Starting Now!

I often feel at the end of Saturday the same way I feel at the end of summer: Where did it go?

I typically have so many hopes and plans for "time off."  I think about the books I will read, the rooms I will clean, the yard work I will accomplish.  Then the day--or the season--comes and goes with only a fraction of those items completed.  If I dwell on it, it can be discouraging.

I suppose an alternative would be to make no plans, have no ambition, and thus experience no disappointment. But here's another idea: Trust in the God of all time that He is ordering my days. Arise each morning with a prayer for Him to guide my hours and moments, be sensitive to the needs of those around me, do the work I have before me, and end the day with no regrets.

That is so easy to write, and so tricky to actually do. Here's a bigger thought. I don't want to get to the end of my life--a prospect that is easier to imagine with each passing season--and think, What happened?

With the psalmist, I am asking God to teach me to "number [my] days" so that I may "apply [my] heart to wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). I don't wish to be morbid, but it's an undeniable fact that my days are numbered--and yours are too.

My memory passage for this month is Proverbs chapter 3. We are all familiar with verses 5 and 6: "Trust in the LORD with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path."

I don't know that it's possible to live with no regrets at all, but I'm hoping and praying that I can come to the end of my days in peace and confidence that I did what God put me here for. 

Starting now.

       --Sherry Poff 

Step by Step

Step by Step

He does not lead me year by year,

Nor even day by day,

But step by step my path unfolds,

My Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow’s plans I do not know,

I only know this minute;

But He will say, “This is the way,

By faith now walk ye in it.”

And I am glad that it is so;

Today’s enough to bear,

And when tomorrow comes, His grace

Shall far exceed its care.

What need to worry then, or fret?

The God who gave His Son

Holds all my moments in His hands,

And gives them one by one.

By Barbara C. Ryberg

I memorized this poem when I was young and wondering where life would take me.  I have quoted it many times since, both to myself and others.  I have even taught it to my girls.  But I am back there, back to quoting it often, especially just before falling asleep.

            Life has many twists, some difficult, some wonderful.  Though I see many wonderful things about my life right now and the steps God has led me through, right now I am facing one that is not quite so wonderful.  There are some unknowns in my life right now.

            I would like to say that I have trusted God through the whole process, that I have said I am glad I don’t know the future, that I can look at the future with trusting eyes.  But I would be lying if I said that.  I am struggling.  Sometimes we have to work through our doubts, our supposes.  We have to face our questions.  That’s where I am now.

            But step by step I am remembering that I can trust God.  I am remembering that if God loves me enough to give His Son for me, I can trust Him for the next step.  My Lord directs my way.

                                                                                    ~~Faith Himes Lamb

            

Refreshment

Coca-Cola^® advertisers love the word “refreshing.”  Ice-cold, refreshing Coke^®!  Ahhh!  I want some of that fizzy goodness right now!  Who doesn’t enjoy being refreshed?

Refresh means “to give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate” (Google dictionary).  It’s the opposite of being weary or depleted.  When tired, we refresh ourselves with rest.  When hungry or thirsty, we refresh ourselves with food and drink.  When mentally weary, we refresh ourselves with entertainment or a change of pace. 

In II Timothy 1, the Apostle Paul introduces us to an unknown character, Onesiphorus, who was the embodiment of refreshment.  Onesiphorus sought Paul on the streets of Rome until he found him – in a stinking jail cell.  We aren’t told what Onesiphorus did to refresh Paul, but Paul needed everything and was alone.  In those days, prisoners weren’t provided the basic necessities of life.  If you had food, water, clothing, a warm blanket, it was because someone on the outside provided it.  Presumably, Onesiphorus was that someone for Paul.

Paul’s burdens were obvious, but the people we know may carry unseen burdens.  In our prosperous culture, we have to be intentional if we are to discern the needs of others.  If we ask Him, God reveals ways we might give strength or encouragement to another.  Who is enduring a health crisis, a divorce, financial problems, mental difficulties?  Who has stress overload? 

Everyone struggles with life, and a kind act can provide relief. Refreshing others doesn’t have to be a production. I simply appreciate it when someone holds a door open for me or allows me to pull into traffic. 

People need to know we care – that they are on our minds and in our prayers.  The “gift of presence” lets others know they are worth our time.  The weary are refreshed by those who listen to them.

When our family was moving, the weather was oppressively hot, and I was overwhelmed.  A friend arrived with a basketful of supplies and scrubbed my house clean!  I was deeply refreshed. 

People say, “Call me if you need anything,” but I won’t.  I guess I’m too proud.    I think I’m not alone in this.

But what if we are the ones in need of refreshment?  Jesus says, 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

His beauty, truth and goodness are balms for our aching souls.  Obeying Jesus helps us avoid unnecessary problems, and the things He requires of us – His yoke – is a much lighter burden than what we choose for ourselves.  He asks us to learn, listen, and align our lives with His commandments so that He can shape us into something beautifully refreshing.  It’s refreshment that’s more satisfying and long-lasting than any can of Coke^®!

Joyce Hague

Faithful

Who is happy with the World Cup outcome?  I'm sure Amy O'Rear is!  I have to confess, I was leaning toward the American team (that's Argentina), but the Germans were certainly a worthy group of players.  One thing that appeals to me about the World Cup is the way it helps us mark time. For example, the last time the tournament was played, in 2010, I was still involved in the Togo schools project and watched some of the games with African friends.  That was an unforgettable experience.  Elections are the same, and the Olympics.

These events work as memory aids because they happen on a regular basis.  Somehow it's comforting to see special days and celebrations come around again. The world is still in order, we think. It's all going to be ok.

If man-made events are comforting, think of the regularity of the turning of the planets. We all enjoyed that fabulous "Super Moon" on Saturday and look forward to two more before the summer is over. We know this is so--we depend on it being so--because of the regular, predictable turning of the earth and moon. Fishermen chart the tides and armies plan their movements based on dependable, observable patterns in nature.

Genesis 1:14 tells us that God made the sun, moon, and stars "for signs and seasons, and for days and years."  We also have the promise that "while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).  We all expect the sun to rise at a predetermined time tomorrow morning; we are planning on a certain amount of daylight before we close our doors, pull our shades, and lie down again to rest.

It's a simple but profound truth: God is faithful.  He says through the prophet Malachi, "I am the LORD; I do not change" (3:6).  Jesus, we learn in Hebrews, is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (13:8). Faithful as the sun to rise and the tides to flow, God will be there when we need him. More reliable even than that amazing USA goalie, Jesus has us in his sight.

I think I will sleep well tonight.

--Sherry Poff

An Eternal Satisfaction

"A thread of eternity runs through everything..."
That may or may not be the exact quote from Gary Goodge in yesterday's morning worship service. I didn't write it down, but it stuck with me and added a different perspective to a question I've been processing over the last few weeks.

Why are we never satisfied with our own bodies, circumstances, jobs, pleasures, etc.? 

While the most common responses include answers such as personal sin, brainwashing by the media, and one's childhood, these never quite satisfied my inquiry. While I understand how the consequences of my sin, the message of the media, and the baggage of my childhood impact my current level of contentment, I wonder if this "thread of eternity" also plays a role.

Why am I unhappy in my body? Why do I care about keeping my weight down, my muscles toned, or my skin tanned? Why do I constantly wish for a new hairstyle, new nail polish designs, new clothes, or new accessories? Maybe it's because I'm self-centered. Maybe it's because I see pictures of perfectly sculptured bodies in the media. Maybe it's because I grew up in a community of people who were always trying the newest fad diet. But what if it's because my spirit knows that my future does not include an aching body plagued with disease or limbs with limited usability? What if my dissatisfaction in this life has nothing to do with this life? (2 Corinthians 5:4-5)

Why do I get frustrated with the injustices in my life? Why do I get angry with drivers who cut me off without using a blinker? Why do I blame others when something doesn't go my way? Why do I shake my head at the young girls who get pregnant out of wedlock when all I've ever wanted was to be a mom? Maybe it's because I'm a control freak, maybe it's because I've watched sitcoms that have attached my value as a person to my job or marital status, maybe it's because I grew up in a community where my future significance was defined as "wife and mother." But what if it's because my spirit knows that vengeance belongs to the Judge and that he has already cancelled my debt and the debt of those who have "wronged" me? What if my dissatisfaction in this life has nothing to do with this life? (Hebrews 10:17-18,30)

Why do I grow weary with my job? Why do I prioritize the aspects of my job that I enjoy and procrastinate the others? Why do I cringe when the alarm clock goes off in the morning? Why do I countdown to the weekends and grow jealous over others' vacations? Maybe it's because I'm lazy and selfish. Maybe it's because I'm inundated with commercials about the best places to vacation while staring at my less than abundant bank account. Maybe it's because I grew up in a society that gives accolades to the workaholic (even in ministry jobs), yet values retirement plans. But what if it's because my spirit knows that my rest lies in the One who made me and that my destiny is not dependent upon my work hours? What if my dissatisfaction in this life has nothing to do with this life? (Galatians 6:9)

Why can I never get enough of life's pleasures? Why am I drawn to clothing stores when I'm stressed...or not stressed? Why do I decorate my office in beach paraphernalia that constantly reminds me of where I'm not? Why do I stock up on Moose Tracks ice cream when it's B1G1 at Publix even when I know it's unhealthy? Maybe it's because I'm prone to compulsive behaviors. Maybe it's because I'm consumed with advertisements for beach rental property. Mabye it's because I grew up in a world of instant gratification. But what if it's because my spirit knows that the God who gives me good and perfect gifts in this temporary life is the God that gives me life eternal? What if my dissatisfaction in this life has nothing to do with this life? (James 1:12-17)

What if my dissatisfaction with this life is really about my longing for the next? What if my struggle with discontentment is related to the "thread of eternity" that has weaved its way into every aspect of my current life? What if it's because "...he has put eternity into man's heart...(Eccl. 3:11)."

I'm not excusing the choices I've made as a result of my discontentment, I just wonder if the reason that this world doesn't satisfy is simply because it doesn't satisfy.

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (emphasis mine)

~Rebecca Phillips

How Beautiful!

 

I was sitting out back in my little herb garden recently, pondering life and the fungus that has taken over my mint, when I noticed a little worm of some sort crawling across the paving stones. I am a lover of bugs and most living things, but I have to say—this was an ugly worm. It was exactly the color of nasty clay mud with a beady black head. I believe my lip curled in distaste as I watched it.

But then—as I watched it—I began to notice how effortlessly the little creature made his way across the stones, how he smoothly negotiated the cracks between the stones, cracks easily a third of his own length. He just rippled along, seemingly with definite purpose.

What kind of brain is required to make that happen? And how tiny must the brain be? What a marvel of creation is this little brown worm! When we are advised in Proverbs to “go to the ant . . .Consider her ways and be wise,” I know the diligence of the ants is the main point. But taking note of God’s tiny creatures can afford a different kind of wisdom as well—wisdom to understand that beauty is about more than looks.

Recently I saw a post on Facebook that I just had to share.  It said something like this: I may not do everything well, but at least I don’t have ugly children.  I thought that little gem was clever enough to share.  So I did.  But then I thought better of it.  Who does have ugly children? Does anyone? No one I know. All our children are beautiful because they are our dear ones. It’s more than a cliché that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Ray Stevens used to sing that song “Everything is Beautiful.” I am not ready to go that far, but many things are beautiful. God has made an amazing world and given incredible talents and gifts to creatures as humble as worms. Jesus advised his hearers to observe the birds of the air and the grass of the field to see examples of God’s loving care (Matthew 6). Worms will also work.  

 

--Sherry Poff

 

Hands Open Again!

Hands Open Again!

                In September of 2011, I wrote a blog post for Cup of Grace.  I entitled it “Hands Open!”  This one must be titled, “Hands Open Again!”  Somehow I forget what God has taught me and I must learn it over and over again.  So I come back to the lesson.  I cannot control my life or anyone else’s.  That is God’s job. 

This is what I wrote in 2011:

Over the years God has said it over and over again in many situations.  He is still saying it to me today.  “Acknowledge that you have no control over people or situations.  Relinquish them to Me.  Let Me do My job!”

            To remind me, I had my son-in-law take a picture of my hands, held out open to God.  So in my house you will see that picture.  In my office you will see that picture.  On my keychain you will see that picture.

            “See, God.  My mother is in my open hands, for You to do Your job.  My children are on my open hands, for You to do Your job.  My daughter-in-law and sons-in-law are on my open hands, for You to do Your job.  I surrender control of what is not mine to control.”

            What are you clutching in your hands?  What are you trying to control when it is not your job?  Hold out your hands before you, open flat.  Visualize it.  See the person or the situation.  Say aloud, “God, he/she/it is here on my open hands.  I will not clutch or grab.  I relax my grasp.  Do whatever you see best.”

            I sometimes raise my voice when I say it.  I sometimes cry when I say it.  But I say it.  Will you?

          Some things have changed.  God took Mother just a couple of weeks after I released her.  Other things are still issues.  And then there are new issues.

          A friend I have had for forty years has just had surgery for breast cancer.  It was very advanced.  The surgery was extensive and the future is uncertain.

          The son of another friend has been in a motorcycle accident.  He is on life support.  The future is uncertain.

          I have children who have chosen their own ways, not God’s way.  The future is uncertain.

          I am facing some physical issues that could be serious or could be minor.  The future is uncertain.

          I am struggling, I admit.  Again I must say, “God, my hands are open.  I will not clutch or grab.  I relax my grasp.  Do whatever you see best.”

          What do you need to release?  What do you need to hold out on your open hands?  God is in control.

                                                              Faith Himes Lamb