Five Minute Friday: Open

Stubborn jar lids.  It seems to be an inevitability of life.  I’m in the middle of prepping a meal and grab a jar.  I give it a twist, and nothing happens.  Applying a bit more pressure, I wait to hear that magical “pop” of the seal breaking, but don’t feel it budge…not even a little bit.  I give it one more go, applying every ounce of strength I’ve got, red in the face, muscles straining.  Nothing.  Figuring maybe my hands are slippery, I grab a towel and try again, but to no avail.  By this time, I usually grab a butter knife and start beating around the lid in a few places with the handle.  That usually is enough to pop the seal, and then I can twist it right off.

God has placed within us gifts and abilities He wants to use for the kingdom.  We need to be willing and open to both receive from Him, as well as to pour out what He has given us in order to bless others.  Do our hearts and lives resemble a stubborn jar lid, unmoving and requiring incredible pressure to open?  Or are we the jar that opens easily, ready to be poured out and used for His glory?

Five Minute Friday: Keep

Sixteen years ago, I stepped out of our rental car on a cold November morning, and took this picture from the parking lot of the famous castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany.  I remember gazing up at the impressive tower silhouetted against the winter blue sky, and touching the thick stone walls on the castle tour, and just being in awe of this magnificent castle.  In the Middle Ages, a large tower in a castle was commonly referred to as the "keep."  The tower was used as both a fortified residence and a refuge of last resort, should the castle come under siege.

I love that the keep served two purposes -- a place to dwell and a safe place to retreat to.  In John 14:23, Jesus says, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."  How marvelous that if we keep His word and abide with Him, He will dwell with us!

Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." There is no question that a spiritual battle is raging around us as the day of the Lord approaches.  I can think of no better place to be than dwelling in the safety and security of His love.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."  (Psalm 18:2-3) 

Five Minute Friday: Wait

Earlier this week, I stood on the curb facing the John Wayne Airport terminal in southern California. With my suitcase in hand, carry-on bag on my right shoulder, and camera bag in my left hand, I stood and watched the bright orange hand blink.  A recorded mechanical voice said,

Wait!  ....   Wait!   ...   Wait!

Taxi cabs, airport shuttles, and passenger vehicles zoomed by from right to left...

Wait!   ....   Wait!   ...   Wait!

My right shoulder was beginning to tingle from the weight of my carry-on, and the camera bag was growing heavier.  I was packed and ready to go, and beginning to grow impatient. Finally the voice bade me...

Walk!

Today's word was a reminder that I need to be listening for His voice.  The auditory system is there for the visually impaired.  From a spiritual standpoint as I travel through life, I am visually impaired. My understanding of the circumstances I see is limited.  He knows the hazards that lie in front of me, and sometimes in my anxiousness to move ahead, I risk encountering problems or setbacks that could have been avoided, had I listened for His voice and waited for His timing.

"for we walk by faith, not by sight."  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Five Minute Friday: Hero

We live in a society that loves recognition.  People love to be named and noticed for the great things they achieve or accomplish.  From a very young age, we are exposed to the concept of a “super hero,” where a man of courage stands atop a tall building in a darkened city, cape flapping in the breeze, ready to fight evil at a moment’s notice.  We are drawn to stories of men and women who selflessly risk it all to pull someone from a mangled car or a burning building.  I admire these people and hope that I would act the same way if the situation presented itself.

As I grow older though, I am finding that my definition of a hero is changing.  For me, heroes are everyday people who live out their faith.  They are humble in spirit, tend to shun the spotlight, and don’t waste time with pretenses.  They make mistakes, but they are not afraid to admit to them, and endeavor to learn from them.  They are people of integrity.  They stand for righteousness, even at the risk of great personal loss.  They praise the Lord and see His goodness, even in the midst of cancer treatment.  When life deals a heavy blow and the battle is raging around them, they get up every single day and see it as a day full of His mercies and covered in grace. 

These are my “caped crusaders.”  I am blessed to be surrounded by such people in my life.  As I walk through life with them, I aspire to learn from them what it means to “live out loud” as we seek Christ together.


            

Five Minute Friday: Truth

There is a song called “Words” by Hawk Nelson that plays frequently on the radio right now.  The words in the chorus are:

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

If I had a theme song for my blog, or even my life for that matter, I think this might be it! 

There is a phrase in carpentry called “true up” which means to make something even, symmetrical, or to bring it into alignment.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
He has given us the Spirit of truth, who promises to guide us in all truth (John 16:13)
His word is truth! (John 17:17)

Not only does Jesus set the example, He helps us “true up” to Him through the Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!  What a marvelous gift!  My goal in life is to be aligned with Christ, and my prayer is that my life (words and actions) will point others toward the truth.

For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!  (Psalm 117:2)


            

Five Minute Friday: Grace

I love the feeling that grace produces.  Whether it’s the librarian waiving an overdue fee or a dear friend extending grace for something that you said or did that was hurtful, grace produces a response from the heart.  It has nuances of forgiveness, release, relief, peace, joy, love. 

Hebrews 13:9 says that it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace…in other words, grace is food for the heart.  We eat food every day because it is necessary for the overall growth and health of our bodies.  2 Peter 3:18 instructs us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The more we know of the Lord and begin to understand the depths of the riches of His grace, the more spiritual fruit we produce…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Grace creates an environment in the heart where growth can occur, and as we grow in our knowledge of the Lord and experience His grace, we should be extending it to those around us.  Every time we extend grace to someone , we are pointing them to the cross. 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8, NASB)

How different the world would be if we lavished grace on others, the way He has lavished grace on us.


            

Five Minute Friday: Laundry

Ah, Mt. Washmore.  I climb this mountain on a weekly basis! 

I don’t mind doing laundry, as it tells its own unique story of my family, one week at a time, year after year.  I miss the days of onesies, teeny tiny socks, small striped shirts, and footed pajamas…evidence of the two precious gifts God has given to me.  As I washed away spaghetti stains, I was thankful that we had food to eat (still am!).  Grass stains were evidence of outdoor play and fun times as a family.  Soon, pink leotards and white taekwondo pants found their way into the mix.  My children are growing and becoming the people God created them to be.  As I stand and fold, I pray for them and wonder what God has in store for their lives.  I pull my husband's dress shirts and slacks out of the dryer, and am thankful for how hard he works to provide for us.  Over the years, God has brought him back to us from every concert tour, safe and sound.  I never take that for granted.  Every now and then, I’ll pull his pants out and a blue sequin will be stuck to them, and it makes me smile.  My daughter is entering her pre-teen years and currently loves “bling” on her clothes.  I sense a new “chapter” starting…

Yes, laundry tells the story of family…we live and move and tumble through this life…

Together.


            

Five Minute Friday: Here

Come here.
Go there.

Two common phrases we hear often. 

What struck me about today’s word is the nearness of here.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

James 4:8a says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Jesus calls us to Himself.  He wants a personal relationship with each one of His children…one that is close and intimate.  That can only happen when we come to Him and draw near.  How often does He call for me to come near, because I am “over there,” metaphorically speaking?  I am so thankful for His patience with me, a sheep who is prone to wander.

Can you hear Him calling?
Come to Me…
Draw near…
Here.


            

Five Minute Friday: After

It’s often the time “after” that serves as the best teacher in life.

In 1 Samuel 7:12, it says that after the men of Israel defeated the Philistines, “Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Years ago, I began a personal collection of “Ebenezer stones”…a bent nail, a hospital bracelet, a plastic snowflake, etc.  These mementos serve as markers along my road of faith.  They remind me of lessons my heavenly Father has taught me, and times when I look back and take comfort in knowing that He was there, helping and guiding me.

The second stanza in the old hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” reads:

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

When I look at my life, whether traveling through valleys or resting on mountaintops, I can say with confidence, “thus far the Lord has helped me,” and I look forward to the time after this present journey...my arrival home to be with Him forever.

            

Five Minute Friday: Broken

She thought she had all the facts.  (She didn't.)
Based on incomplete information, she jumped to several incorrect conclusions.

There she stood, in the dark, at the end of my driveway....a total stranger screaming hurtful words--words that were unprovoked, unmerited, and untrue.

And there I stood by the front door, my children at my side...
Confused. Shattered. Broken.

Her words, bitter and sharp, slashed a groove across my heart and mind, like the stylus of a record player across an old vinyl record.  The memory of that scene replays in my mind like a broken record, stuck and skipping.  In my flesh, the pain and sadness mingles with rage at the injustice of what happened and the emotional scar it left behind.

Today is Good Friday.  As I contemplate what Christ did for me, I am reminded that He is my personal savior.  Isaiah described Him as a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  He understands what it is like to have venomous and untrue insults hurled at Him.  Rather than rage at the injustice though, He responded with

Silence (Isaiah 53:7)
and
Love (Romans 5:8)

Oh to be more like Him...
my Father.
my Savior.


            

Five Minute Friday: Remember

The brain, and its ability to remember, is a gift from the Lord.

Memory:  At the age of seven, I played Marta in a local high school's stage performance of the Sound of Music.  After the bows at the final show, I remember walking back stage and seeing my father standing at the top of the stairs with a huge bouquet of red carnations, just for me.

Gift:  Love

Memory:  Summer visits to my grandparents' farm in northern Idaho.  Feeling the radiating heat of the sun on my face, the smell of hay fields, and hearing the buzz of grasshoppers.

Gift:  Joy

Memory:  Spending a long weekend in a ski lodge in Whistler, B.C.  We were there prior to the opening of ski season, so the resort was deserted.  I sat in a chair by the crackling fire for hours, reading and watching the snow gently fall.

Gift:  Peace

Memories are powerful.  I listed three good memories, but I also have memories of times and events that taught me valuable lessons in life...teachable moments that convicted and instructed.  The ability to remember is a gift from the Lord that can teach willing and humble hearts more about who He is, and who we are to be in Him.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."  (John 14:26, NASB)


            

Five Minute Friday: Rest

A lot can happen in five minutes.

I did something I never do, and took a few moments to sit on the front porch this morning and listen to the neighborhood wake up.

In that time, I:
* heard five different types of birds singing to their Creator
* heard the long, slow, repetitious croak of a frog
* heard the wings flutter from two ducks that flew overhead
* heard the street lamp click off for the day
* heard a dog bark
* felt the cool morning breeze on my face
* saw a flock of birds forming a V
* noticed that the neighbor’s tree is beginning to bloom

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Weary and heavy laden? Yep, that’s me!  He knows that I have been struggling with my health.  He knows that I am entering a crazy, hectic weekend.  He knows my mind is a blur with details.  He knows that I need

Rest.

As I thought about that verse, the word that stuck out was “give.”  In order to be given something, we have to receive it. I’m so glad I took the time to receive His gift this morning.

          

Five Minute Friday: Beloved

Beloved.

A person who is greatly loved; dear to the heart.

As I was putting laundry away the other day, I noticed the current state of my children’s closets.  Clothes hanging precariously by one shoulder off of hangers, clothes that are too small or don’t fit are shoved in the back, toys tossed in a jumbled pile on the bottom shelf, random candy wrappers on the floor.

Scripture tells me that I’m my beloved’s and He is mine.  (Song of Solomon 6:3) 
It is easy to accept that He is mine.
I have gratefully accepted His sacrifice for me.
I love Him.
He is perfect…holy…worthy…Love.

I’m not.
He can see into the closet of my mind.  He sees thoughts and ragged emotions hanging on precariously by a thread.  He sees the struggle with thoughts and tendencies that don’t fit that of a child of God, and should have been discarded long ago.

Scripture tells me that He loves me.
And not only am I loved, I am “so loved.”  (John 3:16)

I am His daughter who is greatly loved; dear to His heart.

Beloved.

          

Five Minute Friday: Bare

I travel through quite a bit of countryside to take my children to school each day.  Each season offers a beauty of its own.  During the winter months, as I cross the river, I enjoy looking at a certain bank of trees with their barren branches scribbling at the sky.  Unmasked of their leaves, I see several birds’ nests nestled high in their branches.  The nests seem so exposed and vulnerable in the bare landscape, and yet their height speaks of security and they are snug and secure in the arms of the tree.

These nests remind me that the Lord lifts us high, and we are secure and safe in His arms.  Each nest represents a home, life, a haven of rest.  Sometimes in the winter seasons of life, we feel vulnerable…exposed...bare to the world.  The “leaf cover” of happy times and good things are stripped away, and we sometimes plod through the trial in silent pain.  We tend to wear masks when we are hurting, and shy away from baring ourselves to one another, for fear of seeming weak or vulnerable.  It’s hard to admit your struggle, when everyone around you seems so “leafy.”

During the summer months, when the trees are lush and green, and the nests are hidden from view, I’m sure those birds are aware that there are other nests in the near vicinity.  As believers, we need to be aware of those around us and reach out.  Do you know a friend who is in a winter season?  Can you see their nest?

**********************
“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NASB)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB)

          

Five Minute Friday: Afraid

I struggle with fear. 

One thing I have learned during my battle with it, is that it is insidious and relentless. 
It steals my joy.
It clouds my thoughts. 
It’s exhausting.

I know what Scripture says about fear.  I know that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.  I need to stop looking at the waves crashing around me and walk in faith.

The battle rages on.  I wrestle with what I know versus what I feel.  Too often, I give my feelings the upper hand, and I find myself afraid…again.  My mind reels, my feet begin to sink.  I reach for His hand once again and cling to His words.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God [is] with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NKJV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7, NASB)

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11, NASB)


          

Five Minute Friday: Dive

Last month I watched the movie U-571.  During one scene, the Americans have commandeered a crippled German U-boat (submarine), but encounter a German destroyer before they are ready to fight.  They take out the destroyer’s communication tower and then proceed to dive below the surface to escape.

Just yesterday, I brought lunch to a friend who has broken her foot and needs a little extra help these days.  As we sat at the counter munching our salads, the conversation turned toward spiritual warfare.  We both commented that we had noticed a marked increase in the spiritual warfare among the circle of people that we both know.  She expressed her frustration at being unable to help others because she must remain flat on her back in the house all day.  She also mentioned, that because of her current isolation, she has focused on praying for others.

We need to remember that we are at war with a destroyer.  It takes teamwork to operate a submarine.  One man can’t do it all.  Ministry should be marked by action, and even if we “take a hit” and are stuck on the couch, we can still pray for others, as my friend is doing.  God’s power, resources, wisdom and love are as vast and deep as the ocean (and beyond). 

Be in the Word. 
Fall on your knees.

Flip the switch.
Sound the alarm.
Dive!  Dive!  Dive!!


          

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

There is a quote by Thomas A. Edison that says, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”**

A life of faith isn’t promised to be puppies and ice cream cones all the time.  It takes work.  It means seizing each moment and making it count for the kingdom.  The proverbs warn us against laziness.  Jesus instructs us to serve.  2 Corinthians 10:5 exhorts us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  We face a multitude of kingdom-related opportunities each and every day in our hearts and minds.  How many do we miss or overlook because they aren’t “dressed” in a way that we are expecting, or because we are unwilling or unable to make the effort that is sometimes required? 

I am reminded today to live intentionally, with renewed energy and focus on investing in eternal rewards.  In doing this, I will have the opportunity to meet with Him in my work, my relationships, and in my heart.

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  (Galatians 6:9-10, NASB)

******
**Quote Citation: Thomas A. Edison. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2013. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html, accessed January 4, 2013.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/citation/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html#3rbuilstCxmB32zT.99

          

Five Minute Friday: Stay

“Please sit down and eat!”

I probably say this to my daughter at least four or five times during a family meal.  She has a large amount of energy and often has a hard time staying put long enough to eat a meal.  Sometimes her excuses for leaving the table are good…she has to go to the bathroom, she takes the last napkin and needs to refill the napkin holder, or she wants another glass of milk.  Sometimes the excuses are a bit on the flimsy side…she wants to see what the cat is doing, or she realizes that she has lost something and wants to go look for it.  All of the ups and downs drive me crazy!

And then I realize that I’m just like her when I sit down to eat of my daily Bread.  I cringe when I think of how often I sit down to spend time with the Lord, but my mind is all over the place.  I fight thoughts of menu planning, schedule coordination, responding to the beep of the dryer, etc.  The list of distractions is endless.  The pace of life is crazy and hectic, and it is so easy for the insanity to creep into my quiet time with the Lord.  Oh how I need to learn to...

Stay.
“The wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)


          

Five Minute Friday: Quiet

In July, 2006 I went on a missions trip with a team from my church to Lima, Peru. 

I prepared financially.
I prepared my travel documents.
I prepared my heart for service.

What I wasn’t prepared for when I got there was the noise.

It was jarring and abrasive.

It. Was. Constant.

Horns blaring, brakes screeching, delivery trucks backing up, buses squealing…

Dogs barking on roof tops…

Eventually I got used to it and began to tune it out.

Shortly after I got home, my family went on a trip to Eastern Oregon.  At one point, we stopped on the side of the road and I got out and snapped this picture.

As I stood there, taking in this amazing scene of blue sky and golden wheat fields, I suddenly realized how quiet it was.  There wasn’t even a breeze that day.  I couldn’t hear the wheat rustling, bees or grasshoppers buzzing…just silence.

And in that quiet moment, I thought of the following verse…

“Be still, and know that I [am] God.”  (Psalm 46:10a, KJV)

Whether we find ourselves in the din of the city, or the quiet serenity of a wheat field, we need to remember to seek quiet time with the Lord.  He will meet you where you are, and you will be blessed.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Prov. 3:6, NASB)

         

Five Minute Friday: Roots

Roots.
Growing, branching
Reaching for water
Planted in rich soil
Life.

When my children were born, I was still using film in my camera.   Today’s prompt reminded me of a photo that I took when my son was about three or four.  My Dad was helping him plant his first garden.  In the photo, it shows my Dad’s hand holding several seeds, and my son’s little hand reaching to take a seed and plant it in the little hole that they had carved out in the soil.  I love this photo because even though it is just a picture of two hands, it represents learning, generations, life…roots.   I was blessed to be raised in a loving Christian home.  My parents taught me about Jesus and I learned to love Him from a very young age.  They lived their lives rooted in the Word, and taught me to do the same.  I am now doing my best to pass that on to my children, and am thankful for those times when my parents coming alongside me and help plant the truth of Christ in the hearts of my children.

Those two hands represent the growing and branching of our family, as we journey together toward our eternal home.  Together, we reach for the Living Water, and plant His Word in our hearts. 

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”  (Colossians 2:6-7, NASB)