An Interview With Lisa Tawn Bergren

In an earlier post I mentioned that I was reading the books 'The Begotten' and 'The Betrayed'. I love historical fiction, and these two books were really hard to put down! They are set in Italy in the 1300's, and the story revolves around several characters who discover they have been given special gifts by God. The heroine, Daria, is a healer, and she meets up with several others who have gifts of faith, prophecy, discernment, and wisdom.

In those days, the Church was much more of a political organization than a religious one, and they would stop at nothing to eliminate those who went against their philosophies. In addition, there was a powerful organization of evil seeking to silent "The Gifted" in any way possible. The story quickly becomes an exciting chase through Italy as the Gifted find each other and discover God's will for their lives. Check these books out – they are amazing!

I had the chance to interview the author, Lisa Tawn Bergren and the information I learned is printed below. I'd highly recommend these books to anyone who wants to be transported to another time in the midst of an exciting and dangerous controversy!


1. How did you get the inspiration for this series?
I read Da Vinci Code and stayed up all night reading it. In the end, I was grieved and angered at the heresy presented there. I set out to find a true biblical mystery, and two scholarly friends told me about the "lost letter(s) of Saint Paul," written to the Corinthians. At the same time, was profoundly influenced in watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy on film. So when Publishers Weekly referenced both Da Vinci Code and LOTR, and compared my book, The Begotten, favorably, I was thrilled!

2. What do you admire most about Daria?
Man, this girl has gone through misery, and look at her! She was handfasted to her longtime love, Marco, then abandoned because she couldn't get pregnant (vital for nobles in need of heirs, thus the Church-sanctioned "handfastings"--basically a try-out of marriage!), finds out she's a healer of amazing proportions, that her coming has been prophesied to come for centuries, and oh...forces of evil are likely on the hunt for her and hers. She's strong, she's faithful, she battles darkness. I want to BE her.

3. Which character was the most difficult to create and why?
I don't want to spoil the story--so suffice it to say a character who is hovering between the righteous life and the evil life. We see this character move and breathe, understand his pain, and catch a glimpse of why he might be tempted by the dark. But watching it unfold is painful. And real. It happens every day. I don't want to be THIS character.

4. What are some of the unusual things you discovered in your research?
Handfastings, mentioned above; that there were no gondolas in my era in Venice; that each region in Italy at that time spoke a different language/dialect; that Venice had the most envied maritime force in the world.

5. What is the most challenging part of writing a historical novel?
Getting it right. I'm always afraid that some history professor will come in, read my book, and send me UnFan Mail. I work hard at trying to get the big--and small--stuff right. And the thing that is really tough is getting your head into the characters, how they might see the world at that time, in that place, rather than simply applying my 21st Century American persona in a different body. That's true perspective, true Point of View, which is undoubtedly the most daunting of tasks.

6. How have these stories changed the way you look at the world?
I'm much more aware of light versus dark, that there is an unseen battle taking place that we largely ignore, when we are in fact called to don our armor and enter the fray. We can make a difference, hold evil at bay with God's help, but we have to recognize it first. I autograph my books to "One of God's gifted..." because we all are given spiritual gifts that God hopes we will make use of on his behalf. Our lives count!

7. What projects are you working on now? When can we expect your next book?
I'm working on book #3 in the Gifted, The Blessed. It's due in a couple of weeks! It will come out Fall, 2008. Then I'm on to concepting my next series and beginning the research. I'm considering another epic trilogy, set in the 18th century, and a Colorado 19th century series.

8. How did parts of the story change based on what you discovered in research? For example, did you add or delete any scenes that resulted in a major impact on the story line?
The Gifted are on a quest journey, covering some major territory. The biggest thing I discovered was that the papacy had been moved to Avignon, France, during my time period (rather than Rome). Since the Church is essentially a main character in my books, that caused a big, screeching halt, reorganization and rewriting. It could've been an excruciating post-pub "whoops." I'm shivering, thinking about it.

9. What question would you like to answer that I haven't asked?
"Lisa, did you get to go to Italy to research?"
Yes, yes, yes! (I got to go three times--once with my husband, once with my eldest daughter, and once with my folks and children--the whole gang.) And I can't wait to return. It's every bit as cool as everyone says. I would very much like to see the Amalfi Coast next...hmmm...maybe that could be the locale my next book!


Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of 28 books, with over 1.3 million sold. She is a publishing consultant, writer, Bible study leader, mother and wife. Her hobbies include travel (mostly from an armchair), reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring with her family. Lisa's most recent books include The Begotten, The Betrayed, God Gave Us Heaven, What Women Want and The Busy Mom's Devotional. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To sign up for her monthly email (which includes a new, unpublished devotional) go to www.LisaTawnBergren.com and join her newsletter list.

Make sure to check out her website, there is a longer bio and more about her other books.


The Begotten


The Betrayed:

I'll Take What I Can Get

Chris and I had a rough day today. He's already decided that he doesn't like school this year so he whines and fights all morning until it's time to leave. It's interesting that he has always had a good day when we talk about it after school. I think it is just having to get ready on a schedule that causes him trouble...he's definitely not a morning person!

This morning it got pretty out of hand and I was frustrated for quite a while. He argued with everything I said and ended up screaming that he hated me (because I told him to put on his socks...I know, I'm cruel).

But tonight he asked me a very strange question. He wanted to know if I would trade my mother for a grape if someone asked me to. What???? After I asked him to repeat it because I was sure I'd heard incorrectly, I answered that of course not, I wouldn't trade my mother for anything.

Then he told Kevin that he would never trade me for a grape...he would be too lonely!It may not be a big hug and "I love you", but some days this is may be the best I can get.

After the disagreements this morning I was sure he'd give someone much more than a grape to take me away. I hope he doesn't change his mind tomorrow if we butt heads again!

25 Years? Amazing!

Twenty-five years ago today I walked down the aisle and married my best friend Doug. I have been blessed more than I can imagine. The love he has shown me has helped me to understand how God can love us -- totally and unconditionally. Together we have learned how to focus on the things that matter and that by growing closer to God we can grow closer to each other.

Even though he tells me that he loves me every day, I would know without the words. He has allowed me to try new things and he's supported my crazy ideas regardless of their potential impact to him. He's encouraged me to accept challenging positions at work that resulted in a lot of travel, leaving him at home with three girls. He never complained, and he went out of his way to ensure that the girls had a fun time when I was gone...so much so that at times the girls couldn't wait for me to leave! He supported me in career moves that I had dreamed of and he's the cause of any success I've had.

He walked right beside me and never hesitated when I wanted to consider adoption. Although the original reason we considered adding to our family didn't work, he too felt the need to fill the empty seat(s) at our table and he was key in all the struggles we went through to adopt our boys. He had never complained about living in a house with all girls (well, he didn't really mean it...), and he'd even thought that another girl was what we wanted. I'll never forget the look on his face when he walked up and down the boy toy aisle and realized that he had a GOOD reason to play with light sabers now that we were adopting twin boys. He'd chosen to be so satisfied with our family that I don't think he realized how much he wanted a little more testosterone in the house!

With the same ease he was enthusiastic about my desire to come home to support our family and to try yet another new endeavor (writing). He took changes in income and my transition struggles in stride, never doubting that this new challenge would work. He even lets me bring cats home despite his intense dislike of them!

I could give a thousand example of his love and care, but one of my favorites is the way he wants to hold my hand whenever we stand or sit together.

Thank you, Doug, for every thing. For your love, your friendship, you abilities as a father and a husband. I look forward to holding your hand for at least 25 more years!

What a Great Place!

I don't usually like to promote business establishments in my blog, but I just have to tell about ToysRUs's Birthday Club. This is the second year we have done it (see my original blog, Like a Kid in a Candy Store, from last year). The boys each received a birthday card with a $3.00 gift card. At the store each received a balloon and a birthday crown. Christopher put his on immediately and wore it the whole time...Kevin decided he was too old for that, but he carried the balloon around like a prize.

Then, as we started shopping, they announced over the loud speaker that the boys were doing their birthday shopping, and they asked everyone to congratulate them on turning eight. Several people stopped us to aske about their birthday and oohed and aahed over their toy selections. The boys had each received a gift card from us and some birthday money from their Aunt and Uncle, so they had a fortune to spend ($48.00 each).

We had a blast. Just like last year, Kevin decided what he wanted very quickly (a Hot Wheels toy, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and a remote controlled snake). He put them in the basket and then happily helped his brother shop. Christopher checked over every item. He was appalled at how much some things cost (what a good shopper!) and he didn't want to spend his money all in one place. He was such a frugal shopper. He eventually chose two $5.00 items and I was starting to wonder if we had time to finish shopping since the store closed in just six more hours...

Then he found the spy toys, and he chose to put his two small gifts back in order to purchase night vision goggles, a listening device, secret message pen, small lights that attach to your helmet for secret missions, and several other things. They carefully handed over their money and gift cards and proudly carried their gifts to the car.

We had free kid's meal certificates for a local restaurant because of their birthday, but they didn't want to stop anywhere that might postpone their playtime! Whose children are they and where did they take my fast food junkies????

It was fun to see that their basic personalities are gelling and their shopping techniques remained the same for a whole year. They are already talking about their shopping spree next year! I guess I don't have to agonize over gifts any more as long as they like ToysRUs.

A Front Porch Day

Psalm 65:11-13
11 You give the year a good harvest,
and you load the wagons with many crops.
12 The desert is covered with grass
and the hills with happiness.
13 The pastures are full of flocks,
and the valleys are covered with grain.
Everything shouts and sings for joy. (New Century Version)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

Here in the midwest it is a glorious morning! After a long hot and humid spell, the air finally has a cool freshness to it. I could swear the flowers by the front porch are a little perkier this morning after being weighed down by the weather for so long. We've opened all the windows and turned on the attic fan to clear out the air in the house. A perfect day to sit on the porch and read the paper.

It's amazing how a slight change in weather can impact your spirits. I'm energized and ready to attack the day. Dare I say that I'm now anxious for the crispness of fall and caramel apples? Hmm...it's still August, I'd better hold off.

Today reminds me of the unseasonable warm day of February -- a relief from the expected weather and just enough to instill hope for the season to come!

Faith Lifts

After a long 'sabbatical', I'm publishing my column at Faith Links again...check it out!

Unreasonable Expectations?

Well, I brought it on myself. I had great expectations that this morning would be different. After all, the boys are eight now, right? Surely that means they will be more mature, wake up happier, and won't fight at the breakfast table.

I know that this is unreasonable, but I expected that today would be better since it was a special day.

But no. Kevin woke up early and realized that his brother had stolen his pillow sometime in the night. He yanked the pillow out from under Chris as 'gently' as he could, and somehow Chris just woke up! I don't think I've written the warning in my blog NOT to wake Chris up any earlier than necessary...he's just not a morning person. I know he's too young to introduce morning caffeine, but he's really tough to live with before 8:00!

So the birthday got off to a rip-roarin start. Have I mentioned that I often pray through the day for the boys' teachers? Some days I think they need it more than others...this would have been one of those days, but at around 8:00 Chris decided that a birthday was worthy of a better attitude. He was all smiles by the time he got to school.

So, the birthday celebration worked to perk up his mood today...what can I use to entice a smile tomorrow?

And before any of you start thinking that Kevin is an innocent bystander in all of this...he told me about getting the pillow from Chris with a big gleam in his eye!

The joys of twins...

The Last Seven-year-old Hugs...

13Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Mt 19:13-15

Ok, it was shameless I know, but I did it anyway. Tonight is the last night that my adorable, obnoxious, funny little boys will be seven years old. So I made them give me their last 'seven year old hug' -- I told them I would never get one from them again as seven year-olds. As they limply wrapped their arms around me (they are boys after all...most times that's the best I get), they told me that this wouldn't be the last time...I can hug them again when they are seventy-seven! Whew -- that's a long time to wait!

Don't tell them, but I'll pull the same thing next year when they are eight for the last day! After all, I'm sure Jesus was rewarded with a hug or two from the children when he blessed them...so it's just being Christ-like!

Glorious Rain!

It has been a rough August around here. The temperatures have been sweltering (not as hot as the South, but 103 is HOT), and everyone's grass is turning brown. We took Alicia back to school in Tennessee on Tuesday, and many of the trees on the side of the road are dying (well, hopefully they are just shedding their leaves to protect themselves against the heat, only to return next spring). But this morning we are having a wonderful, slow rain. It is a dingy sort of day, perfect for curling up in my big chair and reading.

I just received a copy of Lisa Bergren's books The Begotten and The Betrayed. You shouldn't start these books unless you have time to finish them! I'm hooked on her characters and the story line. Lisa is going on a 'virtual book tour' and she'll be visiting my blog on October 1. I was concerned that I might not have time to read both books before hand, but I was wrong. I'll write book reviews later, but if you are looking for a great read, check these out. They are available at Target in the "Breakout Books" section.

Well, it looks like my life might settle back into a routine again since everyone is back at school. I hope to do more writing and housecleaning (well, I don't really WANT to do more housecleaning, I just want it to be clean!). I have gotten out of the habit of creating my daily to do lists and as a result not much has gotten done. I am looking forward to my Fall Energy Boost...it occurs at the same time the air gets crisp and the caramel apples show up in the stores!

I hope you are able to take some time to sit down and enjoy the day!

So the Summer Ends...

School starts on Monday for the kids. I love school shopping...the overwhelming number of crisp new notebooks, ink pens, and glue sticks at amazing prices is sort of like being in a candy store! In addition to filling the lists sent home by the teachers, I always buy a few notebooks and pens for me, too.

Kevin and Chris are going into second grade. As we were moving things around in the basement today to remove more panelling so we could put up more drywall (it never ends...), I saw a photo taken of the boys about a month after they moved in with us. They were so little! While they give me fits and I still don't get this 'boy thing' (did I mention that Kevin has devised 8 ways to..umm..make 'tooting' sounds????), they still want me to sing and tuck them into bed each night.

Sammi will be a sophmore, and Becca is a SENIOR. Alicia is a senior in college. I clearly remember each of their first days of school. Alicia looked so small getting on that bus behind big sixth graders, but she was brave and excited to go. Becca went directly to the magnet school with Alicia (in third grade at that point), and I followed their cab all the way to South St. Louis so I could walk her to her class. And Sammi wore a cute green jumper and a cute floppy hat when she headed off to preschool at the magnet school with her older sisters...once again I followed that little bus all the way downtown.

I'm so proud of each one of our kids. They are very different (and I'm glad), and they are growing into wonderful people.

But I digress. The new school year still seems like a time for new beginnings...a new year, a new school, a new adventure. I have officially submitted my notice of termination at Boeing and I'm starting off on my own learning experience.

Although I've had two and a half years to practice being at home, it is a little different not to have a safety net...to officially step away from a successful career and a lot of nice amenities (no more first class upgrades and international trips!). But I know that God has even better things in store, and I can't wait!

The Windy City

Sammi and I took our first train trip to Chicago on Sunday. We spent two nights in a really nice hotel (priceline.com is great) right at the end of the Magnificent Mile. Although the weather report showed rain and thunderstorms, the only time it rained was while we were inside the Rainforest Cafe, and it stopped in time for us to walk back to the hotel.

If there was a theme to our trip (besides shopping), it was chocolate! We visited the Lindt chocolate store every day for free samples (the absolute BEST chocolate in the world. Their truffles are to die for). One day we went from there to the Ghiradelli's for samples and ice cream sundaes, then to the Hershey's store for more samples. We really did that backwards...having the best first! The other two stores hardly had a chance. We spent a good portion of our fun money on chocolate (it was on sale, of course).

Sammi finally found a couple of dresses and we spent a lot of time just walking through stores. I got some pants (believe it or not, 8 out of 10 pairs I tried on fit...a definite first), tops, and shoes. We visited five malls and lots of stand alone stores, and we probably walked close to five miles each day. Definitely a shopping success.

Sammi introduced me to the Sephora store...a fun place where you can try on all different kinds of make up and perfume. We stopped there every day, too, to get gorgeous!

We had a really good time together, and we decided that we need to take a girls trip (we'll invite her sisters) at least once a year from here on out.

Wow...has it been a month?

I knew I hadn't been writing much, but I didn't realize it had been this long. I've sort of taken the summer 'off' from any sort of routine due to the chaos of the house, and I'm really feeling out of sorts because of it.

July was a really busy month. Sammi got her drivers permit and got to go white water rafting in Tennessee. Becca went to Ecuador and got back yesterday (we are STILL waiting for her luggage to make it...). Doug, the boys, and I went to Great Wolf Lodge and later the boys and I went to High Hill Teddy Bear Camp while Doug played golf. Alicia was on crutches for two weeks and is still going to therapy for a problem with her toe.

We have hung drywall in half of our basement, put down a kitchen/breakfast room floor, started laying a family room/living room floor, and tiled about 1/2 the basement. We will be finishing all these projects in August (I hope), so writing may still be a little infrequent.

I have been playing with my new camera, and you can catch up with some of the activity here.


Though the mess and frequent activity kind of makes me crazy, God has been here holding it all together!

A 15 Minute Day

Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you weren't a grown up? I want to revert to my teenage years today. I want to sleep 'til noon, then go lay around at the pool all afternoon. I'd like to come home to see that someone else has cleaned house and made supper. After I eat I'll rush off to do something with my friends, laugh a lot, and come home just a few minutes before curfew.

But alas, I have kids to get off to summer school, meet two deadlines, work on my share of house repairs, and clean more rooms than I have time or energy for.

It's one of those days when I need to set my timer for 15 minutes and head out to accomplish something in that time...then start all over again!

So, my top ten goals for the day are:
1. Stain the quarter round boards for the kitchen
2. Keep the boys, who just woke up in foul moods, from killing each other
3. Dust and vacuum the living room and family room
4. Take Sammi to work
5. Stop by the library
6. Do basic research for Thursday's Bible study
7. Spend at least 1/2 hour reading my book (guess what will fall off the list first!)
8. Take a photo for my photo a day challenge
9. Smile and have a positive attitude
10. Make the bed so I don't crawl back in

Let's see how I do!

Sammi's Big Day

Today my 'baby' girl is 15. I am so proud of her that I could just bust. She's turning into such a beautiful, responsible young woman. She's always been a lot of fun to be around -- she is fearless and fun-loving and quick to smile. She makes friends easily (see photo below to meet a new one -- he kissed her on the forehead just seconds after he met her!) and she is comfortable around all ages and types of people. She's now the second tallest in our family (after her Dad) - her sisters aren't too thrilled with that. She's also the toughest -- she loves sports of all kinds and plays so competitively that she often has the bruises to prove it. She's also been known to eat ANY concoction that someone can prepare...the grosser the better!

We are going to the Muny (an outdoor theater) tonight to see 'Grease' and she's planning to wear this terrific hat she got several years ago that looks like a giant birthday cake (she'll take if off in time for the show, of course!). That's my girl! Thanks for bringing so much joy into our lives. We love ya, darlin!

A "Mom" Moment

I took Becca to the doctor today, and the boys went with me. We waited in the waiting room while Becca was seen, and Christopher wanted me to read to him. I brought books with us and I was happy to read them.

He surprised me by climbing up in my lap with the book. Then he reached around and grabbed both of my arms gently and wrapped them around his stomach. I wasn't able to read this way, but he wasn't as concerned about the book as he was the hug he got while sitting on my lap. He held the books and turned the pages as we read four books this way. The whole time he rubbed my arm and snuggled against my neck.

Just the other day I had been lamenting the loss of my 'huggable' little boys. It's nice to see that as they near eight years old they are still willing (and needing) to sit still for just a few minutes for a cuddle bucket refill!

20. cuddles
21. a good, slow rain that refreshes the earth
22. thunder that reminds us how small we are
23. a husband who tells me every day that he loves me

Catching Up

Wow...I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. We've been very busy with the house (see previous post), but in reality I just haven't felt like I had much to write about.

Since the last post we have:
Kissed Alicia goodbye for the summer as she heads off to Panama City for an internship
Finished school...everyone passed!
Shopped with Becca to prepare for her Ecuador trip
Transported Sammi back and forth to her job at the Fireworks stand
Hugged my Uncle Tom goodbye -- he's moved to Arkansas
Started a summer Bible study on Moms of the Bible
Ripped up the laundry room, kitchen, breakfast room, and 2/3rds of the basement floor
Put down new laminate in the Laundry room, kitchen, breakfast room
Put down black/white tile in 2/3rds basement
Ripped out basement walls
painted the laundry room
watched 2 swim meets (Kevin, Chris, and Sammi participate)
Got a new camera and have fun playing with it
started a photo blog (www.liftupmyeyes.blogspot.com)

And probably a bunch of other stuff I've already forgotten!

One of the verses that I've read during my 'Year Through the Bible' efforts is:

Nehemiah 4:14b "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

It reminded me that we must always keep our eyes on God, and that we will have to get involved and fight for what is good and right. It's not that He can't do it by himself, but He wants us to want things badly enough to get involved in the fight!

Check Your Washing Machine Hoses

I've been told this before by a wise person, and I promptly did as he suggested. Then I forgot to ever check them again.

Friday I realized I have waited too long. I came downstairs and found the fountain of my dreams going off full force in my laundry room! Apparently it had been spouting for about 45 minutes. I reached through the water to turn off the faucet, but it was stuck. I ran to the basement to turn off the water to the whole house and realized that we had a bigger problem when I splashed through water in the work room at the opposite end of the house from the laundry room.

After turning the water off, I checked the basement and saw that we had a torrential rain storm brewing in the storage room and Doug's office. I grabbed all the trash cans and buckets I could find to catch the water and I called by dear hubby to come home and save the day!

Did you know that laminate floors start curling up about two hours after they are wet? And that the underlayment wicks water to the furthest reaches of a room? Nice things to know.

So, you are all invited to our home in September to see the new digs...we are getting new flooring on the first level and we get to totally redo the basement. God is good...even though the water was coming down all over, it totally missed computers, televisions, beds, Christmas decorations, and anything of any value...all we really threw out were boxes!

So, please take some advice from a now wiser woman and check your washing machine hoses.

The Best Grass Grows in My Garden

One of God's great gifts to us is flowers. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and colors available that it continually amazes me. There is something about a flower garden that makes me relax and smile.

But no matter how hard I try to garden, like everyone else I continually fight with weeds. I don't mind pulling the ugly, thorny things out of the flower patch, but I always hesitate to remove the grass that has worked it's way past the barriers. It has fought so hard to get there and it is often the greenest, strongest grass in the yard. Why does it grow so well here and not on the other side of the barrier?

At first I thought it must be out to get me...that the grass thought out what it could do to be most annoying and then set out with a plan to take over these small plots I tried so hard to preserve. Hmmm...I don't remember learning about brains and evil intent of plants in my botany class.

After thinking about this for a while (yes, I know I need to get a life)it hit me -- the garden plots get much more attention in the way of loosened soil, fertilizer, and moisture protecting mulch. Grass will naturally grow best in those areas that are well prepared than in areas that are ignored. But when a large clump has grown it actually removes a big chunk of the garden dirt when you pull the grass out by the roots. The only way I can avoid this is to check the garden frequently and remove any small sprout of grass I see.

Sin acts in much the same way. It may sprout up and look really nice for a time in our lives. We can even pretend that it's growth is admirable and we can hesitate to remove. But without immediate attention it's roots will take over and it will be difficult to remove without taking a lot of good soil with the roots. It leaves a gaping hole in our lives that must be repaired.

The only way I can avoid sin is to examine my heart with God's help each day and remove any hint that sin is moving in. Then all that remains are the 'flowers' of my life -- the fruit of God's Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 - 25
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)

Great Contest!

Check this out (oops, I've been watching too much American Idol)... 5 Minutes for Moms has a great new contest. You can win a whole years worth of Nexcare bandages...well, it's actually 43 boxes so hopefully they will last much longer than a year.

Leave a comment and you are entered...go here http://www.5minutesformom.com/1571/nexcare-contest/

The Spirit in Me

I have been preparing a Sunday School lesson on the Holy Spirit, and I have learned so much...mostly things telling me how little I actually know! My weekly teacher challenged me to take on one class during the current series (What Really Matters - The Essential Beliefs of the Christian Faith). After looking at the agenda for the series I knew I wanted to learn more about the Holy Spirit, so I jumped right in and chose that one.

Foolish me! The totality of the Holy Spirit is so far beyond my comprehension, I have no idea how I can teach anyone anything. It seems that anyone who has ever written a Christian non-fiction book has written on on the Holy Spirit (there are 24 books on the subject at our public library alone...a search of Amazon.com books results in 53,919 hits).

Several books list facts, though, that have really helped me narrow the lesson down. They meant a lot to me and I thought I'd share them:
1. If I am a believer, I already have the Holy Spirit.
2. I are to be filled with the Holy Spirit (being filled with him is definitely different that 'having' him).
3. The Holy Spirit Gives me power for God's purposes.
4. Sin blocks the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.

The Holy Spirit is probably the least understood and the least utilized member of the Trinity. Most Christians woefully underutilize the power of the Holy Spirit, many ignore him completely. Is that because we don't understand?

Jesus had to leave this world so the Spirit could dwell within us -- and he said that was a good thing! Because I believe, I have access to the very heart of God. The Spirit will convict me, teach me, pray for me, equip me, and provide me power to complete the plan God has for my life -- if I let him.

I pray that I will actually incorporate what I learn into my life so that those around me will know that I am filled with the Spirit...not so that I can boast, but so that they can see his power and seek it for themselves.

I imagine that this study could last for the rest of my life.

Not On My Gift Registry

I'm fascinated by the life of Solomon (the current topic of my 'Bible in a Year' plan). He pulled out all the stops to build a magnificent temple for God and a grand palace for himself. There is one parenthetical passage that just floored me, though:

16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon's wife. 17 And Solomon rebuilt Gezer.) (NIV, 1 Kings 9:16-17)

Now I don't know about you, but I don't think I'd be really happy to receive a town from my father for a wedding present -- especially if I knew that all the inhabitants had been killed and then the whole town had been burned down! I am glad Solomon rebuilt the town for his bride, but I would still feel horribly guilty every time I walked in the place if I were her.

As I continued reading the text for today (1 Kings 9-11), it told of the vast riches Solomon received...absolutely amazing. I had to laugh, though, when I read that:

3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.(NIV, 1 Kings 11:3)

Well of course they led him astray, what WAS he thinking????

I hope you enjoyed your Bible reading for the day...let me know what you read and what you learned!

Checking In - Bible In A Year

Are you still with us? I haven't sent any notes out to those of us who had decided to read the Bible in a year in a while, so I thought I'd check up on you! (One of us has dropped out of the program because of massive Bible study required to prepare lessons...just checking to see if you are doing daily reading...).

I've had my good weeks and bad weeks, but after a couple of marathon reading sessions I am back on track. Today's reading (in the plan I'm on) was really good -- Solomon had just finished building the temple and he said this:

56 "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day's need, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. 61 But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time." (1 Kings 8:56-61, NIV).

Amen!!!

We'll Miss You, Maddie

Maddie Bayer died yesterday. She is the 7 year-old girl mentioned in a post a couple of days ago. Her death won't be covered by any news organization. Her life won't be discussed much on-line like those of the victims at Virginia Tech. Yet the loss of her life shows the loss of potential just as their did. Her death seems just as senseless, just as tragic. She was the most beautiful, most brave little girl I've ever met.

Yet, as I struggle to explain death to my 7 year old boys, her friends, I know my struggle is so much less than that of her parents and her two brothers. My prayers continue to be with them.

I know Maddie was looking forward to being in heaven, she talked about wanting to laugh, play, and not hurt. A child should never have to think of those things. I hear stories about being met in heaven by those you knew who had gone on before you...who meets a young child that has not been touched by the death of others?

I suppose Jesus himself meets her. I imagine her pain has gone and she is smiling that big, beautiful smile. We'll miss you, Maddie.

A Thousand Gifts, continued

16. the smell of fresh cut grass
17. the feeling of cool, fresh cut grass on bare feet
18. bright blue skies
19. seeing the moon in the daylight

Let's Pray

I cannot help but think about the families of those killed earlier this week at Virginia Tech...each of those thirty-two families, all their neighbors and friends, those who suffered injuries, and the parents of Cho Seung-Hui are all facing pain I can't imagine. Although they can point fingers and try to find reasons behind this senseless killing, ultimately there is no one with whom they can reconcile.

I'd like to ask that you pray for all of those effected by this tragedy. Pray not only for the families of the victims, but for every person who touched Cho's life trying to help. They must be second guessing every interaction, wondering if there was some way they should have known. I can't imagine the guilt they may be feeling...even though they really couldn't have realized it would come to this. Pray for those who's last interaction with someone who died was less than pleasant...those people who wanted to share their love but didn't...those who had to be involved in the clean up...those who have to somehow go on with their lives.

Each one of these precious people needs to find the ability to forgive so they can move forward with their lives. All we can do is pray.

A tangible help

Sometimes you want to help other people, but you have no idea what to do. Boomama and some others have found a way to help Heather with the expenses she faces as she heads to the Mayo Clinic for more tests and possible surgery. You can read her story at http://www.especiallyheather.com

If you would like to help out with a love offering, click on the 'For Heather' button on the left. I'm sure they would really appreciate your help!

12. Great neighbors
13. Cookies
14. People who want to help others (especially when they have never met)
15. Clean spring air

Do It Anyway

As I sit here the house is finally quiet after our usual morning frenzy. It is a beautiful day and I can hear the birds singing outside my window. I have Martina McBride's song, Anyway, running through my head today. Specifically:

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good,
and when I pray, it doesn't always turn out like I think it should,
but I do it anyway.



There are two people who are constantly on my mind, and I ask God why bad things happen to good people. One is Heather (see button on left). She has been a momma bear protecting her cubs for years...especially Emma Grace who has had a heart transplant and who blesses others through her hardships. Now Heather has discovered a brain tumor and her future is full of tests, difficult treatments, and uncertainty.

The other is the sweetest little girl, Maddie. She has been in Kevin and Chris's Sunday School class for a few years, and she has suffered through difficult treatments for cancer. You can read her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maddiebayer. Maddie is currently in hospice care and she is in a lot of pain.

I know we aren't supposed to understand the world on this side of Heaven, but it just seems so unfair. Even though the answer I want doesn't always come, I know that God is in control. He tells us to pray, so I do it anyway.

Thank You

8. Grocery stores that have so many choices of wonderful things
9. Tangible heritage I gained because I was able to know my grandparents and great grandparents
10. Good Christian fiction
11. Cars that start right away and take me where I want to go

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What a Difference A Day Makes

Some days we struggle with problems all day long...disobedient children, dinner that just doesn't turn out like you want, dogs that make messes on the carpet, and people who are jerks when they drive. Then, in the blink of an eye, we wish that those 'crises' were all we had to face.

I am in tears today over a woman I never met. Heather (at http://www.especiallyheather.com/) had an MRI just a day or so ago to see what was causing dizziness, and she found out she has a brain tumor. My heart breaks for how her world is turning upside down. She's facing a series of doctor visits and further tests to even understands what is really going on. Heather is a woman who has devoted her life to her children and working to ensure that her daughter with special needs gets the medical care and educational attention she needs. She cares about moms and the things they go through, and her love is demonstrated daily in her work.

Please pray for Heather and her family. They are in shock as they learn about terminology and treatments they never heard before. Heather, we stand behind you with prayer.

Walking to the Dreaded End

In our Sunday School class we are reading verses daily in preparation for a discussion on the reality of the resurrection. As I go through the verses where Jesus tells his disciples what will happen in the next few weeks, I am trying to understand his emotions during that time.

One of the last times he mentioned that he would be persecuted, killed, and then would rise after three days was on his final trip to Jerusalem. A day or two before his triumphal entry, he had this conversation in between healings, discussions with Pharisees who were trying to trip him up, and with the young rich ruler who wanted to know how to gain eternal life.

I believe Jesus made peace with his destiny in the Garden of Gethsemane, butwas he wavering prior to that time? Did he tell about his future in an attempt to convince himself to go through with it? He was fully man, and therefore I believe he was probably scared of the pain and suffering he would have to go through. I bet each step on that final journey brought him one step closer to something he was dreading.

I praise God that he continued on the path so that we can follow!

Decision

I am 46 years old and I've finally decided to give up trying to figure out what to be when I grow up. From now on I'm only going to work to figure out what God wants me to be next (or even right now...).

I'm not sure why society wants us to figure out one thing we can 'be'...especially at age 18. I know very few people who actually used their college degrees as intended. Most changed majors several times, then changed careers once out of college. If that's the way we tend to live, why do we make people choose? In fact, in the next ten years the 'gurus' say that many of the types of jobs available today won't event exist and thousands more will be available to take their place.

I spend more time struggling with what I should do or what a I want to do that I spend on just 'doing' what's in front of me. I still plan to set goals and shoot to continually improve myself, and I'll listen more closely for God's nudges. (Remind me of this next week!).

1. Grocery stores full of fabulous treats
2. Bright purple flowers on kelly green stems
3. Hail that bounces like super balls but doesn't do any damage

A Thousand Gifts

At Moms of Grace, I met a woman named Lundie. She has a terrific post where she is creating a list of one thousand gifts she's received from God. This is something started in 2006 as a way to appreciate our daily gifts instead of buying into the craziness of a commercial Christmas (click the button below to see where it all started). She shared her posts with us and I want to jump on the bandwagon to be sure I pay attention to the little daily gifts I receive that are awesome representations of God's love.

You can read Lundie's blog at http://randomwanderings.wordpress.com/
(sorry I can't make the link work...check out Lundie's comment for a direct link)

1. Salvation offered by Jesus
2. The bright green color of spring grass
3. Daffodils that don't care if the temperature drops to 29 degrees
4. Little boys who think it is hilarious to make noises with their armpits (well, it's not the noises I'm thankful for, but the giggles they produce)

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Bible Study on Forgiveness

We have started a new Bible study at the Moms of Grace forum. We are working through the book Why Forgive, by Johann Christoph Arnold. This book is available at no charge on line...check out the study and join us if you wish!

http://www.momsofgrace.net/forumdisplay.php?f=121

A Weekend with the Girls

I just had the most wonderful long weekend! Last week was Spring Break, so everyone was home except Alicia (her break doesn't start until next week). Doug took off from work, so I actually got to see him (well, for two days, anyway...). Wednesday morning Becca, three of her friends, and I took off in our van to visit Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO. The girls spent two nights with friends in the dorms and got to experience college life first hand. They attended classes, ate in the "Caf", and learned that a hilly campus may be pretty but impractical!

While they were staying up all night having dorm parties, I got to spend quiet time in a nearby hotel. I had grand and glorious plans to do a lot of writing, but I wasn't able to get a good Internet connection for the research I needed. So I spent my time reading two new books and shopping. After the chaos that is our home, it was nice to be in a quiet place.

On Friday, the girls and I took off across the state toward Sikeston. We travelled through a part of Missouri that I've never seen before. The highway was relatively new and the scenery was great.

Doug and Sammi met us at Sikeston, and Doug took the van and the 'college bound' girls home while Sammi and I headed to Jackson, TN to surprise Alicia. She was performing in a college Variety Show and I was dying to see it. She looked fabulous in her fancy black gown and long gloves while she sang Motown hits with two other girls. About twelve of her best friends danced on the stage -- they did a wonderful job. After the show we surprised her -- she had no idea we were there. We got to go out for a midnight snack and we spent a little time together on Saturday before Sammi and I had to hit the road again.

I know I'm biased, but I am so proud of our girls. Each one has a terrific personality, and they have very different strengths. Each reflects a different view of God to me, and I learn and grow every time I am around them. As the girls get older I am honored to watch them become the women God wants them to be. There are plenty of struggles, but over time those will just make them stronger. I love spending time with the boys, too, but being able to spend time with the girls without 'testosterone distractions' is a blessing!

Thanks, girls, for making my life a loving adventure!

Daffodil Days

The verse of the day:

Jeremiah 31:25 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (NIV)

I'm not sure why, but things have gotten totally crazy around here. Between doctors visits, school conferences, concerts, and to-do lists, it's hard to feel like I accomplish anything. Every time I cross one item off my list, it seems like three more appear. I'm starting to feel like a cartoon character, running for my life but not moving forward.

Most of the things we are involved in are really good things! Doug is starting to golf again, my writing and speaking activities are picking up, Becca is getting prepared for her mission trip to Ecuador, Sammi made the soccer team, and Alicia's choir group is coming to St. Louis on their Spring Break tour. But positive or not, everything just seems to be a bit overwhelming at the moment.

But in the midst of it all, God shines through. I walked outside yesterday and was greeted by the bobbing head of the first daffodil of the year! I'm not sure there is much that rekindles my faith than seeing spring life return after a long winter. Daffodils represent hope and faith to me. After a long winter of regrouping and re-energizing, they are persistent and prolific.

Spring is here, and it's time to go get dirt under my fingernails!

It's Party Time!

When is the last time you had a TGIF Party? Or any party for that matter? In the Old Testament there were celebrations and festivals for all kinds of things ... Habbakuk, Harvest, Passover, Day of Atonement, and many more. There were frequently feasts and days set aside for regular gathering and celebration.

The 5 Minutes for Moms Website is having a virtual party, and everyone can join in. Check it out here:

Your challenge today is to put on your party clothes, fix yourself a treat, crank up the music, and check out all the cool blogs of other people who have joined the party. If you have a blog and sign up, you might just win one of over a hundred door prizes! Come on over!

The World's Aglow!

Verse for the day: Isaiah 60:1-3 "Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, but God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness." (The Message, taken from www.biblegateway.com)

For a brief moment this morning, the whole world was glowing with a lavendar light. Now before you send the nice young men in their little white coats over to take me away (if you recognize this reference, you too are showing your age!), there were no spaceships hovering over our court. The sky is overcast this morning, and as the sun rose it reflected through the clouds at just the right angle to create a pervasive glow. I just had to stop and stare, it was so amazing.

It made me think of the glow that Moses had on his face after meeting God. When you come face to face with something so wonderful, all you can do is reflect it's glory. Whether or not people were looking outside, the glow hit all homes equally. As in the verse, God's glory broke over me and anyone who happened to see, but many people missed it. They were sleeping, or busy getting ready for their day. God wants us to stop and revere his creation. Sometimes he'll give us a long time to catch his glory, as in Autumn when the leaves are magnificent for days. Other times he gives us a brief view that we might miss if we look the other way.

I pray that I am ever watchful so I don't miss those brief moments. They may come in nature or in the laughter of a child, and they give me yet another reason to praise my God!

If you get a chance, click on the Faith Lifts button to the left. This is a site devoted to improving our faith through practical application in all elements of our lives. Today they published an updated site with specific topics to help us grow. I get to host the column called "Self." This is a great opportunity for me to stretch and I'm very excited about it!

Confession Time

I am a WHOLE WEEK behind in my Bible reading! Before you jump to conclusions, I have been reading every day in order to prepare for the Moms of Grace website Bible study. But I didn't even think about my "Read the Bible in a Year" schedule.

I had a little extra time this morning, so I caught up by 3 days. I'll have to find a way to do the rest because I'm committed to making this work for once. I can always read two day's worth of lessons for the next few days and then I'll be back on schedule.

I'm in Numbers right now, which is a lot of cool and a lot of shocking things that happened to the Israelites in the desert. I'm at the point where the spies went into the land of milk and honey to bring back a report. There was lots of disbelief in God and animosity toward Moses and Aaron at this point. But even when God's wrath occurred in front of the people, they still rebelled. In the reading I did today, over 15,000 people have died of unnatural causes!

Yet God continues to want the best for them and to forgive them at Moses and Aaron's request. It is good to remember that our God is awesome and loving, but also that he is vengeful and all powerful.

Just an Update

What a week it's been! Sammi has been pretty ill for a little more than a week now. We had her in and out of Children's Hospital ER for potential appendicitis or ovarian cyst. After lots of tests and needles, they decided she had gastroenteritis (I think that's Latin for "you have a bad stomach ache and we don't know why"). She was doing really well on Friday and over the weekend, but she threw up at school again today and spent most of the day sleeping.

Christopher was feeling a little punky yesterday, but I knew he was sick when he laid down on the couch at 4:00, covered himself up and promptly fell asleep! He slept straight through until morning. I checked him at his normal bedtime and he had a temperature of 102.4, so needless to say he didn't go to school today. We've watched a McGuyver marathon (the dvds were due at the library today!) Chris loves contraptions, so he's been thrilled.

Becca has a bad sore throat and headache, but no fever, and I've had a migraine since Friday...boy, aren't we a crew! Doug and Kevin are ready to pack up and move so they don't catch anything!

I've been having a lot of fun working on the daily Bible study for Moms of Grace, and I've got a couple of writing assignments (one for pay!) to work on this week.

The weather has warmed up to almost fifty degrees, so bye bye snow! I'm getting excited again about the little green things popping out of the ground.

Well, nothing profound to say today, just wanted to explain why I haven't updated much lately. Hope you are all more healthy than we are!

Feb 15 - God Changes the Rules

Read Acts 10:17-29

Context: Peter had been sitting on his roof when he saw a vision of a large sheet being let down to earth that contained all kinds of four-footed animals as well as reptiles and birds. A voice told him to get up, kill and eat.

Text:
17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
27Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Up to this point, God had sent the disciples to many different countries, but they were to witness to people like them, the Jews. They shared heritage, culture, and daily rituals.

Cornelius was a perfect person to facilitate the transition of God's salvation to the Gentiles. While he was a centurion in the Italian Regiment, he and his family were God-fearing and they prayed to God regularly. An angel had come to him first, so Cornelius actually initiated the search for the truth instead of the Jewish disciples trying to convince the Gentiles to believe.

With Peter's vision, God was really throwing out the Mosaic Law. Early in Jewish history he had given them many rules about what to eat and how to cook it. Now, out of the blue (literally!!!), he is saying that they can eat everything. Then someone knocks at the door and Peter is called to witness to people who were also considered 'unclean.' I'm not sure we can comprehend the significance of this change. These things were against the law to them, the thought of it was detestable.

But God didn't give Peter much time to think about it...he showed Peter the 'new way' and then thrust him right into the fray!

Let's all Sparkle!

God has sprinkled diamond dust on the world! When I looked outside at the yard, I was almost blinded by the sunny sparkles that covered the snow. How does he do it? Not only did God create this wonderful fluffy white stuff for us to play in, he made it strikingly beautiful! This morning while I was watching the yard (ok, so maybe I need to get a life), it occurred to me that this wonderland was created one snowflake at a time. What beautiful landscape could we create if each person would join together reflecting God's love in the same way?

Let's all 'be' snowflakes, reflecting the Son as we sparkle through the day (oh, dear, it looks like I got up on the Pollyanna side of the bed...).

New Bible Study on Grace

Join me and lots of other moms for a Bible study on grace! I am hosting a virtual Bible study for the Moms of Grace forum. Click the button below to join us...it should be fun.

I Love Snow!

This may not be a very popular perspective these days in St. Louis, but I have to admit that I really do love snow!

We've switched from rain to ice to snow in the past hour or so, and the ground is now covered...we might get up to 7 inches...YIPPEE! Unfortunately we don't really have any hills in walking distance, so the roads have to get clear before we can go sledding.

Ok, so sledding is really fun in theory...but in reality it gets cold, wet, and I get really tired climbing the hill over and over for a few seconds of thrill. At least the hot chocolate afterwards will be worth it!

I actually have a dilemma that I'd never considered before. Given the history in Florissant/St. Louis that past few months with significant power outages every time we have a little storm, I don't know whether I should go to the store and stock up in case we get snowed in OR if I should avoid any new perishable purchases so I don't lose them if the power goes out! In reality I really don't need to buy anything...other than 1/3 gallon of milk we have enough food for an army for a week!

The Bible mentions snow a couple of times (e.g. being washed white as snow). I wonder if Jesus played in it?

Joys of Leviticus

Well, we've been at this for more than a month...are you still reading every day? I have gotten one day behind, but I have some time to make it up today. I have to admit that I really got stuck in Leviticus, so I took a break and read Psalms for a couple of days...that helped a lot.

Today I read about 'clean and unclean' food, skin disease, and mildew (all before breakfast...yuck!). I am SO glad that I live in this day and age, not back then. Did you know that if mildew was found in your home you had to move out for 7 days to see if it spread? And if it did, you had to tear out the contaminated stones, scrape all the inside walls of the house, and then replace it with new stones, new clay, and new plaster. I imagine that 95% of Americans would be getting new bathrooms about now! (Hmmm....)

I am amazed at the job of the priests. They had daily chores, such as grain offerings and incense lighting, then they had to slaughter a wide variety of animals and birds for sin, friendship, and a host of other things. Then they had to look at every skin lesion, examine all mildew on clothing, and put people in isolation for long periods of time. Then of course, there is that little part about making a mistake that would render them dead in seconds! I'm not sure Aaron thought it was an honor.

I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to read about unclean discharges and eating blood!

Even if you have gotten off track, be sure to read every day....see what you've been missing?

'My' Verse for the Year

I've found a neat blogger's website called Faith Lifts. It is managed by twin moms who are helping Christian women (mostly moms) link up via their blogs and websites. They have a lot of interesting information and columns to read -- check it out!


One of the writers, Marybeth Whalen, challenged readers to pray for a verse that they could claim as their own for a year. I've decided that Psalms 3:5-6 will be 'my' verse and my challenge this year:

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)

It is hard for me to even read this verse without singing it in my head. It is really hard for me to just trust the Lord. I want so much to understand the whys and the wherefores of every instruction, every challenge, every blessing. I often fool myself and think that I accomplished something on my own, without giving Him credit. I don't like to follow instructions, and I foolishly seem to be drawn to meandering paths.

I've posted this verse by my computer and on my mirror. I may even put a copy in my purse and car. I hope that at the end of the year I will feel that, with LOTS of God's help, I will have moved a good way down that straight path.

Do you have a verse you want to choose as your focus for the year? If so, leave a comment and tell us what it is.

The Glory of the Lord

So, after many chapters of details about the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the altar, the courtyard, and the garments of the priests, the Israelites have finally completed their work. Moses carefully examined every item to ensure it met the requirements of God, and they set up the structures.

I can't imagine the trepidation they must have felt as they put things together. I imagine they were very proud of the amazing things they had made (many of the workers weren't craftsmen in Egypt; God gave them the abilities needed to create his masterpiece), yet they were probably uncertain about God's reaction.

Did they do everything correctly? Had they missed one small detail that was vital to God? Would he smite them down with fire for their mistakes?

Whether or not it was perfect, "the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." I can just hear the sigh of relief and awe. This cloud, which became full of fire by night, was their constant reminder that God was with them. When He wanted them to move on to another location, the cloud (or the fire) lifted, and they would set out. The cloud by day and fire by night was "in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels." (Exodus 40:34-38, NIV).

Sometimes I long for such a visible sign to tell me what God wants me to do. I imagine the signs are probably there if I know where to look, but frequently I desire the answer in MY heart, not God's, so I most likely look the other way. Even if we don't see His glory, we can know that God is always with us and will never leave or forsake us. Our faith in Him will help us through the toughest deserts we will ever travel.

How's Your Reading Going?

Well, it's confession time. Remember how I said I read ahead last year? Good thing...I didn't do very well in my reading this week. I am no longer ahead.

The portion I am reading right now is hard for me to get into. It is the instructions for building the tabernacle and all it's furniture. It gets so detailed and is full of cubits. It is really easy for me to get distracted. Then, just when I made it through, then Exodus repeats itself by explaining how the tabernacle was build exactly to specifications. What is a sea cow, anyway?

If I'm going to be able to stick with this, I think I'm going to have to switch to Steve Lata's approach -- read a book from the Old Testament and then switch to the New Testament for a different picture. As long as I read each day, right? Worst case I can stop in the middle of a really tough text to read a chapter from Psalms or Proverbs; that should help.

I do have to say that I am incredible impressed with God's involvement in the details. I'm not sure why he had Moses write all this down twice, but it does give us a picture of His level of concern for seemingly mundane details. If He is so concerned about what is embroidered on the curtains and how many poles there are in the tent, it helps me to know that He is also concerned about the details in our lives.

So...let me know how YOU are doing!

New Approach and Grace in Action

Ok -- I keep putting off writing in this blog because for some reason I think I have to have something spiritual and fabulous to say. Almost daily I have things I want to write about (whether anyone reads them or not), and I'm not getting a good outlet for that.

SO... from now on I'll use this to write both Biblical insights and daily events.

Today the boys played their regular Saturday Upwards Basketball game. This is SUCH a cool program. When someone travels, double dribbles, or even fouls, the referees stop play and explain (kindly) to the child what was wrong. The boys have been playing for four weeks now, and it's amazing how much they have improved. Today Kevin fell down and hurt his elbow. It is so hard to sit still while referees and coaches take care of your child. All I wanted to do was run over there and hug him, but that would be VERY uncool. You'd think with all the injuries Sammi has gotten over the years in soccer and cheerleading that I would be better able to deal with this (her nose is a ball magnet!), but I'm not. Guess it's that mama instinct.

So to add a little spirituality to this blog, Upwards is a great example of grace in action. Some of the kids are naturally better than others, and the referees quickly figure that out. The grant those kids who aren't as good a little more grace than they grant the ones who appear to know the game better. I imagine God does that for us too, especially when we are new Christians.

A good verse for that is John 1:16 - From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Be Still and Watch God Work

Exodus 14:14. the Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.

Why is it so hard for us and our human nature to trust God? The Israelites have witnessed the greatest display of God's power since creation, and still they do not trust. God has brought them safely out of bondage and is leading them visibly through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. He is in near constant communication with Moses.

God has led more than a million Israelites (his entire favored nation) to a campsite next to the Red Sea. The people turn and they see more than 600 chariots and all the Egyptian officers/soldiers bearing down on them quickly. Immediately their thoughts turn back to the recent days of captivity and slave labor...surely those days weren't as bad as they remembered. Anything would be better than the thought of impending slaughter.

I imagine the men were arming up to try to protect their families as best they could when Moses told them to be still and watch the Lord fight for them. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to fight back, but were unable to do anything? I think of situations where a loved one is gravely ill -- there is nothing that you can do but sit and watch. You feel so helpless.

Yet God is carrying on the fight for us. He may be using doctors and experts, or He may be in the process of bringing a loved one home to ease their suffering. Hard as it is, we just have to trust Him to know what is best and to fight the battle for us.

God, help us to be still and know that you are in control!

Bible in a Year - Week 2

So, are you still keeping up with your reading? I missed a day on Saturday and I only read part of my assignment on Sunday (shame on me), so I'm glad I started early. Knowing that I am committed to send these notes keeps me on track, though, and helps me process what I read more, so thanks for letting me send them to you.

This week was one full of blood, sweat, and tears (sorry for the 60's reference). Overall I was reminded that lots of things happen that don't make much sense until years later. In the midst of trials it is easy to think that God has forgotten you, but Genesis shows us clearly that God has a bigger plan. Our daily trials help prepare us for the real jobs he's created us for. Some examples:

1) Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac. God had to know that Abraham trusted His promise and that he would obey regardless of what he was told to do.
2) Isaac was living in the midst of a great famine. He wanted to go to Egypt, where there was food and water. God told him to stay put and trust Him to provide. I'm sure Isaac was remembering the time God provided a ram for sacrifice and spared his life!
3) Jacob stole his brothers birthright, then fled for his life. His anguish brought him closer to God. He spent 14 years working for the worst father-in-law in history, but he saw God.
4) Joseph was sold into slavery, spent years in jail, and then was given almost complete power over the country of Egypt. His suffering put him in the right place at the right time to save his family - God's chosen people.

God Wants Me To Do WHAT???

As I complete Genesis, I am awed by the things God asks His people to do that seem crazy at the time. Yet they turn out to be logical and even life-saving in the long run.

There was Noah, who was told at age 500 to build an ark in preparation for a flood, when rain had never fallen on the earth.

Abram was told to do a lot of things that didn't make sense...leave his homeland for an unknown destination, circumcise all the males in his household (I'd love to see their faces when he brought home that news!), sire a child at the age of 100, and offer that child as a sacrifice. And Joseph was sold by his brothers, spent years in jail, and then was able to keep the line of Jacob alive during a famine.

If we listen closely to God, I imagine He tells us things that seem as crazy now as His instructions did back then. The difficulty is screening out all the rest of the world and our own wills/subconscious to hear His voice clearly.

Lord, I pray that I will always listen to that still small voice and obey it instead of arguing with You.

Lowly Shepherds

It's been a long time since I read Genesis from beginning to end. I love the historical stories that it shares. Today I read Gen 44-46, about Joseph revealing himself to his brothers during the famine. A couple of items caught my attention.

When Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to get his father and all his relatives, the last thing he told them was "Don't quarrel on the way!" We have five children, two of them boys, and some of their quarrels are pretty spectacular. I can only imagine what it would be like to have 12 boys (well, actually grown men) travelling together for a long period of time. Just the quarrels over directions must have been rowdy!

The other item that I found interesting was near the end of chapter 46 -- verses 31-34. Joseph told his family to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds. Since they were shepherds, I wonder why Joseph had to explain this. The last verse states that "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." Shepherds were almost always looked down upon regardless of the culture they were in. They were smelly, sunburnt loners who didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the world. Many of God's favorite people were shepherds -- Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, David, and those he chose to tell first of His son's birth.

It would do us well to remember that God has a special place in His heart for those who seem to be outcasts...as should we!

The Touch of God

Our boys are in a basketball program called Upwards -- it is really neat! They learn the basics of the sport while learning sportsmanship and Christian living. They had their first game today. It was fun to watch a group of first and second graders trying to get the ball and shoot -- regardless of who had the ball to start with (they even took it away from their teammates!). At halftime one of the officials gave a devotional. While I read the beginning of Genesis just a week or so ago, he taught me something new.

I had never paid attention to the fact that God spoke the world and it's inhabitants into being...all except for man. Man was so important to Him that he formed Him lovingly with His own hands. Then he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. All the animals came to life without this personal touch.

God's glory never fails to amaze me. He put Himself in to our creation -- literally. And He wants the best for us no matter what we do.

Bible In A Year

Ok, I've found a plan for reading the Bible through in a year and I've decided to take on the challenge! I know I'll have some days when I miss my assignment, so I actually started reading ahead last year (is it cheating to read the Bible????). I also know that I'll have some trouble when I get to Leviticus...I've already decided that I'll switch to "The Message" version and hopefully that will help.

Maybe using this blog to record insights will also help me blog more often! Let me know if you want to join along in the reading. I'm using the plan that can be found at http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/freetools/brp1year.aspx

I hope this year is one of joy, peace, and growth for all.

16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)

Proving Our Love

Today's Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

As I walk by the television, there is yet another commercial for outrageously expensive gifts. I don't watch much tv, but over the past few weeks I've seen ads for many presents that cost in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. "Show her your love; buy diamonds." "Doesn't he deserve the best (a car ad)." And many more that show children with more toys than they could possibly play with...one even makes a 'toy angel' with all of them.

Why is it that we give each other gifts on Jesus' birthday? Shouldn't we be giving HIM gifts?

Then it hit me...God gave us the gift of salvation because He loved us. He gave us the moon, the stars, and Heaven to show how much he adored us. And now we make feeble attempts to show others how much we love them by giving gifts.

Over the years the gifts have become more of an obligation than a demonstration of love. We want to give our kids the latest, biggest, and best. Each year is supposed to be a magical, memorable celebration. I wonder if my kids even remember what they received last year? Most of us don't even know why we do it...it's just what you do at this time of year.

I'm thankful that I still have time to rethink this holiday season. We've purchased several gifts, and will continue to do so within the budget we've set, but I want to consciously think of ways to show people love, not just shower them with gifts.

I pray that we all may feel the love of God as we go through this holiday season, and that we can find tangible ways to show that love to others.

Poor Reflections

Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)

If you were to talk on the phone with a police artist, could you describe yourself well enough that he or she could draw you? No fair looking in a mirror or at a picture of yourself. Quick, think about your face and try to describe it. It's easy to get the main features, eye color, hair color, skin tone, but it's actually pretty difficult to provide specific details beyond that. Most likely we would exaggerate some features (those we especially like or dislike) and ignore others.

Even if you could help the artist create a stunning likeness, it is only the external parts that would be shown, not who you really are. No drawing, not even a photograph, can portray the real you.

One of my favorite exercises in leadership development training is to have each participant introduce himself or herself to another person. The room buzzes with conversations about where people work, what their jobs are, personal hobbies and interests, and family descriptions. Then I ask the participants to describe themselves without talking about job, family, or hobbies. There is usually a dead silence - we don't really know who we are without the trappings of everyday life.

If we don't know ourselves well, how can we possibly understand God and His majesty? So many things happen on earth that we can't comprehend. That doesn't mean they are wrong, it just shows how little we are capable of grasping about the workings of the world. Yet God sees it all. He knows us perfectly, and His plan is brilliant if you know all the details.

When I don't understand why something is happening in my life, I try to remember that I don't even fully know myself (too bad I don't do that before I struggle for days with wonder and worry). It's not my job to understand, just to obey. I'm thankful that our God is all knowing and in control. With the added knowledge that He wins in the end it is easier to accept things that don't make sense to me. I'm really looking forward to seeing the details of His big picture when I get to Heaven!

God is Big Enough for Me

Key Verse: Isaiah 6:1 "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple." (NIV)

How big do you think God is? Yes, one of my favorite children's videos says that He is "bigger than the boogeyman," but I can't begin to comprehend how big He really is.

We have a fabulous new worship center in our church. As I was sitting in the service the other day I read Isaiah 6:1, above. His robe fills the temple. I've seen the pictures of the face of Jesus larger than the Earth, but I guess I never really thought about the size and majesty of Heaven. Think of a royal robe, all red and fuzzy with fur on the edges (well, the first robe that comes to my mind is that purple rug that the Cowardly Lion used in the Land of Oz; the U.S. doesn't have much exposure to regal clothing). It usually trails a few feet behind the royal figure, and he or she gently pushes it aside to sit on the throne.

God is big enough to manage a robe that fills any temple we can possibly build for Him, and then some. Yet he cares enough for me to take care of my daily needs. Thank you, Lord!

Putting the Awe in Autumn

Key Verse - You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

I love living in a place with four distinct seasons. In March I will be the first to tell you that Spring is my favorite season. I practically dance around the yard looking for the first green shoots of daffodils, my favorite 'happy' flower. As the season progresses, my family suffers through daily updates on the latest perennials to pop through the fertile dirt.

But as I age, I have to say that Autumn is becoming my favorite season. Of course, it doesn't look the same in all parts of the country. I am partial to the multiple colors of the Midwest. There are so many shades of green, gold, orange, and red that it is beyond my comprehension. Some gold trees practically glow in the sunshine as they try to outshine their peers. Then there are the sweet gums -- I never realized that orange, pink, and red looked so good together!

We drove down the highway for about 45 minutes the other day, and my nose was practically pressed to the window. Each time we rounded a bend, I had to catch my breath. Every new hill was more colorful than the last. At this time of year I fully understand the concept of being so awed that my heart swells. I can't get enough of the beauty.

While Spring reminds us that life goes on, Autumn seems to be a opportunity for God to show off. Each October the world sings and applauds His glory.

Update

Genesis 22:14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said,"On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." (NIV)

I finished posting the last message when I heard a car door outside. I looked out, and my very helpful, very strong neighbor was in his front yard. I asked for help, and he came right over. After putting his full weight on the lugwrench and jumping up and down several times, all lug nuts finally broke free (I'm secretly glad it wasn't really easy...I would have felt like a wimp!).

He is a Godly man, and during our conversation he mentioned that "God always sends a ram from the bushes." No matter what our needs are, God will provide. Thank you, Jim, for the reminder and for lending your strength to change the tire. And thank you, God, for providing yet again.

Accepting Weakness

Verse for the day: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV, taken from www.biblegateway.com)

Ugh, I hate when I can't handle everything that comes along. All the 'boys' in our house are on a camping trip, and I got a flat tire this morning. No problem; my Dad, in his wisdom, made me learn how to change a tire before I was allowed to drive the car. I was driving my husband's car, so I'd never changed a tire on it before. What could be so hard?

I unloaded the trunk and figured out how to get the spare tire and the jack out (not a very self-explanatory set up). The jack was wedged into place and it took a lot of tugging, but I finally got it. Taking the wheel cover off was another story. The car manual's picture didn't look anything like the actual wheel, and there wasn't a tool in the kit that fit -- it looked like I needed a large allen wrench. There wasn't one in the tire changing kit, and I couldn't find one in our house. I finally got it off using a large screwdriver.

Next I knew I needed to loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Every single one of them must be glued on! I twisted, turned, jumped, kicked, and even hammered at the lug wrench. Not a single nut will budge!

This is so frustrating. I have the knowledge, and I have the basic strength to change a tire, but I am unable to do the job. Why do I hesitate to ask for help? I don't want anyone to think I'm not capable, but what difference does that make anyway?

If it is so hard for me to ask other people for help, I know I am not turning to God for the help He can offer, either. I want to handle everything, but like the lug nuts, my life won't budge without God's strength making the change. Lord, Help me to turn to you for strength. You know what my life needs, and you know how to make the changes. Help me not to be stubborn as you work to make me new. Oh, and send someone strong to help me change the tire!

I need to act my age...

Verse for the Day: Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools (NIV)

I knew before my feet left the ground that this was a mistake. When will I listen to that voice in my head? My daughter was working hard to improve her cartwheels and round-offs and I was observing and offering advice. I used to do gymnastics a lot -- I joke that I've spent 2 - 3 years of my life upside down. She went inside to wrap her wrist so it would be stronger, and I thought that I'd try a cartwheel and round-off so I could better explain what you do at different points in each stunt.

I walked around to the side of the house so no one would see me; that should have been my first clue that this stunt wouldn't go as planned! I stretched a little and tucked my shirt in (must be modest!), then I started. My hands went down well, and the cartwheel felt comfortable and familiar -- until I was upside down and my arm decided it didn't want to support my weight. Everything moved in slow motion, and my feet landed awkwardly as I crashed on my shoulder.

Of course, the first thing I did was look around to see if anyone saw me! Then I moved everything to be sure I wasn't broken. I got up quickly and went back to the stone wall where I'd been sitting while watching my daughter. She came out and was none the wiser. After several more attempts and definite improvement, we decided she'd had enough and started back into the house. Hmm. Things weren't moving as smoothly as usual. I'd slightly pulled a muscle in my leg and pinched a ligament in my back (as I found out later). So, for now I get to sleep sitting up and I can't stand or sit for more than five minutes without having to move.

When will I admit that I'm getting old? I know you are only as old as you feel, but somewhere common sense needs to kick in. I have given lots of people a good laugh, though, and disappointed many since there isn't a video tape of my folly. Guess I'm back to sitting on the sidelines!

Beating the Beetles

As published on Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today, Sep 29, 2006

Key Verse:Song of Solomon 2:15, “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” (NIV)

Monday I stood in awe of God’s majesty. While we were on vacation, He took exquisite care of my little border garden. The roses were thick with fragrance; coneflowers, phlox, and tall spires of purple loosestrife bloomed in colorful profusion. The diversity of His imagination always amazes me. I smiled at the thought of Him designing each flower on the third day of creation. Instead of producing thousands of identical blooms, he created a plethora of color, shape, and fragrance for us to enjoy.
Tuesday, less than 24 hours later, I peeked at the garden for a mid-day smile. My joy turned to ashes. Japanese beetles had infested my loosestrife and roses destroying every bloom! I’m sure my neighbors laughed out loud as I stormed out the back door attacking now bare stems with a tennis racquet while a swarm of disturbed beetles buzzed my head. I called my husband and insisted that he stop at the hardware store on the way home for a trap with torture-like properties.
He of course came through with an effective trap (no torture…) and he put it up immediately. We watched together as confused beetles flew toward its bait while we mourned the loss of the garden’s glory.
This morning I looked out the window amazed. Not only were the beetles gone, gentle purple blossoms had returned to the loosestrife. I was reminded that God’s mercies are new each day. Yesterday’s crisis was visible only when I looked at the bag on the yellow beetle trap that swelled with its catch.
It occurred to me that this situation was a metaphor for our marriage. One day everything looks and feels wonderful. We go out of our way to do special things for each other for the sole purpose of seeing the other one smile. Then the beetles, or as Solomon says ‘the little foxes,’ take over our lives and eat away the joyful moments. The children whine, the dog throws up, the washer breaks, and supper burns. When he gets home, I ‘greet’ my hardworking husband with a scowl and jump right in to tell him how horrible everything is. All he can see is the shadow of the joyful wife he left in the morning.
I hate when I focus on the negatives and forget that I am here to support and provide tangible love to my spouse and family. Thankfully God provides a fresh start each morning. I can ask for forgiveness for yesterday’s failings (from both God and my husband), and I can focus on the blossoms of today’s joy. Yes, things will go wrong, but I can manage my attitude so the day isn’t ruined. I want to shoo away the negative attitudes so that my husband comes home to the peaceful place and loving wife that he deserves.
My Prayer for Today:
Lord, I thank You for Your amazing creation – yes, even the Japanese beetles. Continue to remind me that our troubles are only temporary, and that Your love is eternal. Help me to focus on Your blessings and to keep the world’s little hassles in proper priority. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Today when something goes wrong, look for a blessing. If it is something that you will laugh about in the future, be forward thinking and laugh today. If it’s too hard to smile, at least recognize your efforts to effectively deal with the situation.
Prepare to meet your spouse at the end of the day. Comb your hair; find a reason to smile, and think about the type of greeting you want to give. Don’t talk about anything that went wrong in your day for at least 15 minutes.
Do something special for your spouse today in secret.
Reflection Points:
Would you like to come home to yourself at the end of the day? What can you do to make this stressful time more peaceful for both you and your spouse?
What are the ‘little foxes’ in your marriage? How can you actively work to minimize their impact on your attitude?
What have you done lately to show your husband that you love him?
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (NIV)
Philippians 2:14-15, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (NIV)