John Testifies Again About Jesus

John 3:22-36

"After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” NIV

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I’ve tried to watch a few times but invariably have to back away. Even terminal boredom from an empty docket fails to provide enough oomph to goad me through an entire episode. From the snippets I have endured, however, Bridezilla is a reality show about brides adamant that all wedding plans concentrate on her. Everyone else, family, friends, hired wedding personnel, and even the groom himself, are second to her and at her beckon call, no questions asked. Whenever the spotlight drifts away, she pitches a fit until she’s once again the center of attention. It’s a distressing commentary that’s much too sad for me to watch. (If you watch it don't feel bad, you're just stronger for the topic.)

My husband, a professional photographer, says his most miserable bride was one insatiably consumed with how she looked. Unable to meet her own impossible standards, this treasured time was polluted with her dismal self-centered attitude. While he nearly always comes home with amusing stories of each marriage celebration, this event was most glum as he helplessly watched her sabotage the day.

Brides aren’t the only ones temped to miss the heart of a matter. We, as the bride of Christ, can stray from focus as well. Take Simon the Sorcerer for example. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money saying, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:18-19

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Verse 13 tells us that Simon of Samaria believed and was baptized. For all we know his confession of faith was genuine at the time, but being a bit of a Bridezilla himself, giving up the spotlight proved more than he could handle. He wasn't totally off the wall either because according to verses 9-11 he had a lot to give up,

“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.”

Simon had a corner office in the highest building in the city and wasn’t open for a downgrade. Using money to motivate the duo, he proposed a two-fold option to Peter and John designed to grant him a godly gift that would make him even more rich and popular. As a third party reader it all sounds too awful to comprehend, but how many times have we, the bride of Christ, attempt to embezzle honor that is rightfully God's? I don't know how many times the Lord has convicted my heart as I marvel at the talent of a Christian teacher or musician rather than the message He was conveying through them. Yes, they are great but He is the focus, never the talent in which He bestows. Then there are the legions of times I’ve attempted to pilfer a few kudos off work I’ve done for Him, failing to discern the Christian Brizedilla stirring in my own heart. Oh the shameful truth of it all. Please tell me you can relate.

The more I learn about John the Baptist the more I admire this last great Old Testament prophet. Paving the way for a new era in God's kingdom, he is truly one of a kind and as much as I've pondered all the men and women of the Bible, I still cannot come up with one more humble than this great forerunner. Many were humbled, but John was genuine from his inception. Having every reason to be seriously puffed with pride, he became less so that Christ could become greater. It convicts and comforts me all in one swoop and I can't wait to meet John in heaven one day. I don't know what he looks like but I'm pretty sure I know where to find him, at the foot of the throne where he's no doubt most comfortable.

Application:

As a member of the bride of Christ, do you suffer from any Bridezillian tendencies?

Name one area in your life where Christ must become greater and you must become smaller.

Like Simon the Sorcerer, have you ever attempted to bribe God for a personal gift or ability? What has been His response to your request?

Take a moment to thank God for our privileged position as His beautiful bride! May we live up to the position each day and in every way.

Simple Things

Living with Dani's Autism is like a strip of velcro, soft smooth loops on one side and contrasting prickly spurs on the other. With odd, freakish, and rather effortless skill, her disability manages to evoke a perplexing mix of frustration and fascination in her father and me even still today.

As an example, she is in essence a geographical savant with regards to knowing her way around the Kansas City area. It takes but one visit to any spot in town to burn a permanent memory into her mind, lending her precise recall of what transpired at that particular location. At 22 years old she still points out places I took her when she was only five. It's utterly amazing but only the smooth loops of her sticky Velcro life. There's a knottier and much more complex side.

Like the time Jimmy took her to the grocery store she's frequented with us nearly every week of her life. Thinking he'd kill two birds with one stone, he assigned her a job to do while he finished up at the check out counter. Her task was simple, return the cart to its corral that was within eye shot, no more than 20 feet away. It was a no-brainer for a geographic guru, or so you'd think. Seems after releasing the cart to its pen, the trek back was more than she could handle. With a surge of panic washing over her like a tidal wave, she franticly began searching for the one counter that lodged her dad, which had mysteriously dissolved into a sea of checkouts. Putting his exchange on hold, he ran to her aid, thus rescuing her from thorny side of Autism.

The human race is both complex and amazing as a general rule, while those with developmental disabilities are a more advanced race you might say. Possessing clear deficiencies on one hand, they can display unmistakeable intelligence just as easily on the other. Many are as complex as they are simple, and for me, Dani's simplicity is her most fascinating feature. She can watch a favorite children's video hundreds of times, with each session bewitchingly newer than the one before. While she has the capacity to suffer boredom like anyone else, she never seems to tire of her videos.

Her simplicity used to bug the tar out of me back in the days when developmental delay poked at my hidden fear she'd never be normal. Every time she'd burst into tears because I asked her to do something as simple as hand me the remote that was less than 12" from her hand, I'd want to bellow "why can't you do the simplest thing!" Her increasingly palpable impairment was scaring me to death as it aimed me toward a future I surely dreaded. Through the years, however, I've grown accustom to her elementary ways and find they bring a strange peace into my own rather tricky life.

This picture of her on Saint Patrick's day, for example,refreshes my soul as I survey the joy this green flower lei and shamrock bedazzled tiara brings to her. Truth is they won't last long and she most likely did not construct the accessories herself, but these fine details don't dampen her delight. No gift of gold could bring her greater joy because God has entitled her with an ability to see the world with a heart that understands less is genuinely more. Mercy sakes alive. How I need this precious daily reminder.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~ Leonardo DaVinci

If Ever a Time to Pray

Nearly everywhere we turn media greets us with violence, corruption, and tragedy. With society no longer consisting primarily of a local community, television and Internet swallows the span of miles, bringing all of humanity to our own back yard.

When the disciples asked Jesus what the sign of His coming and the end of the age would be He replied, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:4-8

While the world has entertained earthquakes, famines, tyrannical leaders, and wars since the beginning of time, our modern one-world civilization not only brings these sobering realities into our homes, but now directly into the palm of our hands. Straight as a crow flies, catastrophe and misfortune no sooner happen before transmitted into presence. If we're not careful it can breed great anxiety and distress, which is why prayer is so important in these last days.

Without hiding our heads in the sand, prayer provides the strength needed to be aware of what's going on in the world without becoming overwhelmed. It offers great power during otherwise helpless times and enables us to accomplish in the spiritual realm things we could never achieve in the physical. I love how it equips me to rise above the frailty of my weak and limited flesh. When I can do nothing physically to help another in need, I can tap into the power of our eternal God through prayer, an honor and privilege bestowed to children of the Lord.

As I watch footage from Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami, while my heart aches for their pain and loss, I hold true to my personal decree to never remain stagnate in grief. After all, what good does my mourning do for those in need if it fails to propel me toward prayer? I've long since learned that pain is in fact a vital nutrient for powerful prayer. Perhaps this is why God does not always spare us from distress but chooses to walk with us amidst our sorry so we may commune with Him on a level deeper than possible in seasons of ease and comfort.

Times are becoming increasing tougher as the coming of Jesus approaches. Like a woman in labor, the earth groans for His return and with wars, famines, and persecution on the rise, maintaining an inner balance will only become a greater challenge. If you feel overwhelmed when turning on the news, instead of turning it off (even though there is a time to do just that) or helpless and hopeless, turn your heart toward God. Cling to the truth that He is in control and nothing catches Him by surprise. He hears your prayers and grants great peace to those who medicate on Him.

Take heart in knowing that even though heaven and earth will one day pass away, the word of God lives for ever. He is our solid foundation and when we stand on Him, we will not be shaken. Current events of today must come to pass for our Savior's return. In the meantime, He promises to provide all our needs. What a refreshing breath of air!

Dear Father bless those who are suffering in the tragedy of this day. Move your Spirit in a mighty way and show your great power. Strengthen those who are weak and guide the lost. Watch over those tending to rescue efforts and guard their hearts and minds of the horror that lies ahead. Use this time to bring about your kingdom's come and grant us increased faith so we may shine your light in this ever-so-dark world. Keep the eyes of our heart on you in both the good and bad times for we love you Lord, Savior, and King!
Amen.

Feel free to write a prayer of your own on behalf of those in need.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 3: 1-21 (NIV)

“1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

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In my early teens I worked in a hospital with my mother. We worked together in the Recovery Room (the place patients wake up after surgery), which proved to be a great foundation for my career. The nurses and physicians were not only great people, but a wealth of knowledge during my years in nursing school. Several have turned into life-long friends whom I keep in contact with still today.

I smile as I ponder fond memories of one anesthesiologist in particular. A short older man with more salt than peppered hair, Dr. Melgard was the Alex Trebek of our post anesthesia unit. Not every time but at his random choosing, he'd accompany a patient into the unit, hand the patient over to the nurse, and meander over to the nurses desk. Reserved and unassuming, he'd capture our attention by quizzing us for a definition of some odd and obscure word. He'd choose words no average person ever heard let alone be able to define and I don't recall our ever knowing any of his words right off the bat, which is what made it so fun. We were all on the same playing field as we'd each pitch forth a hypothetical definition that seemed to fit by saying something like, "That sounds like a new fangled thing you'd wash your face with" or "That sounds like an exotic animal that lives in a tree along the Nile River." It was hilarious to hear all the descriptions our ignorant but well meaning minds would concoct. No one but Dr. Melgard knew the real answer and he never let on. Once we were done guessing he'd reveal the word's true definition, which invariably made our bizarre answers all the more comical. Dr. M was a warm, humble, and approachable man. He taught me no question was silly or stupid if I didn't know the answer, making me all the more likely to pick his brain for information. I love and miss Dr. Melgard. He was my personal Jeopardy host.

As Dr. Melgard made me feel welcome to approach, Jesus seemed to have the same affect on Nicodemus. I used to think Nicodemus' "Nic at Night" approach was more cowardly than courageous, but have since changed my mind. Yes, it's possible he was a coward, but it's also entirely plausible curiosity and conviction drew him to his long awaited Messiah. After all, he was a high ranking ruler of the Jews and coming to Jesus in broad day light could have sparked serious turmoil, whereas a nightly visit offered more privacy and less opposition from his fellow Jewish leaders. He sought truth over drama and I admire his gutsy wisdom to seek light in the midst of great darkness.

Nicodemus' few questions were met with a holy discourse and I suspect he left Jesus that night with his mind a whirl, faced with the daunting notion of a Spirit that is like a wind and the mind scorching vision of rebirth. (That one seemed to blow his mind most of all bless his heart.) Imagine the expression on his face as he walked through the inky black night. My mind's eye sees him traversing the terrain with a slow jerky gait, much like a mummy, with eyes wide as an owl's and jaw slightly ajar. You can't tell me the cloak of darkness wasn't his ally at this point in time.

This particular story doesn't state how Nicodemus received these words from Jesus this fateful night, but his later actions do. As a man of quiet power, he defended Jesus before the Jews as the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Him (John 7:25-52) and later teamed up with Joseph of Arimathea to provide 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus' body for burial. (John 19:38-42) He risked his life to defend Jesus in front of the Jewish leaders and later honor his Savior at His death and burial. This grants evidence that his stealthy visit did in fact change his heart forever. Choosing moonlight over the spot light, he followed Christ with exemplary faith, making me sorry I ever doubted this nocturnal scout.

Application:

What spiritual concept or life's circumstance perplexes your heart as much as Jesus's description of rebirth dumbfounded Nicodemus? Are you choosing to belief anyway?

Do you feel you can approach Jesus at any time and with any thing whether it's broad daylight or the middle of the night? If not, why not?

How do you defend and honor Christ in your life behind the scenes and out of the spotlight?

Jesus Clears the Temple

John 2:12-25

“12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”

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It's difficult to know where to begin since volumes could be written about this pocket of verses. We see terrible corruption in the temple (vs 14), a striking example of Christ's consuming zeal for the Lord's house (vs 17), the prophesy of His own death, burial, and resurrection (vs19), greater faith of the disciples as they witnessed the unfolding of this prophecy years later (vs 22), and Christ's deliberate act of entrusting Himself to God and never man (vs 23-25).

As one who strives to please others and keep the peace (except in the cases of injustice or abuse) verses 23-25 provide nourishment for my weary soul. To explain, let me say that as a general rule I get along with most everyone. I don't fight, debate, or push buttons, but rather seek middle ground and choose my battles very carefully. Lately, however, God has allowed (and I emphasize allowed because there is a lesson for me in this whole ordeal) a couple of acquaintances into my life that quite frankly don't like me one iota. One expresses dislike by completely ignoring me, while the other is extremely rude. Since both behaviors go against my nature with regards to how I'm used to being treated and choose to treat others, this experience has been a rather unpleasant and uncomfortable eye opener into humanity. Further fogging the issue, these are church going folk with whom I've never had an argument or disagreement. (I'll never understand.)

In cases where we feel unjustly treated and helpless to change the situation, I'm learning it's best to take the reigns in order to not feel the victim. That's why I cling to the final verses of John chapter two. Like a beacon in a nasty ill-mannered storm, they bind me safely to the truth of God. Notice how scripture points out whom Jesus did not entrust Himself to, it wasn't the Jews demanding miraculous signs in verse 18, that was a no brainer. It was those who believed in the miracles He performed (vs 23). Now, as a people pleaser this catches my eye because of all people, I'd have trusted the ones who believed. After all, wasn't their belief a good thing? They certainly weren't like the hard-headed Jews at the temple cheating the people out of their money. Why in the world, of all groups, did Jesus not trust the ones who believed after seeing His miraculous signs.

The answer is simple. He knew the hearts of the people. Dependent on what they saw rather than true conviction, Jesus knew their faith was weak and untrustworthy. Verse 25 reveals, "He knew what was in each person", which is to say He knew who was wicked and couldn't be trusted as well as those with good intensions but weak and unreliable. He entrusted Himself to no one but the Father, a wonderful lesson to those of us wishing to please the masses. We cannot please everyone nor should we try because when we do it takes our eyes of God and sets us up for failure, especially when it's supposed believers throwing the darts.

I'm still in the process of muddling through these baffling relationships as I try to release that which I don't understand. Truth is, times haven't change and people today are just as weird and unexplainable as they were in Jesus' time. Those who offend have histories and hurts that drive their behavior, most of which we'll never be privy to. There are some things we simply cannot change or resolve, which at the end of the day is God's job anyway. Our responsibility, especially mine for the time, is to focus on doing the right thing in order to please God. It may not make us popular but it will yield heavenly blessings of far greater value.

Application:

Are you a people pleaser? If so, are there areas of your life in which you compromise in order to appease?

Do you put your trust in certain individuals more than you do God? If so, what does this say about your heart?

What other insights do these verses reveal to your heart?

Jesus Changes Water to Wine

John 2:1-11

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."

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In a day where obtaining 15 minutes of fame is often top priority, it's easy to feel lost in the crowd, invisible, and unimportant. Perhaps that's why reality TV and social media is such a hot commodity. It's prime opportunity for those wishing to be seen.

I honestly don't know how anyone survives life without a heart's knowledge that God sees, loves, and is with them every second of every day because there are times in life that we are just plain alone. For example, have you ever had a day where you felt totally invisible? I've never figured out what triggers this but I've had days where it felt as though everyone from the store clerk to close acquaintance doesn't see or hear a thing I do. I speak and no one responds, as if totally invisible. It doesn't happen often but when it does it drives me nuts. I suspect these times are magnified by moods, hormones, or spiritual warfare designed to tear me down, so I ride them out on the coattails of God. Using Him as my divining rod I cling to the knowledge that though others may not acknowledge me (whether real or in my imagination), He loves me and is with me no matter my day's circumstance.

Upon reading today's passage I'm uplifted by the way it magnifies the insignificant. As friends and family of the crowd focused on the bride, groom, and the wedding celebration, who would guess God was about to reveal His glory to those on the periphery. A few profound subtleties include the fact this wedding miracle occurred in Cana, a rather obscure location which just so happened to be Nathanael's birth place. (John 21:2) Remember Nathanael was the one so stunned that the Messiah could come from despised Nazareth. Surely he would not have expected Jesus' first miracle to be performed in his hometown, at a wedding, through the hands of servants. Then there's the fact this glorious first miracle occurred in the background, inside six stone water jars standing off in a distance. According to verse 9 the first to be enlightened to this miracle where the servants who had obediently filled the jars with water. Imagine what they must have thought once realizing the water they had added to the jars had become the very best of wine. No doubt the sounds of the festive occasion around them dimmed dramatically as they commenced absorbing the miracle at hand.

Everywhere you look in this story the hand of God was at work where you'd least expect. No one could have predicted a more nebulous location or time for the Messiah's first miracle, let alone who He'd perform it through. God simply overlooks no one and uses even the smallest of beings to do His will and witness His majesty. This seemingly odd and backward way of working out His will may come across as odd or foreign, but it is highly affective. Note in verse 11 that upon witnessing this sideline miracle "his disciples put their faith in him." The unexpected, unexplainable, and unpredictable glory of God at work in lives of every day folk like you and me. Isn't it a relief to know we are not invisible or forgotten but rather loved by the God of the universe? If no one acknowledges us today, we know we're loved by a God too great for description, the great I AM. Let's rejoice and give Him the praise!

Application:

When was the last time you felt lost or forgotten?

Pinpoint one way in which God made His loving presence known to you in a time of loneliness.

How can you share with someone you know the truth that they are loved and valued by God?

Smile!

My friend at work rounded the corner the other day saying, "Girls. You know how people see the face of Jesus in potato chips and things? Well, what do you think it means when you find this?"

Revealing what she had concealed in her hand, she held out the lid to her newly opened single serve peanut butter container. Smiling ear to ear the lid seemed to be telling us to have a good day. Obedient to the call we laughed, took a picture, and giggled about it the rest of the day. It's not the face of Jesus but I think He got a kick out of it too.

May you see the face of God throughout your day.

Blessings!

A Valentine Wish

As much as I love to celebrate the various holidays throughout the year, my heart always aches for those less fortunate. Jimmy's been my sweet Valentine for 27 years, but don't think for a moment I don't vividly recall the days when I didn't have that special someone to celebrate this day of love. Just thinking of those days ushers in a flood of awkward, lonely, and depressing memories, which is why my heart goes out to so many on this day.

A good friend of mine recently referred to Valentine's Day as "Singles Awareness Day." While I giggled at her comment, I couldn't help but think how true this is for so many. February 14th is a great opportunity to express your affection, but if you happen to be in a time where you have no significant lover, it's simply a day that magnifies your void.

I make a point to think of others on Valentine's Day. Since our son is still single for example, I send him a card and some sort of a treat each year. Years ago I told him I'd be his Valentine until he finds one of his own. It's not the same as a girlfriend or wife I know, but it'll do until God sends him his other half.

I also pray that God will a Valentine to those who are alone so they will feel chosen and loved in a very special way. After all, we are each uniquely created by the very hand of God. There is no one like you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Dr. David Jeremiah in his book Signs of Life writes,

"When she was a little girl, Amy Carmichael earnestly prayed that God would turn her brown eyes into blue ones, for she longed for blue eyes. Later in life, she came to understand why brown eyes were important for her. In rescuing girls from Hindu slavery, Amy often had to cover herself with a scarf that revealed only her eyes. Blue eyese would have betrayed her identity in brown-eyed India. So learn to thank God for the body and personality He has given you, for no one else is exactly like you- and for God's good reason."

God really is our life-long Valentine. He loves us for who we are and will never leave or forsake us. Red hearts on Valentine's Day serve as a reminder of God's grand love that sent His Son to die so we can live with Him in heaven for eternity. Any human Valentine we may have here on earth is only temporary, but God and his love endures forever.

If you feel alone this day or miss someone special, remember God is with you. His love note to you is scripture and your beautiful bouquet is His breathtaking creation that surrounds you each day. I pray you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

John 1:43-51 (NIV)

43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

~~~~~~

I remember when caller ID first came to our home. The phone rang and all I could do was stare at the little gray screen, flabbergasted I could see who was on the line before answering. Prior to this amazing technological advancement, it was anyone's guess. That's when prank calls were an adolescent's favorite summer break pass time. With anonymity as our ally, we could do just about anything and not get caught. Like the time I talked my friend into calling a local dance studio to inquire about dance classes. With my prompting from the background, she told the studio owner all about her interests in dance and such. After wasting a fair amount of the poor lady's time, my friend wrapped up the call by revealing one small glitch, she wore full-length leg braces. Asking if that would be a problem, the owner sat silent on the line as we burst into laughter. It was funny at the time but I'm ashamed of my behavior. For one thing I've matured a lot since then, plus I'd surely get caught thanks to caller ID. Dance studios are safe from me thanks to this little modern marvel that makes every dialer accountable for their actions.

Our passage today of Jesus calling his first few disciples is revolutionary, much like the dawning of caller ID. Not only did Christ invite certain men to follow Him, but these scripture verses reveal His ability to see deep into our hearts. Taken aback at Christ's statement that his heart held no deceit, Nathanael asked "How do you know me?" Unprepared for what Christ was about to reveal, Nathanael must have stood wide eyed and slack jawed as his identity was exposed for all to see.

"I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you" Jesus said, sending chills up Nathanael's spine. Not only had Jesus accurately read his heart, but He knew private details of his life. This knowledge of him under a tree held great significance because fig trees drooped very low to the ground. To be under one was like going to quiet hidden sanctuary. It was a perfect place to pray and commune with God, so having been under a fig tree would not have been a well known fact. It would have been a private and intimate detail known by few if any. Imagine going to work and being introduced to a total stranger who says, "I already know you. I saw you while you were praying this morning." It would catch your attention to say the least.

This supernatural exposure of Nathanael's pure heart and private life was the catalyst that drew him to Christ. While other hearts would have cringed and fallen away from this rather uncomfortable revealing, Nathanael's heart recognized its Savior and immediately followed. Questions of how the Son of God could come from a despised Nazareth vanished as faith propelled him forward to his call. With logic set aside, Nathanael headed into unchartered territory on the promise he'd one day "see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." A true Israelite in his own right, Nathanael would one day in turn bear witness to Israel's long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ!

Application:

Are there areas of your heart you feel you've kept from the eye of God?

Does knowing that God sees every part of your being (attitudes, agenda, motives etc.) propel or repel you from Him? What does this say about your heart?

If Christ were to reveal your heart's condition for all to see, would it be pleasing or convicting?

God promises us that a pure heart will see more of Him. What parts of your heart need a good cleaning?

Bye Bye Bliz

The blizzard that swept across 30 states yesterday has left our region of Kansas City with 12 plus inches of frozen drifting flakes. The best measuring stick on our property is the perfect pile of snow atop the birdhouse just outside our kitchen door. It looked like a little white fur hat on an elf in the moonlight last night and is even more striking today in the blazing sun.

Housebound for about 24 hours, we've just begun to dig ourselves out. As Jimmy and I tossed snow every which way this morning, Dani slept snug as a bug in a rug and the dogs ran the grounds like wild horses. It was a lot of hard work but a pleasure to see the sun again. Between this blizzard and Kansas City's only other blizzard on record (which occurred last Christmas) Jimmy swears he's getting a snow blade for the tractor next year. We're getting too old for this stuff.

Fuzzy little hat.

Cocoa and Ecclesi basking in the sun

in between runs.

Romping in the snow.

Kickin' up snow.

Our backs ache something awful

but we're done.

Chances are you got snow too. How much did you get this fine winter's day?

Jesus' First Disciples

John 1:35-42 (NIV)

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

~~~~~~~

Up to this point John the Baptist's ministry had been one consisting primarily of preparation. Both he and Jesus were close to the same age, having been born about six months apart according to Luke 1:35-37, which means he and our Savior were about 30 years old at the onset of their public ministry. As Jesus acquired the skill of carpentry at the hands of his earthly father Joseph, John the Baptist lived a solitary life alone in the desert where he received the "word of God" in relative isolation. (Luke 3:2)

Since John's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were advanced in years at the time of his conception (Luke 1:7) many believe he was orphaned at a very young age. With this likely the case, John's upbringing casts hope to those in less than ideal family situations and new meaning to John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." While John did not have earthly parents at his side much of his adult life, God came to him in the desert in order to prepare him for a mighty work. What a vivid image of God's all-seeing eye and everlasting love. No one, even those in a vast wasteland, are out of His reach. In fact, it is often in the most barren times of life that we experience personal teaching at the hand of God. A truly unexplainable paradox that only God can orchestrate.

This first chapter of the gospel of John offers great insight into how John the Baptist's life suddenly changed from a barren desert existence to a teeming ministry. No longer an eccentric orphan, his voice was now well heard, he had a following, and his call was in full motion. As one born to pave the way to Christ, these verses chronicle John's leading of the first two chosen to trod this new road, Andrew and his brother Peter. Obedient to their own call, these fishermen's hearts were primed and ready to meet Jesus. Little did they know they were the first of twelve chosen to tip the world on its ear.

There is a lot to be said for the obscure and quiet seasons of life. Often feeling like a waste of time, they are in fact opportune wedges of time designed to prepare us for greater things. As Jesus shaped wood, John endured life in the desert, and Peter and Andrew fished on the sea, God choreographed everyday life in just such a way to prepare this chosen crew for a great and mighty work. With quiet godly existences as their firm foundation, these ordinary lives were now prepared to follow Christ and endure all that would come with this commitment. May we follow Christ diligently each day as well.

Application:

Think of a segment of your life that qualifies as a desert. What did you learn during that time you could not have learned any other way?

Perhaps you feel like an orphan in some fashion. If so, God promises to meet you where you are. Can you identify His presence as your Father?

Being rooted in sound doctrine is vital no matter our season of life. How are you staying rooted in God's word today?

Jesus the Lamb of God

John 1:29-34 (NIV)

"29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

~~~~~~~

My husband recently went to court to give his account as witness to an accident. Many cars were on the highway at the time of the crash but only Jimmy and another man stopped to help the victim. When it came time to go to court the other witness didn't show, making Jimmy's testimony vital to the case. Without at least one testimony the case would have been tossed out of court, which would have been a tragedy for the pregnant woman who had been run off the road.

It doesn't take a legion of witnesses to bring truth to the surface, one simple account makes all the difference in the world. Just one solid testimony can stand against a multitude of lies and withstand the test of time because no matter how you look at it, truth always makes the most sense, it speaks well for itself, and is easiest to remember. Any embellisher, no matter how good, will eventually say just enough to paint themselves into a corner and launch red flags horizon to horizon. Speaking the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is always best policy.

The life of Christ continues to transform lives today thanks to the testimonies of a only a handful of humble believers. Often out numbered and physically overpowered, their witness of how Jesus changed their lives continues to stand firm today. I don't know about you but it gives me great comfort to know I don't have to be wealthy, well known, or possess great power in the world to make an impact for Christ. A simple life dedicated to God can be a powerful and pleasing testimony that will outlive any years we may live on earth.

It's interesting to note these verses mention that the very day after John the Baptist denied being the Christ, he was given opportunity to testify that Jesus was the true Messiah. Not 24 hours after pointing the people's eyes away from himself, he had opportunity to direct them to Christ. This teaches us the important principle that when we keep our hearts and minds focused on our God-given call, God-given opportunities to testify will naturally come our way. Just as Jimmy was in the right place at the right time to witness that accident, he was subsequently given opportunity to present truth on behalf of an innocent victim. To have witnessed without also testifying would have been a cruel waste. But just one testimony brings truth to light, justice to the innocent, and glory to God!

Application:

Name one area of your life that gives testimony to Christ.

How do your words, actions, and thoughts line up with the truths of God?

When was the last time you pointed someone to Messiah?

John the Baptist Denies Being the Christ

John 1: 19-28 (NIV)

“19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

~~~~~~~

He must have seemed so Christ-like that to mistake him as the Messiah required little effort. Dressed in unusual apparel for the day, John the Baptist wore clothes made of camel's hair and ate locusts and wild honey. Many who went out of their way to travel into the hot desert to see him ended up repenting of their sins and being baptized. The whole scenario bore an unmistakable resemblance to the prophetic words of Isaiah 40:3, "A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." It's no wonder so many thought he was the Messiah.

For many this mistake in identity would be a sure prescription for puffed pride, but John the Baptist took no credit of his own. Instead, he unequivocally denied being the Messiah, never once intentionally misleading anyone. After all, to take any of the glory would have been a sin and with the Spirit's wisdom firmly planted in him before birth (Luke 1:41), John understood his role in God's kingdom plan was to guide men to Christ and never himself.

Humble and true to his summons, John's Spirit-filled passion projected so much of Christ that he was mistaken for the holy One. What an honor it would have been to have seen this great man of God in action. Confronting corruption while paving the way for the Messiah, sometimes all in the same breath. What a show stopper. I can only hope that perhaps in heaven, once the popcorn is served, God will press the rewind button back to the days of Christ and give us a bird's eye view of the acts of this man Jesus Himself described as the greatest born among all women. (Matt 11:11/Luke 7:28)

John the Baptist's humility convicts me something awful. I'm quite sure I was not chosen to pave the way for God's Son because my pride would be a huge stumbling block. Of course John wasn't perfect, only Jesus lived a sinless life, but the Bible speaks of nothing but good about Jesus' relative and forerunner. His story is one of impeccable performance that inspires me to become a better person, one more focused on Christ. We'll learn more about John the Baptist in the days to come and one thread we'll see throughout his life is one of a humble man supremely focused on God, even unto death. May we instill this mission in our heart's and lives as well.

Application:

As you read about John the Baptist in these verses, which of his characteristics do you admire most? Humility? Passion? Focus? Something else?

Are there any areas in your life where you might be stealing a bit of glory that belongs to God?

How can you better focus your life on the calling God has for you?

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-18 (NIV)

"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”

~~~~~~~

I recently purchases two fleece tops, one soft pink and the other vibrant turquoise. I was tempted to buy more but since I can only wear one at a time, I limited myself to two. They fit perfectly in every way. The sleeves aren't too short, they don't tussle my hair when I pull them over my head, and they're soft as a cloud. In a word they are nothing but comfortable.

We all naturally seek comfort. When my lips are dry I apply lip balm, if I'm hot I seek shade, and when I'm cold I reach for one of my fleece tops. No one has to be taught to avoid pain or discomfort, we automatically recoil from discomfort. Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to John's gospel introduction. It oozes assurance. At a glance six things envelop me like a warm quilt. Let's take a peek.

1. Jesus is God eternal (vs 1-2)
2. Jesus made all things (vs 3-5)
3. Jesus came to us (vs 10)
4. Jesus gave us free will (vs 11)
5. Because Christ dwelled among us and died on the cross, those who believe in Him have the Holy Spirit living inside them (vs 14)
6. Through Jesus we can see God the Father (15-18)

Simply put, Jesus our eternal God and creator came to us so that we might see and know God the Father. Being God in flesh He is our example of how to live a life worthy and honorable to God. As we walk in the Spirit we not only receive abundant blessings, but grant comfort to others who see God in us, allowing them to make their own choice whether or not to follow.

I shutter to think of our destiny had Christ not come to our aid. What a comfort to know salvation has come to show us the way. May we give Jesus all the praise and honor and glory for what He has done and may we rest in the assurance that God loves us, He is faithful, just and true, and will never leave us alone in this world.

Application:

What one word would you use to describe these first verses of John?

How do these verses reveal more of Jesus to you?

Which verse do you desire to plant deeply in your heart this day?

The Book of John

One of the most comforting books of the Bible is the book of John. Known as the book of love penned by James younger brother and youngest disciple John, it resides in a class all its own. With a transformation that must have given John whiplash, this once prejudice young "son of thunder" grew into an elderly man best known for his abundant love and compassion. Second to Jesus I'm most eager to meet John, the one whom Jesus so dearly loved.

With 2011 underway, we are closer than ever to our Lord's coming. As we wait His return we're called to be vigilant and alert. One way to "stay awake" is to study His word, even if it's only a little each day. I plan to remain rooted in God's Word by blogging my way through this beloved book. What better way to remain positive in a dark world than to focus on the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's a must for daily survival.

Each week or so I'll make an entry that will cover one segment of each of the 21 chapters. I've long since learned that speed is not the key to learning the truths of God. It's much better to take a small bite, mull it over, and digest it gradually to gain the most benefit. Reading the Bible in a year is a great overview but once that's done, studying one chapter or segment of a chapter per day or week is highly beneficial as well. Just as the rabbit focuses on speed to cross the finish line, the tortoise uses stamina and determination to accomplish the same result. Both cross the line but through different means. The rabbit may finish first but is sure to miss much of the scenery along the way. The tortoise, on the other hand, finishes later but gains different insight of the landscape on his journey. Neither is right or wrong. They are simply different ways to arrive at the same destination, each offering what the other cannot.

Feel free to tag along as I travel through the gospel of John. We won't travel at warp speed but we won't grind to a halt either. A nice steady pace is the goal, just fast enough to see the sights and take pictures along the way. Each entry will have scripture included which will generally be New International Version (NIV). I'll point out meaningful things I see and offer points to ponder and encourage you to do the same. In my mind the Word of God is like a mirror ball on a dance floor. One slight move in any direction reflects new insight impossible to see a fraction of an inch away. While I may glean one thing from a verse, you may see something totally new and different. That's the beauty of God's Word. It's alive and active, touching us right where we are at any given moment. With this in mind I encourage your input. It'll enrich the journey all the more.

I look forward to traveling with you!

Much Needed Break

With my last blog entry having been over two weeks ago, it appears I slipped off the edge of blog-land. Truth is I haven't fallen off anything, I haven't been ill, my fingers type fine, and all faculties are in working order. We haven't been overly busy or stuck in a snow storm like some poor folks. We've simply been enjoying the holiday break with family and catching up on some much needed rest. I guess I needed a break because I feel more refreshed and ready to hop back on the blog wagon. Amidst the respite, however, life carried on; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Jimmy's bathroom is mostly complete,

now my bathroom is in surgery.

I lost my sink yesterday...

But the new couch arrived!

We took the tree down the day after

Christmas to accommodate.

My vanity came too.

The VCR died just as we loaded the movie

Inception, so we pulled the

DVD player from downstairs.

It delayed our start but it was worth the wait.

(Great movie but pay close attention

or you won't understand a thing.)

Jimmy bought a Blu ray to replace the DVD player.

I'm quite sure this piece of equipment is over my head.

I don't want anything to do with it yet.

(It's the black thing in between the two silver things.)

All in all we had a wonderful time celebrating the Prince of Peace's birth. So, I'm curious, what did you do over your Christmas break?

Festive Details

Now that our Christmas tree is reassembled and ready to usher in holiday cheer versus sorrow and pity, I'm enjoying the enterprise of assembling presents for family and friends. Since mom and dad passed away our family seems to have shrunk dramatically in ways, while admittedly expanded in others. We continue to keep in touch with nearly half of the nine puppies our son's dog delivered in our home two Thanksgivings ago and it's always a joy to wish them a dog-on Merry Christmas. We exchange dog pictures and invariably go gaga like proverbial grandparents. Just this week I arrived at work Monday morning to find an interdepartmental manila envelop on my desk. I couldn't imagine what it could be since most communication is done via email. A huge smile washed over my face to see it was a birthday card from Cocoa Bean's sister, Molly, whose grandma works at the hospital with me. If dogs could smile Molly was laughing in the picture. She is clearly very smart, quite happy, and nothing short of gorgeous, which is an answer to the prayers I prayed over each pup when only days old. God is so good and only He knows the heavy burden that weighed on my heart at the daunting task of finding homes for nine little pups. Somehow He did it and I have not forgotten his faithfulness to this day.

Then there's the tradition my best friend and I established years ago. Every year in mid-December we meet for lunch and exchange birthday and Christmas presents. My birthday is the 13th and her's Christmas day. We both look forward to our time together and this coming Thursday is our day. Oh how I thank God for her too. She's a faithful, rare, and godly friend. Through Debbie I've learned I don't need a large number of friends. One friend like my her far exceeds a legion of half-hearted acquaintances.

And who could forget the friends God has so richly blessed me with at work. Our department is wonderfully unique and rare as we partake in a year-round tradition of going all out for every birthday, holiday, and special occasion. It's not unusual for us to bring treats in just to make an otherwise regular day special. We don't keep hospitality to ourselves either. We reach out to other co-workers in both good times and bad. It's a ministry of sorts and I'm proud to be a part. I've been thinking and planning what to give my co-workers for Christmas since summer. We don't spend a lot of money or give extravagant gifts, just enjoy giving to those who have become extended family in many ways.

I have a few presents to start wrapping today and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be thinking and praying for each recipient, as well as thanking God for those He's brought into my life.

I'm curious. What holiday activity are you now undertaking? Whatever it is I hope you enjoy it and are blessed in the process.

Christmas 2010: Take Two

We've had our Christmas tree for about 18 years. Artificial trees suit me well because their size never changes, they don't drop needles, and set up and take down can be accomplished rather quickly and at my leisure.

We didn't always take the fake route though. We gave nature a good college try at first. In fact it was our first Christmas together that taught me my eyes were bigger than our home. Jimmy and I picked out a tree so big that by the time we got it home and in place, it looked as if we'd slain Goliath and brought him home for the holidays. Not only was the tree way too big for our narrow town home, but the tree farm failed to shake it before we took it away. We didn't understand the importance of this vital holiday step, so we brought it home in ignorant but temporary bliss. Within a week it began to unloaded more needles than our vacuum could handle, prompting us to recruit a wire coat hanger to coax one obstruction out after another. Why that tree farm didn't shake our tree before we took it home I'll never know.

After having our no-needle-dropping fake tree for nearly two decades, I feel as though I could put the thing up in my sleep, which is exactly what it looked like I did a week ago. So lackadaisical in the set up, it wasn't until I was done decorating that I noticed something was wrong. Easing my hands atop my hips, I squinted at the tree and said,"Somehow she doesn't look right but I'm not sure what it is." Jimmy agreed but couldn't put his finger on the problem either.

Pulling into the driveway the next evening her pretty lights in the living room window caught my eye. I felt hope grow in my heart thinking she'd for sure make it through the holidays with whatever problem that was ailing her. Then I saw another fateful flaw. She was was leaning like a midwest Tower of Pisa. What more could go wrong wrong with this tree? After closer inspection we discovered I'd done a lot of things wrong. Seems I'd placed her long lower limbs in the middle and shorter limbs below, skimped on the lighting, and propped her up lopsided. She had become a Charlie Brown tree that was too pitiful for even the cheeriest souls. Too many things were wrong so it was time for a makeover.

Before.

Note the long limbs in the middle,

short limbs below, and skimpy lights.

Even Poopsy had to get off for the redo.

Ornaments in the holding bay.

The naked tragedy.

Redone and doubly bright

with a total of 400 lights.

Even the dogs were proud.

I prefer not to focus on my inept attempt at decorating for the holidays. Amidst the remodel I feel blessed to have put up a tree at all. Let's just say my joy has been doubled with the gift of reenacting this fine holiday tradition twice in one week.

How about you? Any festive faux pas you care to share?

A Pure Heart

Jimmy and I were cleaning out the basement the other day when we uncovered a Bible I received in junior high. Believe it or not the school handed them out to each student and no one ever protested, got arrested, or filed a complaint. The precious gift of God's living Word was simply handed out pretty as you please. Seems like a miracle to me today.

Dani, our 22 year old daughter with Autism and deafness, was with us at the time and the moment her eyes lit on that little red Bible, she snatched it up quick as a whip. Holding the treasure inches from her face, she frantically fanned through the pages as a spark of excitement began to erupt within her. She had found a treasure that meant the world to her.

Amazingly enough she can identify a Bible out of a thousand random books, even when it's 1/4 normal size, bright red, and one she's never laid eyes on. With a heart fine-tuned directly on God, His word holds top rank in her heart. Whenever she sees a Bible she enthusiastically signs "Jesus" over and over and it always warms our hearts to watch her turn the pages of His book during church service, even though she can only read a couple of words. By the grace of God her limitations do not hinder her ability to commune with her Lord. She knows Him, He knows her, and it excites her to no end. She cries when she listens to Christian music and during communion, which no doubt immeasurably delights the heart of God.

When I was a little girl, Holy scripture amazed me too. I used to lay in bed at night looking at the New Testament red print and think, "Wow! Jesus actually spoke the words I'm holding in my hands." I'd scan my fingertips across the page as if absorbing its vast wisdom, while a feeling of wonder would invariably filled my soul. Since those early years I've learned first hand the rich blessings His word has brought into my life; comfort, joy, peace, wisdom, and guidance just to name a few. How wonderful it is to know it does the same for our sweet little Dani. He is faithful to his children and I praise Him for never forgetting even the least of His.

His love is vast and abundant for you too. May you feel his wonderful blessing of love for you today and through this holiday season.

"I tell you the truth,

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,

you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

A Fresh New Look

For several weeks the inside of our home has looked as if giant hands descended from the sky, picked it up like a trinket-filled shoe box, shook the living day lights out of it, and then placed it back on its foundation. The kitchen table is so jammed packed with odds and ends we can barely make a clearing for Dani to eat a meal. My cell phone, which normally charges by my purse on a desk in the living room, has relocated next to my toothbrush in the bathroom, while my purse meanders hither and yon with no set place to roost. Our main computer (a big juicy "Apple" which I'm gleefully tapping on this very moment) had been out of commission for way too long and if that isn't enough to make me want to pull my hair out, there is a fine white dust in, on, and around every item we own. It's been a very frustrating time and I'm happy to say it's almost over. A big portion of our renovation is nearly complete.

Our home, once modern and new, wreaks today of the 70's with its dark wood trim, bland flat-faced doors, half wall dividers with accommodating spindles, and paneling that'll swallow you in one gulp. The fixtures are older than the hills and dark as their wood counterparts. Our hall light had a bad habit of subtly flickering in a way that made it feel as if my eyes were failing. It wasn't an obvious strobe-light effect, just an unsteady light that was hard to put your finger on. I don't believe in euthanasia, but we were eager to put this particular light out of its misery. It felt so good to have a strong light in our midst we took Genesis 1:3 ("Let there be light") literal and replaced all other fixtures in the house. It's made all the difference in the world.

We've needed a facelift for quite some time and for some reason this winter seemed to be the right time to begin the process. With a design and plan fully hatched in his mind, Jimmy eagerly began work on this project that'll surely last till spring. We don't have a huge abode so every square inch is highly valued and put to good use, which is why renovation began with the front living room. Even though most of Jimmy's photography sessions are done on location, he needed a place to sit and consult with clients, so we figured what better place to create a studio than in our home. With clean white wood work, new carpet, fresh paint, and modern furniture, clients now have a place to meet with him and see his work on display, right in our very own home.

Here's a few pictures of the process.

Old wood and walls coming down

and dated green carpet about to come up.

Fresh paint and white wood work all done.

Now it's time for the new carpet.

Almost done.

Fresh furniture with canvases

ready to be hung.

Ecclesiastes loves the carpet so much he refused

to move for this picture.

Studio's nearly done.

Just waiting on a black leather sofa for the bay window

due to come in January.

Ecclesi still refusing to move.

Jimmy you did a wonderful job and have once again proved to be handier than a pocket on a shirt. Your studio is beautiful!

Next project...the bathrooms.