Funerals and Baby Showers

Celebration of life.....one going out and one coming in......sorrow and joy mixed. That combination can bring us to our knees with questions in our minds and wonder in our hearts. The complexity of it can be overwhelming, yet the simplicity of its unwavering occurrence leaves us often taking it all for granted. There is birth and there is death. In a physical sense, it seems cut and dried. But on a deeper emotional  and spiritual level, the only cutting and drying that occurs is the cutting of heart and the drying of tears.

As our family eagerly prepares for the entry of a new baby girl, we mourn the unexpected losses of  two family members.  It's ironic that we call a pregnant woman, one who is "Expecting" and then use the same term as we describe a sudden death, as one that was "Unexpected". Maybe it should be the other way around? After all, we "Expect" that all people will die, but never are quite sure when one would be blessed with new life...right? But what if, instead of separating it all out, it could become one? What if we had no expectations except that new life passes into New Life? It's all more connected than we may think. This life is temporary, yet we have such a hard time letting go. But New Life is eternal......instead of letting go, we can embrace it and hang on to the fact that death as we know it, is really only the beginning of eternal New Life for a believer.

As we enter in to Holy Week, we ponder the most heart wrenching death of all.....the Crucifixion of Jesus; and we celebrate the most wondrous truth of all....the Resurrection of Jesus. His life here on Earth as one of us was temporary, but had an earth shattering purpose. What He did on the Cross made it possible to connect that gap between temporary and eternal. His resurrection is proof of His "realness" .....proof that He indeed is our Lord and Savior.......and proof that we too can be resurrected into New Life as we accept this to be true and live a life following AFTER Him, until we are called to eternal life WITH Him.  As we die to our self focused ways, and take up His Cross.....where His forgiveness bled down.....we become one with eternal life.....New Life. Oh, the Bliss of it!

We celebrate life, both at Baby Showers AND Funerals, because life has earth shattering purpose. We welcome fresh new babies with Hope, and we say good-bye to those who have left us........with Hope.

And in between, we live with earth shattering purpose.....shattering all expectations that bind us to earthly limitations and hopelessness. We live while embracing the heavenly realm of loving God and one another. And we live forwardly, in expectancy of what is to come......when birth is just birth and death is no more.

"Now Faith is the confidence of what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see"

 Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this Faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living." Hebrews 11:1 (The Message)

Be Still My Soul by Kara Althoff

                  Peaceful Iona sunset

Have you ever had to swallow something so bitter that it leaves a vacuum-like hollow spot deep in your gut?  I'm not talking about literally swallowing something....although it definately feels like it sometimes when troubles asail us doesn't it?  I'm talking about the times when you find out that your friend has Cancer, or your child is in trouble, or someone you've loved has suddenly died, or you have been betrayed at the deepest level.  I don't like that horrible helpless feeling that washes over me when something "bitter-tasting" occurs, but like a literal swallowing, it is the initial shock that is the worst, and then the digestion begins.

Lately, it seems like everywhere I turn, I am hearing about tragedy, violence, heartache, illness, and betrayal.  A person can get downright down-under if the burdens of the world are allowed to take over in her heart.  But the reality is, we are exposed to such agonizing things because they are part of the fabric of our lives.  I'm not gonna lie....I would rather put my head in the sand to avoid facing things.  And sometimes I turn and run swiftly in the opposite direction to try and escape the sorrow.  I've never been a "face it head on" kinda girl.  But some things just hit head-on whether we want it to or not.  

When I am consumed with "self", I tend to choke on the "bitter things" more easily.  But when my eyes are fixed on Jesus, most things pale in comparison to His amazing grace and His mysterious ways of revealing sparkling beauty and sweetness amidst the bitterness.  When I truly take the time to look around at all of the good that is happening in this world, and in my life and in the lives of those I love, I find peace.  When I am still, I remember that the Lord is on my side and has my best interest at heart...as He does all His children.  His will trumps all wills.  Oh, but I do wrestle with my "self" so often!  I have to make a conscious effort to stop and look around and let go  of the things that tie me into knots.  

I have recently read a book called, " The Hardest Peace" by Kara Tippets and have been following her blog called Mundane Faithfulness.  I have been truly humbled as I have followed her journey through Cancer.  She has 4 young children and a vibrant heart for the Lord.....but she is dying.  This woman, despite her pain and suffering, has maintained her ministry of speaking such wonder and love to a vast audience of readers.  She has been faithful and persistent in sharing the goodness of God, even in her darkest days.  She is honest and open about the hardest peace, but she always comes to one conclusion.....she has Jesus, and He is enough.  I have been moved deeply by her words and her faith.

http://youtu.be/rKDC4ugYQOk

No matter what happens in this world, Jesus has overcome it and HE IS ENOUGH.  Therefore, we can swallow those bitter things trust Him to help us digest and work through them in HIS strength.  We can trust Him to not only get us through them, we can trust Him to use them to bring about new faith and new discoveries of His vast character of love and grace.  So......take a deep breath and breathe Him in.  Let His Spirit fill your soul as you sit in stillness before Him.  Allow His Presence to be your focus and peace in this crazy mixed-up world.  His sweetness will overshadow the bitter things as He reveals the goodness that is happening all around.  And........the best is yet to come for those who trust Him!

"Be Still, My Soul"
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Shelter from the wind

        

             Internet photo

I read somewhere that when there are strong winds, birds often fly directly in to the wind instead of away from the wind. Why? Because they know that the winds will lift them to greater heights, bringing them closer to the warmth of the sun.

The wind has been howling all night long on this cold November day. Our bedroom is on the second floor of our house, and at times, I thought the roof was going to blow right off!  But I know better. I know the roof is secured by layers of shingles, wood, insulation, and many strong nails.  Though the wind may be forceful, our shelter is secure. 

Sufferings are the winds of life, and Satan's torments are always lashing at the windows of our soul. In fact, sometimes I feel like the winds might knock me right down. But our refuge in the Lord is secure. We are protected by layers of His loving forgiveness, and insulated by His Word, because He endured the wood and nails of the Cross that saved us from the eternal destruction of the winds of sin. 

The winds of Satan's torments are meant for harm, but what Satan means for harm, God uses for good. Just like those birds who fly in to the wind, we too can trust God to bring us to greater heights of faith as we trust Him in our struggles, and bring us closer and closer to the warmth of The Son.

They say you can't really see the wind itself.  It is an invisible force that can only be evidenced by how it affects things that we CAN see. What if we were one of those things that others can see in the wind? What if, instead of destruction, they could see us standing firm like a firmly rooted tree?  Though we may sway and bend at times, we can stand strong because when our faith is deeply rooted in Christ, we will not be knocked down.

What kinds of winds are blowing in your life right now? Will you remember that in Jesus, your refuge is secure? He will strengthen your roots of faith as you trust Him to lift you to greater heights of His love.

Sand Castles out of Dust

It was a hot, dry afternoon and little Maisy had decided she had had enough antique shopping for one day, so Auntie Kara took her outside to play. Unfortunately, the parking lot was not ideal for a 3 year old to play in. Just as I was about to suggest a little walk around the block, she excitedly said," I'm going to make a sand castle!"  (Don't you just love toddler 'accents'?!). 

Well, at this point I took pity upon the poor child-----I mean, how in the world was she going to make a sand castle out of practically NOTHING?  Other than a thin layer of dirt and tiny pebbles, the parking lot seemed void of hope for a sand castle. As I was busy doubting, Maisy's tiny hands went to work! She built a small mound and patted it all smooth with tender care.  I stood watching, thinking, "oh bless her heart!" I was ready to move on when she reached for a few tiny little twigs and gingerly poked them in like tiny flags, proudly declaring the importance of her little castle.  I complimented her effort ....but she wasn't done yet! 

Maisy stood up and scanned the parking lot, obviously seeing more potential in that dusty parking lot. Her ponytail bounced as she ran over to some small rocks. She exclaimed, "there's some pretty rocks over here!  I'm going to c'lect 'em!" One by one she took each rock over and carefully placed it near her castle. As I visited with her mommy who had just come out from the store, Maisy was working on her masterpiece. When I looked down, I was amazed! Each rock was placed according to it's size, creating a grand entrance to the wonderful castle. It was then that I started to feel very small....and Maisy was looking more and more wise by the minute.

Just when I thought there could be NOTHING more she could do, (Oh me of little faith!) the 3-year old wonder stood up and scanned that old parking lot yet again. I glanced as she headed toward some old bushes that were up against the hot brick building.  With my doubting eyes, I saw NOTHING, but Maisy.....well she saw SOMETHING!  And here she came running back with 2 bright pink little flowers that she had spotted on the bush! Who woulda thunk it?!  It was the end of summer....and the blooms should have been done, but nope, not today!

With a big smile of satisfaction, Maisy placed those precious treasures upon her "Sand Castle" and stood back to admire her works.......and it was then that I got it!  The faith of a child knows no bounds. Where there is hope, SOMETHING can always be made from NOTHING.  Because the truth of the matter is this.....NOTHING is SOMETHING. You see, everything has a purpose, it just takes faith to see it.

The Laying of Hands

Up before the crack of dawn, I sit at my dining room table with a heavy heart.....a mother's heart, heavy laden with sorrow for the changes life has brought her child.  I longingly look over at the photo on the table......the one that has been sitting there since 2006 when we took a family trip together and lined up  before dinner to have a quick photo shoot.  

I look at the photo with an ache of wanting the past to be now...wanting to have those kids near again. I almost feel their hands upon me as I gaze at the picture...I almost hear their joy over the ticking of the clock above my head.  Oh, to have my hand upon that son again....holding him steady and keeping him safe.

I pray and pray for all things bad to be brought to good.....the way God promises.  I pray and pray for the strength to endure the process. I pray for wisdom to know how to take the next step and for faith to trust my feet to move in those steps....because sometimes I can become downright paralyzed with fear.

The Bible verse for the day pops up on my cellphone...."Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective". James 5:16   Suddenly there is a spark of hope that ignites from deep within my heart, because even in my "paralysis", there is always a prayer, and accompanying that prayer are countless other prayers from all around.  Faithful friends and family pour out their hearts in prayer and in a powerful swirl, they ascend and are heard by the ear of God.  Like a single breath in the atmosphere of a million breaths, our prayers join and become part of the huge and  powerful plea for help in this very lost world. 

I glance at the photo again, and this time I see it all-together differently.  Instead of longing and sorrow, I have hope as I see the laying of the hands.  

As my dear friend endured cancer, we had several opportunities to pray for her....and when there were too many hands to all be able to touch her, we would lay our hands on the person next to us, and that person would touch the person next to them until all hands led to the one being prayed over.   There is power in the joining of hands and hearts and whispers of prayer....there is healing and restoration that happens when we all come together on the behalf of one another.  And I, for the first time, notice the laying of the hands on my son in that photo.

Profound....it is absolutely profound how God can use something like that to give a mama hope.  But the realization of how one single prayer can make a difference just knocked me off my chair and on to my knees......and I thanked God for all of the people in my life that offer up their pleas to God on my behalf......on my family's behalf......and on my child's behalf......because those prayers are the "laying of the hands" upon the very ones that need healed.......and isn't that each one of us?  We all need the healing hand of God upon us, and through fervent prayers offered up, we can petition for one another in a chorus of hope, knowing that our gracious God hears and will answer in His own way.  That gives me peace.  And I am grateful beyond words.

Steadfast in the Storm

 God is within her, she will not fall;

                               God will help her at the break of day.    

                                                                              Psalm 46:5

I am awakened by the wind whistling through my open bedroom window.  It is still dark outside and the rain is falling, falling, falling......

I get up and go downstairs to make a cup of tea because I cannot sleep.  So many things seem to be shaking in the wind.....so many thoughts and concerns swirl in chaos in my heart and mind.

I look out the front window and the little tree is being blasted by bouts of sporadic wind.  The leaves flip so their dull colored backsides are shown.  But she is steadfast and instead of shaking, she sways with the currents of cold misty air.  

I've been watching her for 2 weeks in that little tree.  A mama Mourning Dove bravely made her nest on a low branch just 10 feet from our front porch.  And on those 2 little white eggs she sits, and sits, and sits.  It's only when I walk too close that she takes flight with a whimper, and watches from a nearby tree.  I've been watching.  I've been seeing her steadfastness, even in the storms.  I've been noticing how she sways instead of shaking......and how she stays instead of stirring.

                            Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

                                          He lifts His voice,

                                          the Earth melts.

                                The Lord Almighty is with us;

                             the God of Jacob is our fortress.

                                                                   Psalm 46:6-7

And now there is a hush..........shhhhhhhhh

It's quiet now

The sun is rising

And all that I hear is the cheerful chirps of those who have weathered the storm.

              BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

                                                                                                                                        Psalm 46:10

                                    

Thirsty

Are you thirsty?

Sometimes I don't drink enough water.  I know this is not good, but I let my busyness distract me from drinking enough water in the day.  Sometimes I don't even realize that I am thirsty.....

Did you know that there are real side effects of not drinking enough water?  For example, one of the side effects of not drinking enough water is a taxing effect on our kidneys. They are not able to remove the toxins from our body effectively as they don’t have enough ‘fluid’ to flush our systems the way they are meant to. Instead, they overwork trying to flush ‘sludge’ instead of fluid from our system and hence can’t properly clean the urea and uric acid (amongst other toxins) the way they are meant to.

Other side effects include achy joints, headaches, fatigue, dry skin, irritability and depression....all which could be related to the inability to remove the toxins from our body.

The bottom line is, we don't feel or act our best when we don't drink enough water.  

Yesterday was a nice sunny day....one of the first warm days of the spring.  I mowed the lawn and as I finished, my head was pounding, my mouth was dry and I was out of energy.  But, after 5 or 6 glasses of water, I started feeling much better.  I felt restored and rejuvenated and was ready to take on the next thing on my list!  

There have been times that I simply retreated and succumbed to that head-pounding fatigue without replenishing my body with fluids-----the result?  Headache, lethargy, and slothfulness! 

Sometimes I just need somebody to remind me to drink water because it doesn't come naturally.  Sometimes I just need to keep a big drink bottle right in my presence so I remember to keep taking big gulps.

 I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble....Jeremiah 31:9

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3

All through scripture, there are references to water.  Jesus reminds me that HE is the water I need.....the Living Water. And He will lead me and remind me that only He can quench a true thirst.

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

When I am spiritually dry because of neglecting to spend time with God, those toxins of doubt, fear, pride, self-centeredness, and anger, circulate in my body and the result?  Fuzzy-headed vision that fails to see things through the eyes of God, weakness and fatigue from the circumstances of life, and slothful living that wastes precious time that could be spent glorifying God.  

But by His Grace, I am restored and rejuvenated as He cleanses and fills me with the living water of His Spirit.

Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Isaiah 32:2

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

And by that Water, we drink and we drink and we drink.  And we are cleansed and we are filled. We are filled and we overflow with the fruits born of the Water.  The fruits of the Spirit. 

I am thirsty.

Like that big water-bottle I keep in my presence to remind me to take big gulps, I keep my Bible near to remind me to drink in His Word.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

And after a few big gulps of His Word, I am ready to take on the next thing in my life!