Sunday, November 30, 2008

I'm Tagged


Mostly I'm writing this blog post to remind myself about what I heard and learned in church this morning. The title of the sermon was "God is There for Us," and it's the second in a series called "Intersect: Real Encounters with the Real God."

I usually arrive to church early enough to either listen to the worship team's run-through and/or at least early enough to look through the bulletin before the service begins. I like to see what songs we'll be singing and then at least glance at the Scriptures that the message will be coming from. At the top of today's sermon notes page the Scripture passage was listed like this;
Ezekiel; particularly Ezekiel 48:35. So I looked up Ezekiel 48:35 and this is what it says, "The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD is There ." I remember thinking, 'Huh? How is Eric going to preach a sermon out of that?' I had been focused on the first part of the verse thinking, ok...what does a city whose distance all around is 18,000 cubits have to do with me?

But then I saw it...the last four words, "The Lord is There." God began preparing my heart for the message.

Eric Venable is new to our church. He's the minister of students and families, and most importantly, he has a really good sense of humor. I always enjoy it when he speaks because he makes me laugh, but he also always seems to drive home a good point. Today was no exception.

Here's the thing that stood out and made an impression in my soul; there is a vast difference between believing in and belonging to God. So many people BELIEVE in God. They may even call themselves Christians, and maybe they are...technically speaking. But in reality, many people only know ABOUT God. Others may even pray, but really they only pray for God to fix things in their lives.

But then there are the people who BELONG to God. Those are the ones that have a real relationship with Him. They're the ones who have an on-going dialogue with God and want to please Him. Their everyday lives reflect a pattern of seeking after the things of God, of wanting to grow and change and not just live mediocre lives. Revelation 3:15, 16 even says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Yikes, that's pretty clear cut. God wants us to LIVE for Him, not just say we believe in Him.

Here's a passage that Eric read this morning and the way he explained it had never occurred to me. It's Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

I've always understood that these verses are basically saying that you can't earn your way into Heaven. I get that. But here's the new thing for me, it's in the very last part of the passage, "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you." Jesus was saying this to people who professed faith, who prophesied, drove out demons and performed miracles! These weren't even just people who only came to God with a laundry list of needs...these were people who worked hard for God. And yet Jesus calls them evildoers and basically tells them to get lost. Why? Because they didn't have a living, breathing, active relationship with Him.

Just believing doesn't cut it. James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder!" It's the relationship that matters.

So, there is a HUGE difference between just believing and belonging. As I thought about it this afternoon, I thought about how even as a child, one of the first words we learn is "mine." Or remember the seagulls in Finding Nemo? "Mine, Mine, Mine." Then I started thinking that you don't have to drive far into Portland to see all the gang signs tagging their turf. Now, I'm not in any way glorifying gangs, so please don't take that away from this, but when an area is tagged, other gangs know they better not cross the lines or there will be consequences. That area "belongs" to someone.

Well, I really want to be "tagged" for Christ. When other people see me, I want them to know that I BELONG to Christ. I don't just believe in Him. I don't just ask Him for things. I don't just say the words, or pray the prayers. I KNOW Christ. I have a relationship with Him, and as a result of my relationship with Him, I am constantly growing and changing into the person He wants me to be.

Are you tagged for Him? When other people look at your life, can they see Him clearly working in you? When you meet Jesus face to face, will He say to you, "I know you said you BELIEVED in me, but I never KNEW you...away you evildoer!" or will He say, "There you are! I know you! Welcome Home!"

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Looking for God...a Challenge


Wow. I had a really amazing time at church this morning. First of all the worship service ROCKED hard...both literally and figuratively. The choir sang this morning, so I had the distinct privilege of being part of both worship services (the early and late services). Our church is set up so that the 9:00 service is more traditional with a mixture of hymns and new songs. The 11:00 service is louder and a more "contemporary" feel. This morning, well "contemporary" was really evident in a couple of the songs. Standing up on the risers and being a part of it all was a total blast. One minute I felt like I was a back up singer for a really great Christian rock band, but then the next minute I got completely lost in worship (I'd closed my eyes and for a few moments I felt almost weightless and forgot I was standing up on the risers...). It was really fun to be a part of it all.

The sermon was awesome. Our pastor has started a new series called, Intersect; Real Connections with the Real God. This morning he was talking about having more God-moments in our life. Basically the point is that the more we look for God in our day, the more He will reveal Himself to us and the more we will notice Him working. Look for ways that He opens up for us to minister to others, look for ways that He *winks* at us (see my post from October 13), look for the big and the small...search Him out. I guarantee you He's there!

So my goal is to look for Him this week. My challenge to you is to do the same. Here's the deal (*wink* Jill...), I want you to comment here on my blog, or on fb, send me an email or call me...contact me in other words...and tell me about your God-moments! We need to hear about what God's doing in each other's lives! We need to get excited about Him moving even and especially in all the little things in our lives! So LOOK for Him this week...what better timing for this challenge? It's Thanksgiving week...tell us what God's doing that you are thankful for!

Ok, I'll start by telling you something that happened earlier in the week. It's a really small thing, but never the less something that I remember distinctly saying "thank you God" for. I go to counseling at a place called William Temple House. I've been going there for a while. I almost always get there early and end up chatting with the receptionist. I'm fairly certain she is not a believer, so I look for ways to tell her about God and what He's done in my life. At one point I had asked her what her name was....but then I forgot. I was embarrassed to ask again, so the week before, I'd asked my counselor if she knew her name. She couldn't remember either. When I was there this past week, another client said to her, "Your name is Carly, right?" I immediately said, "Thank You God." Then about 4 minutes later a different client was leaving and said to her, "Bye Carly." I chuckled because I knew God was teasing me about my forgetfulness. I laughed and said again, "Thanks God."

Now I'm going to be waiting to hear about your God moments! Big or small. It'd be great if you'd share them in the comments here or on fb because I'd love for others to be encouraged by them too, but if you only want to share them with me, that's great too! I just want to hear from you! And just in case I don't post another blog before Thursday...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Discombobulated



dis·com·bob·u·late
(dĭs'kəm-bŏb'yə-lāt') Pronunciation tr.v.

dis·com·bob·u·lat·ed, dis·com·bob·u·lat·ing, dis·com·bob·u·lates

To throw into a state of confusion.

Discombobulated. That is exactly how I’ve felt for about the last 24 hours. It sort of all came to a head last night at choir practice. I suddenly realized I’d been working so much on the Christmas music that I’d neglected to learn the song we are singing THIS Sunday, along with all of the worship music we’ll be singing on Sunday.

As I was driving home I realized that I’d neglected to tell someone good-bye, or even really talk to her during practice (a new choir member who is also a member of my GIFT small group). I’d probably driven my choir director crazy with questions or at least looks of complete and utter confusion, despite her efforts to keep us all informed about what’s happening. And, I’d totally checked out near the end of practice because I just couldn’t get my act together.

Then when I got home from practice, I needed to email Jill and ask her to resend me the worship songs that I’d somehow overlooked so that I can learn them by Sunday. I needed to email Vicky to tell her I was sorry for not being very “present” for her during practice. But could I get online? Noooooo. And of course, I don’t have my Sidekick, so I couldn’t access the Internet from that either. I spent two hours trying to connect, to no avail.

When I finally decided to just give up and try to go to sleep, I couldn’t stop coughing. I’ve developed this deep, rib rattling cough in the last few days. My sides and back are actually sore from it.

Yep, discombobulated. That’s exactly how I felt. Exhausted and discombobulated. (Have you guessed that I love that word?) So, I drug my discombobulated self to Jesus and briefly prayed that He would just calm my mind (and my cough) so that I could sleep. Of course He did. He’s amazing like that. Loves to take care of me…of us.

After waking up this morning, I still feel kind of discombobulated. I’ve overcommitted myself and just have too many things to do and take care of…but it’s that time of year, right? The holidays = discombobulating. You know the song…”It’s that time of year for feeling discombobulated, every thought you hear seems to say, I’m confused now, don’t know where I’m s’posed to be….”

But God is not the Author of confusion (or being discombobulated). So, I’m going to start afresh this morning. I’m giving my day to Him. I need to remember something Sheila Walsh said at WOF, “God, I don’t know where You’re going today, but I’m going with You.”

Are you feeling discombobulated? Give it to the Great De-discombobulator. He’ll take care of your every need.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Addiction, semi-panic, or God's way of making me learn how to be quiet?

Today the trackball on my Sidekick stopped scrolling down. I called to check about the warranty. Low and behold I have two days left on the manufacturer's warranty. Two days! So I rushed my bahoody to the T-Mobile store.

I have to send my Sidekick in for a replacement. They gave me a crappy little loaner phone. Even with my SIM card, it won't load the phone numbers from my address book. Who remembers anyone's phone numbers anymore?! I dialed my friend Jan (or at least what I was hoping was her cell phone number). When she answered, relieved I said, "Ok, was just making sure this was your phone number." She then asked me how much orange juice I'd had to drink (see earlier posting from October 23).

The phone number dilema is only one of the "problems" with not having my Sidekick. I can't access the internet on the crappy loaner phone. No checking facebook, or craigslist. No email. No games. What ever will I do when I'm waiting in line at the grocery store or worst of all, the Dr's office?!! At least I still have my ipod!

It was when that panic began to set in that I realized how addicted I am to my technological gadgets. For the last couple of months I've been TALKING about how I've been convicted about being quiet before God and just waiting for Him to speak to me. Notice the emphasis on TALKING about it. I still haven't DONE it.

Maybe this little break from my Sidekick is God-given so that in those moments that I'm waiting in line I can reflect on what God might have to say to me. Maybe I don't have to lock myself away in a closet somewhere to listen for His voice. Maybe I just need to put down the phone, the ipod, the computer, or whatever other device I'm using and just talk to God. Hmmm, novel idea...communicating with Him instead of just talking AT Him.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Old Lady Alert


So, I'm doing a Bible study with my friend Jan. We met for the first time on Friday night. I'd worked really hard to prepare for it. I'd read the book, the Scriptures associated, answered my questions and was all ready for our discussion.

I was particularly ready to discuss one of the verses I'd read that I really couldn't wrap my brain around. I'd even highlighted it in my workbook with "let's discuss Proverbs 14:10" written in all caps so I'd remember to talk about it with her.

When it came to that point in the study I anxiously said, I want to discuss this verse with you because I don't really get it. So I opened my Bible and read Proverbs 14:10 aloud, "Each heart knows its own business, and no one else can share its joy." Then I asked, "what does it mean each heart knows its own business?" to which Jan replied, "it says, bitterness, not business." Hmm, that made a little more sense. But it was then that I had to finally admit to myself that I can't see the words in my Bible, even with my glasses on.

Jan went and got her "readers" and I was so excited about the fact that I could see! I could actually read my Bible, my pager, the book, even my own handwriting! Voila! So, on Saturday morning when I was at Walmart, I promptly went to the pharmacy area and picked out my own pair of "readers". Who cares that the strength of the readers I had to get is "usually" for 48-50 year olds! I can read again! So, I've ushered in my old lady-dom with my first pair of readers and I donned them proudly in church this morning. Next, gotta get my bahoody into the eye doctor!

What do you think of my readers? Are they hot or not?

Thursday, November 13, 2008

God is Still Doing Great Things

The Cove in Seaside, Oregon


Sometimes I feel like those rocks...pounded by the waves. But then again, that's how the rocks are smoothed and shaped. I know it's kind of cliche' but it is true.

This has been a rough week. Really rough. One of those weeks that for someone like me can literally be disabling. But in the midst of all of it, I've had three moments of clarity. One came when I was sitting on a porch swing with my best friend and realized how fortunate I am to have someone like her in my life who has the absolute ability to bring peace to my befuddled mind just by sitting with me.

Another moment of clarity came to me when I realized what amazing friends God has brought into my life over the years and right up to the present. I was in such a haze this week that I hadn't really taken stock in how many wonderful people were checking in with me and just letting me know they love me. Some of them I've known for 25+ years and others I've only known for a few weeks, but all of them LOVE the Lord, and by His extension, they love me. You all know who you are. Please know that even if it seemed I was unresponsive, I WAS impacted by your reaching out to me. If there's one thing that I truly never lose sight of (even in my darkest hours), it's the fact that God has BLESSED me big time in the area of strong, loving, lifelong friendships.

The other ah-ha moment came at the end of choir practice (which I had confessed to my wonderful choir director that I really didn't want to go to...nice huh?). Jill (our director) had us stand in a circle and sing "God is Still Doing Great Things" while looking at one another. When I looked at the faces of the people around the room, and listened to the amazing music coming from our hearts, I was able to remember that "yes, God is doing great things."

No matter where I am, or what state of mind I am in, God is always working in me and around me. Sometimes it may feel like I'm being pummeled by the waves of life, but when the waves recede, and they WILL recede, something about me will have changed. God is smoothing out the edges and shaping me to be the person He wants me to be. He IS still doing great things.

And by the way, I apologized to Jill for telling her I didn't really want to be at choir practice. Her gracious response proves why I'm so lucky that God brought her into my life. She said, "You can always tell me you didn't want to come. You have to be real. Life is not all up...but thank goodness it's not all down either. There is always a new day." I am going to learn a lot from Jill.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Feeling Droopy


Stu-Baby


This is Stuart. He belongs to my friend, Jan. He's one of my canine "nephews" and I love him very much. I used to think this was a great picture of him, but he's gotten even bigger and more beautiful. He is quite honestly the cutest Bassett Hound I've ever seen. He's just one of my favorite dogs in the world (Finn's too).

But when I look at this picture, it pretty much embodies how I'm feeling today. Droopy, droopy, droopy. I'm tired and frustrated. I'm at a place of learning, which sometimes is very exciting and sometimes very painful. Today (well, really this whole past week) = learning = painful.

It's one of those things where I know that I am doing what God has asked me to, but it isn't easy. I know that He is proud of me and is right in the middle of everything changing me and growing me to be like Christ. But sometimes it sure is easy to lose perspective isn't it? There are times when He calls us to take a stand that doesn't seem to make sense at the time, but I believe (and this is what my counsel also tells me) that it's during those times He's actually just telling me to get out of the way and let Him do the work He needs to do.

I can't save the world, but I can walk the walk. Father help me to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Does anyone else feel the need for perspective or need an Aaron to help hold your arms up?

Monday, November 3, 2008

Composed thoughts...NOT

This was my Halloween costume.
Poor Finn had to be neutered on Halloween.
I dressed up to be his twin, but he didn't feel like pics post surgery.

On Blogging...
I often find myself thinking, "ooo, this would be a good thing to blog about", but then the moment passes and I forget about it, or I convince myself that I have to be able to write a perfectly composed and eloquent blog. So, the blogging doesn't happen. But then I read other people's blogs ("the world according to Jos" and "kaleidoscope" being among my favorites) and my friends have the greatest stories and thoughts, sometimes deep, sometimes just about what's happening in their lives. I LOVE reading them. It makes me feel somehow connected and sometimes even less isolated (if they just happen to write about something that I'm going through too). So, I've decided to try to blog a little more often, just about what's going on in my life.

The Choir...
Yesterday was a really amazing day. The choir I'm in sang for both church services (at the beginning and the end of each service) and then we sang again at a special "Night of Hymns" last night. It was a looooong day, and I wasn't even sure I was going to make it through the entire day. In fact, I had emailed our choir director asking her which part she preferred I participate in since I wasn't sure I could physically handle the whole day. (That's a lot of standing, especially when you add in the rehearsals before each service....not to mention the call time for the early service is at 7:20 a.m.!) But, I asked my facebook friends to pray for me, and I prayed throughout the day for God to bring energy to my back, legs and feet. And guess what? He did. Amazing I know, that God would actually meet my needs. Pfft. Why am I STILL so amazed when He takes such good care of me? Haha. I had energy to spare by the end of the evening last night! Sure, I'm sore today, but what an incredible rush to be able to offer a sacrifice of praise like that to the God of all Creation! And Jill, our choir Director, said something that really hit me last night. She said, "I don't really get it, but the God of the Universe desires our praise." Who are WE that God should care so much about us? Whew. It's too much to really comprehend.

God Stories...
I really love God. Do you? I think about Him so much. I'm so glad that He knows me so well and knows my heart. I love being connected to Him. I love watching Him work in my life and the lives of the people around me. He is soooo personable and meets each of us exactly where we're at...that amazes me too. One of the gals in choir said to me last night, "God writes the best stories, doesn't He?" She was talking about the stories of our lives. I know my story's a pretty good one...not because of me, but because of what's HE's done in me. What's your story? I'm not asking a rhetorical question here...I really want to know your story.

Waiting, Following, and Other Stuff I Want to Do...
God has been convicting me about waiting on Him. I even wrote a blog about it a few weeks ago. I have yet to spend time just sitting and waiting for Him to speak to me. I never realized how difficult it is for me to just sit still and quiet my mind. What a hard time I have being one-minded and focused. I can't even sit and watch TV without being on the computer or my pager at the same time.

Then there's the message that Sheila Walsh delivered at WOF a few weeks ago. I can't get it out of my mind. She said that she prays every morning, "God, I don't know where You are going today, but I'm going with You." I want to do that. I want to put my Jesus shoes on every morning.

I also want to be in Scripture more. I was getting in the habit of spending time in the Word daily and then I got sick and missed a few days and now I'm back at hitting and missing my quiet times.

And lastly, I want to get organized with my journals. I have so many...one for journaling about life, one that's supposed to be for praying, one that is a devotional, another one for quiet time/Scripture reading, one for recapping my WOF experience (it has my WOF story from 2005 too), and one for lists of things to do and information/phone numbers I don't want to lose. That's 6 journals! My backpack is heavy. I envision myself sitting down with each of those journals (all but the list one) and writing in each of them. Guess how much I've written in them in the last 3 weeks? If you said, not at all, you're right. So, I need to get organized about journaling. Maybe I should try using just one a day? Any suggestions?

Thanks...
Thanks for reading my blog. I'd love to hear from you! Until my next rambling...