Isaiah 61:3
"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
The skillful surgeon disposed of the cancer and arranged the remaining skin, leaving the nurse to organize the stitches in a well ordered row. The cavernous hole, once threatening to cast toxic disease into my blood stream, heals now with intensity. Where the lacerated skin knots together by well sewed sutures, one can look carefully and now see a thin, swollen line. And it's in that narrow pathway measuring six inches that I fix my eyes. For that swollen, scarlet pathway makes room for God's glory, the "display of his splendor." How does He do this? Beauty out of chaos? Beauty instead of ashes? Beauty in the scar?
My scar accounts for a physically healed wound. A reminder of pain and discovery. The cause - no longer important. But my scar also represents extreme love. It represents the unconditional love shown by friends and loved ones enclosing me with prayer and acts of kindness. In that scar stays the picture of countless hours allowing a devoted husband to wash my hair and change bandages. And in that scar - I see God. It's not the first scar of which He's taken care.
God moves towards me with a purpose on this pilgrim journey and watches as I gather a variety of scars. And I give them all to the great Collector of Scars and watch Him transform despair into hope, doubt into faith, and conflict into grace. For the unseen scars are sometimes the worst. Yet He uses even those old emotional wounds as He does the physical, discernible ones. They shine forth as opportunities to share what he has done.
The scar? Infused with beauty and sealed from outside harm by the One who does this for His glory.
I Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace (my words - the Collector of all scars), who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you , and establish you.
Planted for His display,
Melody
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Sunday, October 22, 2017
First Impressions
"As she was praying to the Lord Eli watched her...He thought she had been drinking."
1 Samuel 1:12,13
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
Hannah. How big is her God? Big. She cries in anguish and prays to her awesome omnipotent God, knowing He will answer. He will hear her cry - and that is all that matters to this sweet, sincere woman of faith. This prayerful plea recorded in 1 Samuel is meant for no ones ears apart from her God.
So this little description of Eli, "he thought she...," in 1 Samuel causes me to pause and reflect. How many times has my heart fearlessly reached out to seek and follow God's will, and my actions have been gravely misinterpreted by an "Eli?" Even more difficult is the question I ask of myself, "Have I been an "Eli?" Have I allowed a first impression of someone's situation to alter my thinking of them and what God may be doing in his or her life? Am I guilty of judging an outward circumstance and thinking, "I think he/she........."
1 Samuel continues with the story of a boy named David. Saul has his own first impressions. Saul thought David was too young, unequipped for battle. "There's no way." (1 Samuel 17:33)
But like Hannah, David's God was bigger. He did not allow the doubts of a Saul to cause him to question the trust in His God to provide. His outward appearance deemed unworthy. His heart portrayed the complete opposite. And just like Hannah, David did not allow concerns of appearances to deter him from his heart mission.
God I pray that I would love and not judge. You are doing miracles (providing children and slaying giants) everyday in people and my job is to be a part of this. Forgive me for judging when I need to be praying. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for working in hearts. Thank you for working in mine.
1 Samuel 1:12,13
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
Hannah. How big is her God? Big. She cries in anguish and prays to her awesome omnipotent God, knowing He will answer. He will hear her cry - and that is all that matters to this sweet, sincere woman of faith. This prayerful plea recorded in 1 Samuel is meant for no ones ears apart from her God.
So this little description of Eli, "he thought she...," in 1 Samuel causes me to pause and reflect. How many times has my heart fearlessly reached out to seek and follow God's will, and my actions have been gravely misinterpreted by an "Eli?" Even more difficult is the question I ask of myself, "Have I been an "Eli?" Have I allowed a first impression of someone's situation to alter my thinking of them and what God may be doing in his or her life? Am I guilty of judging an outward circumstance and thinking, "I think he/she........."
1 Samuel continues with the story of a boy named David. Saul has his own first impressions. Saul thought David was too young, unequipped for battle. "There's no way." (1 Samuel 17:33)
But like Hannah, David's God was bigger. He did not allow the doubts of a Saul to cause him to question the trust in His God to provide. His outward appearance deemed unworthy. His heart portrayed the complete opposite. And just like Hannah, David did not allow concerns of appearances to deter him from his heart mission.
God I pray that I would love and not judge. You are doing miracles (providing children and slaying giants) everyday in people and my job is to be a part of this. Forgive me for judging when I need to be praying. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for working in hearts. Thank you for working in mine.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Go Down, Moses
I love Moses! You see, he asks a lot of "what ifs" when he talks with God. "What if they ask questions?" "What if they don't listen?" "What if they don't believe me?" "What if they say..." and the list continues. But my absolute favorite part of an anxiety driven prayer has to be when Moses pleads "Lord, please! Send anyone else." Actually I can hear him add "really, almost anyone else." (Exodus 4:13)
But Moses was going to have to understand that God wanted him. God chose Moses for this journey of trust. God wanted to use Moses (and all his questions, worries, anxieties). And God wants to do the same with me. Although certainly my journey does not include Pharoah, plagues of Egypt, or leading a panic stricken group thru a parted Red Sea, I'm asked to trust my own journey and what God has picked out for me.
Moses wasn't interested in doing this journey without knowing God was with him. Me neither. Exodus 33:14 the Lord addresses this concern. "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you. " And then again my kindred spirit Moses responds as only he can, "If you don't go personally with us, don't make us leave this place." I can picture him saying this - it's my heart cry, too.
God, like you did for Moses, please do for me. Show me your glorious presence. Be with me in all of my "what ifs" and instruct me in the way I should go. A new land of opportunity awaits my entrance and at times I fear, desperately wanting you to send almost anyone else. May I not be afraid or discouraged, for You will personally go ahead of me and be with me, never abandoning.
And thank you for Moses.
Deuteronomy 31:7,8
But Moses was going to have to understand that God wanted him. God chose Moses for this journey of trust. God wanted to use Moses (and all his questions, worries, anxieties). And God wants to do the same with me. Although certainly my journey does not include Pharoah, plagues of Egypt, or leading a panic stricken group thru a parted Red Sea, I'm asked to trust my own journey and what God has picked out for me.
Moses wasn't interested in doing this journey without knowing God was with him. Me neither. Exodus 33:14 the Lord addresses this concern. "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you. " And then again my kindred spirit Moses responds as only he can, "If you don't go personally with us, don't make us leave this place." I can picture him saying this - it's my heart cry, too.
God, like you did for Moses, please do for me. Show me your glorious presence. Be with me in all of my "what ifs" and instruct me in the way I should go. A new land of opportunity awaits my entrance and at times I fear, desperately wanting you to send almost anyone else. May I not be afraid or discouraged, for You will personally go ahead of me and be with me, never abandoning.
And thank you for Moses.
Deuteronomy 31:7,8
Friday, April 21, 2017
Emergency Procedures
Geno time.
I adore this part of my day. The last bell has rung, and Geno holds my hand as we wait in the parent pick up line after school. Geno and I have the best conversations. Having a class of 28 six and seven year olds can leave little time for intimate conversation. So Geno and I wait together, just the two of us in our own blissful world of conversation.
Today we are speaking about emergency procedures at school. "Geno, do you know what to do in case of a tornado?" I question. "Yes," he answers. "You stay as far away from the tornado as you can."
"Ok, Geno," I'm smiling, "what about a fire?" He replies, "You stay as far away from the fire as you can." Now it is Geno's turn to identify an emergency. "Teacher, do you know what to do in a flood?" I pause instead of speak. "Teacher, you must stay as far away from the water as possible."
While it looks like we need to fine tune Geno's list of "things to do in an emergency" I must admit I find a certain tranquility in his response to potential disaster. Just stay away from trouble of any kind and all will be well.
In Genesis, I'm reading the life of Joseph. Joseph had impending disaster after disaster. In Joseph's case, he could not just "stay as far away as possible." Joseph's troubles began as his brothers anxiously desired to kill but ultimately sold him into slavery. Joseph momentarily secures a position with Pharoah, then another hardy storm of accusation thrusts him into a prison cell. To me, Joseph's story is tragic. To Joseph, there is no victim.
Joseph's emergency plan included only a trusting reliance that anything God sent His way would be used for good. He was not frightened, he was not alarmed. He was at rest that what might have been intended to harm him, God would intend it for good. Can I trust and not fear when storms come my way?
Geno continues to talk about tsunamis (yes stay away from them), and lightening strikes. and furious Mid-West blizzards. I'd be happy to stay away from them all, sweet boy, but I can't. I have no control over these things. But I can "Stand still and watch the Lord rescue...just stay calm." Exodus 14:13,14
I adore this part of my day. The last bell has rung, and Geno holds my hand as we wait in the parent pick up line after school. Geno and I have the best conversations. Having a class of 28 six and seven year olds can leave little time for intimate conversation. So Geno and I wait together, just the two of us in our own blissful world of conversation.
Today we are speaking about emergency procedures at school. "Geno, do you know what to do in case of a tornado?" I question. "Yes," he answers. "You stay as far away from the tornado as you can."
"Ok, Geno," I'm smiling, "what about a fire?" He replies, "You stay as far away from the fire as you can." Now it is Geno's turn to identify an emergency. "Teacher, do you know what to do in a flood?" I pause instead of speak. "Teacher, you must stay as far away from the water as possible."
While it looks like we need to fine tune Geno's list of "things to do in an emergency" I must admit I find a certain tranquility in his response to potential disaster. Just stay away from trouble of any kind and all will be well.
In Genesis, I'm reading the life of Joseph. Joseph had impending disaster after disaster. In Joseph's case, he could not just "stay as far away as possible." Joseph's troubles began as his brothers anxiously desired to kill but ultimately sold him into slavery. Joseph momentarily secures a position with Pharoah, then another hardy storm of accusation thrusts him into a prison cell. To me, Joseph's story is tragic. To Joseph, there is no victim.
Joseph's emergency plan included only a trusting reliance that anything God sent His way would be used for good. He was not frightened, he was not alarmed. He was at rest that what might have been intended to harm him, God would intend it for good. Can I trust and not fear when storms come my way?
Geno continues to talk about tsunamis (yes stay away from them), and lightening strikes. and furious Mid-West blizzards. I'd be happy to stay away from them all, sweet boy, but I can't. I have no control over these things. But I can "Stand still and watch the Lord rescue...just stay calm." Exodus 14:13,14
Monday, April 10, 2017
Holy Week
In the beginning God created.
The Great Creator spoke and began to weave a Great Story. In the beginning God...
I visit my friend Cindy's grave and weep. This week marks two years since her passing. Memories flow, hardy sobs choke away desperate gasps for air. I breathe and my heart aches. Endings upset me. The story can't be over. I do not wish to turn that final page. I prefer "In the beginning God...".
God creates. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I am totally absorbed in the diversity of His story. God takes my journey and intersects my story with His Great Story. I'm so brave at the beginning. God's there. He introduces me to new settings, new characters, new plot conflicts and resolutions. And then we end - sometimes even "happily ever after." I still prefer the beginning.
I love the brave, daring, encouraging pilgrims encountered as He writes my story. I love the opening "Once upon a Time" God created Melody. I love the "First, Second and Third" scenes in my unique and personal play. I love the character flaws and the heroic friends sent my way to help me process. The final curtain? Not a fan.
This week His Story begins with The Main Character entering crowded streets and winding roads while gatherers parade Him with palm branches. It's the beginning of this particular chapter. And it occurs to me that He knows how this story will end. Death.
And then it also occurs to me that death is not the end. It's only the beginning.
It's only the beginning. It's the prologue. His resurrection brings new life and THAT'S where the story begins for us. His Great Story is eternal! "What's next?" my storybook heart wants to know. "Tell me more," my prayers repeat.
And then the God who created beginnings tells me in the book of Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens." (Ruth 3:18) He has me hooked.
The Great Creator spoke and began to weave a Great Story. In the beginning God...
I visit my friend Cindy's grave and weep. This week marks two years since her passing. Memories flow, hardy sobs choke away desperate gasps for air. I breathe and my heart aches. Endings upset me. The story can't be over. I do not wish to turn that final page. I prefer "In the beginning God...".
God creates. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I am totally absorbed in the diversity of His story. God takes my journey and intersects my story with His Great Story. I'm so brave at the beginning. God's there. He introduces me to new settings, new characters, new plot conflicts and resolutions. And then we end - sometimes even "happily ever after." I still prefer the beginning.
I love the brave, daring, encouraging pilgrims encountered as He writes my story. I love the opening "Once upon a Time" God created Melody. I love the "First, Second and Third" scenes in my unique and personal play. I love the character flaws and the heroic friends sent my way to help me process. The final curtain? Not a fan.
This week His Story begins with The Main Character entering crowded streets and winding roads while gatherers parade Him with palm branches. It's the beginning of this particular chapter. And it occurs to me that He knows how this story will end. Death.
And then it also occurs to me that death is not the end. It's only the beginning.
It's only the beginning. It's the prologue. His resurrection brings new life and THAT'S where the story begins for us. His Great Story is eternal! "What's next?" my storybook heart wants to know. "Tell me more," my prayers repeat.
And then the God who created beginnings tells me in the book of Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens." (Ruth 3:18) He has me hooked.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
"We Forgot About the Flowers"
1978 Ice Castles. A story of courage, strength, love. The story of a girl who refused to forget she was once a champion.
I can't exactly ice skate with as much grace and elegance like Alexis. But I can identify with her journey. The music. The lights. The critics. She suffers setbacks, tragedy even. But in the end she skates. Not for the applause or attention, but for herself and for her mom watching from the heavens. She does jumps she was told she was never good enough to do. She tunes out everything around her, and in the end skates (blind) the performance of a lifetime. Her performance at the end of the movie is a dramatic interpretation of a beautiful journey with those closest to her cheering her on. These friends and family have trained with her, helped her overcome obstacles and given her guidance. No details left undone, or so thought.
Alexis finishes her performance without a flaw. Yet as flowers from the stands line her pathway off the ice, she trips and falls. No applause. Silence.
Then she hears the comforting words from Nick who has come out to get her on the ice, "We forgot about the flowers." But after all they have endured to get to this point, it's merely one more setback.
He picks her up yet one more time and the crowd resumes it's cheering.
"Stay with me." She anxiously voices.
"You bet." Nick replies.
So I lace up my skates, eager to work on my triple axels (or just make it across the pond without disturbing the neighborhood hockey game). With each loop of the lace I'm reminded of my own journey and encouraged that I, too can be brave and confident. My journey will have a unique set of hurts, suffering, and setbacks. But I will not quit trying. Instead, somewhere out in the middle of my ice rink I will pause, look to the author and finisher of my faith, and take the next step. I will remember the One for whom I live and breathe, and skate freely in His love. I will skate with unwavering faith and trust.
And should someone toss flowers in my path to trip my way, I will rejoice in the One who is there to pick me back up. I will say , "Stay with me," and He has already replied, "You bet." Deut. 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them. For it is The Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. "
I can't exactly ice skate with as much grace and elegance like Alexis. But I can identify with her journey. The music. The lights. The critics. She suffers setbacks, tragedy even. But in the end she skates. Not for the applause or attention, but for herself and for her mom watching from the heavens. She does jumps she was told she was never good enough to do. She tunes out everything around her, and in the end skates (blind) the performance of a lifetime. Her performance at the end of the movie is a dramatic interpretation of a beautiful journey with those closest to her cheering her on. These friends and family have trained with her, helped her overcome obstacles and given her guidance. No details left undone, or so thought.
Alexis finishes her performance without a flaw. Yet as flowers from the stands line her pathway off the ice, she trips and falls. No applause. Silence.
Then she hears the comforting words from Nick who has come out to get her on the ice, "We forgot about the flowers." But after all they have endured to get to this point, it's merely one more setback.
He picks her up yet one more time and the crowd resumes it's cheering.
"Stay with me." She anxiously voices.
"You bet." Nick replies.
So I lace up my skates, eager to work on my triple axels (or just make it across the pond without disturbing the neighborhood hockey game). With each loop of the lace I'm reminded of my own journey and encouraged that I, too can be brave and confident. My journey will have a unique set of hurts, suffering, and setbacks. But I will not quit trying. Instead, somewhere out in the middle of my ice rink I will pause, look to the author and finisher of my faith, and take the next step. I will remember the One for whom I live and breathe, and skate freely in His love. I will skate with unwavering faith and trust.
And should someone toss flowers in my path to trip my way, I will rejoice in the One who is there to pick me back up. I will say , "Stay with me," and He has already replied, "You bet." Deut. 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them. For it is The Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. "
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Herbie Doesn't Like to Make Toys
I can't help but think of Christmas movies this cool Michigan summer morning. In one of my favorite scenes from Rudolph, Herbie the Elf labors without purpose in an assembly line for toys. "Herbie doesn't like to make toys" spreads down the elf gossip line in astonishing fashion. Boss Elf proclaims with passion, "Now listen here, you're an elf, and elves make toys! Now get to work." Herbie solemnly begins his "misfit aria" with rejected slump in his walk.
Everyone has value and something of value to offer others. Herbie discovers this in his journey and his value is celebrated in dramatic fashion towards the end of the movie as he famously removes the teeth of a giant white beast. Herbie's once downtrodden gait is now replaced with steps of hope and purpose. Hope ignites confidence. Where others see a vicious monster, Herbie sees opportunity to use his unique gifts.
I love Herbie. He didn't stay in the world of "this is what you should do/be." He did not pretend to be something he wasn't. He refused to work silently day after day conforming to another's expectations. He boldly chose to step out into the unknown. He weathered the winter storm and made amazing friends in the process. He made a way for other "misfits" to find hope and purpose. Way to go, Herbie!
And then there's the part of the movie towards the end where I secretly wish Rudolph would go off on Santa. But that's another journal entry...
Everyone has value and something of value to offer others. Herbie discovers this in his journey and his value is celebrated in dramatic fashion towards the end of the movie as he famously removes the teeth of a giant white beast. Herbie's once downtrodden gait is now replaced with steps of hope and purpose. Hope ignites confidence. Where others see a vicious monster, Herbie sees opportunity to use his unique gifts.
I love Herbie. He didn't stay in the world of "this is what you should do/be." He did not pretend to be something he wasn't. He refused to work silently day after day conforming to another's expectations. He boldly chose to step out into the unknown. He weathered the winter storm and made amazing friends in the process. He made a way for other "misfits" to find hope and purpose. Way to go, Herbie!
And then there's the part of the movie towards the end where I secretly wish Rudolph would go off on Santa. But that's another journal entry...
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