peer pressure

I have been receiving a little peer pressure from my "blogging buddies" recently about lack of writing the past month. I will be honest, it's not because I haven't had time! I think I've just been in a slump lately; unhappy with some of my circumstances and feeling un-inspired.

It's not that the Lord hasn't been doing things in my life. Quite the contrary. I am loving getting to know my new church family.

There was a time (and not so long ago!) when I felt I never wanted to go to "church" again!

I have been receiving so much affirmation from the Lord through several people about the "voice" God has given me. And it's not about my singing voice this time! It's about the wisdom and truth that God has instilled in me. Often it's hard for me to speak up or pray out loud. I hear the Lord speaking to me, and yet I hesitate in sharing what He saying.

It's mostly a confidence issue. I have confidence in God, but not myself.

But lately I have been able to speak up. I have been able to contribute to prayer time out loud, been able to speak to people when I feel like the Lord has given me something to say to them. I feel like God is growing a whole new area of ministry inside of me, one that's more face to face and relational than just hiding behind a microphone. Leading worship is definitely a ministry, but sometimes I gravitate to it because of the talent God has given me. I consider it "safe". I haven't jumped into any organized ministry at the new church yet, because I want to wait on the Lord and see what He is doing. I definitely don't want to end up like I was when I left my last church: working at the church every night of the week just because I was "qualified" to do so. I want to do the things I am called to, and have the time to do them well.

I trust God to show me how to do that.

Another cool thing that the Lord has been doing is taking care of me in this transition and job search. Living with friends while broke and looking for work is not an easy position to be in, trust me. Sunday before last, the Associate Pastor's wife prayed with me after church. She sensed a heavy heart and a burden on my shoulders, and said that the Lord wanted to remove them from me. Within two days I had received a call-back for a second interview, the next day a friend of mine gave me an unexpected gift of money, and still more friends took me out and got shoes for me to wear to my interview. It was such an overwhelming flood of blessings, and it reminded me that God was still in control and looking out for His beloved.

One thing I love about God is the patience He shows in reminding my heart of the those things I already know in my head.

end of the spear

It's exciting to me that the Christian faith is being displayed on the "big screen" for all the world to see. First, The Chronicles of Narnia, and now, End of the Spear. (If you haven't seen Narnia, shame on you. GO NOW before it leaves the theaters!)

Growing up in church camp, we heard the story of the five missionary men who were speared to death in Ecuador, South America in the 1950's. They had been in the Amazon Basin with their families, and attempting to reach the violent tribe of the Waodani. The men flew into their village area and were attempting to communicate with the people in sparse, broken, Waodani phrases, and something went terribly wrong. All five of them were speared to death. Though they were armed with guns, they did not retaliate. The sacrifice of love didn't stop there, however. Rachel Saint, one of the men's sister, and one of the wives went back into the tribe and lived among the killers, leading the entire tribe to Jesus Christ and stopping the cycle of violence. It's an amazing story, and I hope I haven't ruined it for those of you who are not familiar with the story. Even knowing this much can not prepare you for the reality portrayed in this movie. The Gospel message is loud and clear.

Here are few things that I appreciated about this portrayal of Nate Saint, Jim Elliott, and the others:

-Even though it is set in the 50's, the missionaries were "real people". They laughed and played, loved-on their kids, got together to fellowship and dance and have a good time. Their love for Jesus and His purpose was evident, which made their love for the Waodani tribe more believable.

-The movie shows the thought patterns and struggles, and honest emotions of the tribe. Considering that some of the men who killed these missionaries are still alive, the film makers could use their "real life" stories and memories to portray what happened and why they attacked. It's not just all from the perspective of the missionaries, making the native people look like savages. It is true they were killers, and caught in a vicious cycle of revenge killing, but the deception of the Enemy is evident.

-This movie is not about sainthood or martyrdom. Their martyrdom is valid, but the story is about the miracle of how the love of God can transform a heart and life so completely that it is no longer recognizable. It is proof that loving God and loving others really does bring peace. This is the model He tried to give us with the Commandments in His Word -- a picture of how He would treat us, how to love unconditionally and place others above our own selfish desires. Ideally when this model is followed, there is peace. I believe that the harder people try to push God out of the picture, separate Him from "the State", compartmentalize Him in the world, the further we get from true peace. End of the Spear is an example of what it means to do things "God's way" and the success that comes from it.

I hope you'll see this movie. Not because the Christian groups want you to help make it a success at the box office, but because it will change you life. May the Lord strengthen your resolve, and establish a foundation of Love in your heart that will change the world.

this is the great adventure

Seems like the New Year celebrations for the past few years have brought with them huge changes in my life. New Year's Eve was never exciting in my house; it wasn't until I was a teenager and could go to youth group all-nighters that I really began celebrating them. As the years went on and I celebrated several different ways with the ever-changing groups of people in my life, it became about partying and not about a new chapter. Not partying in a BAD way, but mostly a chance to get together and hang out with friends. It's not a negative thing to hang out with friends, but the focus has changed to something deeper. Every year opens a new chapter in this great adventure with God, and He reveals Himself and His plans in new and exciting ways.

Last year I found myself walking away from the "safe and familiar" church and organizations that had been a part of my life forever. I took a huge leap of faith when Jesus asked me to follow Him, and growth and experience that came with this obedience was unprecedented. It hasn't been easy, and sometimes it has been downright grueling, yet there is a peace that passes all understanding that lies just beneath the surface. It's part of the paradox I have often mentioned; the journey of tribulation and jubilation that IS my existence.

And now, this New Year, the Lord is asking me yet again to trust His ways. We know that His ways are not man's ways, and the reconciling of such truth is not always an easy task. But it comes easier when we realize that while God is not always "safe", He is always Good. His Word promises that ALL things work together for good for those that love Him (Romans 8:28). When that truth is at the core of my being, I can trust Him and rest and in His hands, regardless of the chaos of circumstances swirling around me.

So as I stand on the edge of the unknown and face 2006, there is the slightest fraction of apprehension at the thought of moving in a new direction. But more than that there is EXCITEMENT and ANTICIPATION at the thought of this great adventure in which I am moving. God's word to me this New Year is "DREAM BIG, quit settling for less when I want you to have more!" I feel that He is telling me that I don't have to live like a penniless martyr in a temporary job or living situation in order to be ready to go when He tells me to go. It's ok to want stability and a home of my own, and even something as trivial as a "scrapbooking room". So I am moving towards the sound of His voice, pressing in to feel His heartbeat, and basking in the affection He has for me. As I run through the field of flowers and laugh at the whimsy of His love, I am impassioned to run higher up and further in so I can experience more of what He has for me. My only thought is to know Him more; to seek His face and not just His hand.

Make me what I was created to be, Lord, and let me know you.

in honor of swanger

Today is one of my best friend's birthday. He has entered the 30's decade, and with more grace than I did, I must say. It's scary to say goodbye to the 20's, but Swanger is handling it very well. So in honor of his birthday, I want to give a shout out to him for being a pretty darn amazing friend.

We met over 15 years ago at church camp. (It seems like the most important people in my life are from "church camp". I'll have to write about that later.) We had some good times over the years, but a real connection started one cold February MANY years later, when I visited Michigan to see someone else, and spent some time with him at his parent's home. I don't know how to describe in words what made the difference. Swanger has this way of looking into your heart and soul. Conversations are rarely surface or superficial. He wants to know what makes you tick. Because authentic relationships are important to me, this quality attracted me like a moth to a flame. I remember spilling out some of the most painful circumstances in my life to him while sitting on the living room couch. (Right after a impromptu sing-a-long at the piano!) The tide of our acquaintance turned at this point toward deeper friendship.

Even more time passed, and more church camp, (even now as adults!), and the bond grew stronger. Several Ohio friends starting visiting Michigan with me, and Swanger became a regular part of our lives. The miles starting racking up, back and forth, on all of our vehicles. God was doing something in our hearts that was making it necessary to see one another, no matter what the cost. We were having fun together, laughing like it was our job, and enjoying and worshipping God together...but God had even bigger plans.

This foundation of friendship became a building block that God used to draw us closer to Him. Swanger and I, and several others, were on a spiritual journey: Each of us asking the Lord our own private questions and petitioning to know Him more. God began to speak to Swanger, who then in turn began to speak to us, and the entire experience revolutionized our relationship with Jesus forever. We had no idea what God had in mind when He drew us all together, but I look back now in utter amazement at the beauty of God's plan. We were able to share with one another in total trust and love the things God was doing, and had the opportunity to share in and praise His goodness. It is a experience we will be able to share forever.

On a lighter note, here is a list of things I am thankful that Swanger shared with me:

1. WILL FERRELL'S BEST OF SNL DVD. Goulet! By far the funniest SNL DVD of all time!
2. LaShish, garlic breath and all!
3. Misty Edwards, the IHOP Diva (I will never forget the impact of the first time we all listened to this CD in Kelly's van)
4. Jason Upton's music. Especially "Fly"...remember getting knocked on our faces during that song?
5. The tour of the Upper Pennisula Fall of '03. Amazing beauty.
6. Our elvish friend, Jen Lombardo and her fiery Furnace.
7. Your amazing gift of leading worship. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team.
8. Two words: FAMOUS DAVE'S!
9. Hours of cell phone conversations starting with laughter and ending with prayers and prophecy.
10. For loving me with the unconditional love of the Father.

Thanks, my friend, for allowing yourself to be used by God to enrich my life. I can't imagine my life without you.

Happy 30th Birthday, Aaron.

tis the season

My faith in God and His Creation was given a huge boost this morning. Interestingly enough, it all began around 6:00 AM. I hate that my days have been starting that early because “morning person” I am not. But one of my morning rituals is listening to morning shows on the radio. I specifically look for funny DJ’s who don’t play a lot of music. This may sound strange coming from a music lover, but in the mornings I like to have people talking to me. This morning I was listening to WNCI and within minutes of the show’s start, the DJ’s announced that their plans for the morning were going to be thrown out the window because something else had come up. Let me preface with the news story that inspired the morning programming on the most popular radio show in Central Ohio.

Thursday it was reported that the Salvation Army warehouse in Columbus had been robbed. Someone had stolen over 450 toys and gifts that were being stored for the annual Christmas Party. This event is held by the Salvation Army for local families who can’t afford presents for their children. They provided gifts for over 6500 kids last year. This was a blow to their efforts, especially considering the drop in donations this year due to stores banning their collection buckets and the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. The DJ’s, as well as the rest of Central Ohio, were outraged that someone would steal toys from needy children. So, Dave & Jimmy decided to set up collections spots around the city to gather donations of toys to replace what was stolen. It was all so touching, and the response was so great, that I spent most of the morning in tears. Dozens of people instantly volunteered their morning, their vehicles, their money…and in the four hours they were on the air, they collected SEVEN THOUSAND TOYS and almost TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS in cash donations to go out and buy MORE toys. What started out as a last minute idea turned out to be a huge success. It was so amazing to see how quickly everyone responded and how generous people could be. Meijer’s Stores donated $5000 in cash, and several Wal*Marts donated hundreds of dollars in gift cards. A local Marine Corp. group donated over a thousand hand-held electronic games. It was just unbelievable.

This is more than just a “touchy feely” story to me. It was such a huge revelation of God’s sovereignty and orchestration. He used a couple of radio DJ’s (who often are so immoral I have to change the station) on a secular station to right the wrong of a thief who meant harm and threatened to “ruin Christmas” for several hundred children. The Salvation Army representatives were on the radio sharing their faith. The abundance of what was donated helped make up for the fact that Target and other stores would not allow the bell ringers outside their store anymore. And I also saw how God honored the Salvation Army for being such a huge part of the Katrina relief. It was all such a beautiful thing. I wish I could have written about it this morning while it was fresh on my heart! But hopefully you will get the point I am trying to make. It was such a beautiful picture painted by God of selfless love and sacrifice. One four year old girl went to the collection site and donated every new toy she had received the day before for her birthday. THAT my friends is the spirit of Christmas!

revelation

Several weeks ago I wrote about experiencing a spiritual "wilderness". Since then, it hasn't seemed to get any better. It's no wonder, when my life is pretty much centered around my job and I don't have a community that I worship with regularly. I am NOT created for 40+ hours a week in a factory or office. I am created for ministry and relationship building. I long for the day when that is more the focus of my life.

Last Sunday was a great day. I was able to go to the church I love and spend sometime singing and worshipping Jesus. During the sermon, which was about God's plan for us all, the Lord revealed a couple of very important things to my heart. I want to try and communicate these things because they were very impacting.

First, Jesus showed me that I was trying to find my identity in His calling rather than in Him. It doesn't matter if I am working in a factory or in ministry; HE is my center, and I will be known as HIS and not by any title or occupation. This is a difficult achievement in a world that asks not "Who are you?", but "What do you do?". I have faith that He is able to help me rest in the knowledge that I am His beloved, regardless of what might be on my name badge.

Second, and closely related, He revealed to me that validation would not come from achieving the next step (such as making it to language school or full time ministry) but from Him. In my submission to His timing, I am also agreeing to be satisfied wherever He has me. His love, His grace, His mercy . . . . these are my only validation. I am His and He is mine, regardless of where I am. It's not easy to face people sometimes when things seem to be taking longer than what might be considered "normal" as far as fundraising and preparation. Let me be brutally honest: it can be downright paralyzing worrying what "other people" might think. I should not be trying to "prove myself" to anyone. I am called to obey the Lord Jesus Christ, not man.

Breathing in this Truth was very freeing. I felt so much lighter and more peaceful when I left church that morning. Jesus has been faithful, yet again, to speak to my heart when I desperately needed to hear my Husband's voice.

wow

Three words:

NARNIA! SEE IT!

everybody has their limits

Working as holiday help the past couple months has been interesting. I have worked in so many small Christian office settings in the past five to six years that I had forgotten what it was like to be surrounded by a large number of fellow employees. The drama in the "real world" can be mildly entertaining at times, and sometimes it can make you crazy. I have a tough time being the one whom everyone comes to to talk about someone else, though I have been in that situation my entire life. I am not sure exactly what it is that makes people feel like they can trust me. Maybe it's because I don't spend my time talking about other people?? Anyway, it can be a big responsibility. In college I had a loveseat in my dorm room that everyone started calling "the therapy couch" because girls would always be in my room sharing their problems and frustrations. I enjoy being able to listen to people and offer advice when they want it, but it can be stressful, too. I'd never make it in the professional counseling world. I will leave that to my unbelievably gifted sister-in-law.

The biggest issue I have right now is my direct supervisor. She is one of the most negative people I have met, though she is really a very nice person. Most of the time I enjoy working with her, but as the holiday rush has hit, she gets more and more difficult. She loses it over the tiny stuff; an error message on the computer screen, the tape gun running out of tape, etc. Yesterday I had to keep to "re-claiming" the day under my breath because she kept saying over and over "This is going to be a bad day" and "We are going to be in backorder hell today". With all I have learned about positive thinking and watching the words that come out of my mouth, it has been increasingly difficult to work around someone so dramatic and negative. I will admit that I am naturally a more laid back person, and I am more reserved (not shy!) so it is easier for me to let things roll off my back. HOWEVER, my supervisor has an extreme case of the opposite!

Well this week has been a long week. I worked 2 hours overtime everyday and we were so swamped with orders that it was tough to keep up. At the end of the day yesterday something went wrong with the engraving machine I was working with and I made a "GRRRRRR" sound out loud. My supervisor looked over at me and laughed and said "You're starting to sound like me!" I looked at her and said, "Well, even I have my limits" and laughed it off.

Her comment brings two things to light. First, she, and undoubtedly others, are noticing how I react to my surroundings. They see how I handle stress and difficulty and they compare it to others. This leads me to believe that they also notice how I react to them 'bad-mouthing' fellow employees. This was a huge reminder to me that I don't live in a bubble and my reputation is at stake.

Second, it reminded me that I need to take care of myself if I expect to continue to be able to not sweat the small the stuff. Coming to work 2 hours early everyday, not going to bed any earlier, and NOT SPENDING ENOUGH QUIET TIME WITH JESUS all factor into whether or not I can adequately portray Jesus to the people I work with. God has given me the grace to be an example of JOY but I can also mess it up pretty good if I am not more intentional about it. Yesterday's comment didn't ruin everything I have tried to convey with my life at work. It's not like I started cussing or throwing things around the room. It just woke me up enough to realize how easy it would be to slip into a negative rut. I don't want to take for granted the opportunity God has given me to shed His light in the workplace.

christmas music? what?

Every year I go through this apprehension when it comes to Christmas music. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE Christmas music, and even more, the Reason for it. But everyone is in such a rush to bring in the Christmas season, and I am always worried about hearing the music “too soon”. I’m afraid of it losing it’s magic and appeal if I hear it too soon. And I am always shocked at how fast time is flying by and how the holidays sneak up on me every single year. [I am a “Chrismas Eve Shopper”; one of those insane people who waits until the last possible minute to hit the malls. It is part procrastination, part financial necessity, but it’s all true!]

I listened to some great Christmas music over the weekend (thanks Swanger!) and it felt right. So, I gathered up all my Christmas CD’s, took them to work with me today, and popped a few in periodically throughout the day. The last one I listened to today is one of my favorites—RelientK’s “Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand”. Before you laugh at the prospect of Christmas punk music, read the words to my favorite song on the album:

“And with Christmas wish is missed the point I could convey;
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much you’ve touched my life,
Because,
Here is where you’re finding me, in the exact same place as New Year’s Eve,
And from the lack of my persistence here, we’re less than half as close as I wanna be.

And the first time that you opened your eyes,
Did you realize that you would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left your lips…
Did you know that it would change this world forever?

And so this Christmas I’ll compare,
The things I’ve felt in prior years;
To what this Midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here.

To look back and think that this Baby would one day save me.
And the hope that, that You were born, were born so I might really live.
To look back and think that this Baby would one day save me…

And the first time that you opened your eyes,
Did you realize that you would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left your lips…
Did you know that it would change this world forever?

And I…I celebrate the day that You…You were born to die,
So I could one day pray for you to save my life…
Pray for you to save my life…
Pray for you to save my life.”

What makes it all even more wonderful is that it is written in the Ben Fold’s Five--“Brick”--90’s--melancholy--piano--style that I absolutely love. I tear up every time.

The point is, however, is in the reflection. Am I different than I was a year ago? Have I pursued Him the way I so desperately wanted to? Do I take this season for granted; getting caught up in the materialism, or do I remember the simplicity of this supernatural event that changed the world forever?

It is my prayer that I will take every opportunity to reflect on His love and sacrifice for me, and that I will continue to pursue Him in the year to come. He is so worthy of the pursuit! As we worship Jesus this Christmas season, may He give us an deeper understanding of the gift He has given us.

aslan is on the move

In honor of the upcoming December '05 premiere of CS Lewis', "The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe", on the BIG screen, I have been re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia that I enjoyed so much as a child. I never owned the set, but instead borrowed them from the library. A few months ago, however, my mom found a boxed set at yard sale and brought them home to me. I was thrilled to own them at last! So I started out in September reading them, starting with "The Magician's Nephew" this time instead of TLTW&TW. Because it tells the tale of how Narnia began, new prints of the series are being re-numbered to begin with what had been the 6th book out of seven. I am enthralled, even more today than I was when I was a kid. A pale comparison would be that of the Looney Toons. When you watch them as a child you laugh at the sight gags and the shenanigans. As you get older, you laugh at the political satire and jokes only adults can understand. These books are much like that, because beyond the fantasy and obvious correlations with Scripture are the deeper spiritual truths. I was struck by one passage in particular while reading "Prince Caspian".

The whole story leads you to a battle in the end to restore the rightful King of Narnia, Prince Caspian. There is one valiant character, Reepicheep, who is a two foot tall talking mouse. He and his 11 companions are swordsmen and intensely loyal subjects. Reepicheep is pretty mouthy, and his speech is much larger than his stature. He is, of course, over-compensating for his size and because of all of the abuse he had suffered being the brunt of cheese and mousetrap jokes. But he is endearing and very brave, and fights almost to the point of death. Aslan (all I can say for those of you who have not read the series is that he is a lion and represents the Son of God in the story line. That's a pathetically sparse explanation, but I will leave it alone to save time. SEE THE MOVIE AND THEN READ THE BOOKS-PEOPLE!) has the little girl, Lucy, apply the magic cordial to his wounds, and he comes around, but only to realize that he's lost his tail. Here is the conversation that takes place. (Forgive me for the length! It's important!)

"It becomes you very well, Small One, " said Aslan.

"All the same," replied Reepicheep, "if anything can be done...perhaps her Majesty?" and here he bowed to Lucy.

"But what do you want with a tail?" asked Aslan.

"Sir," said the Mouse, "I can eat and sleep and die for my King without one. But a tail is the honour and glory of a Mouse."

"I have sometimes wondered, friend," said Aslan, "whether you do not think too much about your honour."

The next few lines consist of Reepicheep trying to defend his need for honor in a world that judges dignity in inches. Aslan notices something else.

"Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?" said Aslan.

"May it please your High Majesty," said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, "we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honour which is denied to the High Mouse."

"Ah!" roared Aslan, "you have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people,

[WARNING WARNING WARNING! SLIGHT MOVIE SPOILER!]

and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the stone table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again."

Here is why I am so thrilled with the passage that I highlighted in bold. It reminds me of the passage in Song of Solomon, chapter 4 verse 9 that reads "You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride." In studying SOS from the perspective of the book being a letter from Jesus to His Bride, that verse shows His great affection for us, just the way we are. In the story, Aslan knows Reepicheep well enough to know that pride sometimes gets the best of him, and he is called on it. Aslan knows his weakness. However, in his weakness, he sees the purity of his heart, and the hearts of his friends in the love that they have for one another. He is captured by the purity of Reep's motives and it draws even more affection from the great lion. He did not condone his pride issue, and in fact, continues in his final comments to disapprove. However, he shows mercy and restores his tail. I am convinced that mercy drew Reep closer to Aslan and inspired him to become more like Aslan more than the punishment he may have deserved.

And so it is with us. When we know our Lord as someone who accepts us in our weakness, who loves us unconditionally and completely, we are inspired to follow Him to the ends of the earth. It is love, not legalism, that transforms our hearts and minds and leads us to Christlikeness. In our pursuit of Him, it is the loves He gives us that sustains us, compels us, and teaches us to love others. A love like that could change the world...