Dirty floors or Holy Ground? June 9, 2009

I have been spending the last several days hanging out with a cool man named Moses! (Exodus, Chapter 3)

One of the things I have come to love about this man is that sometimes he was just a little slow in understanding. He was well educated, and yet sometimes the man just didn’t get it.

No matter how many ways God revealed himself to Moses, and how times God said to Moses, “it’s me God” – “you know – the God of your father Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob”, Moses still ends up asking God; “so -who should I tell everyone you are?”

The Angel of the LORD came down and revealed himself to Moses from the burning bush. God spoke to him from the flames calling him by name, and still, God had to tell Moses – “dude,” “take off your sandals – you are standing on Holy Ground.” In ancient times removing sandals was a sign of respect. Sandals represented filth and contact with the world.

The hillside where Moses stood at that time was dusty and dirty. Big sharp rocks could likely be found jutting out from the earths surface and prickly thorn bushes threatened those loosely covered feet. I can’t help but imagine creepy crawly things making their way through Moses’ toes, as he paid close attention to where he would step next to avoid the animal droppings. Not exactly the Holy of Holies – and definitely not the place you would choose to be barefoot right?

This morning as I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen for my much needed first cup of coffee, I quickly found myself remembering Moses. There is nothing like stepping in some unidentified mushy object that the cat dragged in (seriously – but I’ll spare you the details) and feel it squish between your poor unsuspecting bare toes, to yank you out of a sleepy fog. I admit I did my share of groaning and complaining. It was exactly that moment however, that I heard that familiar whisper, God telling me – “this is where I planted those toes little girl.”

Sometimes the dirt and filth from the world creeps in when we aren’t looking. Television commercials seduce our teenagers into making unhealthy choices, our little ones come home from school telling us things they should not yet know, the radio blares out profanities. It all makes you wonder doesn’t it? If God is still in control? Then again, I have to stop and wonder; what does the Holy Spirit step in while he is trampling around in my heart?

Not unlike Moses, God had to remind me (and I love Him for the fact that He is willing to remind me); He came down, not for the clean houses but for the dirty ones. Take your shoes off sister – though filth and contact with the world may have your surroundings looking nothing like a modern day sanctuary, God is there. Dirt and all you are on His Holy Ground.

Blessings from the dirt sister!

dl

Dual Citizenship ~ Good or Bad? April 5, 2009

On the day I accepted Jesus as my Lord, I was adopted into a new family. That family was of a different nationality than the one I was born into. I had to make a conscious choice that day to became part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a Holy Nation. (Read 1 Peter 2:9)

I have several amazing friends who were born into different countries, and upon relocation to Canada some have applied for and received dual citizenship.

Opponents of dual citizenship argue that it is dangerous for the country to allow such opportunity because it can lead to conflicting dual loyalties. This fear is based on two ideas: first, that immigrants’ efforts to improve their homelands represent misplaced loyalties that are bad for Canada, and second, that immigrants’ ties are to their country of birth. (Just to be clear, I am not against dual citizenship, as I previously stated, many of my good friends have dual citizenship).

Here is some misconceptions; Dual citizenship benefits the Kingdom by helping to promote Jesus’ ideals and values around the globe. With the freedom to move between two worlds we have the ability to promote understanding of and connections to the Kingdom of God. Doesn’t sound that bad does it?

We are called to go out into the world and make disciples out of all the nations. Matthew 28:12

Here are a couple of questions;

What does the bible have to say about dual citizenship? (read further in 1 Peter 2:11,12)

How are you (or are you) maintaining a healthy balance – ministering to the world – without becoming a part of the world?  

I’d love to hear your comments.

Blessings.

dl

How Much Should it Cost? March 2, 2009

I just finished reading the book  In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. I’m a lazy reader, so I read the “updated in today’s language” version, of this 19th Century Classic.

I believe it was this book that started the whole “What Would Jesus Do” movement (you can certainly correct me if I’m wrong).

I do not want to give the whole storyline away because I believe it is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read – so I hope you will read it for yourself.

But here is a snippet;

A small group of Christians make a one year commitment – to do only that which they interpret Jesus would do himself in any situation – regardless of the personal cost. Each character faced choices that, if they did what they believed Jesus would do, would cause them great loss financially, relationally, emotionally and even physically.

We live in a part of the world where affluence is the status quo (comparatively speaking). Not that we don’t suffer at times, but that we do not have to suffer for the most part (again comparatively speaking) and certainly I for one, have never intentionally suffered – sacrificially – if you know what I mean.

A few of us from my church attended a book club last week to discuss the content of this book, and here are some of the questions we are now wrestling with;

Jesus spent his entire life on us – so – how much should our faith cost us?

Jesus said (Matthew 8:34) “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Am I, are we, willing to follow Him regardless of the personal cost?  Is there a cross that each of us are required to carry?  What is your cross?

Paul talks about the joy in suffering (Philippians 1:19-27) Is it possible to experience true joy, without intentionally suffering for the cause of Christ.

Throughout the book, whenever a character was called to a new level of obedience, one that is beyond what most people would deem “normal”, the Holy Spirit in all His power was present in that individual’s life. Do you believe that the power of God’s presence is directly related to our level of obedience and sacrifice?

As strange as it sounds; I felt drawn to that level of sacrifice, but equally, I desire that kind of manifestation of God in my life. How ’bout you? If you want to read the book and discuss it, I would LOVE the opportunity and we could discuss it in the chatroom at www.thecourtyardonline.com – just let me know

The Worst Day EVER! February 28, 2009

A few days ago I took Taelyn for his Kindergarten immunizations. Though I had booked the appointment several weeks ago, I postponed telling him about the appointment until just minutes before we left for the Health Center. After telling him the news, Taelyn burst into tears and proclaimed the day; “The worst day ever”. As much as I understood his anguish and fear, as a parent with knowledge beyond what my child could understand, I had to make the choice to let him suffer for a short while. I knew that he would benefit from my decision and be stronger in the future because of it. Yes, the shots would hurt, and my heart broke as they stuck the first needle and saw the tears well up in his little eyes. Yes, there was some discomfort later, but I love my child more than anything and I want to protect him from some future dreadful circumstances. Do you see where I am going with this? We all go through painful situations, and I have, at the time, declared specific days of my life the “worst day ever.” However, hindsight provides an interesting perspective, one that I did not have going into those circumstances. In most cases, the “worst day ever” has proven to be a turning point for me, and one that leads directly to God. Could it be that our Heavenly Father loves you and I so much, that for a short time He is allows us to go through pain. His heart breaks when He sees the tears well up in our eyes, but He loves you and I too much not to protect you from some future dreadful circumstances. If you need someone to pray with you, please – email; prayforme@forthesakeofone.com

Happy New Year! January 1, 2009

January 1. A whole new year is stretched out before us. I started the day at 5:00 am by taking my momma to the airport after a great two-week visit. I returned from the snowy drive home to be greeted at the door by my Cooper. He was smiling big and wanted me to set him up with a pillow, blanket, milk and a movie. So here we sit while the rest of the house sleeps. And as I was logging onto my laptop Cooper glanced over and winked at me. He got up and came over and said, “Give me a hug, Mom.” You know, no matter how the night before ended, the kids always seem to wake up with a fresh new happiness. Glad to see me, glad to be awake and excited about the day.

As I sit here thinking about all of the New Year’s Resolutiony type things I want to do in 2009…you know, “eat better, exercise more, be less grumpy, read my bible more, paint the house, save the dolphins”… as I sit here thinking about them knowing that some of them I will do better at than others, one thing I know is that I will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to let my kids know I love them and enjoy being in their presence. That I too am glad to see them and glad we have another day together.

Last night Cooper wanted to make a snowman. It was dark outside and the last thing I felt like doing was going out in the cold and dark. But he was so very excited and had it all planned out, a carrot, a happy face, two eyes, arms and 20 buttons. At first I said, “No. I don’t feel like going outside.” Then I saw the look in his eyes. The disappointment. His shoulders drooped a bit and he said, “Okay, Mom.” There was no good reason for me not to suit up and go out, so I went to get my snowpants. He didn’t care that it looked more like Jabba-the-Hut than a snowman, he was thrilled we did it. That’s the kind of stuff I need to be more aware of. The opportunities I need to take. Often I don’t do something because my agenda doesn’t include painting or play dough. I probably miss out on a lot of smiles because of that. My agenda in 2009 and beyond will not be so packed that a romp in the snow would throw off the schedule.

It’s easy to be feeling all warm and fuzzy as I sit on the couch and Coop is happily watching Curious George and the others are peacefully sleeping. I know things will get hairy and tempers go out of control and frustration sometimes will set in. But for now, I am counting my blessings and thanking God for the gift of every person He’s given me to share my days with. And I will make sure they know it.

Peace.
~kp

Growing Up in Forgiveness December 18, 2008

My podcast message today was about forgiveness. How can we get better at forgiving? Sometimes forgiving is easy. But the bigger the hurt, the more emotional the situation – the harder it can be. In reflecting and reading about forgiveness and looking at a crucial moment when Jesus said to God, “Hey, we need to forgive them,” my heart was encouraged that forgiving in all circumstances is possible.
If you have a chance to listen to our Message-To-Go entitled “Growing Up in Forgiveness” I’d be curious to know what you think. How do you find the ability to forgive when it’s tough? Or do you? ( Click here for our podcast site)
Have a great day!
Peace.

Blue Like Jazz December 16, 2008

I finished reading a book that has been sitting on my shelf for a while and now that I am finished with it, I am angry at myself for not reading it sooner.  “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller is a gem of a book that I highly recommend to anyone who has heard of God.  Yes, I know this will encompass a huge number of people.  Like everybody.

“So what was so great about it?”  My husband asked me tonight.  Over the past several months, as Donna and I have been working on our Bible studies and I have been dabbling in other writing projects and stuff, the simplicity of the gospel message and what we are actually called to do has been revealed to me over and over again in a wide variety of places.  What is so great about “Blue Like Jazz” is that it affirmed again to me just how much God simply loves us.  And desires us to love each other.  Donald’s writing style is witty and entertaining and I loved going on the journey of realization with him to get to this place of simplicity – that for many of us really isn’t as simple as it sounds. He put words to the feelings that we all go through.  Every one of us, whether we have the courage to admit it or not.  The good, the bad and the really, really ugly.

So there.  Go.  Read.

Peace.

A Perfect World? October 10, 2008

I had the pleasure today of co-leading (with Donna) a women’s round table discussion on Christianity and Politics. We called it ‘Rock Your Vote, Baby!’ With Canadian and US elections just over the horizon, we spent a lot of time talking about party platforms, candidates, our apathy at times, where we get passionate about issues, how we decide who to vote for and a wide variety of other political topics.

In our research for today, a friend came across an article by John Ortberg (from ChristianityToday.com). In one part of it, he challenges us to imagine a world where we get exactly the right candidate in office, with exactly the right policies, exactly right tax laws, all the issues and office appointments are exactly worked out perfectly with no glitches or faults. Can you imagine that?

Now… with that in place, ask yourself these questions:

Would that usher in the kingdom of God?

Would the hearts of parents be turned toward their children?

Would all marriages be models of faithful love?

Would greed and pride be legislated out of existence?

He also asks this question… With all the right policies in place, Would you finally become the woman or man you know you ought to be? (I summarized his questions…end summary.)

You see my friend, the condition of our human hearts stands independently from the circumstances of the world we live in. It has to. I understand with fresh eyes how Paul expected that we could be in this world and not of this world. We can do it, if our heart is right. The state of the heart trumps the state of the nation. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be informed, speak out when we see injustice, take action where action is needed, use our voice to impact our world. But if your heart isn’t in the right starting place you will be nothing more than a noisy gong.

As we prepare to go to the polls, ask God to reveal any areas of your heart that might need a check.

Peace. ~kp

Lose the mullet! October 6, 2008

Tonight as my hubby and I watched the Sports Center highlights, I was intrigued as to why the announcer referred to Barry Melrose (head coach of Tampa Bay Lightening) as “The Mullet.” My husband replied, “He used to have a mullet” as if it was the most natural answer in the world. My mind did an instant replay of all the bad hair-dos I have had over the years. I’m so thankful not to be known as “The Perm” “The Pixie-Cut” or (and I shudder as I type this) “The Side Pony-Tail.”
Although it IS funny to call a grown man “The Mullet” ~ often we carry around a lot of nicknames, put-downs and garbage from our past that we need to let go of. Others probably don’t call us these names – but we can sure recall them ourselves. The apostle Paul sure knew what he was writing when he penned “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” God wants us to learn from our past, but not stay there.
So I encourage you sister – lose the mullet – or whatever name you may still call yourself – and tell yourself today, you are loved and created in the image of God.
Peace.

~kp

Irony – Here’s A Laugh October 3, 2008

I am watching my friend’s 2-yr-old boy today so she can substitute teach. Her plan is to sub once a week so she can keep her seniority standing in the school and grab a few extra bucks, and I told her I’d watch her little munchkin so she can do that. Anyways – when she dropped him off I asked her what subject she was teaching today.
“Technical Education at the high school” she replied.
“Computer stuff?” I asked.
“Yes.” She answered. I laughed because she and I commiserate over computer woes all the time – losing documents when the computer crashes, frustration over dropped connections, you know the stuff!
I asked, “So what are you teaching…proper anger management when the computer doesn’t do what it is supposed to do?”
She laughed and said, “The really ironic thing is that I was trying to sign up to sub for middle-school English but I pushed the wrong button on the computer screen.”
Isn’t that great!? I hope you and she both have a technically-problem-free day!
~kp