Kingdom Bloggers

Mrs. Claus

2012-01-29T09:04:00.002-05:00

I climb a lot of ladders for my job. Kids must think it’s cool, because whenever they’re around, and I’m up on a roof-top, they point and stare. I usually ask their names, and then say “Nice to meet you, what’s my name?”

They giggle and say, “I don’t know.”

“My name’s Santa,” I tell them.

They giggle a little more, and before they can say anything, I say, “No, just kidding…BUT I do work for him.”

“Huh?” Wide eyes get wider.

“Yeah, I check out the best places for the reindeer to land and stuff so Santa doesn’t get hurt.”

“Wow!”

I was reminded of this while pondering what I’d share with you today. You see, this week we’ve been honoring our parents. And Mrs. Claus is my mother-in-law, or at least I think she is. Or, maybe, she just works for him – Santa Claus; Papá Noel.

At eighty-five (she’ll be eighty-six Feb. 4^th) she has limited mobility. She can use a walker for short distances, but other than that – she’s either in a wheel chair or her recliner-type chair that elevates at the seat, to help her get up. Her hands are starting to show signs of arthritis and her eye sight is growing dim, yet, even though her body is aging, she’s still a wide-eyed-child when it comes to her soul.

With over a hundred and some ought grand-kids she manages to keep track of them all. And all year she sits and knits, spins and weaves some kind of Christmas magic into hats and scarves and baby blankets. And somehow, at Christmas, without even leaving her chair, she manages to have gifts for everyone. She has spent more time making gifts for others than many folks have been alive. She MUST be Mrs. Claus – or related in some kind-of-way, right?

She watches, too. With dimming eyes and one finger at a time she taps at a lap top and – like a mother-hen – she watches her brood banter on face-book.

Although confined physically, she’s a world traveler in her soul. Sit by her side and she’ll take you places decades from here, with her stories. Like the first time she met the love of her life at Coney Island: Santa. No, just kidding – Henry Joseph DeVlaeminck. She’ll walk you through the depression and wade through life on a pig farm. You’ll ride her words to school with horse and sleigh. She’ll tell of the trials and laughter of raising fourteen children – the birth of some…and the loss of others.

With a twinkle in her eye and a never fading smile, she’ll tell of how she saw Jesus in a dream and how she prays for others.

Her house in nothing fancy, but her Home is a mansion. Each day her house fills with family, including ex-husbands, ex-wives, ex-this and ex-that, once in you're IN. I’ve said it’s easier to get out of the mob than out of this family. She’s soft spoken, just above a whisper, but she can move an army of adoring children with a simple word.

Maybe my mother-in-law isn’t related in any way to Santa. BUT – she IS related to the Greatest Gift Giver of all. And she works for Him. And, maybe her family isn’t anything like being in the mob with the Godfather and all that stuff. BUT – she is tight with God The Father.

And I am honored to share her with you today. Her kids call her Ma, but everyone else – whether related or not – calls her Gramma Mary. So, if you need a family, you can join ours.

Thanks for stopping by and as Gramma Mary would say; “Gramma misses you, come back and see me again.”

If you think you don’t have a family or a parent to honor…think again, you do.

Jesus asked; Who are My brothers and sisters and mother? And then answered; “But those who do the will of My Father.” Mark 3:35

Come…and be part of the family.

The Gift of Hospitali-tea

2012-01-27T22:42:00.010-05:00

My mom Kate loves tea. LOVES tea. Begins everyday with a cup of strong, black tea with a lot of milk. Starts every hour with a cup of black tea with a lot of milk. Ends the day with tea with a lot of milk. When I walk in the door for a visit, she puts the kettle on for tea before the hug goes cold. Tea is part of my mother’s daily regimen, hospitality practice, stress reduction program, and cure for the common cold.

Perhaps tea drinking may not be spiritual enough for some, but Kate’s tea drinking is usually other-oriented. This is in part because of her Irish culture, but it is also my mother’s nature to be hospitable. My mom has an open door policy; when we were growing up, it endeared her to my friends and to my future husband. Had she been a first-century Christian, she would have made it onto the Apostle Paul’s “widow’s list” in 1 Timothy 5:9-10, because she “is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”

Hospitality involves sacrifice of time, space and sometimes expense.

When we were in seminary, my mother put us up countless times, fed us her famous spaghetti and meat sauce (not bad for an Irishwoman) and yes, made us countless cups of tea. She patiently housed our pets, our kids, and put up with our comings and goings. She would have made it onto the Apostle Peter’s good list (if he’d had one) according to 1 Peter 4:9-10: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

My mother was instrumental in my coming to Christ, as was my father, who passed away in 2005. My father modeled grace, faith, perseverance and a sense of humor with the kind of jokes that made you groan. The scriptures were on his lips constantly, especially in the last two decades of his life. My mother, very much the rock and center of our home, modeled then and now an unwavering cheeriness (perhaps to a fault), perseverance, compassion and care for the sick (she has been at the side of many dying friends, putting feet and hands to her prayers) and the elderly, a loyalty to her church, her children, her friends and her siblings, and a passion for God.

Before you think she is perfect, I am happy to report she is human: Kate can drive me crazy, as most mothers can drive their daughters crazy, but she will be just as quick to retort I am the one driving her crazy, and to look at me aghast when I make my guest bed at her house with the ironed sheets (“Those were for guests!”), to begin her phone calls with the statement, “I am calling in case you thought I was dead,” and to end them with, “Well, I guess you are tired of talking to me now.” She makes me laugh and pull my hair out. She will probably pull it out for me when she discovers this blog entry, because for all the heavy dose of extraversion God gave her, she is a private person.

But back to the tea: when she was caring for a 97-year old last year, she made him a cup of tea. He sipped it and sat back in the chair, surprised. “What have you done to this tea?” It was the best cup of tea he’d ever had. Turns out that other caregivers had given him microwaved tea for years. Yes, Kate has the gift of hospitali-tea.

Take the best of both and become even better...

2012-01-27T13:17:00.000-05:00

This is my dad, Jim, on Christmas this past year.

This is my mom, Shirley, the very same day.

The very fact that both of my parents were still with me this side of Glory was far better than any gift I happened to receive this past Christmas. Let me rephrase that...was the greatest gift I received this past Christmas.

I realize my time on Earth with my mom and dad quickly draws to a close. Granted, that final end may not come for another couple of dozen years, but I know they are both starting to wear physically after seventy plus years of living. There's a sadness in that comment that is somewhat buffered by the shear fact that bodily death comes to us all eventually, and my parents have lived fruitful, meaningful lives.

From my mother, I've inherited a sense of compassion and a jovial demeanor. She has always been the spiritual compass for our family, although I've been off her directed course more than a time or two in my life. Mom was born into a large family (13 brothers and sisters) that epitomized the adage that we don't need things outside of God, love and each other. Her father was a Baptist preacher that died when she was just 9 years old. Hard to imagine my grandmother raising such a large family on her own, but every memory I have of her is covered with warmth and joy. My mom grew up fast, but she grew up knowing she was valuable far beyond what material things could give stature.

My father is, well, a hard man. He's the last of a dying breed of men that were taught to keep their emotions in check and to always be prepared for the worst life might throw at you. Still, I know beyond doubt my father loves both me and my sister because he has proven that time and time again in my life. He has lived life by the guiding principle that hard work can overcome any adversity. I get my work ethic directly from him.

Of the many stories that reflect the personalities of my parents, one of my favorite involves the day I graduated from high school. At the time, my dad was chairman of the local school board. His task on that day was to hand the diploma earned by each graduate to the principle who in turn handed the document to the person. He would then shake the hand of the passing student. There were 277 in my graduating class that day. When my time came, he shook my hand and said 'good luck' just like he did the other 276 times. My mother was livid.

She couldn't understand why on such a monumental occasion, dad wouldn't take the time to hug me as a show of support and pride. I never expect it though. That just wasn't my dad. He knew I had a lot of hard work ahead of me. Graduation was an accomplishment...but it wasn't the expectation. It was just a starting point to better things.

Expression is just not a strong point with my dad. However, the day I graduated college and pinned the gold bars of a Second Lieutenant on my collar as a United States Marine, my dad hugged my neck and told me he loved me and was proud of me. To that point, the only other time I recalled hearing those words was 9 years earlier when he told me his sister was dying from cancer. That in no way takes away from the fact that he did love me very much. Actions will always be greater than words in his world, and I greatly respect him for that.

My mom and dad have both been a tremendous influence on my life. That influence will continue in the way I raise their granddaughters. All three will know everything I can possibly share with them about their heritage. Thanks to the example set by my mother, they will grow up attending a house of worship where hopefully they will learn to be disciples for Jesus.

My teenager already knows that my expectations for her are set high. She also knows that I love God and her more than life itself because I tell her every single day. That's the best of both of her grandparents she and her two younger sisters get to see in me.

Honor…Esteem…Respect

2012-01-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORDrequire of you?

To act justly and tolove mercy and to walk humbly

with your God.

Micah 6:8

The Scripture above has always beenone, which I feel exemplifies my parent’s lives.

On their 50 th Anniversary, my oldestbrother gave a toast, saying, “Our father is a fighter and our mother islover”. I thought, “Wow, that I so true.”

He was a Public Servant, a Firefighter.He was the Assistant Chief

My dad was involved in labor unions,his whole life. I always believed he “fought for the little guy”. That was hisintention. It was not to manipulate or strong arm people into “doing the rightthing”... He was motivated, by knowing that workers could be exploited andtheir efforts undermined. He was a catalyst to bring fairness and truth intothe testing process in the city he worked in.

He was a man, that was often admired butsometimes disdained.

We found out that there were manypeople who appreciated his courage and his stand in fighting for their fairrights. After he died, man after man, have told us, that although my dad’smanner could sometimes be intimidating, nevertheless, they respected him forhis stand and his courage to face the “powers that be.” on behalf of others.

My mother was a good soul and givingwas so part of her nature. I was often in awe as to how she put other’s needsfirst.

She gave in so many ways. In sayingthat, it could be money, but it was rarely that. She gave of herself.

She visited the sick and the elderly.She gave groceries and goods to people who were in need. She wrote encouragingnotes to others, to let them know that they were remembered and important. Shewould lend a hand to strangers, whether it was to give them a ride (I know thatseems scary to me now) or help them acquire goods that they needed for living. Shewas a member of her church’s ministry to visit the homebound. She not only wentto their homes, but she went around town, to pick up those women, who wereelderly and handicapped, so that they could visit as well. She often lent anear to many. She was a good listener. She seemed to have a sense of anotherperson being down and depressed. She did not give up on people. She wouldbelieve in the very best for them. I believe, in her own style, she too,“fought for the little guy”

Sadly, when my dad passed away, he didnot receive the honor, in his city, to have flags flown at half mast. Thehierarchy stubbornly denied him what he deserved. However, there was redemptionfor his memory.

As his funeral procession passed thelast Firehouse that he served in, the crew of that shift’s firefighters, stoodin front of the house. They were at attention, saluting him. They did thiscourageous act, despite the presence of the very Officer that denied my fatherhis due. Our family will never forget that. And the “little guys” did notforget my dad.

My mother was remembered by many ather wake. We had a journal in which people could write about the ways that sheimpacted their life. There had been obvious things that we had seen all along.But,it was a thrill to know how she affected people, in personal and sometimessecret ways.

I visited the State Fire Academy aftermy father died. The man, who was the head of it, concurred on what I have toldyou about my dad. He said “I remember your dad, with that cigar sticking out ofhis mouth, speaking his mind for justice. He would not mince words. He was not a touchy feely kind of guy, but weall had a respect for him.” Does that make you think of the Prophets of old?

They lived their lives, not foraccolades, but to live out the Gospel.

My mom had a funny thing she would say whensomeone complimented her. She would say “If I had a quarter for every nicething you say to me, I would give you a quarter for each one!”

So to my dad… I say “Dad…when I joinyou, I’ll bring your trademark cigars!”

To my mom… I say “Mom, you’d betterhave some quarters ready!”

Linda Maynard

My Dad, Jim Vick by Jenna Vick Silliman

2012-01-25T08:10:00.007-05:00

My father, Jim Vick, has positively influenced me in many ways. Like my father, I love music, dancing, singing, and laughter. Growing up, whenever my dad was home, he would have music on the radio or stereo or he’d pick up his guitar and play music. He liked to have fun and make us laugh with whatever jokes he’d heard, by telling a story, or by singing a silly song. Now I am like that too! I’m such a silly mom (The name Silliman fits!) that one of my son’s friends said to me, “You are more like a kid than a mom.” I took that as a compliment!

Dad likes to sing and whenever the mood strikes, he sings out with gusto. He sings all kinds of songs. Last summer we visited him in Northern California and I told him about some of the songs we sang at the nursing homes in our sing-a-longs on Wednesdays. As I knew would happen, we ended up having a sing-a-long right then and there. We sang, “Take me out to the ball game…” It didn’t matter that we were in a restaurant! Hahaha!

I like to think about how, as my dad’s firstborn child, I influenced him and “broke HIM in” to the world of babies, bottles, diaper-changing, and sleepless nights. Dad likes to tell the story of the first time he saw me. I was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Francisco, four days after Valentine’s Day. Dad said, “They put you in my arms and you were all red and squallin’ and you had this big wrinkle of skin on your forehead. I thought to myself, ‘What have I done! I’ve created a monster!’”

We lived in San Carlos, about a half an hour south of San Francisco, and Dad commuted on the train to the city. He sold insurance bid bonds to contractors for a living for almost thirty years. Though he didn’t particularly enjoy selling, he did what he had to do make a living and provide for his family. That attitude of sacrificial giving of your life for your loved ones has been a shining Christ-like example to me my whole life. I was a “Daddy’s Girl” and sought to please him every chance I got. This has served me well in life because now I’m my Heavenly Father’s “Daddy’s Girl.” I delight in His Presence and seek to please Him.

After school I waited on the sidewalk for Daddy to walk home from the train station. I roller skated, played with my Barbie doll, or bounced my red, rubber ball to pass the time till Daddy got home. Many was the day I didn’t see my father because he left for work before I woke up and he worked late and didn’t get home till after I went to bed. When I spotted him I squealed with glee, ran to him with open arms for a hug, and put my little hand into his big one to walk him home. I loved to see his monthly train ticket—a long strip of paper with multi-colored squares and little holes punched on the dates. At the end of the month I was thrilled when he gave me his expired ticket. I collected them in a scrap book and still have them to this day.

Some of my earliest memories of dancing were rocking out with Dad in our living room to music on the radio. When I was little, my dad would pick me up and spin me around. Maybe that’s why I like twirling around so much when I dance! He now watches old movies of musicals and dance performances more than he dances himself. He’s 80 years old now and doesn’t boogie as much as he used to. However, on a recent visit we all went out to eat and there was some rhythm and blues playing and I noticed he enjoyed a little dancing down the hallway on the way to the men’s room.

Whenever there is a teachable moment, my dad takes the opportunity to give a lesson. I still think of him when I fold a letter into three equal parts, when I tie my shoes, or when I introduce myself to someone and make a point to say upon leaving, “Nice to meet you!”

I learned to love the ocean from my dad. Some of our happiest memories were Saturdays spent at the Pacific Ocean beaches near San Francisco. There is something so refreshing and invigorating about breathing in the salt sea air, listening to the roar, feeling the wind in your hair, and watching wave after wave crash and smoothly slide out onto the sand. I also love rock hunting along the shore like my father. I never get tired of picking up a rock that catches my attention and marveling over the beauty of it. Rocks rock! I learned that from my dad.

My father is a very positive man. He taught me to try to always say something nice about people. He told me you can always compliment a person’s smile. My father is very charming and in his day you would describe him as tall, dark, and handsome. Though he is stooped over and white haired now, I see him through love-filled eyes as one of the most good-lookin’ men you’d ever meet. I love you, Daddy!

Worshiping at the Throne

2012-01-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

I have written so much about my parents already it is hard to know where to start or what to add. I thought about adding previous blog links and call it a day. But no, I want to reflect in just a few words on my parents.

I was the mistake that wasn't suppose to happen. I was the oops in their plan for life. My father was nearly 40 when I was born. He was a bachelor who remained that way in part because he was helping a sister and her children. Once they were secure in Norway with family, perhaps it was then he thought of marriage. A Norwegian immigrant, he found a young American from Pennsylvania who had come to Brooklyn New York to work as a domestic and help her former pastors who had also moved from small town PA to big city Brooklyn. She was 19 years his junior, but love bloomed and they said I do.

Perhaps as newlyweds or during their earliest years of marriage.

Two sons came along quickly. Their family was complete. Or so they thought. Then surprise, with the youngest son almost 10, another baby was on the way. That was me.

I came into my parents life at a different time than my brothers. When my brothers and I have gotten together in the past, they speak of a childhood I didn't know. They speak of parents I didn't know either. Particularly when they laugh at my dad's idiosyncrasies and "cheapness," I grieve and wonder. Could this be the same dad that raised me? Could this be the same dad that called me Lilla Venn and held my hand to explore all NYC had to offer?

Of late, I've encountered people who knew me as a child. One thing they all comment on is my dad's pet name for me, Lilla Venn. They tell me how much my dad loved me. My dad died when I was 19 years old. At the time, I had no idea how deep that loss was - now it becomes deeper and deeper every day.

My mother was laid to rest almost 2 years ago. I miss her. Some mornings I imagine the shuffle of her feet as she would get up and get her coffee in the morning. God blessed her with almost 92 years of life and for the last 25 years of that life, she lived with me.

My mother's love for me was more complicated that my dads. I wondered for many years if she loved me. As she aged and mellowed, she told me often how much she loved me and appreciated me. Those memories help fill the loss.

One night, a few years before she died, I was up all night working on a paper for school. Prone to procrastination, I usually do my best work under the stress of an all nights (or at least so I think). It must have been around 3 a.m. and I heard that shuffle. She came to the dining room table and said

"I'm worried about you."
I said "Oh, I'm just working on a paper."
She said "You need some sleep."
I said, "I'm fine."
She said "I've been up praying for you. I just wanted to tell you to get some rest."

I smiled.

I was very blessed that both my parents were people of prayer. I was very blessed that they brought me to church as an infant and kept bringing me to church. There was never a time I didn't know Jesus. Jesus was present in our home. My dad would always be heard, throughout the house, whistling or singing a hymn. My mother would sit with me at the piano and we'd sing Sunday School songs and hymns.

Now they are whistling and singing around the Throne.

This blog: No Room for Christmas Child, gives you another glimpse of my parents and my birth. It has been translated into Norwegian and has appeared in an online Norwegian magazine as well. My saga and my recollections of my parents are all over my blogs - I encourage you to check them out: Sounds of Hope and Storehouses of Snow.

Honor Your Father & Mother

2012-01-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have good parents –my mom and my dad. Are they perfect? No, but who I am today is a direct [positive] result of how I was raised. At Father’s day last year, I wrote a post called, 5 Ways my Dad Taught me about my Father. It’s one of my favourite posts I’ve written because I love to honour my parents for the way I was raised.

Not everyone has a good family background and you might say your parents never did anything right. If that’s true for you, read along this week as the Kingdom Bloggers each write and honour our parents for the things they did right. By reading with us, our collective prayer for our readers is the Lord will reveal ways your mom or dad did a good thing for you, so you can also give thanks and honour them for even the smallest action.

Ephesians 6:2-3, Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

******

If I were to meet a distinguished diplomat or leader, I would give them a strong handshake, look them in the eye and with confidence say, “Pleased to meet you.” My parents, especially my dad, insisted even when I was a small child to always look people in the eye when speaking to them and give them my full attention, and to expect I would be equally regarded with the same.

There is a verse in Proverbs 23:1 that says “When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is put before you.” I don’t recall either of my parents quoting the verse but the way I was raised shows me they understood the principal. My parents prepared me to be comfortable in all circumstances and with any type of person, treating everyone with respect and value and so when (not if) I sit down to dine with a ruler I can confidently consider what is being presented and stand my ground, with respect for myself and the other.

My confidence wasn’t only built on my dad’s influence but also my mother. My mother’s influence was more domestic, and I don’t mean just how to keep a household (although it was that, too) but how to make a home where other people feel welcomed and cared for. I am the Lady of my House and my mother showed me how to be one with grace, warmth and hospitality.

One of the greatest gifts my mom gave me was the freedom to experiment in the kitchen. More than once I made dinner for my family that was barely edible or I ruined the beaters from the mixmaster because I stuck a wooden spoon in the bowl while it was running on high. I don’t recall my mom getting mad or making disparaging comments about my inability. Instead, she encouraged me by complimenting me for trying and offered me the opportunity to try again.

My parents are a partnership; I ~~was~~ am very blessed to have both parents interested and involved in my life. It was a treat to be able to honour them publicly this week.

Bug

2012-01-22T05:44:00.000-05:00

I pierce the vein that carries the memory.

Although years old, it still flows fresh, and I feel exposed.

Yet, I watch the ink bleed onto this page. I feel the dark. I see the cold.

I pray the memory doesn’t haunt her. It doesn’t haunt me. I smile at the thought of her – now.

She sleeps over a thousand miles away, in peace. She is the subject of this letter to you. I call her Bug.

If I give you her number and you give her a call, she’ll talk until her phone goes dead. I know she will – because I do – and she does. She’ll fill you in with all that’s happening, between her and her best Friend. Like a school girl and her first love she’ll go on. She’ll tell you how He’s changed her life, and how she can’t imagine anyone living without Him. She’ll shine – like a lightning bug in the night. She’s my daughter.

Have you ever felt stuck? Have you found yourself in life’s dark alley – surrounded by demons with no way out? She has. And she found a way out.

If ever I think things can’t change – I think of her. If ever I’m tempted that God can’t – I think of her. And know He can.

You see; it wasn’t always sugar and spice and everything nice. The memory that bled – and then led – to this letter is this:

“I hate you! Stay the h*!% out of my f@*#$% life.”

“I’m sorry to hear you say that, but I love you too much to do that. And you’re not leaving.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“I will.”

Before the sun set on the situation, she was in lock-up. My back, left elbow and head, ached, but mostly my heart.

Drugs and booze and sex and parties – the place where demons please the senses dull. The place you hate to be, but can’t seem to leave. She was stuck. She was delivered. She was set free. My daughter was set free by the Son. And who the Son sets free is free indeed. And she, who is forgiven much, loves much.

Aglow with His glory – like a lightning bug in the night – she shines. And her life has influenced mine.

God bless you Bug – keep shining. Love you, dad.

My Mentor, My Friend

2012-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

I can’t really remember when I first met Sandy Wezowicz. I was in high school when she was attending the same church my father attended, a church he probably attended sporadically at that time, but one whose members rallied around him when he was in crisis, and who led him to Christ. Three years later, at age 19, I also came to believe that God was real and that I could have a relationship with Him.

In the months before my conversion, my parents took me to Full Gospel Businessmen and Women Aglow meetings where people gave their stories (“testimonies”) of how they came to recognize that God was a living God who sent his Son to live with us, and die for us. As a lover of stories, the fact that these people were talking about miracles and matter-of-factly about Jesus as if He was living and breathing, gripped me. As a child, I had prayed to God and loved the Old Testament stories I learned at my dad’s church. But now, God’s love and forgiveness made everything real and different for me, including my life goals.

Sandy Wezowicz was a young leader in the local chapter of Aglow. My mom was a member (and still is) and introduced me again to Sandy and several other women who would become influential in my growth and nurture as a young Christian. But Sandy stood out to me. I was a sophomore in college, she was a former elementary school teacher, married and the mother of a young child--one would think I really did not have much in common with her. But she always spoke with me as if I mattered. She was smart, funny, self-deprecating, and was so open about her deep love for God. I was more closed off in my talking about my faith, but she was a great model and teacher for me in the ensuing years in helping me grow in study of the Bible, prayer and expressing my love for God in worship.

Sandy took me where I was at, and her influence remains today. She understood my stress in college. She was the person I called when I was having a crisis with being overworked in college and wanting to drop an honors course. When I had to write a profile of a person of faith for a class in religion, I chose her. She gently challenged me about a relationship I was in with a man who did not share my faith--she cared enough about my future to risk our friendship. Sandy believed in me probably before I believed in myself--she mentored me in leadership roles in Aglow and encouraged me when I became a mother. She and her husband Rick were actively supportive of my husband’s decision to enter seminary and become a pastor.

Sandy is “real.” She is unpretentious, and we don’t agree on everything (how boring would that be!). She is also a busy person--she has a national position in Aglow, she travels frequently and is a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren. Yet when I am with her, I feel like the only person in the room, and I am sure others feel the same way. This is a woman who is a spiritual mother to many. She exudes Christ’s affection and joy, and I know I would not be the same person without her early and continuing influence.

'You really know how to make me laugh young man...'

2012-01-20T10:27:00.001-05:00

I originally posted this piece in December 2009. After reading back over it several times this week, I knew reposting my words right after the passing of this very important man in my life was the right thing to do. To this day, I miss him...the way I remember him. I look so forward to our reunion on the side of Glory where he now resides.

The Rev. R. Rye Fleenor, age 91, of Kingsport, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and entered into rest with the Lord at 9:08 p.m. Thursday (October 22, 2009) at his residence following a brief illness.

Born in Sullivan County, TN on July 23, 1918, a son of the late J. B. and Mary Netherland Fleenor, he has resided in this area his entire life. Rye married Mildred Unavee Barker on June 18, 1940.

Composing this installment stirs a tremendous amount of diverse emotions in me. Sadness, joy, regret, shame, and heart-felt warmth. Time for reflection...cause for celebration...genuine appreciation.

Rye Fleenor, or always Preacher Fleenor to me, was not only a tremendous influence on my early spiritual walk , he lived a life that set a shining example for me to pattern. A loving, humble man that seemed to physically tower over most, Preacher Fleenor died 6 weeks ago...and I hadn't seen or talked to him in over 20 years. For that I'm both sad and regretful.

Being a teenager is tough business. Probably more so today than in my teenage years of the late 70's and early 80's...but I think being a teenager has probably always been a hassle. During those conflicted years for me, Preacher Fleenor was always a steady, calming vessel. He had a way of correcting and encouraging simultaneously I wish I could duplicate today.

I vividly remember his infectious laughter. He would listen to my cornball jokes, many I'm sure he had heard a hundred times again but would always laugh as if it were a Tony C original. I also remember the exact day he said the words that title this post...I was wearing a dress and acting like an unseen version of the Church Lady from SNL which wouldn't come along for another dozen years.

The man absolutely loved competition. During a brief exploration for me into the sport of boxing, he would light up as he gave me pointers and coached outside the ring. I think he was somewhat disappointed when I gave it up because he loved the purity of the sport...not necessarily the violence. As I stated in a previous post, he was at most every football or baseball game I played from around 1976 until I graduated high school in 1982. He was my most loyal fan, and I loved him like he was my own grandfather...who actually never came to any of my sporting events.

It bothers me profoundly to think about the disappointment I might have caused him during my dark years. I say might because I lost contact with Preacher Fleenor after 1984 which is totally my fault because I think I avoided him out of shame. In 1988, I was awarded a state honor in Hawaii for services during a natural disaster, and the story made local papers back home. I received a glowing note from him in the mail...but that was the final time we had contact. I remember reading that note and finding a quite corner out of the way to break down and sob at the pride he conveyed...and how disappointed he would be at how I had let me spiritual life stumble.

I was never close to another pastor until today, when I'm glad to say my current pastor is also my dear friend. He would like to have met Preacher Fleenor...I'm sure of that. Men like Rye Fleenor are rare and true gifts from God. I'm not saying perfect...just rare. My fellow Kingdom Blogger, Joyce, shared a phrase on Tuesday that I absolutely adored. Preacher Fleenor has been promoted to glory...and for that I celebrate and thank God for the time He gave me with him.

As I strive to be as much like Christ as humanly possible, I have a Father who walks with me and guides me through His Spirit. When it comes to being the best man I can be, Preacher Fleenor will always be an important role model in my life...no matter how old I am. I look forward to our reunion when my promotion finally comes.

Note: After posting this in December 2009, I was contacted by Preacher Fleenor's great grandson, Andrew Glover, who had read the post. We are Facebook friends today, and Andrew actually preached a sermon from the very pulpit in the picture above just last year...as his great, grandparents smiled on him from Heaven I'm sure.

Show Me Someone Who Has Shown Love to Me…

2012-01-19T05:14:00.000-05:00

IfI speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only aresounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and canfathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can movemountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardshipthat I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does notenvy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easilyangered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, alwayshopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there areprophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled;where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in partdisappears. When I was a child, I talkedlike a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became aman, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see faceto face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope andlove. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

************

I can see a myriad of faces,when I think of the people who have influenced me and my walk with the Lord. Iconsidered doing a composite, but I thought no, I want to highlight one person.She’s a lover. Her name is Sister Mary Liguori and she was my5^th and 6^th Grade Teacher at Holy Cross School, in NewBritain, CT.

Shecame into my life, at a key moment, when circumstances were such, that I sorelyneeded a positive influence, in my life.

Haven’t you found that the Lord seems to sendpeople into your life that are tailor made for the needs you are having at thattime?

I know sometimes it has beenfashionable to give nuns a bad rap. I guess like regular teachers, you can havebad eggs but she stood out, in a positive way. Her calling was that of a nun.But she was an influential teacher and a woman to exemplify excellence. Whereshe shined the brightest, was as a follower of Jesus Christ. Her influence on me was so great, that I evenconsidered joining the convent.

I wanted tobe like her…compassionate and kind... someone who was accepting and encouragingto her students…someone who could see promise in others…someone who lovedcreative expression …someone who wanted to serve the Lord with everything thatwas within her… someone who loved the Lord with her whole heart and soul.

As I am sucha lover of all things creative, it was attracting to see her ideas in the arts.She was the first person to recognize that I had some talent in that area.

The otherhighlight for me was being chosen to be part of a team that cleaned the Church.There were 3 nuns (which included Sister Liguori), myself and a fellowclassmate named John. It was amazing to be trusted with this job. Again, it wasat such a key time for me to have approval from elders.

We polishedthe Communion Rail. (The smell of lemon oil brings back pleasant memories.) … buffed the floors in the Sanctuary... pouredthe water and wine for church services. We laid out the priest’s vestments Ithink the only thing we didn’t do, was to change the altar cloth.

Holy CrossChurch was huge. There were two levels…an upper level that held High Mass and alower level that held the Children’s Services. One day, John and I were assigned to finishour work downstairs. I decided to scare him. It was dark. Candles gave a subtlelight. I hid in back of the altar behind of a curtain. When I sensed Johnpassing by, I stuck the arm of a damaged statue into his path. Missionaccomplished! He hightailed up the stairs. You could say he ran in holy terror!

I remember that nuns wore a ring, whichsymbolized their marriage to God. I didn’t realize it then, but now I know thatI too am part of the Bride of Christ.

SisterLiguori showed me how to live by faith hope and love…

…and the greatest of these was LOVE.

Note: I had an idea to see if I couldfind out any information about her. I sent an email yesterday to the place thatI remembered as her Headquarters. Surprisingly, I got a quick answer. The nunwho answered my email talked to Sister Liguori. She could still picture my little face.What??? She was alive??? She stillremembered me??? I was so amazed that I not only found out about her…but I found her! Icalled her last night. We had awonderful conversation! She is 83, still actively serving the Lord in multipleways, as a volunteer. God knew, once again, that I needed a touch of Hismiraculous hand. Perhaps, Sister Liguori needed to hear from me too.

by Linda Maynard

John Himmelberger, His Influence in My Life by Jenna Vick Silliman

2012-01-18T08:34:00.005-05:00

1 Timothy 5:17 “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

For the past two years I have been blessed to be influenced by the life and teachings of Pastor John Himmelberger of Deep River Church in Sequim, WA. God has given John to us at Deep River as a spiritual father, pastor/shepherd, and a discipler. The way he shares with us from his own journals and life lessons, as well as testimonies of the lives of others, brings revelation and life. Our home church is connected to the rich community of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. We participate via live broadcasts on the web. John, and his wife, Amy, are taking classes with Bethel, and they pass on what they’re learning about. John is a man who seeks to know the Lord Jesus better day by day and lives a lifestyle that is sensitive to the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. As John says, “School is always in session.”

Personally I have had dozens of life-changing revelations directly as a result of John’s influence. When asked to write on who has influenced me, I immediately thought of him. Briefly, here are some of the things I have learned from John.

John stresses spending time with God and regularly going to “the secret place” to soak in His presence and continue in revival fire of the Holy Spirit. John often answers questions with the question, “What does Holy Spirit say?” to encourage us to go to God with our questions and when there are decisions to be made. The most common statement you will hear from John is, “I love the Lord!” John also constantly reminds us to be thankful and how we enter God’s presence with the password, “Thank You”. (See Psalm 100:4, Message Bible.)

Often John has us pair off and speak encouraging words to one another as we seek to develop a culture of honor, love, and faith. If we look at each other with “kingdom eyes” we will think well and speak well of one another and extend grace and hope to each other. Putting these things into practice has caused them to be more of a lifestyle. More often when I talk with someone now, I listen to the Holy Spirit about what I might share to speak an encouraging word or what I might give them. John is one generous guy and he has so much fun giving that it is contagious.

Our words are extremely powerful and John reminds us to speak out the truth and make declarations in faith of what we hope for, even if we don’t feel like it and even if we do not see it yet. For example, one of our declarations is, “God is prospering all of our relationships.” Another one is, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” Another is, “Our prayers are powerful and effective.”

I’ve come to look at myself, or my identity, more positively too. I am amazing, anointed, gifted, empowered, continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and sent out by Jesus. I have assignments waiting for me every day, everywhere I go. In Jesus I AM the divine appointment because my identity is Christ Himself. As the Word says in 1John 4:17, “As Jesus is in the world, so are we.” Pastor John tells us, “We do what Jesus did and say what Jesus said. It is not enough to believe, because even the demons believe. We are world changers and history makers!”

I even pray differently now. I pray with authority and speak out with more boldness. According to Ephesians 2:6 I am co-resurrected and co-seated with Jesus on His heavenly throne. I don’t ask God or plead with Him to move mountains, I speak to the mountain and say: “BE REMOVED!” I have gift for intercessory prayer. As a result of John’s teaching this has expanded to actually “shift the atmosphere” through praying when I come into a room or in preparation for a worship meeting. Also, in the past I seldom would pray for miracles, but I’ve learned to pray just as Jesus would. John has taught us to persevere in prayer and be expecting miracles. He always says, “The conditions are perfect.” He encourages us to fully trust God even when we don’t see the desired results of our prayers. He has continued to challenge us to be “fearless now” and to “cross the chicken line” and follow Holy Spirit’s leading and not be timid, go by our feelings, our fears, or past experiences. He reminds us, “Our past does not have to determine our future. We have a great destiny.”

John has continually prayed for us to enter into God’s freedom. Freedom is a wonderful thing--free from the fear of what people think, free from fears, free from regrets and “if only” thoughts, free from perfectionism, and free to be all that our Creator made us to be. In these last two years I have come to realize I’m a dancer and a flagger for worship and intercession. To enter into God’s presence as I freely dance and flag during worship and prayer is one of the most glorious things I’ve ever experienced. I think this is one of the things I was born to do!

Not only have I been encouraged, inspired, and challenged by John’s life, I have been CHANGED. Thank you, John, for all you have imparted to us to strengthen and establish our faith and to expand God’s kingdom. You are amazing!

It's not just a thrift store

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is a repeat but many of you weren't reading Kingdom Bloggers when I wrote this in 2009. I have since learned that Girly Johnsen moved to California and has indeed gone home to be with the Lord. Her influence is very strong in my life.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without Salvation Army bell-ringers and red kettles. When I was a child in Brooklyn, those bell-ringers were usually Salvation Army (SA) officers in full uniform. Sometimes there was a small brass ensemble playing Christmas carols rather than a simple bell. They were usually outside of the Woolworths on Fifth Avenue BROOKLYN (not Manhattan).

I knew the Captain of the local Salvation Army Corps. Like most everything we associated with in the neighborhood, she was Norwegian. My first memory of the leader of the local corps was walking with my father and coming across a street meeting in progress. Street meetings had a little music, a short sermon, an invitation to receive Christ right there or to the local church.

Captain/Major Girly Johnsen

When I was five or six, I first met Captain Johnsen. It might have been Lieutenant Johnsen then but mostly I remember her as Captain. While we were not Salvationists, my father loved to go to different churches when there was a service in Norwegian. My father was an immigrant from Norway. So with my hand tightly in my father’s we walked the 3 ½ blocks to the SA Corps once afternoon. I was to become a Sunbeam.

Sunbeams are a scouting type program connected with the SA. I met Captain Johnsen. She knew my dad and this was pre-arranged. She smiled at me and welcomed me with her strong Norwegian accent. I remembered her from the images of her in uniform, standing on the curb, Bible in hand, preaching. Captain Johnsen was a single woman who was Pastor and leader of that Norwegian SA Corps in “Norwegian” Brooklyn NY.

I got my drab grey Sunbeam uniform with the complementary beanie. Soon my sash was filled with badges for my mother to sew on my uniform. When I was seven, Captain took me to Manhattan with her. I do not recall how we got there, probably the subway. As every true New Yorker knows, you do not drive in Manhattan.

We walked into a big auditorium with a full brass band playing the songs of spiritual war. My uniform was freshly pressed and every badge straight. Soon an impressing SA officer announced that they were giving the Commissioners medal to me. He further explained that normally you had to be 8 years old to receive this medal but that I had completed all the requirements. They were making an exception for me. I walked to the front of the auditorium and saluted the officer. He returned the salute and pinned the metal on my uniform. I was the only Sunbeam from our Corps to receive this medal.

Captain took me to summer camp in the van, drove me back. She took me to rallies of various sorts. I went to VBS all through my childhood there and later was a helper. My reward for helping was a SA flag and American flag on a small stand. She took me to the officer training school. I wonder, did she see the call of God in me? Did she think I should be an officer? It was never spoken, but I think she did.

Later when I was old enough to be a Girl Guard (GG), the scouting program for older girls, I was asked at times to lead the meeting. Captain didn’t lead the Girl Guard’s. Kari, her young assistant, fresh from Norway, led it. She was amazing with the tambourine with streamers. She tried to teach me but I never excelled.

One GG meeting I decided we had become too “worldly.” I took it upon myself to preach a short sermon from John 3, Ye Must Be Born-Again. I must have been 11 years old. I even gave an invitation. At the end, Kari smiled at me and prayed. She thanked God for the reminder of God’s love for us. That was my first sermon.

I have so many wonderful memories of Captain (and later Major) Girly Johnsen. I imagine she has been promoted to glory as they say in the Salvation Army. When asked what ever gave me the notion that a woman could serve in ministry I think of Captain Johnsen.

Girly Johnsen is in the bad row, just under the picture of Jesus.
This is the Sunday School at the Corp where she ministered
as Pastor.

Everyone Needs Someone

2012-01-16T06:00:00.006-05:00

When I turned 30, I invited 30 women who have been influencers in my life to join me for a weekend in Whistler, BC. Some were women I’ve known my whole life, like my mother or aunt and others were new friends; some were 50+ years my senior, like Anne Waterton (I wrote about her here) and others were younger than me. As I prepared the invitation list, I counted my blessings because each woman was/is a blessing and an influencer to me. I’ve always put a strong value in having women in my life and I give them opportunity to speak into my life. Many are older and I value their experience and wisdom, and even if my choices are different, I listen and consider their counsel.

This week on Kingdom Bloggers, we are giving honour to someone who has influenced us. Come along with us as we give honour to people who have been special for us and join the conversation and let us know who has influenced you.

********

Remember when Sunday School was before church and everyone in the family had a class to go to? The journey with Ena started in grade 8; she was my Sunday School teacher. I was drawn to her by her easy laugh (I still hear it in my head, as I write this) and her smile like a mischievous fairy. She was a co-conspirator, I sensed it from the beginning and I was glad she moved up with us in grade 9 and continued to teach Sunday School.

In grade 10, I was no longer attending church and I didn’t like youth group but I was committed to the discipleship program for high school students. It was a mid-week Bible study with two high school student and one leader; typically leaders would commit for 3 years. As you probably guessed, my discipleship leader was Ena.

I can’t remember one thing we learned but I didn’t need to study the Bible, I could see it in action in Ena. Ena was the pastor’s wife, and although I thought it was an unfortunate thing to be a pastor’s wife, she seemed to defy my preconceived ideas that a pastor’s wife’s life was unfulfilling (this was when I was totally career minded – a husband and children were not going to hold me back). She lived her faith on Sunday and every other day of the week. In those three years, a lot of life happened for her – her youngest daughter was pregnant at 18, her oldest daughter was raped, and her only son divorced.

I’m certain we were of no assistance to her in those difficult times. Even worse, at 16 I was sure the world revolved around me but despite my self-absorption, I watched her walk through each devastating circumstance clinging to faith and believe God is always good. She was the first woman I knew to have a relationship with God. (My mother did as well, but I was a teenager and too self absorbed to notice until I was in my 20s.)

I left the 1-traffic light town I grew up as soon as I was able but when I return to the place I grew up (usually about once a year), I make it a priority to connect with Ena. We gather at our favourite restaurant to have a cup of tea and share testimony of the goodness of God. Over the years and across the miles Ena is still speaking into my life and she definitely is on the Top 40 @ 40 guest list.

Free Day Give Away

2012-01-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

If I had a free day, I’d give it away

I’ve already had so many

And wasted most

I’ve idled away hours and days

So, if by some miracle I was given a day

To run or laugh or play

Just as I saw fit with no consequence either way

I’d have to say – I’d give it away

I’d trade dinner reservations for the receiving side of the soup line

I’d go under the scalpel in place of the child

I’d sit in the fox hole and let the soldier go home

In waiting rooms and living rooms – I’d trade places with parents pacing

If I had a free day – I’d give it away

That’s what He would do – I’d like to follow in His shoes.

Fact is – I can’t. I’d stumble. I’d fail.

Truth is – He can. He will. He does.

He’ll walk in your shoes. Carry you when you can’t. Take your place on the operating table, and give you His place at the dinner table. He stays up late to give you rest. He waits in waiting rooms and living rooms, in fox holes and though the long dark night…He is the Light.

Come to think of it, I do have a free day – you do too.

Today is the day of salvation, if anyone hear His Voice, harden not you heart. Salvation is a free gift and today is the day to receive.

Maybe today, in some small way, I can give you these words, placed side by side, like moments in time. And maybe the prayer, I just paused to say, will be answered by you.

He traded His day of freedom for ours of bondage. He said, Father, if it’s possible let this cup pass from me, yet, not My will, but Yours… And He gave.

The historian, willing to die for freedom said; “Give me liberty, or give me death.” But, Jesus bled, “Give Me death to give them liberty.”

He put on skin to feel the cut of whips, the hammering of nails – meant for me – meant for you.

He died one day, so one day, we could live. And that day, is this: Today.

He set the captives (me and you) free. He traded His day in bliss for ours on a cross.

Today is a gift – a free gift that I can’t give. I can only write to you about Him who did.

At this moment, you have today. A moment from now, that may change.

So, while you can, give up today. Give up your worry, your pain and your sorrow, to Him who holds tomorrow.

Today, while it is still today, while you can – tell Him thanks, receive His Love… and then give it away.

And that will make my day… and be the answer to the prayer I just paused to say.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
         Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
⁷ For He is our God,
         And we are the people of His pasture,
         And the sheep of His hand.

         Today, if you will hear His voice:
⁸ “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
         As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
⁹ When your fathers tested Me;
         They tried Me, though they saw My work.
¹⁰ For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
         And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
         And they do not know My ways.’
¹¹ So I swore in My wrath,
         ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ” Psalm 95:6-11

(* If these words have encouraged you today, maybe they’ll do the same to someone you know – feel free to pass them on.)

Doug Spurling

A Free Day is a Full Day....

2012-01-14T09:07:00.009-05:00

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Annie Dillard.

Having free time used to put me on a guilt trip. When I was a young mom, I would sometimes stress about the“free time” I had during my child’s nap. Should I clean? Should I luxuriate in a good book, or rejuvenate with a nap? Should I spend it praying, meditating and writing? More times than not, I often felt guilty about having that free time that my husband did not, or not using the time as productively as I could have. I was trapped by the twentieth-century perception that only by “doing” are we “living.”

Years ago, I was in a small group with a older woman who said what she loved most about her day was the time when she would just “be.” She would ponder, pray, just enjoy the quiet. Huh. I could not get that--I was the type of person who was wired for people and productivity. To my 28 year-old self, sitting and pondering seemed out of the realm of possibility. It took only

about a decade for me to realize I needed to slow down and allow my soul to be refreshed by just “being” instead of constantly “doing.” But my type of slowing down can also include my loved ones.

A free day for me would depend on the weather and where I happen to be. A cozy rainy or snowy day at home could involve a book, a lot of tea and couch time. It could mean relishing the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or the A & E six-hour production of Pride and Prejudice. But with only one television in our household, and pastor-husband Tim who needs some space and quiet to write a sermon, the books and tea would probably win out.

But give me a beautiful day, crisp or warm, sunny or partly cloudy, it will start on my porch with a cup of Earl Grey and my Spurgeon devotional, “Morning and Evening,” my Bible companion for three years. After that, perhaps a walk along the Eire Canal with Tim, or a chat with a child before heading to my next joy: spending an afternoon with a dear friend or a family member.

If I drive to Ithaca, (we lived there for three wonderful years), I meet my friend Rhonda--last time I entered her house, she had a cup of tea waiting for me--and we may chat at Gimme Coffee (beats Starbucks, hands down) and laugh until we embarrass our daughters, visit our favorite consignment shops, Mimi’s Attic or Trader K’s, and talk about God, our kids and our husbands. When I recently drove back and forth to Ithaca, my soul was refreshed with the views of Cayuga Lake and the magnificent sunset on the return trip, as I listened to Selah.

If I could spend a free day in New England, where I grew up, I would walk by the ocean, stroll Newbury Street in Boston and sip tea at Tea Luxe, and visit my family in Connecticut. The end of the day would include a glass of wine with my friend Chris, while she frets over the UCONN game (her reaction to a missed basket is entertaining).

If all of my kids are home--two are in college in Boston--a great free day would include a French toast or pancake breakfast made by Tim as our son Sam plays guitar, an afternoon at the movies--preferably sci fi or action--and then the kids make dinner while I sip a glass of wine, read something, and enjoy listening to my family tease one another.

A perfect day is not free, but full--full of the blessings of God’s presence, a favorite book or film, and a good friend.

I often find God waiting for me in the garage...

2012-01-13T06:32:00.000-05:00

Even though I live a pretty hectic-paced lifestyle, there are occasions I sneak in a free day. Thanks to my lovely wife of course.

Seems like there's always something to do when you have a house full of kids. I wouldn't have it any other way though...at least for now.

By nature, I love to tinker with stuff. Always have. As a kid myself, I would often take my dad's power tools or appliances apart just to see how they worked. Growing up, I was also always building something or trying to make a better mousetrap with things that already had solid paperwork filed with the U.S. Patent Office. Those were the days...

Today when I do manage some much needed time off, there are those times I do absolutely nothing but veg out in from of my favorite all-time day waster- Lonesome Dove. That's over 6 hours of pure testosterone-laden entertainment! I only manage that awesome day, however, about once a year.

Most of the time, I will spend the free day in my garage rearranging, cleaning, praying, organizing and just generally being to myself. With a four bedroom house and a stable of three girls plus mom, dad doesn't have a space to himself at the moment...except the garage.

I'd like to claim my garage looks a lot like this-

But, I'd be strecthing it a bit. Okay...a lot. Actually, you'd probably find this a closer comparison-

We can, however, at least park our cars in the garage.

I've discovered through the years that my mind is much more creative when my hands are busy. I've conjured up more than one blog post or Sunday School lesson while fiddling with shelves, vacuuming cars out or cleaning up tools on a Saturday. I don't actually consider any of those things chores. Mowing the lawn is a chore. Making the lawn mower run better is a happy moment to yours truly.

I took the week off between this past Christmas and New Years as sort of a stay-cation. Most of the time I spent cooking with my wife Candice or visiting family. I managed to get all of the Christmas decorations put up, Christmas toys put together and our home back to a relative normal setting. A little reading, a little writing and way too much History/Discovery/Military Channel time made the week go by far too fast. I did squeeze in one day in the garage though and managed to get a lot of tinkering accomplished. I just didn't have enough time to get finished...

Oh well. Guess that will require another free day sometime soon.

A Day of Freedom and Unhampered Joy for Me

2012-01-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

When I first read the topic for this week, my mindimmediately thought of what I saw as obvious….freedom in a day with no work orobligations. However when I thought about it further, my mind went into anotherdirection.

I thought of freedom as a state of no restrictions’. Itwould be a day that I would not be hampered at all from expectations of others.Also, people who I would encounter on that day would not be impeded either.

I knew I would want to spend the day with one person. Her name is Frances.

I have never met her but I would love to. You see, she isthe woman who became the mother of my son Richard, whom I relinquished foradoption, in 1966. I have long sensed, by the Spirit of God, that she is a goodwoman and has been a wonderful mother to my son.

We have shared something, his whole life. That has been anunfailing love for him. We sadly, share another thing, which has ripped out ourvery souls that is his tragic and untimely death, a few years ago.

I never met Richard in person, but I was able to talk to himon the phone several times. We exchanged pictures and letters. He never closedthe door on meeting me, but he was just not ready yet.

Richard was astute when it came to people’s feelings. Heonce said that he felt the “key players” in his adoption saga were the three ofus…him, his mom and me. I think he was right. When I was able to tell him about thecircumstances of his birth and why I gave him up, a measure of healing came to him.He was honest with her, telling her that I had contacted him. I could tell hewas very protective of her. Also with me reading between the lines, I saw that shefelt vulnerable about me. Even though I was not the adoptive mother, I hadheard that it happens very often. Would he change his loyalties from her to me?I tried putting myself in her shoes. I understood.

So, what would happen on the unhampered day with her and me?I had thought of this for a very long time. I would deliver as many roses that equaledthe time she was his mother, up until that point. I would hug her and thank her from the bottomof my heart for raising and loving him. I would try to show her my appreciationfor all the joys she had given to him. I would cry with her for any sorrow shebore because of him. What I would want to be conveyed to her is that I don’tcome to her a someone to usurp her but that I come in peace. I would never…couldnever …take her place. I would try to convince her of that...

I would love to hear her story, from the day she picked himup until the day of his death. I would love to see pictures of him as a baby…allthe way through adulthood. I would be eager to hear what kind of person he was.I would laugh at the funny stories that she would tell about him. I would be sohappy, if we could, in each other’s presence, be free. Just two women who LoveRichard very much. No competition…no suspicion…noanger…no jealousy…no control. Just woman to woman…mothers to our son.

It would be a bonus if she could consider my feelings andwhat a sacrifice it was to give Richard up. However, that would not make theday any less valuable, if she couldn’t.

I realize a relationship with these 2 women could be verystrained but I would pray for a breakthrough and healing for each of us.

I would hope that when I left her that she would’ve experiencedthe love and acceptance that I feel towards her. I would pray that she wouldknow that there is another woman who grieves the loss of a son, who died toosoon. I believe, if she didn’t know yet, that I could share with her the hopeand reassurance that I have, that I will be reunited with him again. I couldpray for her that she could join us. Andin that place, we would not vie for his love or attention because being withthe Lord, the Lover of our souls would satisfy both of us completely.

Linda Maynard

Dancing All Over the World! by Jenna Vick Silliman

2012-01-11T09:05:00.007-05:00

What would I do if I had a FREE day, with no restrictions? This theme for Kingdom Bloggers for the week got my imagination all fired up. I like the word FREEDOM. To me, the more FREE the better. One of my favorite things is to rejoice and worship the Lord Jesus in dance. If I had no restrictions, I would have awesome, joyful, rejoicing music playing at all times and I would start my day dancing without gravity. I would boogie my way right up into the heavenlies. Whoohoo! What a gorgeous view from up there because of my unrestricted eyesight. I would see right into the supernatural realm too and enjoy the company of beautiful, multi-colored, dancing angels all around me. From my cloud-cushioned dance floor I would gaze lovingly down on my hometown of Sequim, Washington and pray and dance in intercession and take the town by storm for Jesus.

Next, because I am not restricted by space, I would jet over to Chicago to see my daughter at the University of Chicago and take her dancing with me in the heavenlies to give her a little study break. I would zip down to California next to visit my son, Michael at Simpson University to give him and his sweet girlfriend a spin in the heavenlies too.

Around mid-day I would visit Niagra Falls. Wild and free I would dance around and rejoice in the beauty of this gigantic waterfall that I’ve always wanted to see. If I had unrestricted knowledge, I would know of other waterfalls around the globe that I could also visit to take a quick peek.

Then I would be transported to Europe. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe. I could just hop around like Tinkerbell and see a bit of each country. I might dance around in a green meadow in Ireland, a vineyard in Italy, a cottage flower garden in England, and a street market in France. As someone with a heart for missions, I would be praying as I go and interceding for each place I visit. Whenever I get a chance I would share glad tidings of great joy in the abundant life of Jesus. Oh, I almost forgot—no restrictions! The,n I would have thousands upon thousands gathered in my European Tour , ready to hear my testimony of free joy in Jesus for all!

My oldest son, Daniel, and his wife, Beth are in Germany so I would have to go to Tuebingen, Germany to see them and also to Heidelberg University where Daniel is getting his PhD to become a college professor. He’s promised to take me on a tour of a couple of castles when I visit, so I’d take him up on his offer. It would be such a surprise to just show up and be so free as to be able to take them dancing in the heavenlies above Germany with me and introduce them to a few scores of really cool angels. I can just hear him and his wife saying over dinner with friends, “We had such a refreshing visit from my mother this afternoon. She is such a care-free woman. We enjoyed taking her to some typical tourist spots and then she took us dancing—it was heavenly.”

My joyful, high-spirited worship music is still playing—don’t forget! For the evening I would go surfing in Hawaii. Every once in a while I might dance around or spin a few times on the surf board. Oh my, what beautiful balance and grace I would have if I was completely free of all restrictions. When my day was over I would enjoy being back home to tell my family and friends all about my free day of dancing and rejoicing in the Lord and proclaiming Good News about the abundant life of the Kingdom of God all over the world!

Too Many Free Days

2012-01-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

My life is mostly free days. Seriously, sometime I really think I need a life. Everyone has this image of me as very busy. I’m not. I spend a lot of time baking in order to fill up my time. To me there is nothing better than a loaf of fresh bread rising or the beauty of a homemade Lemon Meringue Pie. I’ll probably make both in the coming week.

I prefer to be busy. I’d prefer to have the chaos of my previous life. I loved the energy of getting up in the morning and going to a job that had much purpose, meaning, and challenge. It seems so odd that when our small house was full of children I would get them off to school and then off to my job. After work there was always church, a committee meeting, a game, a project, or something. I remember one time coming home rather tired from work, setting my bag by the door, and my granddaughter who was about two at the time running up to me and saying “Nana, you go cook.”

Suppertime often meant cooking for 10, or 12, or even 15 or 17 people. My “rule” was, if you were at my house at suppertime you were welcome to eat. We had kids “live” with us for extended periods. Our house was like the old woman who lived in the shoe.

Now it’s me, my husband, and Pebbles our dog. Pebbles greets me looking for treats rather than hungry children. I fix oatmeal for my husband and supper at night but it’s hard to fix food for two.

I have the question of what to do with a free day every day. I often fail miserably in my choices. I have studying to do, but I put it off for another day. I could be praying. I could be taking long walks somewhere. I could be volunteering. I could be doing so many things.

I’m on a quest during this new year to find places of service. Certainly, there is someone out there whose life I can touch. My goal for the New Year is to find that place(s). My goal is to be so busy that I need a “free day.”

What To Do, What To Do?

2012-01-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

What would you do with a free day? It’s an exciting question and off the top, most people would have a quick answer – especially for moms of young children or people with demanding jobs. I am neither of those things, and although I have responsibilities I don’t fantasize about being carefree. I am carefree already and my time is mostly my own to do with what I wish. The biggest stress I’ve had in recent months was at Christmas and timing the turkey meal just right so everything was on the table at the same time.

I haven’t always been a lady of leisure but for the past 4 years I’ve been in a decadent season with the Lord. It’s a gift from the Lord and I haven’t done anything to do to deserve it. I live each day with intention because I’m aware it’s only a season and seasons change.

Instead of projecting a fantasy scenario about what I would do with a free day, I’ll describe an average day in my week. Thursday is my house cleaning day, and although I’ve had some of the best personal worship times in my house with a dust cloth in hand I would never choose to clean a toilet on a day I didn’t have to.

My day starts early –between 5-5:30am. I wasn’t always a morning person but I’ve come to love the morning time because I grab a cup of java and head downstairs to what my Man refers to as the ‘Christian Cave’. I spend time reading my Bible and praying until 7:30, when I wake up my Boy to get ready for school. I already feel refreshed and the day is still at the beginning.

After I drop off my Boy at school, I head over to the church to worship alone with flags for 60-90 minutes. I don’t have space in my home to do it and the weather in the winter is not conducive to be outside. Flag worship is also my workout. Worship is [often] like an open heaven. After worshipping I return home for further Bible study, based on the seed idea I received during worship. I love study, as much as I love worship. The list of my questions is always expanding; I could spend all day, every day with my Bibles and reference materials and never exhaust the list. Life is in the Word and I want to fully live. Anytime I interact with people, I have the opportunity to put the words into practice and create life wherever I go.

At least once a week, I connect with friends so my “lady of leisure” status turns into “ladies who lunch” – sushi is my food of choice. After school, while my Boy is in his extra-curricular activities, I spend at least an hour reading books, a favourite pastime since I was a child.

The fantasy part of my day would be dinner that is prepared and cleaned up, but I love dinner with my family because we make a habit of eating together (at the table, without the TV or phones). After dinner, when my Boy is in bed and my Man practices his guitar, I return to my ‘cave’ to do some writing. Then I head to bed at 10pm and I read for 30 minutes before lights out.

I can’t wait to read what the others say this week. What would you do with a free day?

Sailing 2011

2012-01-08T00:01:00.018-05:00

Welcome aboard Kingdom Bloggers. I say that to myself, as much as to you – since this is my first time taking the helm of this word-ship.

Ah… sitting in the captain’s seat, floating blissfully across the sea of words wherever my heart desires.

*Ahem* Doug. Where do you think you’re going?

Oh, right, sorry.

Um, well, actually, I do have the rudder but I better pay attention because we have a charted course – and, she’s drifting away. Maybe we can catch her, hold on.

Can you see her; 2011? With every breath you take, she blows further out to sea. Rocking, sleeping, on the waves of time. She's drifting further from the shores-of-the-present, deeper and deeper into the seas-of-the-past. With each click of the clock she gets harder to see. Just think, we all rode that boat, and there she goes. But, if we hoist the sails and tack with tact, I believe you’ll see a silhouette of 2011 as she dips into the horizon. And hopefully you’ll see what beauty she has left in her wake.

Look there, toward the bow (front), near January, I can see my wife Roxy. We just flew to Minnesota to be with our daughter Kayla, who was with child. We traded warm sunny peaceful Florida for cold, windy, snowy Minnesota. Why? Because that’s what love does. We flew there five days before her due date, so we wouldn’t be late, we weren’t – she was. We stayed with our daughter Tammy and then our son Travis and we waited and waited and...

Kayla’s twin brother, Josiah visited for as many days as he could. I remember he wanted to see the baby so much and hated to leave. “Come on Kayla, can’t you just pop it out. I wanna see it,” he said. Twins are so tight. We thought the baby was late, but when 8lb., 2.9 oz., 20.5", Urijah Nathaniel Brooks took his first breath outside his mother at 2:57 a.m. we knew he was right on time.

The time we spent together wasn’t spent at all, but an investment, a wonderful, precious crown jewel in 2011. Where were you? Who did invest time with?

Shift your eyes back just a little, and there I am on another journey. This time for work, to the northeast. Seems like I’ll never get to thaw out in sunny Florida. Roxy stayed home, my son-in-law, Kenny, went along with me. We worked and talked and drove, the trip wasn’t a huge success if measured monetarily, as a matter of fact, it was a bust, if measured in dollars and cents. But we had time, a pocket of time – and that pocket-watch glitters more than gold.

About mid-ship you’ll see us headed back to Minnesota again, this time we’re working. All in a blur time flies by. But, there’s a diamond, we found. A spot for our camper next to the lake, and on weekends the family would visit. We had time, it wasn’t long, it flew too quick, but we had time. Fishing and swimming and sliding down the big-slide into the water, we had a time.

Kayla lost her sunglasses in the lake at the bottom of the slide. They searched and couldn’t find them. After saying the prayer we always say when we lose something:

“Father you know where those glasses are, and if You were looking for something, and if we could help You find it as easily as You can help us, we would. So, please help us find these glasses.”

I dove down and swept the sandy bottom with my hands and BAM there they were. I put them on top of my head before I surfaced, and acted like I didn’t know they were there. Kayla’s eyes lit up.

“OMG, how did you find them, Dad?”

I played dumb, (wasn’t too tough), shrugged and said, “What are you talking about?”

Kayla laughed, “Dad, seriously, how did you do that.”

To keep me from getting haughty for being such a tremendous sea diver, my granddaughter noticed something, “Papa, you have a booger right there.” (Oh boy – maybe I should leave that part out of the story.) It was a glorious time – boogers and all.

All too soon the leaves blew from the trees and we were back in Florida. I was asked to pray before our RV Park Thanksgiving meal and I heard myself say something like this: Lord, we’ve heard it said; With You a thousand years is as a day, and a day is as a thousand. So today as we give You thanks, may it be as a thousand. And if we may ask just one thing, we invite you to join us as our Guest of Honor. And with each word spoken, with each crumb broken, let us treat each other as if we’re dining with The King.

Toward the aft, near the end of 2011 Christmas came and went, filled with ribbons and lights and songs and presents; always a highlight in any year. But sometimes, the glitter and lights tangle with time, and rather than time well spent -- time’s wells are spent.

Now, the tree is put away, the lights are still up, but not turned on at night. The presents are buried somewhere with the others. The pie and candy has all been eaten, now they’re being worn like Christmas sweaters we want to shed.

But the one gift that can’t be buried, the one that shines from bow to aft, front to back, January thru December, the best one of all, the one that God gave, the one the matters most, whether rich or poor, young or old; we can give this priceless gift, and give it well: Time.

Thank you for the present of your presence and welcome aboard 2012.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and called Him Immanuel meaning God with us; His Presence.

(p.s .I hope you didn’t get sea-sick with all the ship talk jargon. I suppose it’s because I’ve been looking at sailboats lately)

"P" Soup: Reflecting on 2011

2012-01-07T08:11:00.005-05:00

I am thankful and thrilled to be part of this team for Kingdom Bloggers. Just to give readers a short introduction, I live and work in Rochester, New York; we moved here in July 2010 when my husband took on his first pastorate after 20 years in business and three years of seminary studies. As for me, thirty years ago God placed a radical call on the life of an ordinary Irish girl from New England. He changed my life trajectory completely, for which I am very thankful. I love God, people and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I have degrees in English and counseling, and enjoy reading, writing, cooking, and touching others with hints of God’s love, especially scones and tea.

This week, we are reflecting on our “Top Five Blessings for 2011.” Most of us have heard the modern exhortation, “Don’t live in the past. ” But even the Apostle Paul--who tells us in his letter to the Philippians that he leaves behind the past and presses on toward the future (Phil. 3:13)--understood the value of reflection. Just read his self-assessment a few verses earlier. So, being a cook, here is my own 2011 "P Soup" as I reflect on a difficult, but fruitful year:

5. Pressure--2011 presented pressure for many people in our sphere. For our family, we were adjusting to a new city after six years on the North Shore of Massachusetts (the longest we have lived in one place), a new church (where my husband Tim is pastor), a new high school for our youngest, being a significant distance from family and friends, and my needing employment--and that’s the short list. But the pressure presented opportunity for #4:

4. Perseverance--“Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). God has always pushed us to “new places” but he has shored us up with his grace, strength, mercy, and a sense of humor.

To help my sanity and to challenge myself, I set a goal to read 50 books in 2011 and write about it on Facebook--52 books later, with a lot less television, and a sense of accomplishment, I did it! We have had to persevere in trusting and hoping for #3:

3. Provision--Alleluia! Tim and I minister and collaborate at our church, our daughter loves her school and joined the crew team, our older daughter Maggie had a dream trip to Ireland (where my mom was born), England and Paris, and is in her freshman year at her dream school, our son Sam got engaged to his high school sweetheart and they will both graduate college this year, and our entire family participated in my sister-in-law’s wedding (including Tim performing the ceremony, his first!). God blessed us with not only one mild winter here on the “North Coast,” but two!

2. Pals--God knows how important relationships are to me, and not only did he move our family closer to longtime friends in Ithaca, but also gave me some great friends here in Pittsford I cherish. A new friend and I started a book group last year, and it is thriving. Since our older children attend college in Boston, I have opportunity to visit dear friends and family members a few times a year in CT and MA! Now, if we can only get these people to drive to Western New York more often ;).

1. Presence--2011 was a tough year, but it was also a blessed year because God’s presence was with us, encouraging, exhorting, renewing. This list of Top Five may seem a little odd because the content includes some tough categories, but it is through the challenges of life we remember to lean on the only One who can truly help us, and save us! His presence is our peace.

Let God use you where He wants to use you...

2012-01-06T06:40:00.000-05:00

I'm really excited about KB not only adding new writers, but also adding two additional days to bring our blog to a true daily outlet for praise, reflection and testimony for God's glory!

Today's post will be a bit out of my comfort zone in all honesty. As a matter of personal philosophy, I spend very little energy looking back on things. My goal is to live, learn and move on...from better and from bad. I'm not in search of some New Age 'centering of the soul and cleansing of the karma' nonsense, I just don't as a matter of habit reflect back on things.

But alas, that is the subject this week, so reflecting we shall go!

Here are my Top Five best moments from 2011 in countdown fashion:

5. Reconnecting with Marines on Facebook from my first command assignment.

God love them! As a newly commissioned Marine Second Lieutenant so green I could stand naked in grass without being seen, I was given the responsibility of watching over and actually leading 30 souls. At work...

...and at play (Sorry for the obscene gesture. They're Marines).

Over 20 years have past since I'd seen or heard from the vast majority of my first platoon. But now thanks to social media sources, most of us have reconnected...and I can make up for my lack of witnessing for Him those many years ago.

4. Losing 30+ pounds.

Really wasn't that hard actually. First, I realized if I continued to expand at near the speed of light, I was going to eat my way straight to Type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke and death. Second, I was then diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Third, I admitted phase one of the forementioned path to destruction was underway. Fourth, I gave up drinking sodas and eating fatty foods. Fifth, I lost weight without doing much else. Finally, I'm 30 pounds lighter and diabetes-free. Thank you Jesus for sending me an angel of encouragement called Candice Cradic!

Going for 30 more in 2012!

3. Leading the family prayer at Christmas.

This one may not sound like much to some of you, may sound like too much pridefulness to others, and may just confuse still yet others. Truth be told that while I am a bit uncomfortable listing this due to the pride issue, I also want to be thankful for the opportunity. Most family have a...shall we call it...spiritual patriarch that is looked to on such ocassions. When I was asked to bless the Christmas meal not only at my father's family gathering but also at my in-laws, I was completely humbled and broken by the blessing He gave to me. Heck...I teared up writing this!

While it's certainly a sign that I'm getting older, there's a weight of responsibility that comes with the territory. The privilege of lifting up thanks and petitions to our Father is very important to me. Gravely important. I never take the task lightly either in private or while leading a public prayer. I'm most thankful to our Father for the gift of prayer in the name of our Savior. I praise Him for that gift!

2. Vacationing with the family.

Thanks to a wonderful suggestion from a couple at church, our family (including the in-laws) vacated at Holden Beach last summer. Never heard of it? Well that's what makes it so awesome! Forget the hussle and bussle of the popular spots. Holden Beach is a quite, relaxing community with no hotels or the crowds from hotels. Rent a house, very short walk to the beach...sigh.

I'm already back there in my mind.

1. Teaching a Wednesday night series at church.

When I was invited to join our pastor and a deacon at church to team teach a series called Essentials, I was immediately bubbling with excitement. I love talking about Jesus! The premise was to conduct a series that covered the essential elements of the Christian faith by dropping the denominational doctrines and focusing on why Christians are in fact Christians. Good stuff.

The series started with an excellent segment by Deacon Keith on creation. I had heard him teach this before but was completely blown away by depth of the three week presentation. He set the bar high for the rest of us. I took the next segment on the Bible by starting with the history of the English language version. I can't begin to explain the tremendous blessing poured on me from the preparation, presentation and discussion that followed. God is so good to us!

Next, Pastor Derek took a segment on the Holy Trinity and specifically God the Father. Excellent study! I followed with about four weeks on God the Son. Pastor Derek just concluded a few weeks on God the Spirit, and Keith will conclude the 4-month series with a few weeks on the Church.

Praying, studying and teaching with these two tremendous men of God has been so powerful in my life. Letting go of personal fears and insecurities and letting God use me as a tool for His glory has been nothing short of...well...life changing. I thank and praise Him for the opportunity.

If you'd like to catch some, or all, of the Essentials series, I've posted my last class called Jesus- Who He Isn't for your viewing. May God bless your 2012 and may you serve the Kingdom with your very best this year!

Out with the Old and In with the New

2012-01-05T05:49:00.000-05:00

Looking back at 2011, I had to stopfor a while and say hmmm...what was this past year all about? I remembered aspeaker, at a Retreat, that I highly respect say, “Even though this gathering hasbeen great and God has met us all in some new and powerful ways, don't"settle" here."

At first, I was not sure what shemeant and then realized that she was talking about getting stagnant...stayingin the same place, rather than moving with God. She ascertained that what we experiencedwas all good and wonderful, but to remember that God is on the move and alwaysgoing forward.

The Israelitesmoved…The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night. Portion of Exodus 13:20…The Message

To begin with, thinking about lastyear, I realize that God does supply all my needs according to His riches andglory. My husband lost his job 3 yrs ago and has a small Handyman Business. Weare very far from rich...as a matter of fact, we struggle a lot, financiallyBUT God has provided for everything that we have needed. I thank God for Hispromised provision. On a deeper level, I have learned, our Lord is JehovahJireh (which means "the Lord provides")

d this sameGod, who takes care of me, will supply all your needs, from His gloriousriches. Portion And this same God, who takes care of me, will supply all your needs, from His glorious riches. Portion of Phil. 4:19 NLT

Another highlight is that a long timerelationship schism was healed. I can't tell you how much that has meant to me.I still have another relationship I am praying about. I have reached out tothis person, but they are not ready...but I won't give up. The restoration thathas happened this year, has given me hope for this other relationship to bemade right. I think of the song “God Will Make a Way, Where There Seems to beNo Way"

How wonderful,how beautiful…when brothers and sisters get along. Psalm 133:1… The Message

I found a pretty powerful word givento me at a Conference...maybe 10 years ago. It was recorded, but the tape wasdiscarded, I tried, over and over again, to find it. At the end of 2011...Ifound the written list. A few things have already happened...one being that Iwould teach a Bible Study to men and women. I have to tell you, at that time inmy life, teaching was not even on my radar. I had been given severalopportunities to teach men and women. Other things, on the list, have alreadyhappened. I believe, in time, more will come to pass. What I learned is thatoften when words are given to us, it does not mean an instant unfolding of the Propheticdeclaration. However, if it is of the Lord, God will open the door, for itsfruition. No man can shut it! That is true for me, as well as it is for you!Good things are ahead for all us.

I have experienced a resurgence of myartistic talents. For quite a while, they were dormant. I now find myselfenergized by drawing, painting, making cards, doing crafts and of coursewriting. I have recently been exploring new areas of expression.When I am involved in creative endeavors, I feel very alive and the mostconnected to God. I am going to have future opportunities to teach womenCalligraphy and Painting at my church. My desire is to host a Creative DayWorkshop in our portion of the State ( CT), sponsored by my church. It will be a place for Christianartists to converge and be encouraged by like minded people...There, they willlearn, create and bless the Lord and others with their Gifts.

Having had been in former unhealthychurch situations, I was kind of "gun-shy" of making any realcommitment to a church body. But this past year, I have become morecommitted...not 100% but more solid than before. I don't see my Pastor asperfect, rather he is a kind, approachable, humble, accepting and encouraginghuman being, He has no attitude problems or illusions of grandeur, rather he isone of us. Not taking one thing away from his call to lead his sheep, He is anexample of Jesus' nature. As the word says, he is preparing us for the works ofthe ministry. It is a given, that he encourages his people, to live out theirown calling. He is not a Pastor who knows it all or thinks he needs to control or do it all. He is man whoaffirms and encourages others, to walk out their role in the Body of Christ.

The Lordhanded out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor-teacher to trainChrist’s followers…until we are all moving, rhythmically, as fully matureadults. Portions of Ephesians 4:7 The Message

No matter what is happening amongus...the disasters...the sinking economy...violence...a disregard for humanlife...we can all know for certain, that there will be One, who is constant andfaithful.. His name is Jesus. He came for the lost and thespiritually dead. His mercy and grace is available to all... We have to go out,into the world and compel them to come in. Not to a church building per se(even though they might) but come into the fold, of the family of God.

A tragic fire destroyed a church inCT, the other day. The headline read “Building is Gone, But Church isNot”…Truer words were never spoken, as the church in not a building but thechurch is the people.

…you also, likeliving stones, are being built into a spiritual house…1Peter 2:5 NIV

Moving forward with God, in this New Year. Want to join me?

Linda Kosinki Maynard

Top Events of My Year 2011 by Jenna Vick Silliman

2012-01-04T10:39:00.004-05:00

This has been a year of delighting in the Presence of the Lord Jesus in dance and flagging. “God inhabits the praises of His people.” (See Psalm 22:3) I started the year 2011 celebrating with Revolution Church at a New Year’s Worship Night at the fairgrounds in Port Angeles, WA with all live music. I brought my only flag, my blue and silver flag, and enjoyed flagging my heart out. Before each song I would pray and ask Jesus if I should flag or worship dance. I had a blast dancing and twirling and singing and flagging the night away! What a way to start the year! We worship in a home fellowship called Deep River in Sequim, a town right next to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula in the far Northwest of the United States. Though we always dance around for worship, there isn’t much room for dancing and flagging, so I enjoyed this huge venue for New Year’s Eve worship.

Another highlight of my year is in July I met my half-sister, Bonnie, that I found out about a year prior. My other two sisters and Bonnie and I met at a café in Northern California and we had a sister’s day to talk and get to know each other. Bonnie is an awesome person and we are looking forward to another gathering this summer to spend more time together.

A third top event in my life is teaching girls about worship dance. In the summer I taught an eight-week class and had 15 girls join in. For each class I gave a short talk, demonstrated by dancing myself, and then I put on worship music and let them dance freely and have fun. Sometimes we danced with teddy bears and sometimes I let them choose a colorful scarf from my collection to “flag” with. They loved it and so did I! As a result, in December I was asked by the Sons of Norway Club to start teaching children, ages 4 to 9, how to dance some traditional dances. I accepted and will begin every Tuesday night at the Sons of Norway Hall in Port Angeles. Also I was asked to teach on worship dance and flagging to the Deep River Youth Group, which I did in the end of December. One thing leads to another and now I am planning a flagging prayer walk down the main street of our town on Saturday afternoons—a happy hour of intercession for the people of Sequim, Washington.

I attended Open Heavens Conference at Bethel Church in Redding, California in October. This conference is my fourth top events of my year—more on that another time. I enjoyed more flagging and worship dancing and enjoying God’s presence! I was blessed to stay an extra day and that was the day I met Andrea York. Flags drew us together. She makes these amazing angel wings for flags that make you feel like flying when you use them. As I tried out a few different pairs, some other flaggers gathered around us. Soon we had a flagging workshop with each of us sharing how we got started, how we flag, about the creation of our flags, and where we’ve flagged. I was drawn to Andrea from the first minute and a friendship was born.

Andrea and I connected on Facebook and began messaging each other. In the end of November, another conference, similar to the one at Bethel, was held in Canada about four hours north of me. Andrea invited me up to stay with her and worship flag at the conference with her. I had acquired two more flags, a white one and a purple one, so I packed my bags and my flags and headed to Canada. I got to meet her sweet family and spend time with Andrea so we could share our hearts and our dreams with each other. The whole trip was a fifth highlight of my year, but the best was flagging on stage, Andrea front left, me on front right, with Georgian Banov on his violin and everyone singing out their love to the Lord Jesus!

To begin the year 2012, I headed to the fairgrounds again to worship in dance and flagging. Now I have three new pairs of flags made by Andrea too--shiny gold, a turquoise pair, and some rainbow flags—each with their own kingdom meanings. I enjoyed ushering in a new year with praise and worship of our living God. I wonder what God has in store for us in the year ahead?

So Long, 2011

2012-01-02T03:00:00.005-05:00

In an informal survey of friends, family and Wal-Mart cashiers 2011 was not an overly stellar year for most. Indeed many of the Christmas letters we received in cards this year included news of the death of a loved one, or financial burdens or health concerns. Any of those things are unfortunate aspects of life but whenever a friend spends a lot of time complaining or feels burdened by life, I ask, “Is there anything in your life you can be thankful for?”

There is a reason the Lord continually told the Israelites to remember his faithfulness. When times got tough (and they always do), remembering the goodness and blessing of the Lord will change our prospective and will help us to overcome. It gives us the “push” we need to remember that it’s not over until we see the promise.

This week, the Kingdom Bloggers will be doing exactly that – summarizing 2011 with our personal Top 5. We also have an extra special treat as we add Saturday for new posts. Please read all the way to the end of the week and welcome Kerry Luddy and Doug Spurling to our roster of writers Kerry will be writing on Saturday and Doug will write on Sunday. Jenna Silliman, who first wrote before Christmas, will continue to take the Wednesday slot for the next while.

********

ONE
I love vacation, travel and hot destinations and this year my family, including my parents and my brothers’ family went on a long awaited family cruise down the Pacific coast of Mexico. I discovered my Man and I are not ‘cruisers’ but it ranks as one of my favourite holidays because we did it as a family, and I love spending time with my family. I also discovered my brother is an amazing improv performer but his wife and I are equally unimpressive on stage as contestants in a game show.

TWO
A few months into the year, we hired a high school student as tutor for my Boy. I cannot recall my heart attaching itself to anyone else as quickly as CeCe. She is a ‘wannabe’ daughter – as in, I want her to be my daughter. She is delightful, responsible, intelligent and beautiful and God is setting her up for an amazing destiny. She is a star and I want to witness when she shines as God intends for her. Not only has CeCe integrated into our family as a tutor and babysitter but I love and am honoured she likes to hang out with us to do regular, family things.

THREE
In June, I started blogging and I love it (www.andreayorkmuse.com). I continue to be amazed by people who are not related to me read my blog (actually people who are related to me don’t read my blog - maybe that says I talk too much already). Through my blog, and the blog-o-sphere in general, I’ve learned I can make personal connections, such as I’ve done with the other writers on this blog.

Writing consistently is helping me hone my skills and keep my knowledge and revelation fresh. If I can’t write about truth I’m learning in Scripture, then I don’t know it well enough and I go back to Bible basics and wait on the Lord for further revelation. It is helping me keep focussed and discerning.

FOUR (& FIVE)
I can’t hold back any longer – my real Top 1-100 list would be the same – I’ve experienced God’s presence and I don’t have another message or thought. I only want more.

I’ve been a Christian for 32 years and have been actively pursuing him for 14 years but I’ve never experienced him in the way I’ve experienced him this year. The pursuit of his presence has lead me to flag worship and through flagging I’ve already encountered many new relationships (Jenna Silliman), including being on the stage with Georgian Banov and Kristene Mueller-DiMarco (Jesus Culture) - also with Jenna. As a bonus blessing, I’ve shared with others the joy and style of flag worship. I’ve made and sold flags that are being used for worship from Anchorage to Miami, from California to New Jersey; all my profit funds ministry travel & expenses.

In his presence, I’ve witnessed miracles such as hearts & attitudes change, physical healing such as insulin-dependent diabetes cured, crooked backs being straightened and I’ve received words about even greater works. I’ve taken risks, and God shows up but not because I’m worthy, but because he is worthy and he delights to delight me. Because of his presence, I receive favour from others that allow me to learn, teach and operate within gifts I’ve been given and I’m stretched for even more.

I’ve been accused of being one-dimensional, and perhaps I’ve become that way, especially this year. Everything I do and say is in relation to my Heavenly Father. It’s my ‘holy bubble’. It’s okay; there are worse things to be called. As I reflect on the past year, I am thankful and grateful to the Lord for all I’ve seen and done and for everything I offer praise and thanksgiving.

And I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings – I know it’s going to be good.

When Love Showed Up... in the Hallway of a Nursing Home

2011-12-23T11:53:00.002-05:00

Sometimes we read about the Lord's love in Hisword...for us and for the world. At times, we experience it in our ownlives...heart to heart with Him, personally. Then, there are times that we arewitnesses to the outpouring of His love on another person. That is such anexperience that I had years ago.My dad suffered a devastating strokeand was paralyzed completely on one side of his body. He was a big man insize and a man who presented himself in life, as a huge presence. In otherwords, you knew when he was in close proximity. He didn't make a lot of"small talk" but you knew...when he talked, everybody listened.
He ended up in a Nursing Home, as hisphysical needs were too great for our family to administer his care. It was anagonizing decision, for our family, as anyone who has had to do this, knows.But it was one in which he wanted. He could see that his physical and dailyneeds were more than anyone could handle.
Because he was a man of few words,visiting him brought a challenge. He had no hobbies, didn't watch TV too muchor read, so conversations were basically one sided. Nevertheless, I would neverdecide not to visit him. He was just too important to me.
One day, right before visiting him, Iwas crying out to the Lord on this issue. I said something like “Lord, I wantto honor my dad, but truthfully it is sometimes hard to go and see him. I wishhe could talk more. I am just discouraged and feel helpless. The visits are solong"
I heard the Lord asking me to make mydad a Christmas card, using my art and my calligraphy. I sensed the Lord wanteda specific scripture on the card. It also was important that I personalized itfor my dad. This is the scripture, I used

“For unto you, Henry, is born this day in the city of David,a Savior which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.

My heart leaped. "Yes Lord, I cando that!" I was thrilled to have something that I could do. I was equallyhappy to use my gifts.

So I made the card and proceeded todrive to the Nursing Home.

When I arrived there, my dad was inhis wheelchair, waiting in the hallway. No matter how the visits were from myperspective, my dad always looked forward to the company of visitors.
I walked over to him...kissedhim...and put the card on his tray. He picked up the card to read it. Whathappened next was totally unexpected by me.
As he read it, my dad started weepingand weeping...his shoulders convulsing. I had never seen this man, who wasbigger than life to me and to many, ever cry.
I believe, that moment, my dad knew,beyond a shadow of doubt...that God loved the world; yes...but that he loved him...He loved Henry.
My dad was being touched mightily, bythe Holy Spirit.
Then, in an almost urgent manner, Ithought, “Lord, should I present my dad with Your salvation message?"I mean, it seemed like the perfect time. The answer I heard was “No...I ambreaking up stony ground in your father's heart"
So, this wasn't the time...this wasn'tthe "event" we look for with our loved ones. Yet...it was huge.
Love came down and reached into the depthsof my father's heart. Love grabbed tenaciously to him. He couldn't resist itsforce and power. Love knew, as with all of us, just how to woo my dad with Hislove.
I almost was frozen to the spot. Itwas such a Holy moment, right in the hall of that Nursing Home. It was HolyGround. I was blanketed with a weighty Presence of God and stricken withamazement, at the vastness of His love for me...for my dad.
As happens sometimes to many of us, attime went on, I was unsure if I heard the Lord right in not presenting thegospel message that day. The moment seemed so fertile.
That same loving God, who knows me sowell, knew I needed reassurance.
Months later, I had a woman, that Ididn't know well, come up to me at a Retreat and say this “I see a gray hairedman. You love him very much. The Lord wants you to know that he is breaking upstony ground in his heart to make it supple and into a heart of flesh, toreceive God's word and love"
You can imagine how comforting thatwas to me.
Subsequently, I would, guided by theHoly Spirit, either talk to my dad or sometimes write to him about spiritualmatters...never a lot and never to overwhelm him.
The Lord ended up telling me that mydad's decision to receive him as Lord and Savior, would be private and I wouldnot witness it.
I was given that Blessed Assurancethat we long for our loved ones...for their sake and also for our hope. That wewill one day be reunited with them again, as we celebrate life...face to facewith our Savior.

by Linda Maynard

Weekly BibleReadings

Monday...December 19 2011...Isaiah 43:1-7

Tuesday...December20 2011...Psalm 118

Wednesday...December21 2011...Romans 8:31-39

Thursday...December22 2011...1John 4:7-21

Friday...December23 2011...Isaiah 9:6-7

It's really not all that complicated...

2011-12-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 (NIV)

Love is an innate emotion in all human beings. Evidence that God is in all of us.

Yes, that's right. I'm in complete disagreement with Robert Plutchick's Wheel of Emotions which has dominated academic opinion on the matter of basic emotions since the 1980's. Bob believes trust is the emotion that initially bonds a child with their parents and only the addition of joy with trust can love then be created.

I don't know that Bob's an atheist, but if it sounds like a duck...

What I do know is the words love, joy and trust each hold a fundamental place with me personally that fit into the equation of faith. There are other variables in that equation if you want to be all scientific about it, but Paul's letter to the church in Corinth states that love, faith and hope will endure for eternity, and that love is the greatest of the three (1 Corinthians 13:13).

By the way, that fits perfectly into God is love.

The word love and variations like loved or loves are mentioned 442 times in the KJV and 697 in the NIV of the Bible. The name of God appears over 4,000 times in each. Is that significant? Not really...because each of the 807,361 words making up the Holy Bible are derived from God.

...and God is love.

I earnestly try to live every single day of my life with the impression of 1 John 4:8 stamped on my heart. Sure. There are days that I come up way short of that goal. I need to learn to be more tolerant of people like Bob Plutchick for one because God doesn't qualify whom I should love in His Word. I'm just commanded to love.

He sets the ultimate example of love for me when He came to Earth for my benefit...

Lifestyle of Love

2011-12-21T06:00:00.005-05:00

My name is Jenna Vick Silliman. I’ve been married to the same man for 31 years and we have eight children, ages 29 to 8, seven sons and a daughter (she is second-born). We live in a big house in a little town in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been following the Lord Jesus since I first met Him on March 23, 1974. I like to take pictures of people, to write, to travel, to speak, and to eat as healthy as possible so I have more energy to do fun stuff. I am a dancer; I teach dance classes, and dance for fun every chance I can. For church gatherings, I dance and worship with flags. I love leading and helping the youth group for my church, Deep River and every week I spend a few hours in various colorful costumes, singing and dancing for folks in nursing homes.

*******

When I read my Bible in the morning, there’s a lot about love in there. About a year ago, on New Year’s Day, I came across some verses on love that spoke to me and caused me to seek to be a more loving person. On that day, January 1, 2011, the day of beginning anew, I made a resolution to live more of a lifestyle of love.

Here’s the Scripture I read in my Amplified Bible (slightly simplified by me). “Beloved, let’s love one another with love that springs from intimately knowing God...God is love and he who continues in love continues in God.” 1John 4:7, 16

I have learned to be more affectionate from my kids. When they say “I love you, Mom.” they throw their arms around me in a big ol’ hug and I mean a big, straight on, squeeze of a hug. I don’t like those side hugs or shoulder pats any more. To communicate love, a hug is awesome. If we’d all resolve to give more big hugs, we’d all be happier and feel more loved! Growing up I didn’t have a family that hugged very much, but I’ve changed and now I’m into hugs. When I visit folks in nursing homes, their faces light up when I give them a hug.

I’m a busy mama, but loving takes time. I heard a saying I like to keep in mind, “No one on their death bed ever says, ‘I spent too much time loving.’” When people talk to me, I like to make time to really listen to show my love. If I have a packed schedule, I might miss out on a chance to show loving interest in what someone is sharing. I know for myself, when I have an in-depth heart-to-heart talk with a friend, that is when I feel loved. I’ve noticed the people I am good friends with all like to talk. We’re gifted in gab! However, to love is to listen.

We live in a small town and folks know each other. In Bible days, people would see each other and enjoy a bit of conversation at the well when they collected their daily supply of water. Now we meet at Costco, Wal-mart, or McDonalds! I purposely allow extra time when I go out, so when I ask, “How are you?” I can lovingly wait for a full answer so I can hear their heart. Sometimes it takes a few questions to prime the pump, but usually I can get a person talking. Yes, it takes time, but when you give the gift of your time, you communicate love.

Another way to love people is to give little gifts. Everyone likes presents! I like to keep alert to what kind of cookies people like, what their favorite colors are, if they use a certain kind of pen to write with, what they like to read, or if they enjoy fresh flowers, or a certain kind of fruit. It is fun to be a crowd pleaser at church gatherings and bring a vase of flowers, a batch of homemade snickerdoodles with extra cinnamon (warm out of the oven!) on a fancy tray, or a pretty bowl of red and green grapes. The gift of a thank you note is amazing. Those who serve in the body of Christ often go months and years without a single thank you. Clerks at stores usually only hear complaints—the same with school teachers. To simply say thank you is a very loving gift that is free for the giving. To find a thank you letter in your mail box is practically extinct these days!

Clothing always makes a nice gift too. I enjoy dancing in long, twirly skirts. I shop at thrift stores and often find beautiful, colorful skirts to add to my collection. I teach children to dance, so I keep a look-out for pretty skirts to give as gifts. I also like to take girls shopping. A skirt has to pass “the twirl test” before I will buy it. Last Sunday at church I had three girls twirling for me to show me their gorgeous Christmas dresses! At thrift stores I have found lots of inexpensive gifts like, warm scarves, mugs, stuffed animals, jewelry, and handbags.

Recently I gave a neighbor a ride across town. She said she was having a hard day, so I gave her a big hug. I looked right in her eyes and asked, “What’s going on?” She poured out her heart as we drove along. As I listened to her struggles, she started to cry a little bit. I pulled over and parked when we reached her destination. She talked some more. I asked her, “May I pray for you?” She said, sure. We had a sweet time of fellowship and I felt God’s presence in my car. Before she left, I unwound my bright pink scarf from my neck and looped it over her head as a gift. She thanked me, gave me another hug, and went on her way. The hugs, the listening, the gift of a warm, colorful scarf on a cold winter’s day—all of these communicated love. My New Year’s resolution has become a reality.

Merry Christmas 2011 and a Happy New Year of a ‘Lifestyle of Love’ to you!

Love Personified

2011-12-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

Ahh, yes, love... that greatest of all human emotions. The indescribable thing that makes us crazy. The thing that binds us together for life. The thing that hurts us the most. Love is so many things and to each of us, it means something different. In any given day we may say we love ice cream, our children, our spouse, and our new shirt.

As I thought about love and Christmas, I too thought of "love came down at Christmas." Many years ago, I sang in a church choir. Something I still love but don't do. I almost joined the choir at my new church but fears of not being able to hold out notes because of asthma convinced me otherwise. They gave their cantata last Sunday. I missed it due to battling a migraine.

One this Christmas, many years ago, we sang the cantata, Love Came Down At Christmas. It was beautiful. Rich tones, great sound, wonderful story of Jesus birth - it was great. A secret dream of mine has always been to sing the Messiah with a choir. But that year, Love Came Down was enough. Truly, God's love was demonstrated in unfathomable ways when Love came down in the form of an infant, born of Mary - the Son of God.

Another song, by Dottie Rambo really says it all:

Advent - Love

2011-12-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

We’re in the homestretch to celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ which will be demonstrated by mounds of wrapping paper and eating too much. We’ve celebrated the season of Advent together, writing on themes of hope, joy, peace and this week, love. This week, we have another treat –guest writers; enjoy.

*******

My Boy turns 5 on Christmas Eve; five in spiritual birthdays, that is. Five years ago, as we were driving home from Grandma and Grandpa’s house, my Boy made his own decision to allow Jesus to be his Saviour and Lord. Every year, as we give him a present to mark the occasion, I tell him if he never does anything more, he is loved and accepted by his Heavenly Father. If he learns nothing else in his life, I want him to know the love to which he has received.

I’ve been a Christian for 31 years and I still am learning about the Father’s love. Of course, I know the “Christian” answers and can quote appropriate Bible verses, such as Romans 8:38-39 or John 3:16 but I’ve only begun to grasp the love God has for me.

There is nothing I can do to increase his love – my works, self-sacrifices, gifts, abilities, and time spent with him will add nothing to his love. In the same way, the sins I’ve committed or have been committed to me will never decrease his love. The Father loves me no more or no less than Christopher Hitchens, the noted atheist who wrote a book called, God is Not Great.

God is love. It is not an act of his will, it is his character. You cannot separate the two. As a display of his love, God humbled himself - as a human being - so human beings could be exalted because there is no other way for us to be in relationship with him. Christmas is important because we celebrate how God came to earth. I am loved and the proof is of God’s promise is Christmas because Jesus entered our world as one of us.

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, December 19, 2011: Isaiah 43:1-7
Tuesday, December 20, 2011: Psalm 118
Wednesday, December 21, 2011: Romans 8:31-39
Thursday, December 22, 2011: 1 John 4:7-21
Friday, December 23, 2011: Isaiah 9:6-7

Peace on Earth sounds pretty good Linus...

2011-12-16T10:39:00.002-05:00

One of the fondest memories I have from my childhood is the exuberance and joy I felt each year when CBS aired A Charlie Brown Christmas. The show first came on in 1965 and has aired annually since that first broadcast (except now on ABC).

I had the privilege of sitting down with my own family and watching it last night...and I still got goosebumps at this famous monologue:

ABC did a very good job promoting the show this year too. Just when I'm ready to throw in the towel when it comes to any form of media...I get a ray of hope that not all Christian values have been abandoned by the mainstream. At least ABC continues to let Linus tell us what Christmas is really all about...

I pray you find peace this season. The peace that can only be found through Jesus.

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, December 12, 2011: John 16:25-33
Tuesday, December 13, 2011: Romans 16:17-20
Wednesday, December 14, 2011: Galatians 5:16-23
Thursday, December 15, 2011: Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Friday, December 16, 2011: Luke 2:8-21

It Is Well With My Soul

2011-12-15T06:45:00.001-05:00

I was thinking, what is Peace? Is it anabsence of conflict? Or maybe a settled feeling? Perhaps, a knowing that it is going to be allright? I think thee are appropriate answers.

I thought of the well loved hymn by HoratioSpafford.. "It Is Well With My Soul" Then I knew my what question ismore aptly answered by who is Peace?

Horatio was a successful lawyer in Chicago. He was marriedand he and his wife Anna had 5 children. A son and 4 daughters.

Tragedy met this man in proportions, we can only imagine.

First was the death of his only son, who was a mere 4 yearsold.

The next was the Great Chicago Fire that ruined him financially.

As a result of the last tragedy, he planned to sail overseasto assist DL Moody with his Evangelistic Efforts.

Unexpectedly, business matters had to be attended to and so sent Anna and their 4daughter ahead...he would join them later.

Unbelievably, the ship his family was on, was struck by another and sank. Hiswife survived but their 4 daughters drowned. He was notified of this by receiving a telegram from his wife saying ,"Saved alone"

He left to join her.As the ship that he was on, was at the approximateplace that their ship went down, the Captain notified Horatio of that fact.
Horatio went into his cabin. This is where he penned thisgreat and heartfelt hymn.

The first verse is probably the most familiar, as well as therefrain. But,as I looked more closely at the remaing verses, I saw that Horatio spoke of where he found his sustaining peace, on the cross of Jesus Christ. It was in the joy of his salvation. Heremembered the sacrifice that our dear Savior wrought for him. He was humbledand amazed at the emptying of self, which the Lord presented on behalf of allmankind. Horatio himself was part of redemption.The cross and the suffering and pain are wheretrue Peace is found.

I can see that Peace is not as much afeeling or a state of mind, even though it can be that, but true Peace willnever come apart from Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. Peace is a person. The Cross will always be the plumbline of our faith.

Two Beatles songs come to mind. One is "Imagine"and “Give Peace a Chance" They are nice songs and inspire many people butPeace...true Peace ( Jesus) is absent from these lyrics..

Unless the world knows this, men will never taste the ultimate Peace...the true Peace.

Simply, the Cross is the plumbline of our faith.

A familiar quote says it well.

“Know Jesus...KnowPeace"..."No Jesus...No Peace"

Peacemakers

2011-12-13T19:59:00.001-05:00

Peace… Peace on Earth Good Will to Men. We see it on Christmas cards. We may sing about it over Christmas. We joke that some young woman in a beauty pageant will say that they want peace on earth. It seems so elusive.

When I was a kid they used to say it was worse now than the previous generations. I am old enough to remember the tumultuous 60’s. I remember as a kid sitting in front of a black and white TV hearing someone say – we interrupt this broadcast. First it was JFK, then it was RFK – MLK, or a riot here or there. It was a terrible time. I think it marked my generation in ways we cannot really explain.

Now we have the wars in Afghanistan and the ending of our involvement in Iraq. It won’t get better in Iraq. It won’t get better in Afghanistan and even if it did, something else would replace. The Occupy group has not resorted to violence, but they might? Frustration often leads to violence.

Regardless of where you stand on any of these issues, or what your experience has been, your politics, or even your religion, I think we all can agree that peace is just as far as it was on a Judean hillside. Rome oppressed and occupied Judea. People feared for the future. Solomon was right, nothing new. It’s always a variation of the same. People oppress other people because of status, religion, gain, or just meanness.

How do we reconcile the reality of our world past and present with angels saying Peace on Earth. Like the disciples who thought Jesus would usher a new reality, we also look for a new reality. We look for the Parousia – the return of our Lord as the solution, as the time when peace will come.

That’s true. Advent is about looking for our Lord’s return. It will be better then. But there is another truth just as real as the coming of the Lord. It is that the Kingdom has already come. Peace has already come. Those of us who name the name of Jesus are supposed to be peace-makers.

On another Judea hillside, Jesus said – Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). I’m going to step on some toes. Lift your feet. Believers are called to peace, not to patriotic vitriol or talk of revenge. We are called to turn the other cheeks, love our enemies and do good to others.

I watched a movie for class. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. It is called Radio and stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. as an intellectually disabled young man called Radio. It’s based on a true story. Toward the end of the movie, the coach, the man who befriends Radio – he says, Radio treats us all the time like we wish we treated each other even part of the time. It seems simpleminded to love others. It seems otherworldly to love your enemies and do good to them. It seems immature and intellectually childish to turn the other cheek. But what if we did?

What if we are supposed to be the agents of peace? What if we are the ones who are called to lay down our hatred and love others? Do you think as children of God, followers of the God who loves us so much He sent His son to be born in a manger and suffer the cruelest of death on a cross for US… do you think that we could be the ones who are supposed to bring peace?

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, December 12, 2011:  John 16:25-33
Tuesday, December 13, 2011:  Romans 16:17-20
Wednesday, December 14, 2011:  Galatians 5:16-23
Thursday, December 15, 2011:  Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Friday, December 16, 2011: Luke 2:8-21

Advent - Peace

2011-12-12T03:00:00.001-05:00

Peace flows like a river and I love floating in it. After the satisfaction and frenzy of joy, peace envelopes like a glove on a crisp winter evening. It springs from the inside, like an aquifer. This peace is unlike what the outside world can offer; it surpasses our understanding which means it is beyond our ability to reason with it.

In John 16:25-33, Jesus explains to his disciples he is going to leave them; not only that Jesus tells us his friends they will abandon him and have tribulations. Then Jesus tells them not to worry but maintain peace. Yeah, right.

Until recent years, I didn’t know I could live in the peace river. I used to make day trips to the river, you know, spend the day on the river bed with the family, maybe a picnic and definitely a floatation device, but set up permanent camp? That’s not the real world, eventually responsibilities will call you away. Or at least I thought.

As I’ve made my hope secure, (or rather, once I learned my hope was secure because apart from Christ, I can’t do anything), I’ve laughed and rejoiced my way to the peace and rest of heaven. Nowadays, my peace isn’t like steel but it isn’t as easily shaken because I’ve been learning to focus on how big my God is, rather than how big the tribulation is and that brings me peace.

What does peace that surpasses understanding mean to you?

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Welcome, welcome Christmas Day...

2011-12-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

Wonderful Christmas memories are numerous for me. Maybe it's being right in the middle of the spirit of the season that prevents me from remembering a negative experience. Sure, I've been in a few places I would rather not have been during the holiday, but as far as a bad memory...I can't find one on my hard drive I call a brain.

I remember Christmas Day fell on Sunday back in 2005. That had been a particularly hard year for me and my family, but there was a feeling of turning a new leaf as the year end approached.

Like most families, mine has a very regimented schedule to adhere to starting with Christmas Eve each year to ensure we spread the holiday cheer evenly among our blended families. I recall one Christmas flying home from Hawaii for a few weeks. Upon returning to the island, I learned of angry family upset that I didn't come see them while I was home. I fly 8 hours home, but they can't drive 15 minutes to visit me at my parents house? Right...Merry Christmas to you too.

Anyway, our plans where slightly modified in 2005 to include a morning worship service at church. My heart was telling me that attending church was the right thing to do despite the hectic visitation schedule we were facing, but my head was focused on everything but worship early that Christmas morning. Until I actually got to church...

There was surprisingly a large crowd attending the service. I sat with my family because I didn't have to play the drums during praise music. We sang traditional Christmas carols that told of the coming of the Savior. Without being facetious, the best way to describe my heart that morning is akin to what the Grinch went through in the famous Dr. Seuss story. It was as if my heart filled and expanded out of my chest that morning with joy. The experience was absolutely unforgettable and a tremendous blessing. I wasn't there to receiving a blessing...I was there to worship and praise God for being God...but He blessed me that Christmas morning and once again reminded me it should always be about Him.

I remember walking out that day and telling my wife that I wish we had a church service every Christmas morning regardless of the day of the week. I still feel that way and so does she. Christians talk about the reason for the season and keeping Christ in Christmas...but how many church doors are closed and locked on the morning of Christmas? Too many.

Oh well, 2011 is another Sunday Christmas, and I look forward to being in God's house to focus on the greatest Joy ever given to mankind. I hope you will join me at your church for worship in one accord for that gift of Joy that was born to a virgin and forever changed our dark, fragile world.

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, December 5, 2011: John 16:16-24
Tuesday, December 6, 2011: Ezra 3:11-13
Wednesday, December 7, 2011: Psalm 126
Thursday, December 8, 2011: Hebrews 12:1-3
Friday, December 9, 2011: Philippians 4:1-9

JOY UNBELIEVABLE...JOY UNDENIABLE

2011-12-08T07:58:00.001-05:00

I might messup your Theology when you read this but I am “one of those” who received andexperienced the laughter, that came along with the Toronto Blessing. Ithappened not once, but many times. As I write this, I wish I could have thesame thing happen. But like other gifts given to me, I don’t regulate when theycome, how they come and what is inside the package..

When I saythat I received it…it is the truth. I felt like it was a gift, given to me bythe Lord. I realize that there were those, who were in my company, who didn’t experiencewhat I was feeling, sometimes judged me. I know there are many still that thinkthis phenomenon was not of God. I don’t want to be rude or haughty but I say“oh well”. I tend to think many of us have had encounters with the Lord, thatothers would have a hard time believing.

So, you maybe among the ones who look at me askance or you may be one who tells me thatyou wish you could laugh like that and ask questions of what it all feltlike.

Like I said,I could not make it happen, by an act of my will. But I do know it waswonderful…it was healing…it was refreshing.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” Proverbs 17:22 KJV

I dare saythat we have all experienced belly laughter seeing a very funny movie orlaughing at the irony of a joke. Isn’t it the greatest thing when we can justforget about our worries and our pain for a time? Well that is how thislaughter felt to me. One thing I can say is that just about everything seemedfunny.

I’vesuffered from depression, much of my life. When the laughter came, it was like abubbling of aliveness, from deep within.,It rose up and filled my heart and mymind and my body and my soul with gladness. Gladness to be alive…gladness tojust be who I am…and most of all gladness to belong to Jesus…to be loved byHim…to be accepted by my Abba (my Father God). Everything about me and aroundme seemed effortless. Striving was absent and in its place was a sense ofeverything was going to be allright.

So, ithasn’t been a sustained experience because “life happens”.Nevertheless, it was real and left an indelible mark on my soul. Surprisinglythrough it, I learned too, that the Lord has the best sense of humor. I didn’talways know that and sometimes I still forget that but the Word tells us thatHe laughs at the plans of our enemies.

“Passion laughs at the terrors of hell”…Song of Songs 8:6 TheMessage

So dearreaders, I sincerely wish you joy. It may not come in the package that it camefor me. But I ask the Lord that it would be as undeniable, as it was for me. Ipray it will fill you and heal you and refresh you too. The simple factremains, that Jesus came is enough to fill us with great joy. It is sometimes unexplainable to others…butfor us, we know it is reality. We just know.

Jesus…who for the joythat was set before him endured the cross Hebrews 12:2 b KJV

Think of it…we are that JOY!

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Joy Has Come

2011-12-06T11:48:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music. I love Christmas music. As you shop, the brightness of Christmas music can calm your frazzled nerves, give you that last push to finish, or just make you smile. I love to bake for Christmas with Christmas music in the background.

I have many favorite Christmas songs. One of my favorite Christmas present as a child was a record player – yes, a record play – I am that old. With it I received a variety of 45’s to spin. I listened to Frosty the Snowman, probably to the frustration of my parents, over and over and over and over again. It’s hard to rank Christmas songs, but I do have a ranking. On one side of one of those 45’s was the song Good King Wenceslas. I wore that out too. While you rarely hear it, and almost no one knows it, it is still my number one favorite in English. You can sing along here.

My number one favorite all time forever Christmas Carol is a Norwegian one. I hear it and I melt. I think of snow and Brooklyn. I think of Jul Tree Fests. On a cold evening in January, holding my dad's hand, I would dress in festive clothing and crunch through the snow to a church. I remember most the Salvation Army – in a great room with a huge decorated Christmas tree we’d take our little songbooks with the Norwegian flag and sing as we circled the tree holding hands.

A few years ago, someone gave me a copy of a Norwegian Christmas recording. It was Sissel’s Glade Jul. On the recording was Jeg Er Så Glad Hver Julekveld. My brain had forgotten this most beautiful of Christmas hymns. My heart had not. I cried when I heard it again. Now I make sure I play it often during the Christmas season. You can listen to Sissel sing it here. The lyrics in English are here (scroll down).

When asked, what’s your favorite Christmas Carol, as does happen this time of the year, I never answer with either of the above favorites. While they are my top choices, most people find them obscure and just glaze over at my answer. I have another favorite. It’s number three on my list and most appropriate for this week. It’s JOY TOTHE WORLD! Even mentioning it’s title makes my heart want to burst into song – I love the triumphant announcement of this Carol.

It was written by Sir Isaac Watts and is based on Psalm 98. Interestingly, and actually quite appropriate for the Advent season (that time of waiting and reflection on the return of our Lord) this song is about the triumphal return of Christ to this earth. It’s a celebration song of the coming return of our King.

Joy – Joy to the World – the Lord IS come…

With joy we can declare the mystery of our faith –

Christ has died

Christ has risen,

Christ will come again.

What a reason for Joy! What reason to lift our voices and announce, Joy has come.

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, December 5, 2011:  John 16:16-24
Tuesday, December 6, 2011:  Ezra 3:11-13
Wednesday, December 7, 2011:  Psalm 126
Thursday, December 8, 2011:  Hebrews 12:1-3
Friday, December 9, 2011: Philippians 4:1-9

Advent - Joy

2011-12-05T03:00:00.001-05:00

Whenever I hear the word joy, I always (and I mean, always) think of the children’s Sunday School song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart...,” and I secretly sing the song in my head. I can’t help but feel happy with my secret song and I challenge anyone to listen to the song and not experience at least a little tiny bit of joy.

I love joy and I’m a carrier of joy because I believe it is a high commodity in heaven. Jesus died for joy – Hebrews 12:2, For the joy set before him he endured the cross...”

Last week, hope was our advent theme. When we have hope, it’s easy to move into joy. Jesus left us his joy so our joy would be complete. Isn’t that amazing? Without Jesus, our joy and happiness is incomplete. Jesus wants us to have full and complete joy. That makes me happy.

This week, think about the things that bring you joy and thank the Lord for them.

I dare you not to feel joy when you listen to this.

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:

The Kingdom of God is at hand...

2011-12-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Like Joyce, I worship at a church that doesn't follow the liturgical calendar, but I truly appreciate the focus of Advent.

Probably because I despise what Christmas has become...even for Christians.

To avoid making a hypocritical statement for those who know me, it is very true that I love and get into the Christmas season. But the struggle to overcome the hyper-commercial nature surrounding the celebration of the greatest gift ever given in all of human history is at times...exhausting.

I don't think we do any favors to our faith by stonewalling the season as a demonstration we (as Christians) are not 'of the world.' We live in the world. We are commissioned to evangelize to the world. We are commanded to love other and not judge. The Bible is very clear on all these matters. While I absolutely agree that Christians can't act in some of the same manners as the lost around us, I also clearly see the example of Jesus who immersed Himself in some of the most vile of places to be the Light that we are instructed to be. Wait...that's salt and light according to Matthew 5:13-16.

So how do we do it? How do Christians avoid losing the message of hope, love and joy that come into full blossom during the Christmas season to the forces of greed and selfishness that seem imposed?

Focus to me is the key. Focus honed by diligent prayer. The vast majority of at least this country find the unique condition of having a somewhat softened hearts this time of year (of course, there are exceptions that wield pepper spray while shopping). What better time to plant the seed of the Good News?

The hoopla of the Christmas season is as a direct result of the capitalist society we live, work and play in daily. The two go hand in hand. Is capitalism a perfect economic system? Absolutely not, but the alternatives are far less appealing and often come with a number of governing restrictions that diminish or destroy personal freedoms (i.e. worship)...and that is not okay by me.

So as the celebration of Christ's birth approaches, I vow to concentrate and focus on what that means to me as a Christian. That will include prayer time asking for guidance from my Father for His will to be done in my words and actions. Starting in my own home, I will be an example for my wife and children each and every day. Through it all...I will focus the honor and glory on the One who is the sole source of my true joy and hope...forever and ever. Amen.

Outrageous Hope

2011-12-01T10:44:00.001-05:00

Outrageous Hope!...I just heard that expression...I like it.Then I sometimes wonder...is it faith or is it hope?
I got a lot of information, this morning, to answer that question. I think going into any depth would take away from our intentions of talking about Hope in the Advent season.
So I will leave that for another time and talk about this Outrageous Hope.
I would like to share one short thing that did happen to me, having to do with my expressing hope.
I was a fairly new Christian and I was talking to another believer and I said " Well, I hope...." I didn't even get to finish my thought and the person jumped on me and said " NO!...you should not hope....you should have faith!!!
Yikes!...they pretty much overwhelmed me.
I later learned that they were part of the Faith Movement and pretty adamant about their Theology. I have since learned that yes..."they" have some of the truth of God, but they certainly do not have all of the truth.
I can hope as well as I can have faith.
Hope=Anticipation...Expectation...Desire for something to happen
The waiting of Advent, makes me think of all the Jewish people who are still waiting for the Messiah. The signs are there that He has already arrived but so many are blinded from the truth. They literally are...without Hope.
In the Word, we are commanded to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and understandably it seems to indicate a land...a country. But, if we think about it...there will be no lasting Peace in Israel or anywhere else in the world, for it's citizens, unless they come to know the Prince of Peace.
In the "homeland of their hearts" they need to know Him.
My little grandson, who is 3 said yesterday, " Granny, did you know Christmas is Jesus' Birthday?"I am excited, that in his tender heart, there is already a place to know that Christmas is so much more than decorations and gifts and trees. Of course he doesn't fully understand everything. He still wants all the presents and such... but I have purposed to make a cake and have a little celebration for the Birthday Jesus.
He will eventually learn the Advent story and the concept of waiting.
I learned in the Catholic Church, I attended as a child...we have to wait till Christmas until the babe will be placed in the Manger. I know for me, when Jesus was there in the creche in church...it felt to me like...everything was complete now. And that still is true today. The joy and contentment that I have, remembering His birth, will carry me again, another year.
So...what are YOU waiting for?

Monday, November 28, 2011: Colossians 1:3-27

Tuesday, November 29, 2011: Psalms 130

Wednesday, November 30, 2011: Lamentations 3:21-33

Thursday, December 1, 2011: Ephesians 1:3-15

Friday, December 2, 2011: Hebrews 7:11-28

Not Wishing on a Star

2011-11-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

I didn’t grow up in a church that observed Advent. Being Pentecostal, they didn’t follow the liturgical calendar. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I was pastoring a church that I plunged into the concept of the liturgical calendar, lectionary preaching, and of course, advent.

The theology of the season is so rich. Here is a short clip to help you understand it.

The theme this week is hope. I recently heard a saying: The last thing to die is hope. Wow! That hit me. You see, I know what it is to lose hope. You can lose many things but when your hope is dead, so are you. I was a walking zombie. Once I was the proverbial optimist. Life would always get better. When it didn’t and it kept crashing in on me, my hope was gone, and I became a pessimist.

Sadly, the pessimistic tendencies have lingered. I fight at time to hold on to hope With tenacity, I hold on to it determined to never lose hope again. It is because of the power of hope that I felt led of the Lord to name the ministry I felt He wanted to birth in me, The Age of Hope Ministries…

The scripture the Lord gave me was Romans 8:24… Hope that is seen is not hope at all…

Hope is not wishing upon a star. Hope is that inner drive that tells us to keep going. It is that thing that even against all hope, we hope – why? Because we know Jesus. It is clinging to what the old timer’s called the Blessed Hope – the hope in the return of Jesus. No not just the day He comes again and changes everything for the whole world, but when He comes to me in my despair, sadness, and despite my pessimism helps me get up.

When all else fails, that’s what I cling to… I hold on to it and scrape myself off the floor of despair and broken dreams and keep moving.

Monday, November 28, 2011: Colossians 1:3-27

Tuesday, November 29, 2011: Psalms 130

Wednesday, November 30, 2011: Lamentations 3:21-33

Thursday, December 1, 2011: Ephesians 1:3-15

Friday, December 2, 2011: Hebrews 7:11-28

Advent - Hope

2011-11-28T03:00:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of Advent for 2011. According to the World English Dictionary the word advent is defined as: an arrival or coming, especially one which is awaited.

Many children will begin opening an Advent calendar on the first day of December as their countdown to presents. I love presents too (sure, it’s great to be the giver but I love receiving just as much), but Advent is much more than the countdown to opening presents. A true Advent season waits with anticipation of the Gift, which is Christ. Some churches celebrate Advent, others hardly acknowledge it. I’ve attended both types of churches but since I was 20, I’ve celebrated Advent through daily Bible readings, directed towards the 4 themes for each week of Advent – hope, joy, peace, love.

Join the Kingdom Bloggers each day for a personal reflection on the week’s theme; included each day will be a Bible reading which will engage you into the theme of Advent as well. We welcome your comments and Christmas Advent memories.

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My Man has been watching Occupy Vancouver (a takeoff from Occupy Wall Street) with great interest, but as he watches the news, he is more and more frustrated and agitated by them. A few Facebook friends have also commented about our local situation with disdain and judgement. I understand their judgement. It’s easy to criticize the behaviour but when we look at the heart, as the Lord does, we see they have lost hope so this is the very best they can do to try to summon up hope.

I see hopelessness or misdirected hope all the time; what’s most difficult is when I realize many people prefer to carry on hoping in the ridiculous, rather than Jesus, who is the hope of the nations. My hope is in Jesus and the promises of God – everyone else or everything else will fail me but Jesus and the promise will never fail.

Romans 3:23 says that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but Colossians 1:27 explain the antidote for lost glory, which is Christ in us, the hope of glory. This is incredible. Through Christ, we can have it all because it was paid for by the cross. Truly this is the hope Hebrews 11:1 refers to, “now faith if being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

And hope is not only for the future but it is for now as well. Proverbs 13:12 says, hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. We don’t have sick hearts because through Christ and the new covenant, we are given a new heart and our longings are fulfilled. Instead of choosing from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which satisfies only the soul, we can pick and eat from the tree of life, which satisfies our spirit.

This is hope, and it is Christ who has come into the world and is coming again.

Is Christ your hope?

WeeklyAdvent Bible Reading Plan:

Monday, November 28, 2011: Colossians 1:3-27

Tuesday, November 29, 2011: Psalms 130

Wednesday, November 30, 2011: Lamentations 3:21-33

Thursday, December 1, 2011: Ephesians 1:3-15

Friday, December 2, 2011: Hebrews 7:11-28

Seriously Peter?! You call that a tip...

2011-11-25T06:30:00.002-05:00

I really wanted to agree with Andrea and answer Peter to this question, but...

Peter is one of my favorite people in the Bible because, well, we have a lot of things in common. The biggest being we both react before we think at times. That being said...I'll say John the Disciple would be my choice.

Now, I love the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. But, John's story of Jesus is not only unique by content (90% unique to the other three), I believe the insights of John are also unique to the others who were around Christ during His entire ministry. The Bible is clear about John being one of the 'inner circle' of Jesus. John is also referred to as the beloved one which points to a special relationship with Him.

So what did John know that maybe the other disciples didn't?

That would be the driving question in my conversation with him. John undoubtedly fully understood the relationship of Jesus in the Trinity. Right out the gate in John 1:1, he tries to give us a glimpse of that deeper understanding by saying Jesus always was and always will be. I must confessed...the concept still baffles me a bit, but then again...I'm not meant to completely understand the ways of God. I'm cool with that, but I know John could get me at least a little closer in my quest.

God revealed things to John about the end times that had to be completely astonishing to him. We'd spend a good deal of time on that subject. I don't fear end times in any way, but I am very curious about how matters of eschatology are going down. No way I can be in that boat alone.

Next to possibly Mary, I believe John knew Jesus better than any other human has, including Paul. Now there's absolutely no biblical basis for what I'm about to say, but I can't help but thing John shared much of his insight with Paul at some point. Sure, we know that John was well into his church building when Paul got his life changing face-to-face with Jesus, but that doesn't exclude them from an undocumented chat session or two swapping stories about the awesomeness of God walking among us.

Wow. John could really tie up a few lose ends for me personally. While it wouldn't change the way I feel about my Lord and Savior...I'd sure have yet another thing or two to smile about daily.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday. God bless your weekend too!

A Letter to Mary the Mother of G-D

2011-11-24T10:12:00.003-05:00

A letter written by me,

to Mary, the mother of G-D. I have imagined what it would have been like to have a friend that would understand how I felt, when I found myself pregnant, at 17 and all alone. I so needed someone in whom I could

confide . There was no such a person available to me. I further wondered, if I met Mary what would happen?

Mary was about 15 when she was pregnant. I thought, she might understand me in ways, others could not.

Dear Mary

I don’t know if you will ever realize just how much I appreciated your kindness at the well this morning.

I was feeling so alone, as I find myself pregnant at 17. I didn’t realize, until today, that you are so young yourself…15??? I would have never guessed.

What was so life giving to me, about our encounter, is that you understood the shame of not being married while carrying your own child . I have felt such shame and rejection. How about you? I know I have brought this upon myself, but you have not judged me.

How was it when you told your parents? I can imagine that it was not easy, as a matter of fact, it was probably one of the hardest things you ever did. Did you see disappointment in their eyes, like I did? Did you worry

that they would disown you? Was your heart beating so fast within your ches that you thought they could hear it? I know mine was beating a million beats a minute.

After the initial shock wore off, my parents were kinder than I expected. I guess they were able to draw from deep within themselves, the love they had, for me. I know, when I have children of my own, I want to show them such love. I am sure they wondered if they failed, as my parents.

Joseph…Oh Joseph!!!... I forgot about him! Have you told him yet? I shouldn’t take such liberty with you, as we have only met…but is he the

father of your child? I mean, when I think about it, who else could it be? I

hope he doesn’t reject you. I know that you and he have had great plans for

your future.

As for me, unfortunately the father of my child will not marry me. Why

is the female always to blame? Oh yes, I have confessed my transgression to our G-D Almighty but most men think it okay for the woman to bear consequences of such wrongs. I know that is their way, but Mary, I will

tell you that deep inside me, I am so angry it is so.
Your Joseph seems like an honorable man and I am sure that he will do the right thing.

Even though we are both pregnant …young and all… your pregnancy seems different. I can’t put my finger on it, but it does. Somehow

though, that doesn’t seem to matter. The highlight of our conversation was that you have compassion on me and an understanding that not many people have.

One thing I have always noticed about you is that you seem to have such a devotion to Almighty G-D. It seems to me that it is a connection, very few have. I have to admit that I am jealous of that, in a good way though. I want to learn to seek Him, so that whatever He asks me to do, I will do it. I imagine you are one who would have a quick obedience. I don’t want to assume that your trusting has always been automatic…you seem to have more experience with G-D, to know you can trust Him.

I have wondered…I hope you don’t think this question is very silly…but have you ever seen angels? The reason I ask that is, I know people who have a deep relationship with G-D, have claimed such appearances. I am not kidding, I have heard that. I don’t know whether to believe that. But as I lay in bed, this morning, I thought…”if there is anyone, who I would guess could see angels, it would be Mary.’’

Thank you again for not rejecting me. It means so much.

Perhaps what makes that easier is on some level, you understand so many nuances about a pregnancy, without marriage.

I pray for the health of your child. I ask G-D to give you a good pregnancy and safe delivery. I pray for you and Joseph and your future

together. I will ask you to pray for me too.

I know that you study G-D’s word for information, but you pause and meditate on it…what is the word I would like to use?…oh yes…you seem to ponder it…deep within. I want that kind of trusting devotion.

Thank G-D that He sent me a friend like you.

With love in my heart,

Your new friend,

Linda

Punk

2011-11-23T05:22:00.003-05:00

Nikki and I have read the story of Joseph to our kids many times and afterwards we point out that through God, when things may look bad, our circumstances can change dramatically for the better by the end of the day. I have noticed that the way the kid's stories read, no matter which "version", Joseph was innocent and undeserving of any harsh treatment. This kinda perplexed me, after all, is there anyone in the bible that doesn't have something negative written about them?

At 17 years old Joseph was spoiled and he was a snitch. Look at it, his brothers couldn't speak to him without contempt and cursing. But that didn't keep Joseph from declaring his dreams of lordship over them. TWICE! As if being a daddy's boy and being a self important punk wasn't enough, he was either lazy or scared. Because when his brothers went out to work, Joseph hung out at home, until daddy got after him.

Then Joseph got lost looking for his brothers. Was it because he took his own sweet time to try to catch up to them or was he just clueless? On top of it all Joseph made it a point to wear the coat that daddy gave him. Was it the only coat he had or did he want to "remind" his older brothers how important he thought he was?

I cannot determine why God's favor rested upon Joseph after he was sold to Potiphar. Maybe it was after getting sold into slavery that Joseph realized he wasn't so special after all. Maybe reflecting upon how his life had been spared, Joseph was humbled. I don't know. I do find it interesting that Joseph fell into a similar trap with his boss' wife that he did with his older brothers. Was Joseph so unaware of his surroundings and the people around him that he could not pick up on their negative spirits? Or was it Joseph didn't learn from a previous mistake. In both circumstances, with his brothers and Potiphar's wife, Joseph was aware of the bad intentions of both. Yet he fell right into both of traps. Was he so self-confidant that he thought he was untouchable, that he didn't need to keep his guard up. Or was Joseph so naive that he didn't learn the fact that if his family could betray him, why wouldn't a selfish, libidinous woman?

Either way, Joseph failed to recognize his weakness and what was going on around him. He made the same mistake twice and both times it was very costly to his personal freedom.

But again, the favor of God is upon Joseph and he prospers running the prison. (A lot more to run than a household, maybe?) Did God's favor ever leave Joseph? I don't think so, I don't believe God is as fickle as people are when it comes to making mistakes.

It seems to me that Joseph was gifted at organization and leadership because of him being able to run Potiphar's house and the prison smoothly and later he would run the entire nation of Egypt. Which shows that first Joseph was faithful in the smaller things and the Lord increased him with bigger responsibilities.

Even after correctly interpreting the dreams of the baker and the cup bearer, Joseph was still imprisoned for two years. Think of that! Word must have gotten back to Joseph about what happened to the baker and the cup bearer, but he was still stuck in prison. Do you think he questioned God's purpose in his life? Do you think he ever asked God, "Why me?" Maybe Joseph asked God, "How much longer?" or "How much more do I gotta put up with?"

I have been targeted by family and coworkers
My attitude or words have brought out the worst in the people around me
I have not learned from past mistakes
I have been faithful in the natural and Spiritual gifts God has given me.
I have used my skills or Gifts and have them seem to go unappreciated?

I know I have been a punk towards God, my family, friends coworkers and strangers. I know that I can do better and I continue to press forward. I also know that God judges the my motivations and not the successes of my work. And if God does this for me, He does it for you.

I think everyone has endured along the lines of Joseph and if that's the case, then why can't you be blessed like Joseph. After all God doesn't love Joseph more than He loves YOU! There isn't anyone God loves more than YOU! (Go ahead an follow the links to those two verses and read how important you are to God)

So why can't you wake up one day in prison

and go to sleep that same night in a palace?