Christmas is a time to remember, for obvious reasons, that Jesus is coming. His first appearance to this earth was as a helpless baby- how amazing that His second return will be with the power and glory that the first was lacking! (It never ceases to amaze me how God often chooses the unexpected way of going about His will.) However, so much will be changed for us on earth before that happens. How gracious though that Jesus Himself gave us the warning signs and His entreaty to not be afraid. He knows that the things that must happen between now and His return will be worrisome, scary and even downright terrifying. So He gave us His hope- His peace- that we may not be afraid. All things to come mean we are that much closer to going home. Our final, permanent home. How weary we feel after taking a vacation- yet, as we enter our home, a slight surge of energy commingled with relief settles within us. It's the first deep breath drawn, the lightness of setting our bags down. I wonder what that first breath taken in heaven, in the presence of my Lord and Savior, will feel like. So much more than I can imagine, of that I'm certain, and completely fulfilling. Lovely. Perfect. I look forward to breathing in the complete joy and full peace available only in heaven; created by God the Father, handed over by Jesus His Son, and flowing throughout as the Holy Spirit. Don't let this Christmas season go by without appreciating fully the gift God has waiting for us in His presence. And let's remember to thank Him for what we hope- and know- will come.
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Revelation 11:17
We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Hidden Things Revealed
Yesterday, we traveled to Roanoke to visit Elijah's Great-Grandma. We are so incredibly blessed that he has a great-grandma, and that she is lucid and able-bodied. It makes me wonder what Mary's mother felt towards baby Jesus. A grandparent's pride most often runs deep- how much more so for the Son of God! Did she feel she could offer Mary advice, or was she intimidated? Or perhaps she held back at first, but later on- if the "novelty" of having Jesus as a grandson wore off- maybe she felt more able to speak up. I don't know. But I think lately, as I have struggled to feel a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, I am going to think more on these things; Jesus' life, how his parents felt towards Him, what life may have been like while He was growing up and teaching for those around Him. But all of this is getting off-track. Back to your regularly scheduled blog-post! ;-)
As we were on our way to Roanoke yesterday, I noticed among the many trees the dozens, even hundreds, of birds' nests. Obviously, most of them are there throughout the year. And it's certainly easy enough to see a bird or fifty on a summer's day while outside. Sometimes we even come across a bird's nest in our own yard. Particularly in the eyes of a child, it is a treasure to behold. It is very much a treasure, just as the blessings we receive everyday from God are treasures of infinite wealth. These blessings are present everyday, in all sorts of places and situations. However, they often go unnoticed. They are there- sometimes literally right in front of our face- but we don't see them. I think much of the time, we aren't meant to see them- they are to be revealed in the presence of God Himself in heaven. But I also think that plenty are to be seen, if only we would truly, deeply look. We may look with our eyes, yet still not see. Maybe we need to retrain our minds, or better yet, our hearts, to see things more clearly. To see them the way God wishes for us to see them, if only we would try a bit harder.
But sometimes we see these treasures when things are laid bare, as are the trees in the winter. When life seems bare or hopeless, a treasure from God is revealed; to keep hope within sight, to remind us that not all is lost, and that blessings are everywhere, sometimes in the strangest of places. And maybe they are seen best and clearest in the "winters" of life, when little else is visible.
As we were on our way to Roanoke yesterday, I noticed among the many trees the dozens, even hundreds, of birds' nests. Obviously, most of them are there throughout the year. And it's certainly easy enough to see a bird or fifty on a summer's day while outside. Sometimes we even come across a bird's nest in our own yard. Particularly in the eyes of a child, it is a treasure to behold. It is very much a treasure, just as the blessings we receive everyday from God are treasures of infinite wealth. These blessings are present everyday, in all sorts of places and situations. However, they often go unnoticed. They are there- sometimes literally right in front of our face- but we don't see them. I think much of the time, we aren't meant to see them- they are to be revealed in the presence of God Himself in heaven. But I also think that plenty are to be seen, if only we would truly, deeply look. We may look with our eyes, yet still not see. Maybe we need to retrain our minds, or better yet, our hearts, to see things more clearly. To see them the way God wishes for us to see them, if only we would try a bit harder.
But sometimes we see these treasures when things are laid bare, as are the trees in the winter. When life seems bare or hopeless, a treasure from God is revealed; to keep hope within sight, to remind us that not all is lost, and that blessings are everywhere, sometimes in the strangest of places. And maybe they are seen best and clearest in the "winters" of life, when little else is visible.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Not Your Typical "Soccer Mom"
I wonder how Mary felt in the months leading up to Jesus' birth. She was young by today's standards, but probably a typical age to begin having children in those days. Women today have ultrasounds, "kick charts" and the like to let them know that their baby is well inside of them. I'm curious to know if Mary worried about her baby in a normal motherly sense while He was inside, or if she knew He'd be safe since, after all, He was the Son of God. Would God have sent an angel to tell Mary she would birth the Son of God, and then have her miscarry? Did she worry about this possibility? Or did she have such greater things to concern herself with that this did not even come into play? How does one go about preparing to mother and raise the Son of God? She found favor with the Lord, so obviously she lived a life that was pleasing enough to Him to choose her for this purpose. But living a life for the Lord and raising His Son are two different things. If pastors are held to a higher standard for their positions of helping us in our faith, then to what standard must Mary be held accountable? Should I have given Jesus that time-out? Oh, I shouldn't have yelled at Him for asking for the hundredth time when we'll arrive. I shouldn't have scolded Him for staying behind at the Temple to talk to the rabbis, even though He gave me the fright of my life when I thought He was lost!
Though Mary knew Jesus was God's Son, she still worried about Him. Why? Would not the Lord, Jesus' Father, take good care of Him? I am sure that Mary was a far better mother than I am. And I don't mean this to be a cop-out, but maybe mothers don't have to try to be perfect. Mary wasn't, and God had chosen her to carry and raise His Son. I am the type of person who gets discouraged easily, and can take a run of bad days of fighting with God's will for me as a "why do I even bother to try to obey Him" type of thing. So maybe I need to create encouragement where I can find it. But I do think that, given Mary was chosen by God yet was not perfect herself, we cannot be perfect here on earth. We cannot obey God always- at least not without some level of "disagreement" with Him from time to time. I'd love to be able to say of myself that I love God, have a very intimate prayer-life with Him and obey Him in all things while never doubting Him- but that would not be true. I am weak, flawed, selfish, rebellious. I need God, and the gift of His Son, so very much. But He knows this. He also knows how flawed I am, and that no matter how hard I try, I will not be perfect in my time on earth. I thank Him for His patience with me, for working on and molding me, painful though it may be at times. And when I get discouraged by life, by myself, I try to imagine how heaven will be. Oh, it will be beautiful, no doubt- but what I look forward to is the day that I no longer worry. I won't have to worry about my child or family and friends; my actions; if I have heard God correctly or if I am trying to make my will His own. I try to remember that my best day on earth is still far worse than the "worst day" in heaven, if such a thing can exist. And I hope that I will have a chance to speak to Mary, to find out answers to the questions I would ask her about how she felt raising the Son of God. I want to know if she felt the peace of God wash over her every time she looked into the eyes of Jesus, her child, the Son of God.
Though Mary knew Jesus was God's Son, she still worried about Him. Why? Would not the Lord, Jesus' Father, take good care of Him? I am sure that Mary was a far better mother than I am. And I don't mean this to be a cop-out, but maybe mothers don't have to try to be perfect. Mary wasn't, and God had chosen her to carry and raise His Son. I am the type of person who gets discouraged easily, and can take a run of bad days of fighting with God's will for me as a "why do I even bother to try to obey Him" type of thing. So maybe I need to create encouragement where I can find it. But I do think that, given Mary was chosen by God yet was not perfect herself, we cannot be perfect here on earth. We cannot obey God always- at least not without some level of "disagreement" with Him from time to time. I'd love to be able to say of myself that I love God, have a very intimate prayer-life with Him and obey Him in all things while never doubting Him- but that would not be true. I am weak, flawed, selfish, rebellious. I need God, and the gift of His Son, so very much. But He knows this. He also knows how flawed I am, and that no matter how hard I try, I will not be perfect in my time on earth. I thank Him for His patience with me, for working on and molding me, painful though it may be at times. And when I get discouraged by life, by myself, I try to imagine how heaven will be. Oh, it will be beautiful, no doubt- but what I look forward to is the day that I no longer worry. I won't have to worry about my child or family and friends; my actions; if I have heard God correctly or if I am trying to make my will His own. I try to remember that my best day on earth is still far worse than the "worst day" in heaven, if such a thing can exist. And I hope that I will have a chance to speak to Mary, to find out answers to the questions I would ask her about how she felt raising the Son of God. I want to know if she felt the peace of God wash over her every time she looked into the eyes of Jesus, her child, the Son of God.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Faith like a Child
Last night, Elijah told me, "I loved God first because I knew Him before I was even in your tummy." How is it that children can say such simple, profound things?
"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day. "
~Psalm 139: 13-16 (The Message)
Praise God!
"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day. "
~Psalm 139: 13-16 (The Message)
Praise God!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Babies, babies everywhere...
Apparently another round of babies will be making their way into the world this spring/summer! Christmas is such a wonderful time to share with others that a new life is on it's way into the world. It's so appropriate, cleansing even. And it is a true joy to have that wonderful news to share. So if you tell someone like me that you are expecting a baby and don't get the pure-joy response you might expect, please don't take offense. I am truly happy for all who are expecting a baby in their lives. Just please understand that each pregnancy announcement serves as a reminder that I do not have that joy growing inside of me. Particularly when ladies have had not one, but two pregnancies inside the time that we have been trying to have a child. New life is such a beautiful, precious thing, and I crave that mother/infant bond so badly that it truly physically pains me at times; an ache that grips my stomach, and a wave of heat followed by a coolness throughout my body. Yes, I crave this relationship that much.
I've been so greatly blessed to have experienced this once- I know how lucky I am. Many people are denied this completely. But I also know the frustration of counting, not in months but in years, how long it has been since wanting to be pregnant again. Most days, I know that God has a plan for us that simply has not been revealed to me yet- and I am well-content with my status as a mother of an only child. But there are days when it hurts, and times when I feel like I should try to "cut a deal" with God. My son has said repeatedly that he would like a brother or sister. I know what an amazing big brother he would be if given the opportunity, and it hurts that I have been unable to make his wish a reality. He has three cousins that he sees a few times a year, and he looks forward to his time with them immensely. He also has a new little cousin on the way, so he's looking forward to that as well. But cousins are not the same as a brother or sister. Nieces and nephews are not the same as a child of your own. A child that you sang to while he was safe and warm inside of you; felt his restlessness and made it your own. Even the teasing reprimands to "stop kicking mommy in the ribs" are missed.
Please understand that it is not the news of someone being pregnant that is difficult- it is the reminder that it provides that I do not have that same joy growing within me. I am excited for mothers, especially first-time mothers. What an amazing gift you have been given! And when I say I would love to babysit, I truly mean it from the depths of my heart. I know how exhausted I was when my son was an infant. We did not at the time have family help us, be it a biological or church family, so I know the exhaustion that creeps in full-force. Days when you would give almost anything, including your "first-born", to get a nap. In retrospect, it is a beautiful exhaustion- but so incredibly difficult to get through at the time. So when I offer to babysit, take me up on it, even if it's "just" so you can take a 30 minute nap. Holding another person's baby doesn't take away the ache inside of me, but it soothes it for a while. Holding a baby, even a crying one, is a beautiful "vacation" for me.
Since I am on the baby thing, please also note: telling me to "relax" and we will get pregnant is just hurtful. And wrong. Most of the time, this "advice" comes from people who have had little trouble getting pregnant. How many people out there have become pregnant while under great times of stress, including the middle of war-zones, rape, disease epidemics? So please don't tell me to relax and it will happen. I know you mean well, so I won't opt to laugh at your advice, but perhaps a better option would be to simply say, "I'm sorry, that must be hard."
In the meantime, I will rejoice both inwardly and outwardly for the exciting news that babies are abounding as I inwardly ache a little at each announcement. I will do my best to not show that part of me because, as the host for such a wonderful, growing gift from God, you deserve to have this precious time unmarred. I won't run up to rub your belly. I may point out how beautiful you look with the pregnancy "glow"- although, I've often wondered if this glow isn't just the increased blood flow to a woman's face as she deals with morning sickness...lol. Pregnancy is exquisite on most women. Even the photos right after a baby is born, when your hair is a mess and you are tired from birthing a new life into this world, you are beautiful. (Except in my case- I was told I looked otherwise by someone, I think "awful" was the word used.) But to me, it is one of the truest visions of love and hope, to see a mother holding her newborn baby regardless of outward appearances. Love and hope that can exist inside a hospital room, a taxi cab, a palace, or even a stable. Perhaps most of all in a stable. For when a light enters an already-lit room, it little-improves the visibility. But when that light, the Light of the World, enters a darkened stable, how much more clearly can love and hope be seen!
I've been so greatly blessed to have experienced this once- I know how lucky I am. Many people are denied this completely. But I also know the frustration of counting, not in months but in years, how long it has been since wanting to be pregnant again. Most days, I know that God has a plan for us that simply has not been revealed to me yet- and I am well-content with my status as a mother of an only child. But there are days when it hurts, and times when I feel like I should try to "cut a deal" with God. My son has said repeatedly that he would like a brother or sister. I know what an amazing big brother he would be if given the opportunity, and it hurts that I have been unable to make his wish a reality. He has three cousins that he sees a few times a year, and he looks forward to his time with them immensely. He also has a new little cousin on the way, so he's looking forward to that as well. But cousins are not the same as a brother or sister. Nieces and nephews are not the same as a child of your own. A child that you sang to while he was safe and warm inside of you; felt his restlessness and made it your own. Even the teasing reprimands to "stop kicking mommy in the ribs" are missed.
Please understand that it is not the news of someone being pregnant that is difficult- it is the reminder that it provides that I do not have that same joy growing within me. I am excited for mothers, especially first-time mothers. What an amazing gift you have been given! And when I say I would love to babysit, I truly mean it from the depths of my heart. I know how exhausted I was when my son was an infant. We did not at the time have family help us, be it a biological or church family, so I know the exhaustion that creeps in full-force. Days when you would give almost anything, including your "first-born", to get a nap. In retrospect, it is a beautiful exhaustion- but so incredibly difficult to get through at the time. So when I offer to babysit, take me up on it, even if it's "just" so you can take a 30 minute nap. Holding another person's baby doesn't take away the ache inside of me, but it soothes it for a while. Holding a baby, even a crying one, is a beautiful "vacation" for me.
Since I am on the baby thing, please also note: telling me to "relax" and we will get pregnant is just hurtful. And wrong. Most of the time, this "advice" comes from people who have had little trouble getting pregnant. How many people out there have become pregnant while under great times of stress, including the middle of war-zones, rape, disease epidemics? So please don't tell me to relax and it will happen. I know you mean well, so I won't opt to laugh at your advice, but perhaps a better option would be to simply say, "I'm sorry, that must be hard."
In the meantime, I will rejoice both inwardly and outwardly for the exciting news that babies are abounding as I inwardly ache a little at each announcement. I will do my best to not show that part of me because, as the host for such a wonderful, growing gift from God, you deserve to have this precious time unmarred. I won't run up to rub your belly. I may point out how beautiful you look with the pregnancy "glow"- although, I've often wondered if this glow isn't just the increased blood flow to a woman's face as she deals with morning sickness...lol. Pregnancy is exquisite on most women. Even the photos right after a baby is born, when your hair is a mess and you are tired from birthing a new life into this world, you are beautiful. (Except in my case- I was told I looked otherwise by someone, I think "awful" was the word used.) But to me, it is one of the truest visions of love and hope, to see a mother holding her newborn baby regardless of outward appearances. Love and hope that can exist inside a hospital room, a taxi cab, a palace, or even a stable. Perhaps most of all in a stable. For when a light enters an already-lit room, it little-improves the visibility. But when that light, the Light of the World, enters a darkened stable, how much more clearly can love and hope be seen!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Advent begins...
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent; a time of reflection, preparation, hope. It's a chance for us to look forward to the first coming of Christ, and help us to welcome- and learn to patiently wait for- His second coming. Christ's return has been predicted so many times over the last several hundred years, each obviously incorrect. Much like a mom must wait out the last few weeks of her pregnancy, knowing that any moment could be when her child comes, we must continue to wait expectantly and hopefully for that time. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." -2 Peter 3:9
During yesterday's sermon, pastor Jeff talked about faith. Even if our step of faith comes from a barely-existent faith, it is still a step toward Christ and He will come running to meet us. The image that came to my mind was that of a baby learning to walk. She is not sure she can make it, yet she steps forward. When that step is tried with no one there, a fall is likely to happen. But if she steps toward her parent, she gains everything- arms to catch and welcome her, confidence that she can do more the next time, and joy. Pure, simple, perfect joy at her attempt. That step didn't have to be perfect or beautiful, it just had to be taken. How many times have we started to take a step towards Jesus, then decided we'd better not try it? How much more wonderful are the moments when we take a baby-step forward in faith and land in the joyful, welcoming arms of our Saviour who comes running to meet us the rest of the way? Imagine how a bold stride of many steps would be greeted...
During yesterday's sermon, pastor Jeff talked about faith. Even if our step of faith comes from a barely-existent faith, it is still a step toward Christ and He will come running to meet us. The image that came to my mind was that of a baby learning to walk. She is not sure she can make it, yet she steps forward. When that step is tried with no one there, a fall is likely to happen. But if she steps toward her parent, she gains everything- arms to catch and welcome her, confidence that she can do more the next time, and joy. Pure, simple, perfect joy at her attempt. That step didn't have to be perfect or beautiful, it just had to be taken. How many times have we started to take a step towards Jesus, then decided we'd better not try it? How much more wonderful are the moments when we take a baby-step forward in faith and land in the joyful, welcoming arms of our Saviour who comes running to meet us the rest of the way? Imagine how a bold stride of many steps would be greeted...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Welcome to Butterfly Reflections
This is my first-ever blog, so please forgive any mistakes or incorrect blog "etiquette." I decided about a week ago to start a blog for several reasons. I can "socialize", vent, get feedback- and potentially share Christ with someone out there that I might not otherwise reach.
I'm not a particularly deep thinker, nor do I have grand ideas or revelations for the most part. Those that I've had in the past have been stumbled upon and/or strictly God-inspired; and He felt strongly enough to keep me from bungling His message. I don't know if I'll ever have anything wonderful to share in that respect, but I kind of hope so while at the same time am intimidated by the thought. Nevertheless, here I am. And I am humbled by the thought that my son, age 5 yrs., is a greater sharer of our faith in Jesus than I am.
While at a local restaurant last week, Elijah noticed the children sitting at the table next to us. He could not help but socialize with them. (If you know me well, you know that he did NOT get his uncontrollable urge to speak to any and all total strangers from me!) And, like many days, his shirt had several stickers plastered across it. That day the stickers read "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16" And Elijah was of a mind to give the girls his stickers.
After the words were read to them, Elijah started talking about Jesus without a hint of hesitation or reluctance. He just opened his mouth and spoke. I don't recall his exact words, but I well remember the confidence and solidity with which he spoke. He was sharing Jesus with these girls more boldly than I can recall ever having done. In the end, it turns out that the girls and their family go to church, but he did not know that when he began. He simply knew that everyone should know about Jesus- and he was gladly willing to be the one to share Him.
I'm not a particularly deep thinker, nor do I have grand ideas or revelations for the most part. Those that I've had in the past have been stumbled upon and/or strictly God-inspired; and He felt strongly enough to keep me from bungling His message. I don't know if I'll ever have anything wonderful to share in that respect, but I kind of hope so while at the same time am intimidated by the thought. Nevertheless, here I am. And I am humbled by the thought that my son, age 5 yrs., is a greater sharer of our faith in Jesus than I am.
While at a local restaurant last week, Elijah noticed the children sitting at the table next to us. He could not help but socialize with them. (If you know me well, you know that he did NOT get his uncontrollable urge to speak to any and all total strangers from me!) And, like many days, his shirt had several stickers plastered across it. That day the stickers read "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16" And Elijah was of a mind to give the girls his stickers.
After the words were read to them, Elijah started talking about Jesus without a hint of hesitation or reluctance. He just opened his mouth and spoke. I don't recall his exact words, but I well remember the confidence and solidity with which he spoke. He was sharing Jesus with these girls more boldly than I can recall ever having done. In the end, it turns out that the girls and their family go to church, but he did not know that when he began. He simply knew that everyone should know about Jesus- and he was gladly willing to be the one to share Him.
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