The Historian in Me (Birthdays II)

I know, I know... I should be in bed. I was reviewing my blog, though (lots of history here), and I thought I should update you on my birthday celebrations of the last five years:

2006 - Worlds of Fun in KC
2007 - Red Rock (my fav), then back to Matt's for cake and ice cream with add'l friends.
2008 - P.F. Chang's with friends after dealing with a lunatic all through the previous night
2009 - Joint party with Jubilee (roomie) & JPH, cooked out with 50 of our closest friends
2010 - In the Raw with the small group guys, semi-surprise coffee after, Garlic Rose & Catan with friends.

Germs

I've often said over the years that "I don't believe in germs." I say this because I have a(n untested) theory that my immune system is strong due to daily interaction with the world around me. I suppose I'm also too lazy to properly protect myself from all the things I'm told to protect myself. I also believe that children who are "too protected" from the elements don't build up any tolerance to otherwise minor irritants.

Jump to a couple weeks ago when I met my first micro-biologist. I told him he would probably refute my disbelief in germs. Although his first instinct was to correct me... (He spends every day looking at bacteria through a microscope.)... he actually ended up confirming it. He said that the word "germ" is thrown around by people who are more likely talking about bacteria, fungi, etc., but there's really no such thing as a "germ." 

See... I didn't need a degree in micro-biology to know that!  ;)

For the Love of a Good Book

So I was chatting online with my brother the other day. We somehow wandered into talking about the Old Testament in the Bible. I was sharing some of my recent reflections on Job when he asked a question that 1) flattered me, 2) challenged me and 3) honestly... surprised me:

"I remember back when you were in HS at night, you'd usually be sitting in on your bed reading your bible. I assume you have phases where you're really good about doing that, and others where it's really easy to just go to bed. What keeps you doing it?"

Wow... that may be the highest compliment of my life. It was very humbling, though, because I feel like it paints an unfair picture of me. He's right... there are probably more times when I'm not good about spending time in God's Word. And, even the times I'm digging in to God's Word, I realize I'm often not spending time with Him personally through prayer.

In response to his question, my first thought was to mention the helpfulness of accountability. (It can be helpful!) This saddened me, though, because it seems like such a legalistic approach to reading the Bible. But, as I was typing that I realized how much I really do LOVE God's Word. It's something I'm truly passionate about it, and I can see how it's changed me over the years. There are specific lessons I remember learning based on simply reading the Word. A few examples:

Job - you just read about that below.
Ezekiel - GOD'S will for my life often won't match MY will for my life.
Matthew 6 - When I worry, my actions say "God, I don't trust you." I don't want my life to say that!
Ecclesiastes - Bad/sad times will come. That's just the way life is.
Acts 2 - The Church is a beautiful thing WHEN it's functioning with Christ as its head.
(I could go on.)

Point is... I'm never more passionate than when I'm sharing with others what I'm learning about God through His Word and how it impacts my life. I never stopped to think about that before, so... thanks, Bro, for your question. I hope our conversation impacted you, too.  :) 

I KNEW it!

Original Job post.

Job, again?

I'm reviewing some of my blog posts, and I find it difficult to believe I've never blogged about the story of Job. I've been fascinated with it for some time... especially the last four or five chapters.

There's so much to say, but unfortunately I don't have much time to write tonight. I will, however, point out a couple of things I noticed in this reading that never sunk in before.

1) Job 40:8 (one of my favorite verses in Job) - God finally responds to Job's pleas by asking, "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?" OUCH!! But, he goes on (v. 9-14 ) to tell Job (in the words of Bob Burch), "if you've got 'justice' all figured out, then why don't YOU dispense it." It reminds me a bit of the time my Dad turned the tables on me and my sister. He was ready to spank us both and added that famous phrase which parents love, "this will hurt me more than it hurts you." My response was probably something like, "yea, right." My Dad responded, in his wisdom, by handing me the belt and asking me to spank him. That was quite sobering and taught me a very valuable lesson. Like Job, it's easy for me to challenge someone when I'm not in his position and don't carry his responsibility.

2) In all of God's response (Job 38-41), He never tells Job WHY he suffered. It's nice to know the "whys" in life, but many times we never get the answer. I wonder if the lesson is that, even without the "why," we're supposed to trust that God is good and just, that He loves us and that He's in control.

3) Finally, upon reading through Job this time, I noticed a date I had written in the margin of my Bible. I had highlighted these two verses: (27) "The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me." (31) "My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of wailing." To be honest, it took me quite awhile to determine what I was suffering through at that time. It was another reminder, though. Like Job, when we're in the middle of the struggle, it seems like the world is ending and we'd be better off dead (or never having been born)! But, those are usually only seasons in our life. Years later we nearly even forget them. Once they're in the past, we gain more perspective and see the low points balanced with the joys in life.  Just like the Proverb (30:5) says, "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

Birthday

I spoke with a couple guys about my blog tonight, which motivated me to make a brief update. (It's nearly 1am, so I won't write long.) My birthday was this past week. When my friends asked what I wanted to do, I simply asked to go out to a nice dinner and play games after. That didn't specifically happen ON my birthday; however, my birthday was on a Wednesday this year, which is our small group night. Instead of our weekly trip to Village Inn for Bible study and free pie, a few of us went to dinner. It was me and four guys (go figure). We had sushi, which I haven't had in quite some time. I especially enjoyed the spicy tako (octopus) salad. Yum!

After dinner we went over to Starbucks. I know, I know... I think I've gotten a bad rap as a Starbucks girl. I actually enjoy supporting more local coffee shops; HOWEVER... the best outdoor seating at a Tulsa coffee shop, imho, is the Starbucks at 61st & Yale. And, it was absolutely perfect for a come-and-go birthday party. Apparently someone threw out a Facebook invitation. (I spoiled the surprise slightly by inviting people personally through a Facebook status earlier in the day.) But, it was great. Something like 30+ people came out to enjoy coffee, cake and ice cream with me! They also had a giant card that everyone signed for me. I had Gathering-friends, tennis friends, former and current roommates and on.

Toward the end of the night, I was cleaning up and offered some left over cupcakes/cake to a couple of gentlemen who had been sitting near us. They asked me what the group was. I thought for a second and said "well... it's my birthday, and all of these people are my friends." They commented on what a neat group it seemed to be. For whatever reason that small comment made me realize how incredibly blessed I am to have so many people who care for me and would take time out of their busy lives to come celebrate me for an evening.

Other highlights of the bday celebrations were: the family August birthday celebrations in KC, birthday breakfast with Jessica. (The guy at OSBC gave me a free cookie!) And then a couple days after my birthday I had dinner with a few friends at the Garlic Rose, which was chased with two rousing games of Catan. (I lost both!)

It's been a year of transition, and I've been trying to decide where I fit. But... it's been nice in the midst of that to be reminded that I'm loved by so many people. God has definitely been good to me.

In the Cave

Told a friend tonight that part of me wanted to crawl in a hole and the other part of me really needed a hug. Then this psalm popped up on my radar. It's like God can read my thoughts or something. (duh!)

Psalm 142

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer. ^[a]

 ¹ I cry aloud to the LORD;
       I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  ² I pour out my complaint before him;
       before him I tell my trouble.
 ³ When my spirit grows faint within me,
       it is you who know my way.
       In the path where I walk
       men have hidden a snare for me.
 ⁴ Look to my right and see;
       no one is concerned for me.
       I have no refuge;
       no one cares for my life.
 ⁵ I cry to you, O LORD;
       I say, "You are my refuge,
       my portion in the land of the living."
 ⁶ Listen to my cry,
       for I am in desperate need;
       rescue me from those who pursue me,
       for they are too strong for me.
 ⁷ Set me free from my prison,
       that I may praise your name.
       Then the righteous will gather about me
       because of your goodness to me.

Things that bother me - #2

I don't know if this bothers me as much as it amuses me. There's a radio commercial I've heard several times for Wholesale Computers here in Tulsa. The character in these commercials is called "The Bargain Hunter," and he's basically a rip-off of Steve Erwin, The (late) Crocodile Hunter. But, he talks with the same thick Australian accent.

The commercial begins with a phone call between someone needing computer support and an Indian-sounding tech support guy. The interaction is that the guy calling in is frustrated because he can't understand the tech guy, because his English is not great. In steps (talks) the Bargain Hunter who tries to empathize with everyone who's ever had a similar experience of not being able to understand on-line tech support (who are often outsourced). But, whoever prepared the commercial seemed to miss the fact that The Bargain Hunter speaks with a VERY thick accent and could be equally difficult to understand.

Just seem ironic to me. Or poorly conceived, anyway.

Psalm 116:8-9

"For you, O LORD, have delivered 

my soul from death, 

my eyes from tears, 

my feet from stumbling, 

that I may walk before the LORD 

in the land of the living."

Sometimes we understand the benefits of salvation only in an eternal (after-death) sense, but I like that these verses go beyond that... to indicate the benefits of knowing and relying on God in THIS life. He delivers my eyes from tears. I no longer have to stumble through life. I can now be in the presence of God Almighty here on Earth - today, right now, forever... because I walk in righteousness as a result of God's mercy and Christ's sacrifice! How d'ya like THEM apples?! 

Things that bother me - #1

There are strange things that often plague my mind. I thought I'd share one (or two) right now.

The Office Bathroom

The bathroom is actually very clean... no strange odors. There are two posters on the inside door of each bathroom stall. The first is a poster issued (presumably) by the CDC. At one place on this "Germ Stoppers" poster it says, "Be a germ stopper... at work and home." The word "work" doesn't match the font on the rest of the page. In fact, it looks like someone hand wrote that one word. It's not that I mind, but it really bothers me not knowing why that word was changed. What did it say before? School? Did someone in our firm white it out and write over it? Was it issued by the CDC like that?

The next poster asks women not to flush "femine" products. I mean, we're a professional services firm. We couldn't figure out "feminine"? I'm not sure what bothers me more... the misspelling... or how long it took me to realize it was misspelled.  ;)

What drives you crazy?   

The Smallest Coffee Cup in the World

Okay, so I don't know for sure that this is the smallest coffee cup in the world, but it's definitely the smallest coffee cup in MY world. My parents bought it for me on some trip they were on. I think they were just surprised to find something with name (spelled correctly) on it. Oh, and I used to have a miniature collection. Either way, this little cup makes me smile. I decided to do a sort of photo shoot with it. So, without further ado...

The Tie

I went home this weekend to celebrate with my family the 20th anniversary of the church I attended during high school (and that my parents still attend). I had been looking forward to it, but I ended up enjoying it even more than I anticipated.

The church hosted a dinner and a time for sharing testimonies on Saturday. Then Sunday morning, they had a special breakfast and service. I got to sing on one of the praise teams (the "old" praise team) with my sister and a friend of ours from those days. It was so much fun harmonizing and praising God together. I enjoyed hearing what people shared about their years at the church and how it had touched their lives. I particularly appreciated an email someone read from a former member who couldn't be there. Former pastors were on-hand, including the one who was there for my high school years. Although he was the lead pastor, he invested a lot of time and energy in the youth of the church. It was a blessing catching up with him and his wife.

Sunday after church, my sister and I met up with a couple of friends (one from the church and one from our high school days) for lunch. We shared pictures, reminisced on yonder years and just had fun catching up.

The old hymn, "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" has been stuck in my mind since then. I'm always impressed by the bond shared between those who are in Christ. It doesn't matter the time or distance that stands between, we're still one in Him... and always will be! What a sweet, sweet comfort.

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

Deliverance

Just noticed there's a random wikipedia link on my post below... it links the psalm I quoted to the movie "Deliverance." Um... slight difference.  :)

Speaking of the movie Deliverance, I've always kind of wanted to see it. Every time I go canoeing, or every time the song "Dueling Banjos" plays, someone references the movie. I hate not fully understanding cultural references. However, I've been assured that I would be better off NOT seeing it. I suppose know enough of the story line to probably agree. (Though I've probably seen worse.)

Haha! This seemed fitting...

(... not to mention pretty funny!)

One of THOSE nights...

This has definitely been a season of change. Part of me is enjoying the floating along in life... not many commitments beyond work. I'm taking tennis lessons. Or, rather, I just finished my first tennis lessons. There's a marked improvement in my forehand and backhand. I have learned some of the basics of serving but am not too skilled at serving the ball properly AND not faulting. I practiced a bit tonight.

It's been kind of a lonely season. I've been praying for a friend this year. You know... a best friend. Someone to really share life with. Someone who knows me (as well as another human can know me, anyway). I feel like a lot of my friends have sorta moved on in life. I don't blame them. I most likely would have moved on too, had the opportunity presented itself. But, even as I write this, I realize that certain opportunities have come and gone, and I've elected not to seize them for whatever reason(s).

I was thinking the other day about the nature of hope... what it is, what it's not. It seems to me that hope is what allows us to keep going when we would otherwise be tempted to give up. But, there is also "false hope." It seems to give us the same ability to persevere, but it ultimately (and utterly) disappoints. And is it even really worth persevering in something if the hope you hold in it is only an illusion?

As I was debating this, I thought about Hebrews 11:1, which says "Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

We can put our hope in a lot of things, but hope misplaced will ultimately prove to be a false hope. There's only ONE object worthy of our hope, and only ONE object in which we should place our faith.

From Psalm 33...

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

NY Goals - an Update

It's 4am, and I can't think of anything better to do than blog!! ;) Actually, sleep sounds good. Problem is I was just laying there not sleeping so thought I would get on the computer.

Now that we're nine or ten weeks into the year, I thought I'd update you on my progress toward the 2010 goals...

Weight - not much progress. In fact, I got on the scales the other day and decided to march myself back to WW. I think the online eTools are very helpful. (I probably should have continue to pay for and use those after making LT member a couple of years ago.) Regardless, I hit a mtg with a friend yesterday and followed her to a Zumba class after. Then last night I went dancing. So... I'm already feeling a bit achy. But... it's a good soreness, to be sure. And, I *may* still be able to hit my original target... by May 1.

Fingernails - excellent! They're looking relatively nicely. I've tried to keep a nail file and lotion closer this year. I think that's helped. But, mainly, it's the pure will power not to bite or pick at them.

Job - got one! I took a Controller position at a local public accounting firm (though they've had me out on an audit the past few weeks).

Budget - made one! Signed up for mvelopes through Crown Financial. It's been a good way of putting together a financial plan. In fact, I already made an additional $1500 principal pmt toward my car loan. I only have about $3k outstanding.

Respect - nothing much to note... other than I've already had some opportunities to bite my lip and cheerfully dig in to projects I wouldn't have otherwise chosen. I feel like I've done a good job of voicing an opinion but not being disagreeable or disrespectful.

Is that everything? Hope so!

Why I'm His (and He is Mine)

So, God is really amazing. I hope you already know that. In case you don't, I'd like to share what I know.

First a quick note... I'm making some headway on my 2010 goals. My fingernails have grown out considerably. (I had to trim them last night!!) And, I got a job! I'm working as the Controller in a public accounting firm.

The job is totally God. I had every reason to be worried... the economy is terrible, lots of people are out of work, most companies are letting people go (not hiring!), and on and on. Also, I've been somewhat out of the typical accounting realm for six years now. But, God's peace was with me. I knew I was being obedient to Him by resigning my last position. The week I planned to resign, a recruiter (a former co-worker) called me randomly. He lined up an interview for me between Christmas and New Years. I had an offer in hand by Jan 11 and started a week later!

I could feel like a fish out of water right now. But, instead, I'm realizing how perfectly God has prepared me for this new position. I've learned a surprising amount about leadership, confidence and my own ingenuity from my job at The Gathering. I realize I'm only a couple of weeks in, but I feel fairly at home... like I'm definitely the right (unique) person for the job!

In addition to blessing me with a job and His peace, God has provided for me financially. I anticipated I may have to flex my dollars/savings here for a few weeks, since I've been working part-time at two places the past couple of weeks. But, I got paid on Friday and noted that my combined paychecks matched (nearly exactly) what I was previously making! Blessing! That could have still left me tight... because I've been used to some cushion from having a roommate. God knows what He's doing, though! Two jobs back, I had participated in an employee stock purchase program. Well... the company was just purchased, so all of my outstanding shares were paid out... over market value, mind you! And I just received the check in the mail today!! On top of that, my next paycheck will include my new salaried amount, five days of hourly pay (paid in arrears) and an hourly paycheck from The Gathering. And that will all come five days before I'm supposed to go skiing. (I had already planned the ski trip before I resigned, so was not sure how that might work financially.)

Point is: God knows exactly WHAT we need... and exactly WHEN we need it. He is Good! He is SO Good! And He is faithful. He does exactly what He says He will do.

Lights Out!

So, I was surprised last night while driving home how many people still have their Christmas lights on. I guess it's kind of nice. I mean, it's so much work to get them up. People might as well leave them up awhile. But, maybe it's just another instance of what I like to call "the Christmas Sprawl." Retailers now put out Christmas merchandise around Halloween, so I suppose it's reasonable that individuals would try to draw it out on the back end as well.

Merry (Belated) Christmas, I guess!

Thoughts on the Coming Year

As promised, a few goals I have for myself heading into this new year...

1) Down to x lbs. by May 1st.
- Join a gym as soon as I have a source of income identified. :)
- Count my WW points.

2) Take better care of my fingernails.
- Keep nail clippers, file and lotion on hand (may require a larger purse)
- Refrain from biting and picking at my nails.

3) Show greater respect to my employer and friends.
- Beware of my facial expressions
- Exercise wisdom and caution before challenging a decision

4) Get a job!!!! :)

5) Make a new budget based on my new income.
- By February, if possible.
- Finish paying off my car
- Rebuild my savings account

So without further ado... Twenty-Ten, it's on!! :)

2009, As Amended

Before I launch into the goals for 2010, I want to go back and address 2009. I may have been hormotional when I wrote the last update. Upon further reflection, I realized how blessed I've been in 2009...

RELATIONSHIPS - I dated a couple of guys this year. (That's always something to celebrate!!)

TRAVEL - I got to go to India and tell others about Christ.

PEACE - As tumultous as this year has felt, I've had a tremendous amount of peace. Even now as I've resigned one job with no other job lined up, I'm at peace when I would otherwise have expected to be panicked.

FINANCIAL - God provided a rommate and some assistance with living expenses. In addition, it's the first year in several years where I haven't had any major expenses!!

FAMILY - I was able to spend some extended time with my family over the holidays (nearly half of the last six weeks)!

CHURCH - My church blessed me greatly by allowing me to take a six-week break from my responsibilities!!!

SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING - God has taught me some new things... 1) from the book of Job I learned I should be extremely cautious when questioning him, 2) He is GOOD... even when I can't see it, 3) He is faithful to take care of me and will never leave me alone (John 16:23), 4) Respect is an act of obedience (Eph 5 and the book "Love & Respect" by Eggerichs) and 5) it's not fair to withdraw from my friends like I have this year. My response to them should be consistent and reliable.

I don't know what 2010 will hold, but 2009 was nothing to snivel at. As you can easily see, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)

Welcome to Twenty-Ten, People.

It's just after midnight, and I thought I'd welcome everyone to the new year. I have a few "resolutions," though I prefer not to call them that. Resolutions are made to be broken. So... we'll call them "goals" for this coming year. I'll post them soon. :)

Job

I was reading in Psalms yesterday and ran across this verse (33:7): "He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses." That reminded me of some of the imagery in the book of Job: (38:37) "Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens?"

So, I've been reading some of the later chapters of Job (32-42) and am amazed at some of the truths there.

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING COME FROM GOD'S SPIRIT

Elihu (son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram) rebukes Job and his friends. Since he was the youngest person there, he sat and waited until everyone else was done speaking. Finally, he spoke up...

"I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." (32:7-9)

"For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." (34:3-4)

NO ONE (EXCEPT GOD) IS PERFECT

Job claims over and over to be righteous. And, to be fair, God even refers to him as "blameless and upright" in chapter 1. But, Elihu points out that God is over all and above all... "It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust." (34:12-15)

i.e. - Man is still man... fallible and imperfect... subject to God and dependent on His mercy.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR OUR SUFFERING

Elihu explains that often it's our suffering that causes us to turn (or turn more fully) to God: "God does all these things to a man - twice, even three times - to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him." (33:29-30) "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (36:15-16)

WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN QUESTIONING GOD

Job indicts God on several counts, which include...

1) God has left him/ignored him (29:1-6, 30: 20)
2) God has attacked him/has bad intentions toward him (30:19, 21-23, 26)
3) God is unjust (27:1-6)

Check this out, though... in Job 40:8, God asks of Job, "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"

Ouch! How many times do we want to blame God, in an attempt to maintain our own righteousness? It's easy to want to point a finger at God when we're suffering. (I know I've charged God with many of the same things as Job!) BUT... God will not be mocked. If you catch yourself questioning God, I'd encourage you to take a look at Job... especially the last few chapters where God responds to Job.


What great reminders! I know I sometimes (often) I need to be put back in my place. The book of Job helps me find my way back there. :)

The Extent of My Creativity...

The KDR 2009 Christmas Card Collection:


Probably my favorite:
Classic:
Contemporary:

Ember... my littlest niece

Word of the Week: ACTUALLY

I hadn't been home long when I noticed that nearly every sentence my four-year-old niece, Natalie, utters includes the word "actually." It was pretty entertaining, and I inquired as to who she picked that up from. My sister ("Mom") replied, "Actually, I'm not sure where she picked that up." Well... it wasn't long until I heard my Mom ("Grandma") say it. Then, my brother-in law ("Dad") was caught in the act. My Dad ("Grandpa"), too. Yes, even me ("Aunt Krista") as well as the Geico Gecko on TV. It appears poor little Natalie never had a fighting chance.

Actually, it's pretty funny when you think about it! ;)

Home for the Holidays

Several weeks ago I watched my new favorite movie, "Dan in Real Life." I enjoyed the story, but even more so, I enjoyed watching the family-interaction in the movie. Dan and his three daughters joined their large, extended family for the holidays. The family spent time preparing meals, eating meals together, competing in crossword puzzles, playing football and performing in their annual talent show. It was so much fun to watch a family come together like that and truly enjoy each others' company.

I may have had a touch of that this weekend. I spent Thanksgiving (and the days surrounding it) at my parents' house in Kansas City. My brother and sister and their families were all around as well. My parents are refinishing their upstairs, so there's been lots of painting to do. When some were painting, some were watching the girls and others were preparing meals. My parents have a new hot tub, too, so we all took turns relaxing after all the hard work.

Some of my favorite memories from the weekend include the following:

Going to Grandparents' day at my eldest niece's (Erin's) school. She had written and illustrated a "story" about the time she and I went to see a movie. I'm apparently "Ant Cerest." (She's still working on her spelling.) But my head grew a bit when her teacher mentioned hearing a lot about Erin's Aunt Krista. :)

Playing with my fifteen-month old niece, Ember. She has a smile that can melt your heart. I tried to get some pictures, so I'll try to post one later. She's generally a very happy child... mainly getting upset when her mom is away or unable to hold her for some reason. I was happy to play substitute for mom from time-to-time. There's something unbelievably touching about when a young child like that prefers you over every other person around. They look into your eyes like they're looking into your soul. That may be love in its truest form.

Baking two pumpkin pies with Erin. She's just learning how to read, so she helped by reading the recipe and then helping me measure out the ingredients. She also did a great job preparing the pie crust. We also painted together this afternoon. She kept telling me I was "fake painting," because I was just cutting-in (planning to roll the walls later). The section she was doing, she did all by hand... "the old fashioned way." (I'm not sure anyone told her that she was painting the wall that would be covered up by the washer and dryer!)

Painting along side my sister, my brother, my brother-in-law and my Dad. We shared stories of old and quite a few laughs. Some of the highlights were Michelle leaning back into a wall David had painted and leaving a nice butt print. David scolded Avery (3) and Natalie (4) at some point for rough-housing in one of the newly painted rooms. He said to them, "and if you mess up these walls, are YOU going to want to repaint them?!" To which they both replied, "YES!!" :) That kind of backfired on him. John and I enjoyed some nice conversation and mended some fences that had been knocked down a long time ago.

Cooking dinner for the fam. Though I would have enjoyed painting more yesterday, I baked a couple of pies (with Erin) and then made chili for lunch/dinner. At some point Michelle pitched in and made some scrumptious cornbread to go with it. We also spent some time cleaning and straightening the house. With eleven of us packed in here, that was an unending task.

I think what I enjoyed the most was just having the whole family together and seeing everyone chip in to help out. No complaining, no whining (from the adults, anyway)... just a great sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the time together. There was also a sense of wanting to honor Mom and Dad by helping with the upstairs project. They've done so much for each of us over the last thirty-five years. They give and give and give... and, unfortunately, don't always get much back. It really was a meaningful time being able to serve them in some special ways.

So... in summary, it really has been a Happy Thanksgiving!! Maybe the best one yet!

Thanksgiving... the day(s) after

I feel like I'm mourning a bit today (and lately). Is it possible to mourn and be grateful at the same time, or is mourning simply a sign that I'm not grateful for the current blessings in my life?

And apparently I DO need a man...

... to open bottles for me, at least. I got a nice blister trying to open a bottle of soy sauce this past weekend.

But more seriously, I'm trying to make some big life decisions right now. It'd be nice to have a husband's counsel to lean on.

Missouri

So I've been in Missouri the past few days, and here are some of the interesting things I saw...

A sign on the compartment of a semi-truck that said, "Fire Putter Outter Inside."

State Fair Community College - I love the State Fair as much as the next guy, but is that (carnies, mullets, cigarette-smoking twelve year olds, etc.) the connotation you want for an institution of higher learning?

A town called "Knob Noster."

Soul Searching

I'm on a sort of soul-searching mission. I believe my purpose for being on this earth is to bring glory to God, but I realize there are millions of more specific ways I can do that.

Initial thought(s):

PEOPLE - I know my more specific role has something to do with people. (Again, duh.) But this is my second official day off from work, and I've already realized that I've been neglecting some people. I mean, I see people all the time and am drawn to be in community; however, I wonder if I've been busy meeting with people in a task-oriented (work) sense and neglecting the deeper soul-issues of meeting with people. Some things I'm thinking of tackling in the next few weeks include: reaching out to some old friends, encouraging some people around me, finding ways to thank people who have been involved in my life, being more open to people, spending some quality time with my nieces, etc. Those things get me really excited, but they're things I've failed to do much of lately.

HUMILITY - Check out John 13. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty familiar with the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I've read it a hundred times (at least) and feel like I get the point. HOWEVER, I was reading it yesterday and focused in on verse 3... "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God..." Wow! I can't imagine that... having been given ULTIMATE POWER and AUTHORITY, the FIRST thing Jesus does is to get a towel and basin, strip down and wash the feet of his friends... and even of his "enemy" (Judas). I can't imagine that would be my first instinct.

The crazy thing is, God has given us power through his Holy Spirit. In fact, in the next chapter of John, Jesus tells us that we may ask for anything in His name, and he will do it. It's easy to take that and get excited about all the selfish things i could do with that kind of power. Yet, Jesus is clear to tell us that the PURPOSE for asking things in his name is "so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."

I wish my prayers were for THAT purpose only, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, I would be drawn toward humility... toward picking up a towel and serving those around me.

Paul & Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41 (NIV)

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

I heard a sermon on this passage yesterday. And though I'm familiar with the passage, I thought the pastor added some great insights...

Paul and Barnabas were good friends. Acts 9: 26-27 explains that Paul was shunned by Jesus' disciples until Barnabas welcomed him into the circle and explained that his conversion was legitimate. It was this friendship that was brought into conflict when Paul and Barnabas were picking a team for an upcoming mission. Barnabas wanted to include his cousin, John Mark, but Paul had been burned by John Mark when he deserted a team on a previous mission. He showed either some spiritual immaturity or possibly a lack of ability to handle the pressures of this kind of mission work. The division was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas agreed to disagree and built two separate teams.

PRINCIPLE #1: The MISSION is greater than the CONFLICT.

There may be a time to break relationship over principles and truth. BUT... you should make absolutely sure that they are BIBLICAL principles and truth. Too many times we let other things cloud our decision to break relationship - pride, for example. But, we need to also recognize that people can change. You may need them in the future and/or they may need you. We should make every attempt not to burn bridges.

PRINCIPLE #2: Even if you have to change a relationship, don't write people off.

I hadn't really considered it before, but reading Paul's words in II Timothy 4:11, "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." I appears that John Mark matured in his faith and became an asset to Paul in his ministry.

PRINCIPLE #3: What action will bring God the most glory?

Shouldn't this ALWAYS be the question in the forefront of our minds?!

Finally, whatever the conflict, choose...

Principle... Not Pride
Humility... Not Power
Unity... Not Independence
Peace... Not Turmoil (Rom 12:18)
Love... Not Accommodation

Receipts

So, I'm cleaning out a large pile of receipts I've been collecting for a few years. One the back of an April 2007 receipt I have written the following...

Cat
Sly, Aloof, Frisky
Black
Dark, Dreary, Lonely
Atlantic Ocean
Cold, Wet, Wavy

The Desert

Psalm 63

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Servanthood

I was reminded today that servanthood most often means doing what you DON'T want to do when you DON'T want to do it. It's a lot easier to "serve" others when the task is easy or convenient. But Christ set the supreme example by going somewhere he really didn't want to go and doing something he really didn't want to do. Why did he do it? Because he was a servant.

Phil 2: 12-16

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

Risk & Failure

I read something recently that struck me... "Failure is our master teacher, and those who do not know this teacher well tend to be short-termers in the growth process." (Cloud & Townsend)

So many people I know are paralyzed by the fear of failure and, as a result, risk nothing. It's unfortunate, really, because there's so much to be gained in life. But, most of what there is to gain is only attained by taking a risk.

I've always considered myself to be a risk-taker, and yet, I feel like I've shrunk back some... played it safe, sat out one too many dances. It'd be nice to turn that around. It's difficult to think one can please God without taking risks. Isn't that what faith is all about in the first place?! (Hebrews 11:6) Faith is a risk. Faith in God may just be the ultimate risk.

Why not go all out?

By Memory...

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26

You might want to check it. I think it's close, but there may be a "the" or "this" before earth. :)

The second sentence is particularly challenging to me. I mean, can I honestly say there's nothing on earth I desire besides God? I wish that were the case, but I find myself desiring all kinds of things... new clothes, security/safety, people/relationships, a vacation, and on and on. Now I know in my head that none of that compares to God, but my heart doesn't always follow. Maybe that's what the third sentence means. I'd like to re-write it in the KST (Krista Standard Translation) to say "my flesh and my heart WILL fail." That seems more appropriate and realistic. Fortunately that's countered by the last line! The NLT says "God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." I like that. He is MINE... FOREVER!! (Whom have I in heaven but YOU?!) What else on this earth can I really claim as MINE? It's all His, really. He may entrust some of it to me, but He doesn't want me to desire it more than Him.

God, help me desire you above all else.

Blog Longing

It's been way too long since I've blogged, but that doesn't mean I haven't had things to say. For instance I've thought about blogging on the following topics...

What's the difference between "praise" and "honor"?
My thoughts on Psalm 73:25-26, which I've been memorizing.
The difficulties I have maintaining friendships with women.
The difficulties I have being friends with men.
Spiritual growth... how it often happens as a result of conflict.
How much I enjoy Nutella. :P

I'm sure there are more. Part of the difficulty is that I forget most of the topics I have in my head as soon as I sit down to address them. So, I might as well begin somewhere. (stay posted)

Romans 8:18-25

I thought the Jeremy Camp video relates so perfectly to the 4/18 post. It also reminded me of this scripture...

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Romans 8:18-25

There Will Be a Day

"Love in the Time of Cholera"

On a whim, the heroine rejected her heart's love to marry another. The author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, wrote that "she erased him completely, and in the space that he had occupied in her memory she allowed a field of poppies to bloom."

The Pain that Gives Way to Joy

Excerpts from "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis, from his chapter on "Heaven":

"There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven; but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else. You may have noticed that the books you really love are bound together by a secret thread. You know very well what is the common quality that makes you love them, though you cannot put it into words; but most of your friends do not see it at all, and often wonder why, liking this, you should also like that. Again, you have stood before some landscape, which seems to embody what you have been looking for all your life, and then turned to the friend at your side who appears to be seeing what you saw - but at the first words a gulf yawns between you, and you realise that this landscape means something totally different to him, that he is pursuing an alien vision and cares nothing for the ineffable suggestion by which you are transported. Even in your hobbies, has there not always been some secret attraction which the others are curiously ignorant of - something, not to be identified with, but always on the verge of breaking through, the smell of cut woood in the workshop or the clap-clap of water against the boat's side? Are not all lifelong friendships born at the moment when at last you meet another human being who has some inkling (but faint and uncertain even in the best) of that something which you were born desiring, and which, beneath the flux of other desires and in all the momentary silences between the louder passions, night and day, year by year, from childhood to old age, you are looking for, watching for, listening for? You have never had it. All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul have been but hints of it - tantalising glimpses, promises never quite fulfilled, echoes that died away just as they caught your ear. But if it should really become manifest - if there ever came an echo that did not die away but swelled into the sound itself - you would know it. Beyond all possibility of doubt you would say 'Here at last is the thing I was made for.' We cannot tell each other about it. It is the secret signature of each soul, the incommunicable and unappeasable want, the thing we desired before we met our wives or made our friends or chose our work, and which we shall still desire on our deathbeds, when the mind no longer knows wife or friend or work. While we are, this is. If we lose this, we lose all."

I wonder sometimes if the hurts and disappointments in life serve only (or at least partially) to remind us that we were not created for this life. We're always left with a deep-seated longing in our soul, because this is not what we were ultimately created for. In John 16, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his coming death...

"Truly, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy when you see me again. It will be like a woman experiencing the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives place to joy... You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy." (John 16:20-22)

He seemed to say, "I know it will be difficult, but hang on... my death is not the end of the story. When you know the full story, you will have cause to rejoice."

"Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarify. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now." (I Corinthians 13:12)

So, I guess the lesson is... I don't know the full story. The unfulfilled desires of my heart serve to point me to Christ and the day I will be with Him. LORD, haste that day! In the meantime, help me keep my eyes focused securely on You.

National Poetry Month

In honor of, I'll share the first poem I ever wrote. It was an English sonnet I had to write for a high school English class. So... go easy on me. :)

(It apparently has no name)

The gardener dropped the seed, my love to sow
It represents a love meant just for one
This seed will bloom for him I not yet know
Its growth unseen, I know it has begun.

The elements of love will make it grow
Compassion, warmth and faith shine as the sun
So delicate upon the earth below
Hard times, forgiveness, o're the ground shall run.

The healing power in love shall fall as rain
Upon the sprout new life shall start to flow
No death, nor storm may split this love in twain
And as it buds a gentle breeze may blow.

At last, my love, the flow'r, look and behold
As delicate, lush petals now unfold!


My teacher's comments:

2nd line -- > meter is rough
interesting metaphor seed/love
rhyme scheme not marked

Grade: 37/43

I'm Back

I'm back from India. Here's a little taste (not sure how long this link will be available).

As I was unpacking, I took these notes...

Things I packed but didn't use:
4 pair of underwear (and yes... I DID wear a clean pair every day. These were simply extras.)
1 book I didn't touch at all
ipod charger
glasses/spare contacts/contact solution
hydrocortisone cream
compact paper towels
bath towel

Things I wished I had brought:
a flashlight

Things I'm surprised I used (and glad I had!):
an umbrella
ear plugs (the wild dogs of India bark loudly at night!!)
a bandaid
a washcloth (I was surprised the hotel had towels but NOT washcloths)

Things I brought and WISHED I'd used:
gloves - it was freezing in London, but I forgot them in the hotel

So, overall, I packed just what I needed. If I were doing it again, I would have sent out some laundry in India. (A couple of people did that late in the week and gave positive feedback.) I don't think I've ever packed that efficiently!!

One word

I know, I know, ... but these things are addicting!


Where is your cell phone: here
Your hair: shoulder-length
Your mother: friend
Your father: loving
Your favorite thing: flowers
Your dream last night: strange
Your favorite drink: coffee
Your dream/goal: family
The room you are in: office
Your fear: alone
Where do you want to be in 6 years: breathing
Muffins: pumpkin
One of your wish list items: books
Where you grew up: Tongie
The last thing you did: toenails
What are you wearing: sweats
Your TV: borrowed
Your pets: none
Your computer: old
Your life: optimistic
Your mood: excited
Missing someone: no
Your car: sparklies
Favorite store: gap
Your summer: distant
Favorite color: blue?
When is the last time you laughed: today
Last time you cried: work
Someone who emails me: everyone
Favorite food: all
Place I would rather be right now: skiing

LOVE

"But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6

As much as I love these two verses, I can't help but mention the beginning of this psalm... "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? ... How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?" You can feel the rawness in David's words. And most of us can empathize (at least from time-to-time... but many of us overwhelmingly so about this time of the year) with the feelings he's expressing.

This may just be the first time I've ever had plans (date-like plans, that is) on Valentine's Day. To say I'm excited is probably an understatement. :) I've enjoyed the following "definition of love" over the years... "A widely misunderstood, although highly desirable, malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes the eyes to sparkle, the cheeks to glow, the blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker frequently."

It would be really easy for me to put my hope in that kind of love. It's easy to think that "our love" is the be-all, end-all of the human experience. But even when Paul talks about love in I Corinthians 13, he states that "now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." Our love is imperfect. Our love sometimes fails. Our love is only a dark shadow of God's love. But HIS love is unfailing. HIS love is where our hope must be!

This Valentine's Day, my prayer for you is that you will trust in HIS unfailing love and that your heart will rejoice in HIS salvation. Please sing (express your love and devotion) to the LORD, for it is HE who has been good to you...

The Return

So I went to Cosi again tonight... this time taking a couple of friends. The fireplace was on, and I ordered practically the same thing I did last time (sans chicken on the sandwich). But, when I received my order, it didn't look like I expected. (It had chicken on it.) I took it back up to the front, and the cashier said he thought I ordered it with chicken. At that point, I realized it was basically the same sandwich I ordered, only with chicken. So, I told him it was fine, and that I'd keep it. He said, "oh, I can remake it, it's not a problem." I assured him I was fine and went to sit back down. When he delivered my friend's food, he again stated that he could make me a new sandwich. Somewhere in there, he threw out a random comment that his "leg was bigger than I was." Now, it was kind of a funny comment, but as a former chub, I didn't mind it in the least. :) It wasn't much later at all when he brought me out a WHOLE new sandwich (I had only even ordered a half-sandwich in the first place)... sans chicken. It was very kind of him. He certainly didn't have to do that. But, I was impressed that he went above-and-beyond to take care of me. My friend just thought he was flirting with me. But either way... I'm an even bigger fan of Cosi now! Who said customer service is dead?! :)

Oh, and Happy Anniversary... TO ME!!

I just realized I began this blog four years ago exactly!!! Happy Anniversary, my dear little blog!! Here's to another four years! (Imagine me lifting my ceramic mug filled with a decaf, nonfat latte.)

A Cosi

I've only been twice now, but I've found a new little hideaway. I'm almost afriad to blog about it for the fear of being found out. But, I'm not sure I have much of a readership. And besides that, the restaurant may need more business to stay open. Granted, my two visits aren't enough to judge the financial health of the franchise, but I would hate for it to close given the fact that I've only just discovered it.

The restaurant is called, "Cosi." It's like a Panera Bread only with better food (imho) and a warmer, cozier atmosphere. There's a fireplace that warms the place up (physically and metaphorically), though I was disappointed to see it off this evening. I was informed by the cashier that it heats the place a bit too efficiently, so they've turned it off for the evening.

I'm about to take my first sip of an espresso drink... not much froth, but the taste is quite good (despite being decaf and non-fat... I'm trying to lay lower on the caffeine and trying to take off a few pounds I put on over the holidays).

The artwork is also enjoyable. It's exactly my taste - mostly impressionistic, with nice textures, great color schemes and beautiful scenes, many of them of natural settings.

What am I doing here tonight? I haven't decided exactly. I have several options.

1) I considered journaling a bit. I've done a fair amount of journaling over the last week. There is one thing I haven't journaled about that has been plaguing my thoughts for several days. It's a frustrating, recurring, thorn-in-the-flesh, if you will. I'm not quite sure how to break free of it. I used to assume it just affected me, but I'm beginning to realize it reaches well beyond myself. I'm wondering if there's any way of addressing it without causing a complete and total upheaval in the natural order of my social circles. :(

2) I brought a book that I purchased recently but haven't had much time to touch. It's called "Naked" by David Sedaris. The first chapter is quite unusual, but I've heard some good things about his writing. I know enough about Sedaris to know I probably don't agree with him much at all on political or social issues, but I don't believe that's the topic of his writing. Should I find that to be in error, I will most likely put the book down. (That's not to say I mind reading things from that represent a different view from mine; that's just not the reason I picked up this book.)

3) I thought about doing some work. January is a busy month for me. I have a lot of year-end projects (financial statements, contribution statements, IRS reporting - W-2s, W-3s, 1099s, 1096s, etc.) So, I thought I might work on some of that... or, possibly catch up on responding to some email I've been sitting on. I also need to nail down some details for some upcoming events around the church.

Which will I tackle? Maybe the work. :)

Leafing the Old Days Behind

Ah... it's taken awhile to get here, but I feel like our small group (and friends, in general) are beginning to develop some real community. We've met for a long time on Thursday nights and shared time in God's word. That's one kind of community, but the kind of community where we really dig into each others' lives has been a bit slower in coming.

Finally several weeks ago, we talked about ways we can really begin serving each other. (We've often gone out to serve others together, but we haven't done much to take care of each other.) One girl mentioned that she could use help in her classroom at school. The next night, several of us went to help her move some furniture and setup her classroom. Then, the following day, several people came over to help me rake my leaves. We were postponed due to wind and cold temperatures, but we picked it up again the following week.

Since then, we've come together several times to help on yards. I can't speak for anyone else, but it's been SUCH a blessing to have help on my yard. For the first year since I've owned my home, I haven't felt overwhelmed by the falling leaves. Not only has it relieved my stress, but it's been truly enjoyable to work along side friends and laughing with them... sometimes at them! :)

So... I'm sending a shout out to my leaf-raking friends! You guys are the best! Thanks for all the help. You have no idea how much it means to me!

My Apologies and Thoughts on E&H so far

So... I have been realizing that my blog has become a bit depressing. I'd like to blame that on Facebook. FB probably captures more of my happy-go-lucky randomness, whereas my blog catches the more reflective, sometimes depressing, deeper thoughts that can roll around in my head. I'll try to be cautious of that and return a bit of laughter and joy to blogosphere.

I've been reading through Ezra & Haggai. They're books I don't think about too often, and to be honest... I'm not really well-versed in that piece of history. But, I've been learning a lot and have been challenged by what I've read. Here are some of my thoughts...

God's incredible mercy to His people

The end of II Chronicles (36:16) says that the people rebelled until the point there was "no remedy left." God held out punishing Israel until there was no other way of bringing them back. It reminds me of II Peter 3:9-10a, "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come..." (emphasis mine)

More so, the book of Ezra opens with a decree from King Cyrus, who allows the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding. What's cool is that God spoke through Isaiah 150 years earlier about Cyrus... BY NAME (Isaiah 44:28). But what's even more astounding is what God was doing. BEFORE Israel was even taken into captivity, God had prepared a way for them to return to Him!

The Devastation of Sin

When the Israelites began the Temple construction (Ezra 3:12), those who never saw the original Temple (built by King Solomon) were shouting for joy, but those who had seen the glory of the previous Temple were crying because the new Temple paled in comparison. It's an interesting reminder... God always invites us to return to Him, and there's always an opportunity to rebuild; however, sin has consequences, and we may carry the scars of our sin with us for a long time.

Haggai records God's encouragement to those who were saddened by the "lesser" Temple. Haggai 2:1-9 says that "the future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory." Jesus would one day walk in these Temple courts!

Priorities

In Haggai 1, God begins by saying, "consider your ways"… the NLT says something like "consider how things are going for you"… kind of like God was saying, "have you even stopped to NOTICE how your life is going or wondered why it's going that way? You're planting lots of seed but your harvest is pitiful. You eat and drink but never seem to be satisfied. You make a nice income, but it disappears like you have holes in your pocket. Haven't you wondered why that is?!" It seems like he wants to make sure they recognize how their lives change/improve when they finally put God first.

It's the same things God would say to us today… "consider your ways… haven't you ever wondered why you're stressed all the time, why you never seem to have enough money to pay your bills, why you're never satisfied with anything, why things never seem to go your way? Is it any wonder? You're so busy with your own agenda (work, friends, play) that you don't even remember I'm here. What do you think would happen if you put me first? Wouldn't be interesting to find out?" :)

So, those are some of my thoughts! Dig in for yourself, though. There's a lot of meat there!

The Hug to End All Hugs

A friend of mine in college (whose birthday, coincidentally, is today) once told me, "I just wish a guy would hug me like my Dad hugs me." Being the liberated college freshman I was, I retorted, "why would you want a GUY to hug you like your DAD hugs you?!"

Not long after that, I was having a rough day... probably something boy-related, but I honestly can't remember. I called home and talked to my Dad and retold the story above but adding that now I knew exactly what she meant. Talking to Dad on the phone was helpful, but I would have given anything to have someone give me a hug like my Daddy would give... strong, full of love and meaning, soft, comforting and protecting.

Oh how miss those hugs!

(I should note that I did get several of them last weekend when my Dad was in town! ... Just enough, maybe, to last me until Christmas when I can restock!)

Alone

What is it that makes us feel weak and pathetic when we admit our loneliness? God himself said that "it is not good for man to be alone." If God said it isn't good, shouldn't that legitimize our desire for companionship?