truth there. Pursue Truth. Pursue Freedom, through a personal relationship with God....freedom; recovery; release...the Lord's favor! The message of hope--to a lonely generation...
These words were spoken in relation to the news story about three women kidnapped in 2002...and only now, in 2013, one escaped to draw attention to the rest in Cleveland, OH--some report that they had been chained by the waist, living in the basement of a house by three brothers for all this time.
We are completely amazed how this could have happened in twenty-first century, United States of America. The Land of the free, the Home of the brave. Some are saying that police have been led to this house at various times throughout the years, but no action was taken. How could this happen to young women, not little girls, young women, without someone noticing?
I do not have any idea how it happened, and I'm pretty sure that there are details of this incident that we will never know.
My questions range From: how could three brothers do such a thing? How could three young women 'stay'...did they even have a choice? And, where were the police investigators-- the women were reported missing--at what point did the search for them stop? Is it possible that no one saw anything, at all?
To questions along the lines of: Could this kind of thing be happening in my town, in my neighborhood? Or, in yours?
We live in a generation where no one wants to get involved. And do we, in this 21st century, really want to get to know each other? The next time you are in a busy public place just look around. People are enamored, I might go so far to say obsessed, with their cell phones--no time for face to face conversation--there must be a screen involved...(think skype, snap-chat, etc.)
On the other hand, we have information from around the world at our finger-tips through the technology of those phones. As a matter of fact, I have downloaded an app that makes my phone buzz to alert me of 'breaking news.' (the DOW hit 15,000 yesterday, for example)
And yet, our society remains uninformed...uninvolved and seemingly very lonely. It was with great shock and awe that I listened recently to a group of students arriving for their class time with loud and rude comments and gestures--the class was called Interpersonal Relationships...really.
I think of these three recently 'freed' women --free to live a life with out being chained by the waist. Certainly in bondage. But at the very same time, those students are in a form of bondage to an image they are trying to live up to--struggling to be accepted by their peers with their actions and words--only to make themselves and those around them more miserable.
We can be in bondage to our jobs, our addictions, our friends, our debt, our passions and/or our______(fill in the blank). Indeed....just about anything that captivates us to the point that we can think of little else. Indeed, we do not have to be chained by the waist in a stranger's basement to live in bondage and slavery, do we? We can walk around as 'free people' and yet live in bondage.
One Sabbath, Jesus, while standing in the synagogue in Nazareth, read these words once written by the ancient prophet, Isaiah (61:1,2)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (my emphasis)
Then he rolled up the scroll and simply sat down...with all eyes "fastened on him"...he began to teach them by saying, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (This account and Jesus' teaching that got him driven out of Nazareth are found in Luke 4:14-30)
The reason I write His words here is to share with you that the prophecy has truly been fulfilled! There is a way out of bondage...we do not have to live as slaves...or captives...our chains can truly be gone, just like these three young women who's pictures we see on the news this morning.
I once heard Sheila Walsh (Women of Faith Speaker) say, "Freedom is not the absence of bars, it is the Presence of God." There is truth there. Pursue Truth. Pursue Freedom, through a personal relationship with God....freedom; recovery; release...the Lord's favor! The message of hope--to a lonely generation...
Monday, May 6, 2013
"GRACE--More than we Deserve; Greater than we Imagine"
GRACE, the title of the most recent event in our Church's "Worship Through the Arts" effort! I was a small part of the choir yesterday, as we rehearsed for an hour, then performed for an hour, took a break, and came back to perform once more in the middle of the afternoon.
I want to pause for a moment, because his name did not even appear on the program, to acknowledge and say thank you --to Phillip Walthall. Phillip, thank you for your leadership, your courage, and for the way that you obviously are trusting God's hand of provision in this ministry of music and arts that you direct. Thanks, for allowing God to use your talents and for sharing them with the part of the Body of Christ that meets at First Baptist Church, Vincennes.
Yesterday, as I stood singing songs of worship and praise--I couldn't help but reflect on how thankful I am for the Grace that God has extended to me individually, to my family corporately and to this church that He has allowed us to currently call 'home.'
Just one of the lines we sang, and indeed the message of the Gospel, is that God has "turned my tragedy to glory--for this is my grace story!" Don't you just love that about Him!?
The effort yesterday, didn't just happen--it took thought, planning and practice. Not to mention all the logistics for setting up and tearing down--even re-locating regular Sunday morning services to the gym for the morning.
Let me be clear, though, I'm speaking from the 'third row soprano' experience. Within that experience there were hours of learning the notes, tempos, rests and timing. Not to mention learning 'how' to breathe and 'when' to breathe, as well. Phrases of the songs have played over and over in my mind these past many weeks.
The choir worked independently to memorize the words of each of song. And, then the day came--the day that no one, except maybe Phillip, was looking forward to: the day that we were to sing without books....And you see, even though it was scary to miss-call words--or not have the exact note that was written on the page--we had to keep it in perspective.
For weeks we practiced with recorded music. And, then the day came that the musicians were added; this meant that there would be no more CD accompaniment. From my chair, I could only hear drums and a little bit of the piano...and the sopranos singing on my right and on my left. Even though this sounded less than right to me, I had to trust that the sound technicians were blending it all together to make it pleasing to the audience. Indeed, if the sound had been mixed to be most pleasing to my ear, it would have sounded like a mess to the masses.
After the musicians were added, there were added these beautiful elements of worship that enhanced the words of the message the choir would sing. The choir did not have a part in preparing those that presented a message through sign language, a worship dance, solos, voice ensembles and a personal testimony. Each one, though, was placed at just the right moment to beautifully continue the timeless message of GRACE.
From lights, sound, video and video efforts to each note played by the orchestra...it was not to be for me, because I had a part--small as it was from the third row--not the whole, and that is as it should be. If I had spent my time listening for the drum to miss a beat, or for the altos to miss a note, my focus would have been on the wrong thing.
Think of it like this I could have had a miserable time yesterday if I had focused on the fact that I truly desire to learn to play violin--I could have become jealous and envious of the gifting of those that played the stringed instruments so beautifully--neglecting my part on the third row. OR, I could have played the violin yesterday, without any training or preparation, and that would not have helped the beauty of the performance in any way, in fact it would have messed it up pretty bad! I would have become completely frustrated with myself, and perhaps with God for not letting me do a different part. (not to mention a huge embarrassment to everyone involved!)
Collectively all our parts were important--because the message of GRACE was/is the most important thing--as an offering of Praise to God Almighty--the very author of GRACE.--the One who turns our tragedy to glory!
And that friends, is a microcosm of the Church--the Body of Christ, the one that He bled and died for so that we could be given this GRACE that we all sang about yesterday...and hopefully are living today!
Within the Body of Christ, the Church, we have a part, and it is uniquely ours. Many times, from our place (think third row soprano section) the work of the church looks 'off' or it doesn't 'sound right'...(someone hits a wrong note, or a part of the whole seems louder than the others)...We learn from one another--we encourage one another--but we must still be responsible for our part of the work of the Church...not comparing ourselves to the others or becoming jealous because their part looks more like something we'd like to do.
We should not be jealous or envious of each other because of our part; we need to prepare our part to the best of our practiced ability to bring glory and honor to Him. (think of my desire to play the violin)
By His grace we have been saved...by His grace we live and move and breathe..by His grace, we can be a gift to the Body.
Now GO: sing, dance, play the violin, or type words into a blog...do it all for God's Glory, because ultimately: HE Is the Audience!!
.
I want to pause for a moment, because his name did not even appear on the program, to acknowledge and say thank you --to Phillip Walthall. Phillip, thank you for your leadership, your courage, and for the way that you obviously are trusting God's hand of provision in this ministry of music and arts that you direct. Thanks, for allowing God to use your talents and for sharing them with the part of the Body of Christ that meets at First Baptist Church, Vincennes.
Yesterday, as I stood singing songs of worship and praise--I couldn't help but reflect on how thankful I am for the Grace that God has extended to me individually, to my family corporately and to this church that He has allowed us to currently call 'home.'
Just one of the lines we sang, and indeed the message of the Gospel, is that God has "turned my tragedy to glory--for this is my grace story!" Don't you just love that about Him!?
The effort yesterday, didn't just happen--it took thought, planning and practice. Not to mention all the logistics for setting up and tearing down--even re-locating regular Sunday morning services to the gym for the morning.
Let me be clear, though, I'm speaking from the 'third row soprano' experience. Within that experience there were hours of learning the notes, tempos, rests and timing. Not to mention learning 'how' to breathe and 'when' to breathe, as well. Phrases of the songs have played over and over in my mind these past many weeks.
The choir worked independently to memorize the words of each of song. And, then the day came--the day that no one, except maybe Phillip, was looking forward to: the day that we were to sing without books....And you see, even though it was scary to miss-call words--or not have the exact note that was written on the page--we had to keep it in perspective.
For weeks we practiced with recorded music. And, then the day came that the musicians were added; this meant that there would be no more CD accompaniment. From my chair, I could only hear drums and a little bit of the piano...and the sopranos singing on my right and on my left. Even though this sounded less than right to me, I had to trust that the sound technicians were blending it all together to make it pleasing to the audience. Indeed, if the sound had been mixed to be most pleasing to my ear, it would have sounded like a mess to the masses.
After the musicians were added, there were added these beautiful elements of worship that enhanced the words of the message the choir would sing. The choir did not have a part in preparing those that presented a message through sign language, a worship dance, solos, voice ensembles and a personal testimony. Each one, though, was placed at just the right moment to beautifully continue the timeless message of GRACE.
From lights, sound, video and video efforts to each note played by the orchestra...it was not to be for me, because I had a part--small as it was from the third row--not the whole, and that is as it should be. If I had spent my time listening for the drum to miss a beat, or for the altos to miss a note, my focus would have been on the wrong thing.
Think of it like this I could have had a miserable time yesterday if I had focused on the fact that I truly desire to learn to play violin--I could have become jealous and envious of the gifting of those that played the stringed instruments so beautifully--neglecting my part on the third row. OR, I could have played the violin yesterday, without any training or preparation, and that would not have helped the beauty of the performance in any way, in fact it would have messed it up pretty bad! I would have become completely frustrated with myself, and perhaps with God for not letting me do a different part. (not to mention a huge embarrassment to everyone involved!)
Collectively all our parts were important--because the message of GRACE was/is the most important thing--as an offering of Praise to God Almighty--the very author of GRACE.--the One who turns our tragedy to glory!
And that friends, is a microcosm of the Church--the Body of Christ, the one that He bled and died for so that we could be given this GRACE that we all sang about yesterday...and hopefully are living today!
Within the Body of Christ, the Church, we have a part, and it is uniquely ours. Many times, from our place (think third row soprano section) the work of the church looks 'off' or it doesn't 'sound right'...(someone hits a wrong note, or a part of the whole seems louder than the others)...We learn from one another--we encourage one another--but we must still be responsible for our part of the work of the Church...not comparing ourselves to the others or becoming jealous because their part looks more like something we'd like to do.
We should not be jealous or envious of each other because of our part; we need to prepare our part to the best of our practiced ability to bring glory and honor to Him. (think of my desire to play the violin)
By His grace we have been saved...by His grace we live and move and breathe..by His grace, we can be a gift to the Body.
Now GO: sing, dance, play the violin, or type words into a blog...do it all for God's Glory, because ultimately: HE Is the Audience!!
.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Today, I am thankful for my husband...
Yes, today I am particularly thankful for my husband. Today is our thirty-second wedding anniversary. I could only imagine what our lives would look like at this moment, as I spoke those all important vows that evening. Let me just say, even though our lives look nothing like I had anticipated back then.
Today, in particular, I remember us as truly young, with our 'future before us'--as so many of our wedding greetings indicated. We had a great support system way back then. Both our parents loved us, and our siblings--we had an amazing 'home church'--and shortly after the wedding, we found at church that would become 'ours' for the next twenty years.
We have traveled many miles, by car, plane, bus and the occasional subway. We have visited many places--interesting, beautiful and relaxing--depending on the place. Randy truly loves to 'go'...sometimes it doesn't eve matter 'where'--just away from here!
We have attended weddings of family and friends. Family reunions, while not consistently held, if there has been one planned we would usually show up. We have enjoyed deep and satisfying friendships with amazing people. Sometimes even traveling with other families to fun destinations--Colorado to ski, or 6 Flags over Mid-America--for example. And, while we love people--all kinds of people--many times we are satisfied just to be together--learning and exploring the world around us.
Our marriage would not be what it is today if we had not had children. Five daughters--WOW--it takes a special man, with nerves of steel, to live with that much estrogen...the first clue was when I woke up from a little nap, just after our first baby was born, and he was rocking this precious baby girl, our Alayna, and singing in her ear, "Every good and perfect gift, comes down from above!" He is such a good dad.
He would help on Sunday mornings with getting the girls ready--when there were only Alayna & Holly--except for hair bows & braids. When the twins joined our family, we would get together for 2am feedings--he would go downstairs to warm two bottles, I would change two diapers, and then we would both rock and feed a baby...precious memories. And, then there were five. Some of the sweetest memories of him caring for me in 'sickness' was during my recovery just after Macy was born. I was almost forty when we got to have her--I didn't 'bounce back' as quickly--he helped so much to keep everything going in the house....and worked more than 'full time' at his job.
And, then the darkest days happened....those, of course, were caused in the void in our home that losing little Macy brought. But, we faced it together, tears in our eyes, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder...and we recognized it for what it was: an attack from our enemy to try to destroy us. We came through it, closer than ever--but it aged us a lot. And, for that I can be thankful, I think.
And then after a time, our mourning was truly turned to joy, as our family grew some more. We are so thankful for our son-in-law...the understanding and humor that he brings to our family, as the love of Alayna's life, mean that we are blessed beyond measure. And, while their marriage is a gift to our family at large...it is their family as a whole, including their three precious children that complete the gift that they are to us. While Will, Ally and Anna do not 'replace' Macy--they certainly fill the void! And, it is amazing to have their artwork to enjoy! And watch as they grow and learn.
And so, while each day of the past thirty two years has not been complete bliss...I would be correct in saying that each day over the past thirty two years has had some source of laughter in it...and lots of "I love you"'s in it...and that helps make this life worth living. Even through hard moments, we have tried to cheer each other up, and remind each other that we do, truly, love each other!
Today, in particular, I remember us as truly young, with our 'future before us'--as so many of our wedding greetings indicated. We had a great support system way back then. Both our parents loved us, and our siblings--we had an amazing 'home church'--and shortly after the wedding, we found at church that would become 'ours' for the next twenty years.
We have traveled many miles, by car, plane, bus and the occasional subway. We have visited many places--interesting, beautiful and relaxing--depending on the place. Randy truly loves to 'go'...sometimes it doesn't eve matter 'where'--just away from here!
We have attended weddings of family and friends. Family reunions, while not consistently held, if there has been one planned we would usually show up. We have enjoyed deep and satisfying friendships with amazing people. Sometimes even traveling with other families to fun destinations--Colorado to ski, or 6 Flags over Mid-America--for example. And, while we love people--all kinds of people--many times we are satisfied just to be together--learning and exploring the world around us.
Our marriage would not be what it is today if we had not had children. Five daughters--WOW--it takes a special man, with nerves of steel, to live with that much estrogen...the first clue was when I woke up from a little nap, just after our first baby was born, and he was rocking this precious baby girl, our Alayna, and singing in her ear, "Every good and perfect gift, comes down from above!" He is such a good dad.
He would help on Sunday mornings with getting the girls ready--when there were only Alayna & Holly--except for hair bows & braids. When the twins joined our family, we would get together for 2am feedings--he would go downstairs to warm two bottles, I would change two diapers, and then we would both rock and feed a baby...precious memories. And, then there were five. Some of the sweetest memories of him caring for me in 'sickness' was during my recovery just after Macy was born. I was almost forty when we got to have her--I didn't 'bounce back' as quickly--he helped so much to keep everything going in the house....and worked more than 'full time' at his job.
And, then the darkest days happened....those, of course, were caused in the void in our home that losing little Macy brought. But, we faced it together, tears in our eyes, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder...and we recognized it for what it was: an attack from our enemy to try to destroy us. We came through it, closer than ever--but it aged us a lot. And, for that I can be thankful, I think.
And then after a time, our mourning was truly turned to joy, as our family grew some more. We are so thankful for our son-in-law...the understanding and humor that he brings to our family, as the love of Alayna's life, mean that we are blessed beyond measure. And, while their marriage is a gift to our family at large...it is their family as a whole, including their three precious children that complete the gift that they are to us. While Will, Ally and Anna do not 'replace' Macy--they certainly fill the void! And, it is amazing to have their artwork to enjoy! And watch as they grow and learn.
And so, while each day of the past thirty two years has not been complete bliss...I would be correct in saying that each day over the past thirty two years has had some source of laughter in it...and lots of "I love you"'s in it...and that helps make this life worth living. Even through hard moments, we have tried to cheer each other up, and remind each other that we do, truly, love each other!
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