TIME WITH TREES

As a child I spent my balmy Alabama summers hanging in trees. Without an invitation from anyone, I was drawn to trees like paperclips to a magnet. My parents rented this old, run-down house in a run-down neighborhood, but it had three magnificent climbing-trees in the backyard. Childhood heaven! I didn’t care if the kid next door didn’t want to play with me on a given day…I had my trees. Playing alone didn’t scare me.

Grasping hold of any low-hanging bough with my heel hooked over the top, I would deftly pull myself up onto the rugged appendage. Hand over hand, foot over foot; I would pull myself up and up until I ran out of comfort zone. Instinctively, I knew to test each branch for strength as I ascended, but descending, for some reason, wasn’t always as easy. One couldn’t always go back the way they had come, nevertheless, no adult came running out of the house to instruct me from the ground. I had to figure it out. Cool “seats” were discovered, imaginary rooms appeared for my amusement, and it was there, in my leafy mansion, where my love for nature was born.

Hands, feet, arms, legs, stretched and pulled and reached, working together seamlessly. Unbeknownst to me, I was building coordination, strong muscles, critical thinking, risk assessment and motor skills.

But to me, it was just fun to be free as a breeze exercising my imagination for hours upon hours. In fact, there was even enough time to get bored, oh no!

And yes, there was danger. Imagine the stunned expression on my face the day a branch broke, and the wind left my lungs. But the growth I experienced was worth the risks.

Children naturally climb whatever is at their disposal: barns, boulders, bridges, fences. Sadly, many children are kept inside by over-protective, germaphobic parents who squash the joy and liberty right out of childhood. Over-scheduled children and their parents are stretched to their limits. Daydreaming and pretending and thinking are replaced by the rat race.

As we grow from children to adults, we find no time for contemplative prayer or reflection of God’s goodness, beauty and truth. We are harried, because we don’t make solitude and quietness a priority. Jesus continues to offer to lead us beside still waters and restore our souls, but we pay no attention.

Psalm 23: 1-2, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

Oh how I wish I had a magnificent climbing-tree in my backyard now…sigh.

-Joyce Hague

Walking on Water

Several years ago, I was happily teaching fourth grade at Grace Baptist Academy.  I loved fourth-grade children. I still love them. They are energetic, funny, and eager to learn.  But something I heard in a faculty devotional made me wonder if I should think about a change.  Sheree Haley was the elementary principal at that time, and early in the year she challenged all of us to “get out of the boat” and trust God. 

I kept the little boat she gave us as a reminder. Now and then I would think about what “getting out the boat” might mean for me. I had recently finished a master’s degree in English (Rhetoric and Writing, to be specific) and wondered if I ought to think about teaching high school English. I have never been a fast decision maker, so I waited to say anything to anyone else.

Through a number of circumstances, God made it clear that moving to high school was His plan for me. In many ways, it did feel like getting out of a boat and walking on water. Some people I loved advised against it, but I really knew it was God’s leading in my life.  I was reminded of all this on Sunday morning when Lynn Tweedie sang these words: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders.”  For me, the school “up the hill” seemed like a wilderness without borders—without the comfortable definition and routine I had enjoyed for eleven years.

But here’s what I want you to know: It was absolutely the right move. I wouldn’t go back.  And I am learning that God often leads where we think we might not want to go—until we obey and see that it was a great idea. The singers Phillips, Craig, and Dean have a song that says nearly the same thing: “I know it’s safe here on the shore, but freedom is worth dying for” (“Freedom of the Sea”). And (Can you stand another song reference?) Kris Delmhorst says, “Why should we not go where all maps fail?” (“Light of the Light”).

If “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), then I can go where He tells me to go and do whatever hard thing He has for me. You can, too. And you will almost certainly love it!

 

--Sherry Poff

Rose's New Job

It would be several years before Rose would discover that her character had been struck down by a co-worker. This man privately told her superiors that she was undermining the work, which was totally untrue. Fresh out of college, she was still enthusiastic and excited about what she thought would be her life’s work and was giving her best efforts.

She applied for a full-time position within the Christian ministry where she had been working part-time for four years, but without explanation or even acknowledgement, those in authority chose to pass over her request for the position. She was left feeling confused and unappreciated as she had poured herself into the work with passion and commitment. Other people outside the organization interviewed for the job, but Rose was ignored. A pleasant, attractive man was selected for the job and presented to the staff. He graciously accepted the “welcomes” and well-wishes that were offered. Mortified and red-faced, Rose sat in humiliation like butter melting in a hot skillet. She hoped no one would notice her discomfort.

That night, Rose went home with her head hung and spilled out the whole disappointing story to God, her gentle and understanding Father. He, above all others, knew what it meant to be treated with disrespect and to be accused unjustly. He listened quietly to all of her complaints until her tears were spent.

The next day, word came that the new hire had called to turn down the job. He stated that he felt troubled in his spirit and knew that he did not belong there. In desperation, Rose’s boss asked her to fill the position. She was tempted to refuse, but she knew that’s where God wanted her to be. Focusing on Jesus, she knew she had a more important Boss to please and would work to please Him alone. She was reminded that God had a good plan for her life and was in control, even when circumstances looked impossible.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

-Joyce Hague

Say "Yes" to the Apple!

I’m thinking about discipline—not a very fun word, perhaps. But what does it really mean? I must confess, self-discipline is not my strong suit. I have a hard time turning off Tetris (see last month), passing up the cookies, getting out of bed. I think it’s linked to my reluctance to say “no” or to walk away.  But what if it’s time to walk away? Time to move on or pass by? 

In Sunday School, we’ve been discussing Andy Stanley’s message about “Breathing Room,” and we’ve been invited to think about what to add or cut from our lives, what to do more or less of, in order to create the necessary “breathing room” that is healthy.  It occurs to me that if I say “yes” to more positive and productive choices---yes to reading that book for Sunday School, yes to an apple, yes to . . . Actually, I am not sure how to get myself out of bed with more ease. 

But if I fill myself and my time with what is good for me, then the not-so-good will be pushed aside. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (KJV). Another version puts it this way: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (NASB).  Annie Dillard, in The Writing Life, reminds us that “[h]ow we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

In The Music of Silence, David Steindl-Rast speaks of “the gift of a disciplined life.” I venture to say that many of us don’t think of discipline as a gift. When we remember, though, that the root of the word “discipline” is the same as the root for “disciple,” it’s easier to see how discipline—Christian discipline in following Jesus—is indeed a gift.  

I don’t have all the answers to living a truly disciplined life, but I have gained some important insight. And I’m working on it, one apple at a time.

---Sherry Poff

 

Let Me Entertain You!

Let Me Entertain You!

          I love to entertain.  I really do!  No, not by performing for you, though I am a speech teacher and love to do that kind of performing.  I love to have people in my home for good food and conversation.  I was taught to love to entertain.  My mother was a hostess par excellence and taught me by her example and words.  She was quick to remind people that it was a command to be hospitable, not a choice.  The Amplified Bible renders I Peter 4:9 as “Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith).  [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body and [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).”

          Entertaining does not have to be a burden.  In the book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison (one of my favorites right now!) the author says, “The whole point of entertaining is not to impress people, but to welcome them.”

          When my children were small (five in six and a half years) I thought that I needed to have my house clean before I could have people over.  Then I realized that was not going to happen and settled for just picked up.  People did not want to come to see a spotless house.  They didn’t even notice what seemed glaring to me.  They simply wanted to be invited in.

          I didn’t have much to offer guests  in the way of food.  We were too poor for that.  So instead I gave them what I had.  I remember once having a visiting family over after church for popcorn and water.  I had several friends who would ask when I was having beans and cornbread or potato soup so they could invite themselves over.  Food is not the major reason to entertain.

          I now find that I can entertain by asking others to help out on the menu.  I generally prepare the main dish and my guests contribute other parts.  This last Friday night I had ten people for dinner, but all I prepared was a meatloaf.  Others brought salad, baked potatoes, vegetables, rolls, and dessert.  We had a very satisfying meal without burdening anyone.  People want to share in the supply.  One dear friend washed the dishes as his contribution.

          One of my goals this year (as it was last year) is to invite new people over, to extend hospitality to those I do not know well, not just my close friends.  I need to stretch a little further.

          What is keeping you from being hospitable?  Let me challenge you to stretch.  Practice hospitality.  Have a welcoming home.

                                                            ~~Faith Himes Lamb

The Perfect Sunday

I don't know if this ever happens to you, but every once in a while I have a Sunday that is perfectly scooped and topped with me in mind. Yesterday was one such treat.

It began with a trip to the gym with my dear friend, Michelle. We are probably out of our minds to get up at 5:00 A.M. on a Sunday, but we have found it to be both physically and spiritually refreshing. After a vigorous workout and many laughs with a dear friend, my mind is fresh and awake enough to have some time in the Word before a busy, long day unfolds before me. I treasure the unrushed hour of reading, meditating, and prayer. Yesterday morning, I read the story of Joseph. As a church, we have just journeyed through this story in detail, in our children's ministry as well, so it was especially fun to get to it in my YouVersion chronological one year plan. I never get tired of the ending! What a testimony of God's sovereignty! How can we not trust a God who takes evil and makes it good? 

Then, there was Sunday school. I don't always get to go to my Sunday school class, 'tis the nature of the job of a Children's Director, but yesterday I got to go! I love the way Pastor and Tom Smith begin our time with prayer for each other-real, focused, purposeful prayer time. It is a joy to bear one another's burdens and  to rejoice in each other's blessings!  And then, we study God's Word together. Yesterday's lesson was an introduction to the book of Jeremiah. For some reason, Jeremiah seemed less "prophet-y" (read in a booming, echoey voice) to me yesterday and more real and human. Look at these verses from Jeremiah 1:4-8 (ESV):

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”

Are you seeing the theme of my day yet? If not, keep reading...well, keep reading anyway, because it's so cool!

Thanks to an amazing Lighthouse Church team, I was able to remain in the morning service with my visiting aunt and uncle. In addition to the incredible music that prepared our hearts for the message ("then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee..."), our hearts were turned to focus on the sanctity of life. I couldn't help but see God's hand in the mere location of Choices Pregnancy Center at a former abortion clinic. Evil turned good. God in control...wow!

But then, Ken Rudolph spoke transparently about how God taught him to trust Him! I sure needed to be reminded from Psalm 126 that God is always at work, He makes dreams come true, He delivers, He answers prayers like streams in a desert, He saves, and it is DOUBTLESS that we will rejoice in full harvest! God is sovereign and turns sorrow into rejoicing...amazing!

Sunday afternoon was a joyful time with family reminiscing, catching up, sharing our lives with each other. There is just something about being with family. It was the whipped cream on top of an already perfect Sunday.

But let's not leave off the bright, red cherry...it was added Sunday night. While I'm biased and think that my aunt and uncle are the best ever, I still believe that their presentation was one of the best I've ever heard. Years of ministry have produced and reproduced with much fruit, and it's still going! But then, Uncle Steve tied up the whole day in one thought (not exact words): Our response to our circumstances (good or bad) comes from our core, and our core is the gospel! Woo Hoo!

Well, we might as well add some sprinkles while we're at it. We closed our day with the Lord's Table, a celebration of what the gospel means in our lives. I was so spiritually full at the moment we took the bread and the wine (a.k.a. grape juice) that I was afraid I might spill on my white sweater. I truly felt like dancing, but my muscles were beginning to remind me about my morning workout, and I probably would have scared a few people. I just couldn't help but to be excited about what we were doing. Remembering the Lord at His table means that we can trust a sovereign God. It means that He has a purpose for our lives and that He will help us to fulfill it. It means that we can call out to Him to turn our deserts into streams, because He will. It means that we can tell everyone about what He's done, because the death of His Son brought salvation to all. And it means that no matter what comes our way, He can be trusted, even praised, always.

~Rebecca Phillips

Filling My Mind

I’m telling you, I love Tetris. I find it strangely soothing.  There’s just something so satisfying about those little colored blocks falling into the right spaces and then the whole thing dropping down when the rows line up right.  If I can keep Tetris and crossword puzzles around, I am a decent person to live with. I have found that if I’ve been playing a lot of the game, I “see” the pieces in my mind in moments of relaxation---listening to music or dropping off to sleep. 

It occurs to me that I should be this full of God’s word. His truth should so saturate my mind that in moments of reflection, I am thinking “The Lord is my shepherd” or “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” At first, it’s largely a matter of discipline, isn’t it? I purposely choose to put God’s word into my mind by reading and re-reading, by memorizing and reciting. 

Several years ago, Bea Ward challenged us at Grace to commit large portions of scripture to memory. If we can learn long lists of individual verses, we can learn long passages in context. This practice has been one of the most helpful things for me to incorporate into my life. So many times, my chosen passage for the month (It does take a while to learn a whole chapter!) applies to my life in numerous ways. I find opportunities to encourage others with the verses I’m learning, and I am instructed and admonished daily as I gain new insight into familiar scriptures.

One of our teacher in-service sessions at school was on incorporating biblical truth into lessons---math, history, English, and so on. Tina Holcombe made the observation that if we are walking in the Spirit and reading the Word daily, we will naturally be thinking of what God says about various issues. We will easily see God’s hand at work in the events of history, His power displayed in nature, and His wisdom portrayed in the principles of mathematics. And there’s no way to study literature without exploring important questions about sinfulness and forgiveness.

So these are the things God is teaching me these days. And the verse running through my mind this week?  “He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil and do good. Let him seek peace and ensue it.” I Peter 3: 10-11. Look it up and read the whole chapter. It’s great! Better yet, join me in memorizing the chapter.

---Sherry Poff