Protesting Protesters

My commute this morning was very colorful. As I coasted down I85, my eyes were assaulted by a red pick-up encased in anti-abortion signs. That should have tipped me off to what was yet to come, but it didn't. As I got off on my exit, my stomach turned flips as my appetite disappeared. Protesters were lining the bridge; graphic poster boards in tow.

I was furious. "Jesus"was plastered on the backs of their matching t-shirts. I believe that abortion destroys babies. However, these protesters scared me. Their pictures were nauseating and extreme. I just kept thinking that the pro-life message is not being helped with this type of propaganda.

I was so thankful that my children were not in the car with me. It would have traumatized them terribly. I think I might have nightmares tonight. Their signs and shirts showed that they were a Christian organization that was "saving the world".

Abortion is a highly political topic that I prefer not to broach. But one way or another, this subject has pushed its way into my psyche this week. A woman who finds herself facing with an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy is in a very vulnerable place. She may be scared and confused and hopeless.

One thing we can all agree on (hopefully), is the mother and the baby need to be cared for. Both of their lives are important to God. Both are in need of saving. If we as Christians are willing to condemn a woman who considers abortion, then we should definitely be willing to offer more than prayers to the young woman who chooses to bring her child into the world, whether to parent or place for adoption. We should exude love and not condemnation.

Distinctly Impossible

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. I looked at several translations of this verse, and all of the ones I browsed used the word impossible. The word choice struck me. I've tried many times without success to please God without faith. Oh, I say that I believe, but the worry lines and gray hair tell a different story.

But Hebrews gives me the vibe that trying to please God without wholly believing in all that He is and can do, is a big waste of time! Why would I try to please a man that I don't trust with my problems? How can I please a man that I don't believe will provide the money needed to cover our bills? When can I please this man that was big enough to create the whole world in 6 days and not big enough to keep my children healthy or strengthen my marriage?

Hebrews says, it is not possible. No chance. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. So, as I continue to pray about God's plan for this next stage of my life, I must have complete faith if I'm to have any chance at pleasing Him. Even though God has always proven faithful, I haven't. When I put Him inside of my tiny, compartmentalized box, He becomes inadequate. His timing becomes imperfect, and I become frazzled. But, in those times when I truly rest in Him, sleep comes easier.

Don't Worry, I Got This

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In this chapter Jesus is speaking to His disciples preparing them for His death and eventual return to heaven. This particular verse spoke to my heart this evening. It shows Jesus' compassion for His followers. He seemed to be sensitive to their concerns and gave then information and encouragement to prepare them for things to come.

In this chapter He told them that the Holy Spirit would be sent to comfort them after He was gone. He wanted them to have peace. He warned them of the troubles that they would face in this world. He assured them that they WILL have trouble. There was no question about that. But instead of leaving them in despair, He instructed them to "take heart". Be encouraged. Relax. "I got you." Why? " I have overcome the world." Not the town, or the village, not the city, not even the continent. THE WORLD!

When we experience troubles it is easy to think, why me? This verse reminds us that we WILL all have troubles. It's a promise. We should not really be surprised when having difficulties. The prudent thing to do is to remember that Jesus has overcome the whole world and the circumstances that we all face while in it. Allow His words to seep into your heart and marinate in your spirit. Let them saturate your mind and soothe your worries.

Celebrate,or Not

Summer is wedding season, so consequently, it's anniversary season too. I've been noticing several Facebook status updates that are celebrating several years of marriage. From 1 to 5 to 50, no matter how many years you've been married, it is a cause to reflect. Notice I didn't say a cause for celebration.

All marriages should not be celebrated. I am not one who believes that one should celebrate simply because you are still together. I saw many examples growing up of marriages that I didn't want for my own.

I'm sure I've said this before, "love is not enough". For us, the 3 stranded-cord is the key. (Ecc. 4:12) God + the 2 of us all bonded eternally together. When God is not at the top of our list and the center of everything, our balance is off, and our world spins out of control. Oh, but when we're in sync with His plans for us, there is purpose and a quiet peace that can only be found by resting in His will.

I'm a horrible cynic about weddings in general. I've been to more than my share and wondered what the bride and groom were thinking and how long it would be until I heard of an impending divorce. Please don't think I want any marriage to fail, because you know that's not the case, but I do think some are doomed before they even get started.

This year we reached the 10 year mark. I've been doing a lot of reflecting. I wish I could say that my reflections showed perfection and no room for improvement. Not even close. There are things that I need to improve.

I want to strive to have a wondrous marriage that demands to be celebrated. I desire to be a worthy example to all who come into contact with us. I need to be an open book, what you see is what you get. No pretense. No surprises. After watching the dissolution of the Gores' marriage after over 40 years, I realize that we are not invincible.

No one truly knows what goes on inside the four walls of a marriage. There may be hurts that go unspoken and secrets that remain undiscovered. There might be loneliness and despair unparalleled. If you are married, pray together daily. If you aren't, pray for someone who is. Marriages are under attack, and only God can truly bind a husband to His wife. Let's make our marriages ones worthy of celebration.

I Know What I'm Doing

In a world of so much chaos, I'm thankful that I serve the God of the universe. The same One who calmed the sea and raised the dead. I'm so thankful that He knows my name and hears my thoughts. I'm glad that the number of hairs on my head is known by Him. I'm grateful that He doesn't leave me even when I try to leave Him. I'm grateful that He never leaves me. I feel safe knowing that He has all of my steps marked out. If only I could trust Him implicitly.

Tonight I pray for more faith. I'm at a huge crossroads in my life right now, and I know that God is calling me to step outside of my comfort zone and out on faith. I'm being lured away from my safety net and into His waiting arms. Follow me because I will never lead you astray. I know the plans that I have for you. I know what I am doing. I am the Alpha and Omega. I love you, and I know all about you. Take up your cross and follow Me. Lord, strengthen my faith, and let me trust you and you alone as I take this next step. Amen.

Shut Up!

I'm wondering why women are so drawn to juicy secrets? While I realize that men also enjoy an opportunity to talk about someone's misfortune, women are especially excited by this. I've seen women practically foam at the mouth at the expectation of gleaning a morsel of private information. The main problem is that it is especially prevalent among believers.

I know you're shocked and appalled by this revelation. The church is meant to be a safe haven for those who are broken and weary. I've had a tendency to steer clear of women's groups primarily because I feel that gossip is so often thinly veiled in a cloak of concern or a so-called prayer request.

Gossips are thrilled to spread information about someone's failures or distress. The intent of gossip is tragic, painful and repulsive. A gossip does not care if the information being spread is truthful. She does not care who gets caught in the crossfire. As women, we have much to learn about gossip.

Many women are afraid of sharing their hearts or failures with other women because they don't want to hear about it later on from someone else. They are also afraid that the "friend" they choose to share with is secretly happy she is struggling. Gossip makes it hard to truly empathize with another, and it it in direct opposition with Jesus' teaching. We are commanded to cry with one another and help to bear one another's burdens, not to rejoice in shortcomings.

Proverbs 20:19 says: A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers.
Proverbs 11:12-13 says: It is foolish to belittle one's neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. The Bible leaves no question about what should leave our mouths. Since the Bible takes a hard line on being busybodies who have nothing better to do than spread lies, as Christians, we are supposed to do the same. Let us learn to be TRUE friends to each other. Let us learn to glory only in the good things and exercise self-control.

God is a Funny Guy

WARNING: This post probably isn't for pious people who have never felt distant from God. Leave all judgment at the door.

My life has been filled with stresses lately. The walls have felt like they've been trying to close in around me. I've had a block between me and God, too. I've allowed life to get in the way of time that I spend with Him alone. I've been too tired and too lazy to fix it even though it has caused me innumerable problems. I can always justify the distance by saying I'm too tired to get up since I don't get to sleep through the night any more. But God is a funny guy. He's not interested in my excuses. He misses me, and He's set out to prove it to me.

For the past several days I have been waking up before my alarm and even when I have nowhere to go! It's been annoying. I've tried without success to just go back to sleep. So last night, before going to sleep, I prayed that God would allow me to get much needed sleep and that I would not wake up before the alarm again. While God heard my prayer, He did not obey. He's funny like that. Once again I tried to fall back to sleep with no luck. But this morning was different. I decided to pray that He would reveal to me why He kept waking me up against my will. This was apparently the prayer I should have prayed when this first started happening.

This morning, unlike recent mornings, began with a prayer for guidance. It continued with me taking a long-awaited spiritual journey through my YouVersion Bible while I allowed the Holy Spirit to be my tour guide. Amazing things are happening even as I write this. I'm glad that I put stubbornness on hold long enough to receive these blessings. My head feels clearer and my path straighter. It's funny how that happened only when I quit being disobedient to God and His attempts to get my attention. I'm just glad He loves me enough to not give up just because I'm being an idiot! ;)