The Christian life really is a journey. The imagery of hiking a trail really espouses the Christian journey. There is an entry point to the trail – for me it was when I was 16 and I said yes to Jesus. But that yes didn’t immediately culminate in total faith and dependence on Him. No, the journey requires step by step learning and seeking Him first. Much like a baby, born into the world grows, little by little, step by step.
And gratitude is key.
Our time in the Philippines really taught me the art of gratitude – a eucharistic life – eucharistic meaning a thank-filled life.
In Luke 22:19 Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them… In the original written language, Greek, the word eucharisteo is used, meaning He gave thanks. Charis is the root of eucharisteo and it means grace.
Grace can be seen as a gift – the bread, provision of food, is a grace. This is why we say grace, or say thanks, before meals – thankful to God our provider for the provision and grace of sustenance for our bodies.
Eucharisteo has joy wrapped in there as well. Chara, a Greek word is a derivative of charis. And when I learn all this, meditate on it, I think of Ephesians 5 where we are instructed to be imitators of Christ (v1), to give thanks (v4, 20), and also in Colossians where we are instructed to set our minds on things above (3:2), and give thanks (1:12; 2:7; 3:17; 4:2).
In our daily journey, remembering what Christ has done for us and giving thanks is the essence of a eucharistic life.
Journey on in His grace and peace, giving thanks in all things (1 Thess. 5:18)
I mean, a soldier going into battle picks up his or her sword or gun and uses it to fight the enemy.
Yes, he or she gets exhausted. Yes, he or she feels discouraged. Yes, he or she tires and thirsts, but he or she keeps fighting on for the goal of winning.
Our Christian walk is the same way. When I read about how God gave the promised land to the Israelites but they still had to fight for it, I see huge implication for our own lives as we walk with Christ while here on this earth.
Yes, He promises victory. Yes, He promises peace that passes all understanding. Yes, He promises joy (which is far different than happiness but that is a topic for another blog),
BUT,
We need to fight for these things (1 Timothy 6:11-12) – just like the Israelites fought for their promised land. They had to overthrow the inhabitants of the land and were supposed to rid the land of them (they didn’t always do that.) (Read the book of Joshua). It’s really not complicated, it’s just hard. And the song I wrote in my mid-twenties with that title reflects that reality.
It’s Not Complicated, It’s Just Hard
It’s not complicated, it’s just hard to walk the word of God in your daily life. To walk and talk and love and shine the light of God around; It’s not complicated, it’s just hard. (Hebrews 10:19-39; Matthew 7:14).
1. But Jesus has promised to guide us (John 16:13) With Him all things work together for the good (Romans 8:28) Though at times we’ll trip and fall, just get up and heed His call (Psalm 37:23-24) A righteous man falls seven times and gets up again! (Proverbs 24:16)
2. So press on, press on for the mark of the high calling in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:12-14) Satan will try to sway you but just keep your eyes on God (Hebrews 12:1-2) He’s the solid rock to build your life upon! (Psalm 18 – just one of many passages about Christ being our solid rock. Check your concordance!)
3. The Holy Spirit will convict you, and He will help you to grow (John 14:26) From glory to glory as we mature in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) A perfect vessel we shall be to honor Him! (2 Corinthians 4:7-18).
by Beth Bottomley (Symanzik), 1985
In my twenties I spent some time in a Christian psychiatric hospital for depression and anorexia. It was there I started learning how to apply God’s Word to the dailyness of life, to various struggles. It was there I saw the marching around Jericho as a metaphor for how we need to march around our issues, our struggles, and trust that God will bring the wall down, the stronghold down. Our strongholds and addictions may not fall as fast as we’d like them to but in all the struggle and the waiting God is moving, growing us into His likeness, and always faithful.
The song, Do It Again performed by Elevation Music, really sums up the struggle and the trust.
Walking around these walls I thought by now they’d fall But you have never failed me yet Waiting for change to come Knowing the battle’s won For you have never failed me yet
Promise still stands Great is your faithfulness, faithfulness I’m still in your hands This is my confidence You’ve never failed me yet
I know the night won’t last Your word will come to pass My heart will sing your praise again Jesus you’re still enough Keep me within your love My heart will sing your praise again
Your promise still stands Great is your faithfulness, faithfulness I’m still in your hands This is my confidence You’ve never failed
Your promise still stands Great is your faithfulness, faithfulness I’m still in your hands This is my confidence You’ve never failed me yet
I’ve seen you move, you move the mountains And I believe I’ll see you do it again You made a way, when there was no way And I believe I’ll see you do it again I’ll see you do it again
Your promise still stands Great is your faithfulness, faithfulness I’m still in your hands You’ve never failed me yet You’ve never failed me yet
I never will forget You’ve never failed me yet I never will failed
I’ve seen you move, you move the mountains And I believe I’ll see you do it again You made a way, when there was no way And I believe I’ll see you do it again
from the album Speak Revival · Copyright: Writer(s): Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, Matthew James Redman, Christopher Brown
Jeremiah 6:16 tells us to Stand by the roads and look and ask for the ancient paths where the good way is and walk in it and find rest for your souls.
Rest comes in seeking God FIRST in ALL our ways, every moment of every day – whether it’s changing diapers, working at a job, doing household chores, running errands, studying, interacting with others,…. Every moment, having our eyes set on Him, is the way forward.
Acts 14:22b tells us through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Life can be difficult. People can be difficult. Battles are hard. I don’t mean to sound callous or uncaring. I desire to come alongside and help other soujourners on this path of life Christ has each of us on. We are called to come alongside each other and encourage, build up, support (See Romans 15, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). So I’m encouraging and exhorting that giving in to feelings and thoughts that are contrary to God’s Word and then wondering why faith isn’t working leads to frustration and despair.
And our God is a God of hope (Romans 15).
So, if depression is the ‘enemy’, fight it. Choose to give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Get medicine to take. Exercise. Seek therapy. Deal with issues honestly. (See https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm for more info.) But choose to not give in to the negative talk wanting you to hide in your room or telling you to take your own life.
If overeating is your issue, or compulsive spending, or gossiping, or whatever your besetting sin is ….choose to walk in balance and not compulsion. Find a support group (they are still available online in this day of social distancing). Talk with a counselor. Join Weight Watchers. Get the help and support needed to fight the battle, but, fight. It’s going to be difficult. At times you will slip and fall. Ask God for wisdom. He gives us counsel and in the night our hearts will instruct us (Psalm 16:7).
We will gain ground in the fight but we will not necessarily ever win the war totally in this lifetime. We do see in a mirror dimly now, but in Him we press on and grow in His way (1 Corinthians 13:12).
I heard this song this morning for the first time and it really spoke what I feel regarding my children. So I share here the link for you to listen to and the lyrics. As a parent, I know I’ve failed my kids, just like his lyrics reflect in the third verse, and I desire deeply for my kids to know how much I love them, but more so, how much God loves them, loves each of us, just as we are. Amazing Grace!
“Song For My Children” by David Barnes
I swear sometimes I miss you Like I’m already gone Your little laugh, the sunset on your face I hope I’m years and years from leaving A good ways ’til goodbye There’s things I need to tell you just in case
May your life be long Your friendships deep May your heart be kind and true I pray you know the peace of God And how dearly I love you
I thought that I was living Until you came along Now all of you are all a part of me Every breath you take, a blessing Every smile a gift to me Every day with you is twice as sweet
May your life be long Your friendships deep May your heart be kind and true I pray you know the peace of God And how dearly I love you
Someday you may need forgive me For the things that I’ve done wrong You can blame me for the things I’ve handed down But I beg you see my brokenness Is how the light got in Amazing grace, oh how sweet the sound
May your life be long Your friendships deep May your heart be kind and true I pray you know the peace of God And how dearly I love you
To be honest, I’ve been struggling a bit with depression and unmotivation.
I’ve also been pondering and praying about all that is going on in this country I live in – my heart grieves for the lack of justice provided to people of colour. I grieve along with all the families who’ve lost loved ones to police brutality.
I’m appalled at people’s lack of respect for each other and how wearing a face mask, something so normal and everyday in Asian countries, is seen as a political and angry flashpoint. While living in the Philippines, people wore face masks for various reasons – air pollution, not wanting to share germs they had with others, not wanting to get germs from others – it’s just a polite, kind thing to do. The over-individualistic mentality of the USA is irritating to me. I grieve for those who’ve been killed or hurt doing their job asking shoppers to wear masks. The overreaction to a basic courtesy is appalling. (See https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/08/retail-workers-masks-coronavirus/)
Filipinos wearing face masks.
(Just a thought that’s been swirling in my head is this: So, I need to assume those who find wearing face masks as somehow obstructing their personal rights and feel they are to constricting for breathing don’t wear scarves around their face in the winter, either.)
So, in all this time of personal unsettledness, along with the unsettled state of the USA, there’s a song that’s been playing through my head and I share now the lyrics with you along with some personal thoughts after each verse:
Christ Is Mine Forevermore (CCLI 7036096)
Mine are days that God has numbered
I was made to walk with Him
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings
But mine is hope in my Redeemer
Though I fall, his love is sure
For Christ has paid for every failing
I am His forevermore
A main reason for the depression I’ve struggled with lately is that over the past few months, several circumstances have arisen that would not have been such an issue if we had money in our savings account. Living overseas on a tight budget depleted much of our savings and also a rekindling of a compulsive spending issue in the past few years has put on much credit card debt. Since turning 60 in April I’ve really been finally, honestly, grappling with this issue and working on the 12 steps of Debtors Anonymous. I’ve finally admitted to a trusted friend the depth of this issue and am working actively to live on budget and not on impulse. The first verse of this song reminds each of us as believers that though we fall and fail, God never gives up on us. Psalm 145:14 reminds us that The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
Mine are tears in times of sorrow
Darkness not yet understood
Through the valley I must travel
Where I see no earthly good
But mine is peace that flows from heaven
And the strength in times of need
I know my pain will not be wasted
Christ completes his work in me
I’ve traveled many dark paths in my life and yet, what I’ve found as I grow and mature in Christ is a peace that does pass all understanding resting in His hand in the middle of the storm, and in the darkest times. We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) and He walks us through every trial and valley (Psalm 23).
Mine are days here as a stranger
Pilgrim on a narrow way
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for his name
But mine is armour for this battle
Strong enough to last the war
And he has said he will deliver
Safely to the golden shore
On our pilgrimage here we may encounter animosity, anger, harm, hatred for being a Christian. But to set one’s mind on His provision of armour for the battle is solid ground to stand on. Ephesians 6:10-18 lays out our battle armour for us.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Our treasure, our peace, our comfort, encouragement, hope and eternal life are in Christ alone. Ours is to seek Him first in all our ways (Matthew 6:33). Read, also, Psalm 145 and the book of Romans.
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For his love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore!
This final bridge reminds me of David’s words in Psalm 42:11: Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
So, my goal is not to be so silent at blogging anymore. I have much to write about, books to recommend, recipes for you all to try, thoughts to share…..
I’ve been trying to sort my thoughts over all that is going on in the world, and specifically in the USA – the lack of leadership from the presidential office, the divisiveness and racism he exudes, the wrongful murder of George Floyd by a white police man, the pandemic, economic uncertainty, killer hornets, locusts invasions in Africa…and I feel a sense of awe to be living in this time when God is actively rendering His judgment on the earth, on the USA.
He’s been playing his trump card in this poker game of life and He wins.
He always wins (Revelation 22).
Ours is to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
He ordains who is in office and what happens (Daniel 2:21).
We can rest like a weaned child against His breast (Psalm 131).
And no matter what happens, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20).
He never leaves (John 14:18-21).
Now is the call for the endurance of the saints (Revelation 13:10; 14:12).
To think that all these events could be leading to the day when we see Jesus return excites me, just to be honest. It also puts me in deep prayer for loved ones, for this country, for the world. Such unrest and unsettled times.
But this is not time to give in to anxiety and fear. This is the time to work out one’s own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). This is the time to pursue peace (1 Peter 3:11), to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind (1 Peter 3 : 8). This is not the time to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary to bless, for this is what we were called to (1 Peter 3: 9).
And, as Steve Green reminds us in his song, Rest, the Lord is near, refuse to fear, enjoy His love.
No matter what is happening, seek first God and His Kingdom – pursue His way – and He will grant peace.
I miss the bahala na attitude of the Philippines. While some could construe this as a fatalistic, pessimistic mindset, it’s real meaning is a resting trust in God’s providential leading and ordaining of circumstances. While living in the Philippines I witnessed many Filipino friends live out Jesus’ mandate to let today’s own troubles be sufficient for today (Matthew 6:34) in a most uplifting, positive sense of bahala na.
“Bahala na” is a philosophical expression Filipinos used when they are confronted with problems. They will say “Bahala Na”, meaning “come what may,” “whatever will be, will be,” ‘leave it to God’, like the Spanish word “que sera, sera”.
“Bahala na”,comes from the phrase Bathala na, where Bathala means God. Bahala also means trust or custody. Na is used as an adverb of time just like already. So it can literally be translated as God already or God will take care already. It is used in the context of “Trust in God”, “God will take control”,“Leave it to God” because God will provide. In a sense, it can be construed as a negative attitude in life, a defeatist or fatalistic attitude where you are only willing to do so much and leave the rest to God. Some people believe it makes you irresponsible, careless and lazy. On the other hand, it stops you from worrying about your problem during uncertain times. It relieves stress knowing you did everything you could and God will take control of the rest.
The United States culture is filled with people looking for someone else to blame, some lawsuit to file, some entitled attitude to be met at cost to others. Blaming a country, a person, a response time for the spread of covid-19 is senseless really. We would do well to incorporate the positive bahala na attitude into our Western culture. Filipinos, an extremely resilient people who’ve faced many ongoing struggles, as well as seasonal ones such as typhoons, and the random, unpredictable earthquakes live out a positive form of bahala na, accepting what is as the hand of God in their lives, and are not looking for others to sue.
When faced with challenging situations, Filipinos can do a daring act and they leave everything to God hoping God will take care of them. They accept what comes their way, appreciate what they have, and God will take care of the rest. In time of tragedy, they are not easily discouraged. They know they have done their best and with a strong faith, they leave everything to God, knowing God is on their side. True, the term signifies an attitude intended to surrender to fate which can be construed as a negative attitude but it enables them to take a chance and accept what fate has to offer. It can also be viewed as a positive thinking, in the sense that it gives them strength and confidence to tackle any job head on in the hope that everything will turn out for the best if God wills it.
Great peace lies in accepting what is rather than wishing for what is not.
(Read 1 Peter 3: 8 – 12 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called…. And
Colossians 3: 12 – 17 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.)
God’s holy word, tells us God directs the affairs of humanity. We can trust in His leading and providence. 2 Chronicles 10:15 says, so the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the Lord might fulfill His Word.
Daniel 2: 20 – 22 states “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
Romans 13:1 tells us Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God
There is great peace in knowing that Christ, our solid rock, is in control of all that happens. Faith in God’s promises is not expressed in human passivity but in active obedience.
Everyday, every moment of our life, no matter what is happening in our world personally, familially, nationally, globally, is a good time to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3) and seek Him first in all things (Matthew 6:33).
I enjoy baking. Yesterday I made a double batch of caramel corn for our family movie night. Thought I’d share the recipe with you!
Caramel Popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts popped popcorn
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place popcorn in large bowl.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.
Place in two large shallow baking dishes (like a 9×13 OR use one large roasting pan) and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Today is my 60th birthday. My family had planned a party for me but with the state and nation in the throes of shelter-in-place that’s not happening. Between Covid-19 and turning 60 I feel emboldened to share stories from my life for encouragement to others, hope, and posterity.
In the course of my life I’ve gone from a head knowledge of knowing Jesus loves me to a deep heart-solid-foundation knowing that Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Oh the peace that comes with knowing I am truly loved just as I am.
As Jonathon Edwards says, “Of all the knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of ourselves, are the most important.”
I used to think God was angry, disapproving and disappointed with me. I felt like I had to be perfect, make others happy, and be whoever or whatever others wanted. Religion promotes that type of self hatred – like the pharisees with all their dos and don’ts. Legalists still maintain that pharisaical bent – scrutinizing, judging, tightly controlling. But I agree with Bono, lead singer of the U2 band, who said, “Religion is what happens when God leaves the building.” Religion is not where God is. Religion does not reflect our merciful God at all. He is not a stern task master. He is relational and offers grace and love. There is freedom in His love.
I am not religious. I am a follower of Christ, His disciple.
“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion. God’s love for you and his choice of you constitute your worth. Accept that, and let it become the most important thing in your life.” ~ Brennan Manning
Since I was little I’ve felt compelled to search for God. I always had a sense He was around. In fourth grade I received a Bible from the church we attended and read it cover to cover. I fell in love with the Psalms then – David, a man after God’s own heart, raged, despaired, praised, asked for the death of his enemies, fell down in sin, rose back up to praise God in the hard. I also remember around this time beginning to think that a true relationship with Christ had to be far different from the hypocrisy I saw at church and in life at home. I felt a longing, like something was missing and I wanted to really know Christ and God. So, I read my Bible, was involved in youth group, attended Billy Graham events, and when I was 16 accepted Christ as my Saviour.
A short while later He gave me Matthew 6:33 as my life verse – to seek Him first in all my ways. My life has been a tenacious, compelling growing in Him, a seeking to answer the question, “How do I seek God first in all things?” And growth as His disciple, studying His Word, learning how to build my life – every aspect of it – on His Word – incorporating His Word in every moment, seeking Him first in all things is a continual, daily, joy-filled path to walk. Mind you, it’s not an easy path and I haven’t done it perfectly, but our loving Abba God doesn’t ask for perfection, just for humbleness and honesty, a continual desire to learn more of Him. I am broken, beautifully, by His design. His grace is there. I don’t have to be ‘all together.’ Growing as Christ’s disciple requires tenacity and wrestling. Strong, audacious, authentic faith comes in the wrestling, in the questions, in tenaciously falling uphill. I see it like soldiers fighting their way up hill – it’s a rough, bloody, messy climb of sliding and regaining ground. But victory awaits and that joy compels forward movement.
“What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness. Buffeted by the fickle winds of failure, battered by their own unruly emotions, and bruised by rejection and ridicule, authentic disciples may have stumbled and frequently fallen, endured lapses and relapses, gotten handcuffed to the fleshpots and wandered into a far country. Yet, they kept coming back to Jesus.” ~ Brennan Manning
There is joy in the journey!
I’ve learned along the way to ask questions. I’ve learned along the way to accept who I am as I am. God does this with me. How can I love my neighbor as myself if I don’t love myself? I’m continually learning to enjoy His love. I’ve learned to ask myself almost continually, “how can I incorporate God’s Word and way in this situation?” This is living out the command to seek Him first in all my ways (Matthew 6:33). I’ve learned along the way it’s okay to admit vulnerability, have boundaries, and slow down. I’ve learned the value of contemplative living, of feeling and dealing, of living mindfully seeing Him in every moment of every day. And, I’m still learning all that and more.
I’m thankful for authors like Elisabeth Elliott, Dan Allender, Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen, Ken Boa, John Ortberg and others who help me grow in Christ.
“Do you believe that the God of Jesus loves you beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity—that he loves you in the morning sun and in the evening rain—that he loves you when your intellect denies it, your emotions refuse it, your whole being rejects it. Do you believe that God loves without condition or reservation and loves you this moment as you are and not as you should be?…..The ragamuffin who sees his life as a voyage of discovery and runs the risk of failure has a better feel for faithfulness than the timid man who hides behind the law and never finds out who he is at all.” Brennan Manning – The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Burned Out, Beat Up, and Bedraggled.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
I think in songs often and Steve Green’s song, Rest, sums up this little contemplative tome:
Rest, the Lord is near; Refuse to fear, enjoy His love Trust, His mighty power Fills every hour, of all your days
Chorus: There is no need For needless worry; With such a Savior, You have no cause to ever Doubt, His perfect Word Still reassures, in any trial
Rest, the Lord is there, Lift up your prayer, For He is strong Trust, He’ll bring release And perfect peace, will calm your mind
(Chorus) Call Him If you grow frightened; Call Him, With loving care He’ll lift the burden and you’ll Rest, the Lord is near, Refuse to fear, enjoy His love Trust, His might power Fills every hour, of all your days Rest, the Lord is near Refuse to fear, enjoy His love
Enjoy His Love and Seek Him First! For the remainder of my days I choose to be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. I choose to count the patience of our Lord as salvation…I choose to take care that I not be carried away with the error of lawless people and lose my own stability. I choose to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (based on 2 Peter 3:14-18).
I really enjoy the ministry of Ken Boa. Today he put out a short video of beautiful spring flowers and Bible verses. I just wanted to share it with you all.
In this time of social distancing, shelter-in-place, covid-19 pandemic, my thoughts go to wanting to make sure you, my children, know a few things from my momma-heart. You each have been the inspiration for me starting this blog.
None of us know the number of our days, only God does (Psalm 90:12). So this is my letter to you,my children, for whenever my voice is silenced and my soul goes to Eternity with my Saviour.
Psalm 145 states that one generation should proclaim God’s mighty works to the next. I have tried to do that as a mom. I know I have failed often. I know God’s grace and love reaches far beyond any mistakes and failures on my part. But I have always tried, in my human imperfection, to point you each to Jesus as the solid rock of life.
I have learned many things in my life time, but the greatest is that the only solid rock to base life upon is God and His Word. This is not a trifle. This is reality. His Word is where rubber meets the road. His Word is the foundational guide for every aspect, every struggle, every joy of life.
There are two songs that speak so eloquently what I’d like to say to each of you. The first song is “I Hope You Dance” by LeeAnn Womack: The main takeaway from this song is to go for the gusto – don’t let fear hold you back. If I had let fear hold me back I would’ve never lived, never loved and married, never had had children, never moved overseas to a mission field in the Philippines, never would’ve directed choirs, volunteered for various activities, never written. No. Don’t let fear hold you back. Run at your fears as David ran at Goliath. God provides strength and hope. He understands our struggles, comforts and guides us. His Word is our solid rock.
“I Hope You Dance”
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance Never settle for the path of least resistance Livin’ might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’ Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance I hope you dance, I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance, I hope you dance I hope you dance, I hope you dance I hope you dance, I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone)
Another song that speaks my heart to you, is “The Words I Would Say” by SideWalk Prophets. Many times throughout the years we were separated as family, either with one or two daughters in the states while we were overseas, or I in the states away from family in the Philippines, I’d be up early in the morning. And what this song voices is what I would do – pick up pen and page, pray, ponder what I want my children to know – which is “Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You’re gonna do great things I already know. God’s got His hand on you so don’t live life in fear; forgive and forget (or I’d say, one never truly forgets wrongs but chooses not to hold on to them. If you hold on to the hurts it only torments you.); and don’t forget why you’re here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say.”
Doing great things doesn’t mean big, flashy, the whole world knows, or lights-on-broadway, or famous in media – no, great things is doing what God asks you to do, being faithful to the moment you are in, being kind to your spouse or sibling or neighbor or store clerk or whoever you encounter, thinking about others and not just yourself, being and encourager, offering hope and help, being thankful in every moment no matter if it’s easy or a hard time, leaning on Jesus in all your ways. These are the words I would say.
“The Words I Would Say”
Three in the morning and I’m still awake so I picked up a pen and a page. And I started writing just what I’d say if we were face to face
I’d tell you just what you mean to me Tell you these simple truths
Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You’re gonna do great things I already know God’s got his hand on you so don’t live life in fear forgive and forget but don’t forget why you’re here Take your time and pray These are the words I would say
Last time we spoke you said you were hurting and I felt your pain in my heart I want to tell you that I keep on praying Love will find you where you are
I know ’cause I’ve already been there So please hear these simple truths
Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You’re gonna do great things I already know God’s got his hand on you so don’t live life in fear forgive and forget but don’t forget why you’re here Take your time and pray These are the words I would say
From one simple life to another I will say Come find peace in the Father
Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You’re gonna do great things I already know God’s got his hand on you so don’t live life in fear forgive and forget but don’t forget why you’re here Take your time and pray Thank God for each day His love will find a way These are the words I would say.
And, I need to close this letter with sharing the lyrics to the hymn that means so much to me.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in ev’ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]
3 His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]
4 When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found, dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]
Darkness will hide His face. But He hasn’t left you.
Storms and gales will blow. But He is there.
His oath (His Word), His Covenant, His blood do support us in the whelming flood.
Hope will give way, soul will feel so weak beyond hope of renewing strength, but hold on.
He is our only hope and stay.
Loving each of you with all my heart and pointing each of you to Christ, our solid rock,
(former) MISSIONARY MUSINGS 