November | 2016 | From the Inside Out

Archive for November, 2016

An Advent Adventure

Posted in Appreciation, Christmas, Hope, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, tagged Christmas, Gratitude, Hope, Prayer, Romans 12:2 on November 28, 2016| 10 Comments »

We’re off! The race to Christmas has begun.

The next twenty-six days will include shopping, wrapping, sending, writing (the Christmas cards), decorating, cleaning, baking, attending, final rehearsing and performing. Did I leave out anything?

No doubt some of you are far down the track. Your house is already decorated, the cards are nearly finished, the cookies are baked and tucked in the freezer. You started preparations weeks ago.

I am not among you—never have been. What would Christmas be without a little hustle and bustle to get the adrenalin flowing? Except I almost always become overwhelmed, which leads to frazzled nerves.

This year I want to maintain (or recapture as needed) an Advent perspective of tranquil expectation and worshipful celebration—even when the schedule and the to-do list get a little crazy.

How? The following three ways might be a good place to begin:

1. Gratitude.

Gratitude will prepare the way—the way to salvation from discontent and agitation, the way to the presence of God.

(“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me

and prepares the way

so that I may show him

the salvation of God.”

–Psalm 50:23)

Gratitude renews my mind and spirit as I remember: “The things [I] take for granted, someone else is praying for”–things like:

Colorful Christmas cards in the mailbox
An ample supply of sugar, flour, and butter for cookies
A Christmas tree filled with treasured, memory-laden ornaments
Loving family gathered to revel in each other’s company and hear the story of Jesus’ birth once again
Presents aplenty under that tree, to express our love

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward (1921-1994).

What better time than Advent to be more thankful, to experience more joy, to take note of our many blessings in the ordinary? M-m-m. ‘Think I’ll reflect on that question in my journal during these days leading up to Christmas.

2. Prayer.

If someone asked me, “Is there a scripture about the impact of prayer on a person’s emotional state?” I’d steer them to Philippians 4:6-7.

“Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with 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.”

How easy it is to steer others in the right direction, but not take that route myself.

So these reminders are for me:

Be anxious about nothing – including the long task-list that requires completion by Christmas.

Pray with a grateful heart about everything that needs to be done – including what to say on the Christmas cards, what gifts to give, what is needful to accomplish and what is just my OCD in over-drive.

Pray for godly perspective. The result will be as he has promised: peace that transcends understanding.

To keep mindful, I’ve put Philippians 4:6-7 on the bathroom mirror.

3. Hope.

Yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, we focused on the word, wait –an action often accompanied by impatience.

But in the ancient language of the Bible, Hebrew, the word wait is the same as the word for hope. How appropriate—hopeful waiting—waiting that includes positive expectation, confident assurance, and absolute conviction, because our God is the One and only God of hope.

And because of him we have confident assurance of:

Strength (Psalm 31:24)
Blessing (Jeremiah 17:7)
Joy and peace (Romans 15:13)
Eternal life (Titus 1:2)

What a glorious list. And that’s just the beginning.

If I focus on my God of hope and all his benefits, my attitude will be transformed (Romans 12:2). If I turn my face to the Son, the shadows will fall behind me.*

Too often in the past, my attitude has turned the season of Advent into an adversary to be beaten.

This year I want Advent to be an adventure of gratitude, prayer, and hope.

*Based on a Maori proverb

(Art & photo credits: www.flickr.com (2); http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com.)

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in Uncategorized on November 24, 2016| 6 Comments »

“Blessed be the Lord,

who daily loads us with benefits,

even the God of our salvation.”

–Psalm 68:19

(King James Bible 2000)

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Five Grains of Corn

Posted in Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Pilgrims, Thanksgiving Day on November 21, 2016| 6 Comments »

Lots of folks will be trekking to the grocery store today or tomorrow, picking up ingredients for their traditional Thanksgiving feast: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and more.

But that’s probably not what the Pilgrims and their Indian guests ate in 1621. According to the two primary sources that survive, their feast included wildfowl (wild turkey among them, for sure, but those taste nothing like a Butterball), waterfowl, cornbread or corn porridge, and venison. Perhaps vegetables from their gardens were also on the menu, but they received no mention.

Soon after that first Thanksgiving, our American forefathers added a custom to the meal: putting five grains of corn at each place around the table as a memorial to those first Pilgrims—a people of strong faith who had faced persecution and even imprisonment in England.

So the small band left everything—extended family and friends, jobs, homes, and goods—to establish a colony for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith (according to the Mayflower Compact).

“Embarkation of the Pilgrims”

by Robert Walter Weir

You may remember a late departure from England delayed their arrival in America by two months. To complicate matters further, they were blown off course by a storm. Instead of arriving at Jamestown, Virginia where other colonists already lived, they landed at present-day Massachusetts.

In numbing cold and deep snow the Pilgrims began the overwhelming task of building a colony from scratch. Shelter was their highest priority, and construction of a common house began immediately.

At night the men stayed on land while the women and children returned to the Mayflower, thanks to the captain, Christopher Jones, who anchored the ship a mile offshore. Jones knew that if he left, they would all die.

But even the ship offered little relief from the frigid temperatures. To keep their children warm, the mothers would actually sleep on them.

“Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor”

by William Halsall

It’s no wonder that severe illness decimated the Pilgrims. At one point, only seven colonists were strong enough to care for the others. Half of the original 102 colonists died, many of them the women who had protected their children from the bitter cold. Most of the children survived.

The trial of rampant illness was compounded by the lack of food. During that first dreadful winter in America, corn had to be carefully rationed. Each person received just five grains at a time.

And thus began the custom among early settlers to put corn kernels at each place for Thanksgiving—in memory of those resolute and persevering men and women who suffered so much to live for the glory of God and share the good news of Jesus with the American Indians.

William Bradford

Sometime later, Governor William Bradford of the Massachusetts colony wrote, “We have noted these things so that you might see their worth and not negligently lose what your fathers have obtained with so much hardship.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Forgive me, Lord God. I do forget these things and become focused on the delight of gathering with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. I neglect to soberly note the worth of the Pilgrims’ sacrifices, that they might live for your glory. Their perseverance, courage, and passion put me to shame.

Help me to be a voice of remembrance to those around me. May we not negligently lose what the Pilgrims and other heroes/heroines have obtained for us with so much hardship.

Sources:

The Higher Happiness by Ralph W. Sockman (1950), p. 45.

The Founders’ Bible by Shiloh Road Publishers, pp. 95-104.

http://www.eagleforum.org; “Thanks-living Time–The Extraordinary Example of the Pilgrims.”

(Photo & art credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikipedia.org (2); http://www.biography.com.)

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Christmas on Pleasant Hill

Posted in Book Reviews, Christmas, Uncategorized, tagged Colleen Scheid, stories of Christmas on November 17, 2016| 14 Comments »

Last year in mid-December I purchased the book, Christmas on Pleasant Hill, Twelve Stories for the Season, by Colleen Scheid. My plan was to enjoy a few pages each day during the remainder of Advent. Little did I know how compelling Colleen’s stories would be—stories that included:

A preschooler who figures out a way to give Jesus a gift for his birthday.

A young boy who ingeniously, all by himself and with great excitement, delivers presents to a less-fortunate neighbor.

A teenager who unknowingly brings about a Christmas miracle.

A grandmother who carefully plans her legacy to transform the lives of her two granddaughters.

A little girl who learns that all things are possible with God.

As soon as I finished each story, my curiosity would start to pester me. What delights might the next story include? So last year, the Christmas cards and gift-wrapping had to wait until all 171 pages had been read. I was still baking cookies on Christmas Eve, but it was worth it!

Colleen’s gift of story includes the compelling characters she creates—“people we care about, people we want to know,” as reviewer, Mitch Teemley (President of Moriah Media) described them. I couldn’t agree more.

A page or two into each story, and the reader wants to know what will happen to: the young boy secretly living in a low-income retirement building, the rebellious teenager assigned as personal helper for a special needs child, and a distraught mother whose self-centered, twenty-something daughter is anxious to move out on her own.

Colleen also holds the reader’s attention by the way she writes. Perhaps you’re like me and enjoy best those stories that not only include an intriguing plot line and interesting characters, but also inventive language, an occasional, clever metaphor or simile, and delicious description to savor. Colleen does not disappoint.

For example:

A chatty young boy “monologued all the way home.”

The town of Pleasant Hill “was a mixture of ghetto and fairy tale.”

A mother says of her quiet son: “Raising an introvert was like playing darts in the dark. You never knew if you were anywhere near the target.”

Pleasant Hill “Yards [were] busy with statuary…Santas fraternizing with shepherds and wise men.”

The emotional state of one character is creatively revealed: “When she breathed in, Janice whispered, ‘God is my refuge and strength…’ When she breathed out—‘an ever present help in trouble.’ This had become a habit. It was not working very well for her today.”

‘See what I mean?

Granted, we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving yet. But I wanted you to be able to enjoy these heart-touching stories as Advent unfolds—if you’re so inclined. Begin now and you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate each one, while still getting your Christmas cards and gifts mailed on time. Oh—and the cookies baked, too.

I can promise you: Christmas on Pleasant Hill will augment your journey through the season to come, inspiring hope, refreshing your spirit, and reaffirming in your heart the sacred truths of Christmas.

P.S. Colleen just happens to be in my writers’ group. Not only does she write delightful stories, she’s a delightful person as well. Visit her blog at www.colleenscheid.com.

(Art & photo credits: www.amazon.com; http://www.holidappy.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.colleenscheid.com.)

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The Crux of Our Lives

Posted in Appreciation, God's Love, God's Salvation, Jesus, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Christian perspective, Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' resurrection on November 14, 2016| 4 Comments »

For a number of months, the pastoral staff of our church has been preaching from the gospel of Mark. Yesterday the text was chapter fifteen, the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

Pastor C. graphically described the flogging, the nailing of limbs to the cross, and the slow death by asphyxiation so we might better grasp the appalling circumstances of Jesus’ death and appreciate, at least in part, the supreme sacrifice he endured for us. Tears kept burning my eyes as I contemplated Jesus’ physical pain and emotional suffering—for me.

jesus-crucifixion

Next Sunday, the sermon text will come from chapter sixteen of the same gospel—the description of astounding events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, his escape from a sealed tomb, and his sudden appearance to a group of men in a locked room. (Further details are described in the other gospels.) The wonder and splendor are in sharp contrast to the preceding horror.

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Now according to the traditional church calendar, such sermons in November are terribly out of sync. Usually we save the sobering remembrances of Christ’s crucifixion for Lent. And it’s Easter morning we celebrate “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” with euphoric joy.

But my husband, Steve, noted after church, “It might seem strange to some people that we’d focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection at this time of year, but actually, I see it as the perfect time. Next week is Thanksgiving Sunday. And of all the things we have to be thankful for, nothing is more precious than Christ’s sacrifice in our place and his gift of eternal life.”

So true, I thought and nodded in agreement. How dreadful my life would be if Jesus had not taken my sin upon himself and provided the God-enhanced life I’ve enjoyed all these years.

“I also find it fascinating,” Steve continued, “that Mark fifteen would just happen to be the text for today. Pastor C. couldn’t have known months ago when he planned this series that a lot of people would be distraught and even angry about the presidential election. Other issues have folks divided too—from racial tension on the national level to family concerns on the personal level.

“But there is one central fact that should overshadow everything else and help us keep a proper perspective: Jesus’ death and resurrection and all the incredible implications.”

Smart man, that Steve.

The crux* of our lives is the cross, because it put on display the wondrous love of our God and Savior (John 3:16) and his omnipotent power over sin and death (1 Corinthians 1:18). All matters of our day-to-day lives are secondary — including disappointments, irritations, and frustrations.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Jesus, keep me mindful it was my sin you took upon yourself that dark Friday. Every selfish deed, every outburst of anger or hurtfulness, every unkind, impure, or prideful thought—you paid the price.

That price included torn flesh, spilled blood, and excruciating pain beyond my ability to imagine. Yet such unthinkable suffering resulted in hope and healing for me.

Remind me to let go of petty irritations, and prideful self-centeredness, to live instead in continual gratitude, awe, and celebration of you, precious Savior!

*In Latin, crux means cross.

(Art & photo credits: www.christiannews.com; http://www.desktopnexus.com; http://www.pinterest (2); http://www.azquotes.com.)

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Stilled Time

Posted in Blessings, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Joy, Meditation, Uncategorized, tagged attentiveness to God, Ordinary days, Psalm 72:19, Solitude with God on November 10, 2016| 14 Comments »

A common, ordinary day in mid-November

Overcast and chilly, just like yesterday

Tomorrow promises to be the same

No breeze to make leaves dance

no birds to add lyrical songs

Few trees remain bannered in crimson and gold

Dullness and grayness predominate and

joy seems unwarranted.

But wait—gentle wonders abound

Soft light filters through windows

Candles glow sprightly on tabletops

Hazelnut coffee in a favorite cup

Offers cozy familiarity and

A colorful afghan created by a friend

Wraps my lap in warmth and

My heart with her love.

These quiet wonders provide the perfect backdrop to stilled time

Sublime moments of solitude to experience God’s presence

To receive revelations from his heart to mine

Time to wonder, time to ponder

Time to turn to God and listen

Allowing his Spirit to mend my brokenness

Tend my worriedness and bend my self-centeredness

To his way of contentment.

Ordinary moments on an ordinary day suddenly become holy

Sacred and separate

As attentiveness leads to discovery

Discovery ushers in joy

And joy results in gratitude

I exult in you, Heavenly Father!

You reside among the commonplace as well as the astounding

There is great glory in the ordinary after all.

(Photo credits: www.wikipedia.org; http://www.keyword-suggestions.com; Nancy Ruegg (2); http://www.dailyencouragement.net.)

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Remembering Our Roots

Posted in Blessings, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Godly Character, tagged Deuteronomy 26:11, Deuteronomy 32:7, Deuteronomy 8:2, Isaiah 46:9, Proverbs 10:7, Psalm 105:5, Psalm 92:4, roots of the family tree, the blessing of memories on November 7, 2016| 10 Comments »

“Hey, look at this one,” my brother, John, said while passing to me an 8 x 10 of a large family reunion picnic, 1955. He was just a toddler that year, sitting on the lap of our older cousin, Janet. I sat on the opposite end of the children’s row; Mom was next to Aunt Betty in back.

Poor Cousin Greg was hardly visible at all, except for his quintessential cap. Next to him stood Uncle Ralph, pointing at something in the sky and blocking Greg’s face.

“I’ll bet Uncle Ralph did that on purpose.” I commented. “He always was the practical joker.”

John agreed, adding, “Dad counted down to three, and Uncle Ralph probably took it as his cue to act up.” (Dad isn’t in the picture, leading us to believe he was probably the photographer—the one with the expertise and equipment.)

Back and forth John and I passed photos, documents, and memorabilia our mother had saved – two big boxes worth. And while sorting, labeling and organizing, we enjoyed memory after memory.

No doubt you’ve experienced the same:

Remembering the past brings blessing (Proverbs 10:7a).

It was fun to recall with John more than a few of the good old days. In our hands we held again bits of personal history, revisited in our minds the people and places of our youth, and delighted in the happy times of long ago with family and friends, many of whom left positive examples for us to follow.

“The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7a, HCSB, emphasis added).

Remembering the past allows us to learn from the experience of others (Deuteronomy 32:7).

Talk to an elderly person about his youth, and you may think he had it a bit rough: one bathroom in the house, one phone, one car, no TV, no computer. Siblings shared bedrooms, hand-me-down clothes, and toys. Everyone had chores to do and Mom and Dad made sure they did them.

Then he’s likely to add: “But it was good for us to have responsibilities at an early age. And even though our family was a bit poor, all of us kids had a great time inventing our own fun. We laughed a lot, too.”

And while listening to such recollections, we realize: three traits of utmost importance a couple of generations ago—responsibility, respect, and resourcefulness—no longer receive as much emphasis. We’d do well to bring them back.

Remembering the past fosters praise and hope today (Isaiah 46:9).

Eugene Peterson wisely wrote: “The before is the root system of the visible now” (Running with the Horses, p. 37).

My brother, John, and I have been blessed by the root system of our family tree that includes: perseverance and patience, humor and humility, wisdom and warm-heartedness.

Even more valuable, though, is all that God has done in the past, providing solid ground for praise in the present and hope for the future, as we:

Remember the wonderful works that he has done, his miracles (Psalm 105:5a).

Recall how the Lord has led decade after decade (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Rejoice in all the good God has bestowed upon our family (Deuteronomy 26:11).

Sing for joy at the works of his hands (Psalm 92:4).

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the blessing of a family tree with sturdy roots. Thank you, too, for the precious memories of your glorious deeds in my life—wonders you performed that I saw with my own eyes. Now may I be faithful to provide a strong, godly root system for those around me, that they may stand stronger yet.

(Frequently over the four years of posting on this blog, I’ve included stories of God’s wonderful works in our family—remembrances that foster praise and hope. Several examples include: The God of Rachel, Henry, and Clara, Part 1; The God of Rachel, Henry, and Clara, Part 2; Christmas Afterglow; Signs and Wonders. I invite you to skim through!)

How have the roots of your family tree impacted your growth? Please share in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.crosscards.com; http://www.quotescodex.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

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The Name of Our God

Posted in God, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Psalm 105:3, Psalm 34:3 on November 3, 2016| 4 Comments »

“Glorify the Lord with me,” David invited. “Let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3).

M-m-m. That’s puzzling. Why didn’t David say, “exalt his names?”

He has dozens—Creator, Father, Holy One, King, I AM, —to name just a few.

My question led to three observations.

One, most of us do have at least three names: first, last, and middle. Royals are often given multiple names. Prince William of Great Britain, for example, is actually William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Yet even when he’s asked to give his full name, that word name is used in singular form.

Two, most parents, including royalty, take great care in choosing names for their progeny. They not only consider how first, middle, and last sound when spoken together, they consider the meanings of the names.

Three, some moms and dads choose names that honor family members or friends. Perhaps they hope the name will also bequeath to their child the positive traits and accomplishments of the honorees.

Based on these observations, it would seem appropriate to do the following when we desire to praise or rejoice in God’s name:

Think on at least several of his names
Consider their meanings, especially as they relate to personal experience
Meditate on the attributes and accomplishments of God associated with that name

Let’s try it. The name-list above offers a start.

God of heaven and earth, you are Creator of all. My mind cannot begin to fathom your power, wisdom, and creative genius that brought this universe into existence—out of nothing. From vast planetary movements to intricate ecosystems, your divine proficiency produces perfect function.

You are the Holy One of the universe—completely righteous and totally separate from anything or anyone else. You are the only one who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. There is no one like you.

Yet you are my Heavenly Father! You lovingly and patiently care for me, providing guidance and instruction on how best to live. You graciously bestow blessings—sometimes special desires of my heart, and even serendipity gifts that I haven’t asked for.

You are the King of the universe, in control of everything. But unlike some rulers, you know what you’re doing. Everything you do is perfect. I can trust you with the concerns of my life because of your great wisdom and understanding.

You are the great I AM, who always was and always will be. You live in a perpetual present tense. And you are always the same—dependable and faithful, loving and gracious to your children.

Thank you, God, for revealing these names to us—and many more. They help us to understand who you are and how you respond to your children. And as we meditate upon them, our hearts are filled with wordless wonder and overwhelming gratitude.

With David we glory in your holy name(Psalm 105:3)!

_________________________

Photo credits: www.ourdailyblossom.com; http://www.fishwallpaper.net; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wallpapercave.com.

(Reblogged from January 28, 2013)

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for November, 2016

An Advent Adventure

Happy Thanksgiving!

Five Grains of Corn

Christmas on Pleasant Hill

The Crux of Our Lives

Stilled Time

Remembering Our Roots

The Name of Our God

Nancy Ruegg

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