Happy Resurrection Day!

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The door of the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?" 

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: 

Rejoice!"

Rejoice, dear friends! May this Resurrection Day usher in a year of peace and victory for you. May you walk closer than ever with our risen Lord day after day after day. 

1. Lk. 2:45

2. Mt. 28:6

3. Phil 4:4 

2015 - Forget it! Or Remember?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Is. 43:18-19

Isaiah's words from God seem like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 =

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.

Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!

Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.

In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

So what’s a girl to do? 

Forget or remember??

Probably a little of both.
<<click to tweet>>

Holding Hands

All day long, my husband the chiropractor, plays Simon Says with his patients. As they lie face down on the table, he’ll instruct them, “Put your left hand behind your lower back.” “Raise your right hand above your head.” And so on. Each of these tests indicates specific vertebrae in need of adjusting. 

When Jes was on the table, her little Eli sat nearby in his stroller. As she raised her hand above her head, Eli reached out to grab it. So precious!

And so telling of how we must respond when our Savior extends His hand to us.

To read how to walk hand in hand with God, click over to Laced With Grace. 

Can you feel the love? 

ps - as you read this, I'm in Italy with the family celebrating our kids' college graduations. How fast the time goes! Would you keep us in prayer? And check my facebook page for pictures!! 

What - Me Worry??

This week, I’m heading to the speaker/writer conference She Speaks, with my book proposal in tow. I’m filled with anticipation of exciting possibilities ~ meeting women from across the country, learning from experts in their fields, and appointments with publishers to present my proposal. And despite the excitement, a measure of fear lurks beneath. And I’m not alone. I see from friends I know and those I will get to know that many are experiencing similar emotions.

Some worry about their families at home. Others about the conference itself and what they’ll say in their presentations.

Worry seems to be a universal tool of the enemy to keep our eyes focused on ourselves instead of God. But thankfully, there’s an antidote to worry.

Jesus knew the disciples would be called to speak publicly and He had this advice for them:

“...don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mk 13:11

The Holy Spirit inside us, comforting us, guiding us, dispels the worries that plague us.

If we try to fit God into our agenda, we’ll be worried and stressed. When we rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is doing the talking, we’ll experience peace. This is not to say that we shouldn’t be diligently prepared.  It is to say that we let God guide our thoughts and actions.

We have no control over many of the things that happen to us each day. Family, health, financial, weather, and job situations press upon us and weigh us down. In any given moment, we could receive bad news, have an argument, be required to do something seemingly beyond our ability.

In that moment, we have a choice.

We can wallow in the gloom of self-pity, worry, fear, or depression. Or we can ask God for His perspective. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shares the secret to finding joy in troubling times:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8

This process is the same whether it’s worship or worry. Worry is life-sucking meditation on the negative. Paul tells us what to meditate on: what’s true, noble, just, pure, lovely, things of good report, virtuous and praise-worthy things.

When a dear friend was going through a terrible time, she started a list. Using this Scripture, she decided to  list verses that stated what was true, noble, just, etc. She never got past "true." Her truth list was comprehensive enough for her to rewire her brain to meditate on the truth of God's unfailing love, His hope-filled plans for her, His never-ending compassion, His mercy, His trust-worthiness, His peace that passes understanding. 

What's on your truth list? 

Dark Shadows vs. Blinded By The Light

First take - Dark Shadows

Take 2 - Blinded By The Light

At Yankee Stadium last week, my hubby wanted a photo to share on facebook. I offered to take it, but he wanted me in it. That was the last thing I wanted as I sat in the drizzle, sensing my hair frizzle.Grumbling, I  asked a man seated nearby to take our picture. With some consternation of his own, he snapped the photo on the left.

As the shutter snapped, another man rushed over, practically leaping over fans seated in the row. "Wait! Let ME take your picture!!"

He grabbed my iPhone and showed us the picture just taken. "Will anyone know where you are?" he asked.

"Ummm, it does show the blue YANKEE STADIUM letters. There on the left."

"Oh...... Humph....Well, that's not what I was talking about. Go back there and let me take your picture. I'm a professional photographer."

Really? Is that what I need? A professional photographer for a facebook photo? A photo I am only begrudingly agreeing to?

Not to be rude, we returned to our spots in front of the railing, forced a smile, and snap!

Mr. Photographer handed me back my phone and strode away up the stairs, never to be seen again.

One look at the picture he took told us he indeed was a pro. Not only did he get the Yankee emblem behind home plate (his intention), he also captured us swathed in light. And what a difference that made.

Tony and I stood in the same place for both pictures. The difference was the direction we were looking.

Same truth applies to life.

No matter our situation (where we are), we choose what direction to focus on. We can lurk in the shadows of self-pity, complaints, judgmental attitudes, discouragement, need I go on? Or we can face the Light. Seek Him in His Word, in the fellowship of believers, in praise and worship, in serving Him. The choice is ours.

What will you choose today? 

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Eph. 5:8


For times when it seems that there is no light to be found, read "When The Son Don't Shine." 

Lord Undo Me

Driving home tonight listening to K-LOVE Radio (96.7 in NYC area), I heard the dj (JD Chandler) read the following. You can hear him read it on his webpage: http://www.klove.com/blog/jd/ Scroll down to Oct. 31. It undid me.

"Lord Undo Me"


I don’t really worship these day
I don’t really stand up to praise you with songs
Or prayers or actions
or with anything
I am full of all the right moves
I am full of all the right words
I am full of all the right religion
But it is all just illusion
I am really
Lonely
Lost
Calloused
Jaded
Cynical
Too religious
Too realistic
and well really just to lazy
to worship you anymore
I have lost my first love
I have lost the joy of your presence
But most of all I have lost the fear of your glory


Father I need to see you again
Like Isaiah I want to stand in awe of your glory
To fall down at your feet
To come face to face with your
Perfection,
Radiance,
Goodness,
Holiness,
Awesomeness
I want to stand before you and see you for who you are
and me for who I am
I want to be undone


I want to know me for who I really am
I want to see the depths of my heart
And know that you are the only way
You are the only truth
You are the only life
I want to see me and understand
What it really must have taken for you to
Love me
Care for me
See me
Speak to me
Want me
Communicate with me
Die for me
Die for me
Die for me


Lord, I want to stand in that place where all I can see is your glory
And my sin
Because in that place I can’t help but worship you.
Lord let me come undone
Undo my heart
Lord, undo my heart
break down these walls that I love so much
No, wait don’t,
I’m scared I don’t know if I can handle this
don’t
But I can’t live this way anymore
I can’t stand here in this half-life
this going through the motions life
this not really alive life
Father, I need you so come in and do what you must
Cut out the tumor on my heart
Break down the walls that I love
Lord let me come undone
Undo my heart
let me worship you again


*Blake Williams



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Aftermath

On Thursday night, my family, friends and I went to a Hillsong United concert, part of the tour promoting their new album Aftermath.

It was a worship encounter that rivaled any I've ever experienced. During the final song, I glanced up and saw the massive painted ceiling of the Hammerstein Ballroom, a vision of heaven that brought my spirit right through the roof to the clouds. I sensed the prayers of the people rising up to heaven as incense.

The next morning, I awoke to the news of the tragedy in Japan. My heart is breaking for the loss and suffering over there. And in the days since, the word "aftermath," so often repeated, has taken on new significance.

The album was titled Aftermath because "instead of living in the aftermath of our mistakes and sin, we can live in the aftermath of what Jesus has done for us."

What is the aftermath? According to the dictionary, it is:

af.ter.math - noun

something that results or follows from an event,

especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature;

consequence: the aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood

After natural or man-made disasters, there are the expected devastating consequences.

After the cross, there was and is the unexpected consequence - what appeared to be total destruction and loss one tragic Friday 2000 years ago was complete victory the following Sunday. A victory that is ours today. At the concert, Joel Houston of Hillsong shared, "The cross was a symbol of sin and shame, but Jesus turned it upside down into a symbol of grace and forgiveness and hope."

"A perfect God sent His perfect Son to an imperfect people in order to perfect them through His perfect love." Heb 10:14 (Hillsong U. version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_QRjjAvTA&playnext=1&list=PL82032327FD53413E

Aftermath

The skies lay low where You are

On the earth You rest Your feet

Yet the hands that cradle the stars

Are the hands that bled for me

In a moment of glorious surrender

You were broken for all the world to see

Lifted out of the ashes

I am found in the aftermath

Freedom found in Your scars

In Your grace my life redeemed

For You chose to take the sinner's crown

As You placed Your crown on me

In that moment of glorious surrender

Was the moment You broke the chains in me

Lifted out of the ashes

I am found in the aftermath

And in that moment You opened up the heavens

To the broken the beggar and the thief

Lifted out of the wreckage

I find hope in the aftermath

And I know that You're with me

Yes I know that You're with me here

And I know Your love will light the way

Now all I have I count it all as loss

But to know You and to carry the cross

Knowing I'm found

In the light of the aftermath

May you, dear friend, find yourself in the aftermath of His sacrifice and love for you.

Happy Birthday!

Today's post is from my gifted friend and mentor, Penny Musco, freelance writer, actor, and author of Life Lessons from the National Parks. Happy Birthday, Penny!!





The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things… Acts 17:24, 25






Today is my birthday!


Why haven’t I received your present yet?


What? You didn’t know? All right, that’s a legitimate excuse.


But now that you do know—where’s my gift?!


Just kidding. Sort of.

I blame my mother entirely for raising the bar so high for my birthday. After all, it was her (and Dad’s) fault that I was born in December. But she went out of her way to make a big deal of my birthday so that it wouldn’t get lost in the Christmas rush. For one thing, I always had a party. My most memorable was when I turned 16—Mom really pulled out all the stops for that one.

Sadly, as an adult, I still crave a lot of attention on my birthday. I get miffed very easily if those close to me don’t fete me in the way I think I deserve. And woe to anyone who sends cards or presents late! As I like to remind everybody, me ‘n’ Jesus share the same birthday month, therefore I’m extra special.

Okay, so His birth wasn’t necessarily in December, even if that’s when we celebrate it. But—bear with me on this—He and I are a bit similar when it comes to birthday honors: we both desire them.

Oh, unlike me, He doesn’t need the recognition. As the apostle Paul preached to the Athenians, God isn’t affected by anything we humans do or don’t do. His position, power and plans aren’t altered one whit by us driving ourselves crazy trying to find the perfect gifts, baking dozens of cookies or sending out hundreds of cards, nor by any of our other Christmas activities.

No, but God wants the recognition. Not in an imperfect, egocentric way like me, though. Incredibly, I believe it’s for our benefit! “Stop,” He says. “Don’t get yourself all tied up in knots. Look at Me. I came to save you from your sins and bring you joy. That’s what I’m all about. Honor Me, and everything else will fall into place. Because only in Me will you find the rest and peace and strength you need” (from Psalm 46:10,11; Matthew 1:21; John 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 6:33).

The thing is—when we do that, we can’t help but exalt, glorify and thank God even more! Now there’s a tradition that should be at the top of our Christmas to-do list.

So really, forget about me and my special day. Save your presents—and your presence—for the birthday that really matters.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part, --

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.

--Heaven Cannot Hold Him, by Christina Rossetti

Penny,
From one December birthday baby to another, thanks for sharing and putting things in proper perspective.

A Time for Celebration

I thank Maria Morgan, fellow blogger and facebook friend, for today's post. Maria is an inspirational/devotional writer. She is a contributor to Around About Cumming, and is currently working on a Fruit of the Spirit, devotional series. She resides in Georgia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. Visit her website: http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/.

The bins stood open and ready to be unpacked. Each item I lifted out, had special significance. The ornate, lighted church was given to me by my parents. The Christmas geese were purchased in a quaint, little town. The whimsical, red elf was a treasure from childhood. Every piece brought back memories, putting a smile on my face.

Several of the bins were filled with silk poinsettias. Following a year of decorating with real poinsettias, the silk variety became a necessity. No muss, no fuss, and they could be used year after year. With everything unpacked, and seasonal music playing in the background, I was ready to transform our home into a Christmas wonderland.

Decorating for Christmas has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. My family enjoys putting up a tree with hundreds of twinkling lights. Poinsettias grace the top of our cabinets. A Christmas village enlivens the bookshelf. A nativity provides the focal point in our music room. Although a myriad of stories abound as to how this tradition got started, many of the items we use for decoration point to the One we celebrate this season: Jesus Christ.

Years ago, the Europeans were amazed to see that evergreens remained alive during the winter months, and even bore berries and fruit in spite of the frigid temperatures. They began bringing these plants into their homes with the hope that the evergreens would bring them new life and vitality. They didn't quite grasp the truth. The evergreen is part of creation that points to the Creator. Even nature itself bears witness to the Author of Life. The green color of the Christmas tree, is reminiscent of this life - the life of Jesus Christ.

There's an interesting story about the poinsettia. Legend has it that a young brother and sister had nothing to offer baby Jesus when He was born. On their way to church, they searched for something they could give Him. They were unable to find anything, and out of desperation, picked some leafy, green weeds and hurried into the church. When they laid their gift at Jesus' feet, the weeds were miraculously transformed into dazzling red blooms. The gift they gave baby Jesus was more beautiful than any other gift He had received.

Although the story isn't true, there's no doubt the poinsettia plant described in the story is quite unique. Have you ever noticed it's foliage? It's star shaped leaves have been connected to the star of Bethlehem. The star that led the wise men on their journey to find the Christ child. The brilliant red hue of the poinsettia's leaves point to the blood Jesus' would later shed on the cross of Calvary.

This is a special time of the year. As you decorate your home with Christmas trees and poinsettias, be sure to prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of God's Son. Let the Spirit of the season point you to the Light of the world!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6; KJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Point me to You as I prepare my heart and home during this Christmas season. May I be a shining light, guiding others to Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen

Rejoice!

Yesterday at my writers’ meeting, as our leader Barbara shared the Christmas story, I was struck anew with the image of the angels praising God for the good news that the Messiah was born. But, I wondered, why were the angels praising God for this?

Up until this point in the narrative, the angels served as messengers. But their primary job, their purpose, their very existence is worshipping the triune God in heaven (Is. 6, Rev. 4 & 5). Now the object of their worship is wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. If that was me, I think I might be a little depressed about that. Did they miss Him? Was the throne empty for 33 years? Could they know His future fate? The trials, beatings, betrayals, humiliations, and bloody death that would be part of His earthly journey?

And yet, Scripture tells us that the heavenly host praised God, saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Praise to Him in the highest heaven…
and on earth, peace…

He in heaven, now He on earth. The angels are rejoicing over the reconciliation between God and His eternally beloved creation, His people. Miraculously brought together in the incarnation, the veil between heaven and earth is suddenly and briefly opened. The humble band of bedouins are given a glimpse of heaven. And they responded as we all should. They hurried to see the One that the Lord had told them about (Lk 2:15-16).

If the angels can rejoice for us and the salvation made available to us, how much more should we?

Like the lowly shepherds, won’t you hurry to be in His company?

"Rejoice in the Lord always.

 I will say it again: Rejoice!

...

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious ...

but by prayer and ... thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus."

Phil 4:4-7 NIV

MISSION is POSSIBLE

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Luke 18:27

This morning in church, our pastor prayed for the youth who are going on mission trips this summer, including my son and daughter who are going as youth leaders.

As part of his message, our pastor shared that with the Lord, all things are possible. Of course, we need to do what we can, yet trust the Lord to deliver what we cannot do on our own. He then had us write our impossible situation on an index card. Individually, we wrote our cards and laid them at the altar, giving our situations to the Lord.

I didn’t know it at the time, but on her card, my daughter’s impossible situation was that she had to raise $1300 in the 10 days remaining before her trip to Uganda (she needed to raise $3800 in total.)

After our family Father’s Day celebration following church, Lauren spent 2 hours on facebook, contacting 60 college friends to whom she had not sent support letters, informing them about her upcoming trip. She asked for a donation amount equal to cost of a cup of coffee. 18 seconds after she logged out, she received the following email:

• Prayers are answered, the Mission Team has voted to give you the entire amount. $1,300. If you still need that much, if not let us know what you need. I'll need your address so we can send the check, or if you prefer you could pick it up at the church office or at my home. Please let me know. Sorry it took a little while but we needed to contact the as many team members as possible.

The sender: First Reformed Church where Lauren was invited to share a liturgical dance as part of their worship service last fall. Then twice in the spring, she shared her gift of dance with them again. Knowing that they are mission-minded and that she was short of her goal, a few weeks ago, she asked if she could share about her upcoming trip with the congregation and possibly raise support. The initial reply said that many teens from the church were going on trips and have been doing fundraisers, but they’d see what they could do, if anything. And then she didn’t hear back from them... Until 18 seconds after she logged out of facebook tonight!

Despite giving her impossible situation to the Lord, despite singing “All Things Are Possible” this morning, despite her conviction that the Lord was calling her to Uganda, Lauren doubted. And she wasn’t alone. With so much money to raise in so little time, and with the people who contracted malaria on the recent Uganda trip, Tony questioned whether God was closing a door. This most unexpected email with this abundantly generous gift erased our doubts and confirmed much more than just a mission trip experience.

While at first, Lauren thought that she shouldn’t have sent out those facebook messages, perhaps bothering her non-Christian friends, she further realized what Pastor Steve had said. That we must do what we can. We ought not to slack in our efforts and claim that we are waiting for God like a deliveryman. The added benefit to her actions is that she now has opportunity to share what the Lord has done and will do in her life and on her trip. Any extra money raised will be donated to Touch the World Uganda and will benefit the ministry there.

Lauren’s conclusion:
“It’s Father’s Day, and my Father gave a gift to me.”

Do you have an impossible situation? Can you trust the God of the impossible?

Battle Cry - Part 1 - Worship

I will praise you in the great assembly.

I will fulfill my vows in the presence

of those who worship you.

Psalm 22:25

This past weekend, I had the privilege to accompany some of the teens in our church to the Battle Cry event at the Meadowlands arena. It was both exhausting and exhilarating. Over the next few posts, I will share with you some small snippets that spoke to me in a huge way over this past weekend.

On Friday night, Hillsong United performed as the closing act of the night. As a huge fan of their music, that alone was reason enough for me to go. I sat behind our 6 boys (the girls were beside me) and was blessed to my core to see them all actively engaged in worship, hands raised and hearts abandoned.

I felt compelled to send this text message to my pastor who is also their Sunday School teacher.

Boys… 6

Arms raised… 12

Worshipping God… Priceless

After the song “The Stand,” which contains the lyrics “I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned,” the lead singer said, “God is more pleased with the heart abandoned part than the hands raised part.” As a bona fide arm-raiser, that statement pierced me deeply to examine the degree of heart abandonment I offer God, and not just during worship, but in my day-to-day experience.

Do I get caught up in the music experience and miss the divine encounter?
Do I offer merely lip service to God when He wants radical heart change?

The next day, I was challenged again. Believe it or not, during the rap concert! Now, I love contemporary Christian music, which to some hymn-lovers is akin to heresy. But honestly, I am guilty of feeling that way about rap music. Until Saturday.

I was in the back row with a birds-eye view of the entire arena.
16,500 people, mostly youth, multi-cultural, every race represented.
31,000 arms pulsing back and forth in unison, voices raised, loudly praising God.
The rapper kept yelling “Let me ask a question!” To which he and the entire gathering yelled back, “Anybody wanna praise the Lord!” Over and over and over. When I thought it was over, he’d do it over and over and over again.

Suddenly, to my eye, the bright white stagelights blurred, and I sensed the presence of Jesus in that light joyfully receiving the praises of tens of thousands of His people.

I saw a vast crowd, too great to count,

from every nation and tribe and people and language,

standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.

… they were shouting with a mighty shout...

Revelation 7:9-10

Imagine - Jesus enjoying rap! It challenged me to expand my limited imaginings about what heaven may be like. Surely Jesus on His throne will revel in receiving praises accompanied by all kinds of music - African drumbeats, Caribbean steel drums, harps, guitars, and yes, even rap.