Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts

Monday, September 9, 2013

9

Nine.  A number that for most, may not bear any particular meaning.  For me, nine means death.  Loss.  Repositioning of my place in the order of things.  Rethinking who I am, where I came from, where I am headed.  

I was kindly warned that grief would have many faces.  Nine is one of them.  Nine is the number both of my parents chose to disembark from planet Earth, albeit on different years.  

I am trying hard to be grateful for their longevity.  Thankful for their loving parenting.  Honoring of who they were simply for they sake of who they were and not just because they were my parents.

I am trying hard to believe that they are dancing with the angels and not just disappearing in the dirt.  I am clinging to heaven with the hope of Christ.  I have no choice.  Otherwise, I feel desperation.

Perhaps it's because this is a week that ends with a journey to place Mom's ashes next to Dad's back in their chosen place of resting.  It was her wish.  It's the least I can do despite my dread.  I will most likely never go back to that place again.  Makes me sad.

So I will shake the grief off my shoes and walk ahead.  It's what they both would want.  Nestled forever in my heart and my memories.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Marriage Lessons Beyond the Cross #7

"The scandal of ~ but main support for ~ Christianity is the resurrection."  Without it, Christ would have died on the cross and that would have been the end of the story.  But the empty tomb is really the crux of an incredible, continuing story that began long before Christ entered this world.   You either believe, or you don't.

And if you believe, then does your life reflect that belief?  Does your marriage and how you treat your spouse reflect that belief?  If you have you received the unmerited gifts of mercy and grace, earned on the bloody back and torn hands of Jesus Christ, then there is no excuse for persecuting your spouse.  Christ suffered persecution so you/we/they don't have to.

So swallow your chocolate bunny, grab your spouse and get on your knees in thanks not only for the gifts of Easter, but for the gift of your spouse.  

Christ has risen!!!!!

(Luke 24:1-35)



Saturday, March 30, 2013

Marriage Lessons at the Foot of the Cross #6

The death of Jesus set in motion several physical cataclysms in the natural world that "mirrored spiritual realities, for Jesus' death was a spiritual cataclysm that resulted in opening the way for sinful human beings to approach a Holy God."

The Bible says that even if His followers say nothing, the rocks will cry out the Truth of Christ being Who He says He is.  As soon as He died on the cross, the crowd, the very people who wanted Him to be their king and then crucified Him, beat their breasts in horror ~ a non-believing Centurion exclaimed Jesus to be a Righteous Man ~ and Joseph, a member of the Jewish council,  got permission to give Jesus a proper burial.  And what about Christ's acquaintances, His disciples, His close followers?  They held back and watched. 

Before we condemn them, think about what they must have been thinking and feeling.  Confusion.  Sorrow.  And even, maybe, a bit of anger and a feeling of having been misled.  We have the perspective of hindsight.  We know how the story ends, but they were living knee-deep in the midst of it. 

We can find ourselves knee-deep in behavioral cataclysms in our marriage that render love cataclysms between spouses.  The behavior may be drastic as an affair or substance abuse, or systematic as a pattern of lying, overspending, withholding love or forgiveness.  It may even be outside forces that have the power to break apart our relationship.  So who do we choose to be in these confusing, sorrowful and angry times?  As the spouse who is acting out, do we justify our behavioral cataclysm, or even worse, refuse to recognize our damaging behavior, or do we acknowledge and get help?  As the hurt spouse, do we offer love (with healthy boundaries) or stand by and watch?  If outside forces are hurting our marriage, do we suffer an implosion or stand guard at the gate to protect our sovereign bond?

In the middle of the story, do we turn away or turn towards Christ ~ who went to the Cross to die for us even though He knew that those closest to Him would be confused, sad and even a bit angry; who would do nothing on His behalf at His moment of greatest need.  Whether we are the acting out spouse or the aggrieved spouse, do we bow at the foot of the Cross to seek and accept Christ's gift of His death so that we can approach a Holy God whose Love is desperately needed to overcome our natural human condition?.

(Luke 22:44-56) 

  

Friday, March 29, 2013

Marriage Lessons at the Foot of the Cross #5

Friday is the most confusing and distressing day of Easter weekend.  It was a tough week just getting to this point, but to realize that Christ actually endures crucifixion is truly unthinkable on so many levelsIn the process of dealing with this grueling reality, we can miss the biggest message of the day ~ GRACE.

Crucifixion Friday was not about death; it was about a gift, an unfathomable gift of grace.

grace ~ 1) favor or goodwill  2) a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior  3) mercy, clemency, parden  4) the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God

If we say we are followers of Christ, then are we not called to act as followers?  Thank God in heaven, we are not asked to endure an actual crucifixion, Jesus did that work for us, but are we not called to place our sinful  behavior on the cross?  Are we not called to put our selfish desires, pettiness, past hurts, controlling natures and all the other destructive attitudes and actions on the cross and extend grace to our spouse?

Grace.  God's grace flowed from His Love for us, and our offering of grace to our spouse comes from our devotion to Christ.  It will not flow naturally from our human love because we are flawed.  It will only flow as a gift enabled by the Holy Spirit.  That's why forgiveness is so hard when we try to do it in our own flesh.  As Believers, don't we owe our spouse the Grace of Christ?  We didn't earn His grace ~ should our spouse have to earn ours? 

(Luke 22:26-43) 


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Marriage Lessons on the Way to the Cross #4

On Palm Sunday, the crowd is clamoring for Christ's autograph and claiming Him king, yet just a few days later, they are ready to crucify Him.  How did things change so quickly?

Was Jesus really speaking to their hearts on that joyous Sunday or was their adoration and praise merely rock band hysteria or maybe thoughts of personal gain?  Was their 180 degree turnaround a result of "crowd think" or maybe their anger and bitterness that Jesus was not the king they expected Him to be?

Has anything changed today?  Do we accept Christ when He is/does what we want, then reject Him when He's not?  Do we treat our spouses, friends, family the same way?

(Luke 23:1-25) 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Marriage Lessons on the Way to the Cross #3

Peter. Peter.  Peter.  He denies Jesus not once but 3 times, even after being forewarned that he would engage in such an unthinkable act against Jesus.  When Peter realized what he had done, he wept bitterly ~ and as the Bible teaches us, goes on to do great things for Jesus in building His church.  How did that happen?

Christ called Peter out ~ "Jesus' eyes met his." ~ and Peter recognized his sin, repented and changed his behavior.  Peter could have stomped his feet, gotten highly defensive and declared he needed to protect himself from physical, emotional or any other kind of harm.  He could have declared that he was perfectly within his rights to do so.  But he didn't.  He acknowledged his actions and their detrimental effect on his relationship with Jesus, and then did something about it ~ apologized and changed his behavior

Christ loved Peter back.  He could have turned His back on Peter or make Peter suffer for his actions.  Instead, Christ saw Peter's repentive heart, accepted his apology and changed behavior, forgave Peter and their relationship moved onto a higher level built on a stronger foundation.

Both moved forward despite an agregious act on Peter's part that could have shattered their relationship.  In marriage, how often do we act like Peter over the smaller things let alone the bigger things that have the ability to destroy initimacy and love with our spouse?  And how often do we act like Jesus to hold accountable, forgive and love our spouse?



(Luke 22:54-71)

Marriage Lessons on the Way to the Cross #2

When Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew that He would be suffering a horrible death just a few short days away.  He did the most powerful thing He knew how to do ~ pray to His Father.  What I love about Jesus is that He actually asked that this burden be lifted from Him.  He didn't go like a robot lamb doing whatever He was programmed to do ~ He asked for a different outcome yet willfully trusted and submitted to God's authority.  In return, God sent an angel to strengthen Him. (Luke 22:30-53)  
 "Jesus had a 'usual' pattern of prayer.... In what situations have you been inclined toward human-centered forcefulness in your marriage?  What 'sword' might Jesus be asking you to put away?"  Do you pray, trust and submit to God's authority regarding conflict, disruption and dissension with your partner?

Marriage Lessons on the Way to the Cross #1

At the Last Supper, the disciples' "dinner conversation revolved around which of them would be greatest ~ even as Jesus was preparing His ultimate act of humility..."  As I read this, I wondered how many of us, myself included, approach our marriages with an attitude of being the greatest, or top dog, rather than from an attitude of humility and serving our spouse.


(Luke 22:1-38)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Where Did You Honeymoon?

It seems like so many people around me are losing their parents to death.  Is it because I am of a "certain age" where time is simply playing out its relentless beat?  I think not, as friends and acquaintances younger than I are experiencing loss.  No, it underlies the truth that death is inevitable and noone knows when their time will come.

 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven...but only the Father.

So ask the questions before it's too late.  I wish I had.  Where did you go on your honeymoon?  Were your dreams fulfilled?  What was I really like as a kid?  Are you ready to die?  

 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Imagine ~ In Celebration of a Gift for You.


Imagine ~

For unto us ~ a gift for all mankind ~ a child is born ... 
the Light of the World




Happy Birthday, Jesus!



 


 
Merry Christmas, World! 

 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Imagine ~ In Love and Acceptance. That People Matter.

Imagine.  A world in which love, not hate, fills our hearts.  Imagine.  A world in which acceptance, not rejection, rules our relationships.  Imagine.  A world in which people, not things, captures our focus.

Now imagine a Father, a King, sending His only Son to live among mankind as one of us.  Imagine a Son who comes not only to model love, acceptance and that people matter, but then goes to the cross and dies so that we may live eternally in His royal kingdom.  Who does that?  Imagine. 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Imagine ~ In the Spirit

For life's everyday joys, sorrows and sniffles, reach for the gentle comfort of Kleenex tissues.  With the perfect balance of softness and strength, each tissue soothes your sniffles, sneezes and tears, and leaves your spirits uplifted. ~ (back of a Kleenex box)


Imagine that the comforts of life are not found or paid for in a tissue box, nor in anything manufactured by man.  Imagine, instead, that they are found in a different kind of box, one found in a manger.  

Imagine, for life's everyday joys, sorrows and sniffles, reaching for the gentle comfort of a Savior.  Imagine, with the perfect balance of softness and strength, that He will soothe your sniffles, sneezes and tears, and leave your spirits uplifted.  Imagine.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Imagine ~ In the Light


Hooray!  Winter solstice.  Today is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere! Hooray!  That means the daylight will slowly be lengthening.  Hooray!

Imagine a day with no light.  Imagine perpetual darkness.  Imagine being eternally lost.  Or imagine, instead, His unending Light. 





 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Imagine ~ I Dare Not

Imagine.  What if teenage Jesus decided He wasn't going into ministry but chose instead to live out His earthly tenure as a monk on a solitary hill?  Imagine.  What if pre-teen Jesus decided He just didn't want to follow His parents' rules anymore (earthly and heavenly)? Imagine.  What if baby Jesus decided He wasn't crazy about His impending human circumstances and refused to be born?  Imagine a kind of rebellion not seen since the days of Satan's fall.  My imagination can barely go there; my heart scarcely beats at the very thought.



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Not to be a Negative Nelly during this most wonderful time of the year, but do I have to get some kind of cold or flu thing every December?  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not terribly sick, just sound it because my nagging cough has trashed my voice box.  It's just annoying.  It could also be God's clever little way of getting me to slow down enough to absorb the true beauty of Christmas, reflect on the year that is coming to a close and ponder on the one that will soon be unfolding.

I do love December/January for those reasons.  It's arbitrary, I know.   We could have chosen any time of year to mark its beginning and end, but our calendars are already printed for 2012.  And I'm glad for it.  I'm glad that the end of my year is marked by the birth of Christ.  It's a most satisfactory kind of ending ~ an ending that celebrates a new beginning ~ and what more wonderful way to start a new year than with a birth of new life or a rebirth of renewed life?

Saturday, December 10, 2011

One Glorious Gift of Love

 (photo from Google images)

It has been a fast and interesting couple of days.  Thoughts swirling.  Visions streaming.  Emotions running.  Good stuff. Not so good stuff.  But right now what sticks with me is the Christmas spirit outside my living room window.  I can always tell when there are little kids living on my street because holiday lights, colored and white, fancy and simple, spring up on almost every house.  It's like the whole neighborhood catches holiday fever, vicariously re-living our own childhood through their excitement and joy.  It's so pure.  So sweet.  Somehow kids are able to wrap up twinkling lights, presents and baby Jesus into one glorious gift of love.  It's a magical celebration and I don't want to miss a moment of it.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Yoga Lesson

(photo from Yoga From the Heart)
 
Do you ever have the feeling that you've missed the boat?  I had that eerie feeling yesterday morning as I pulled into the parking lot for yoga class.  Too many parked cars, no one walking toward the door.  Granted, there are other businesses in the vicinity and those car could belong to them, but the 15 minutes before class typically brings a flood of people ready to stake their claim on the yoga mat.  Bikrim (hot) yoga has become very popular but not many studios offer it, so this studio is always jam packed, with late comers looking for the few leftover inches that haven't already been claimed.

At first I thought I was one of the unfortunate stragglers, but as I got closer to the door I had this sinking feeling that the class had already begun.  Trust me, you don't want to miss a second of this class because it starts fast and picks up speed from there.  As I put my hand on the door, my heart sank.  Sure enough, right there on the posted sign, 9:00 a.m. not 9:30.  I was not only not early, as I had originally thought, but I was very late.   As I walked dejected back to my car, my spirits lifted at the thought of coming back at night and taking the class then.  It will be harder as I am a morning person and don't thrill at the idea of exercising at night, but the thought gave me hope.

That's the cool thing about second chances.  I may have the nauseating feeling that I've blown it or missed out, but there often comes another opportunity to do or try again ~ like my walk with Christ.  I try to follow in His footsteps but sometimes I lose sight of them, or willingly step off to the side.  In His grace and mercy, I can acknowledge my error and be encouraged to get back on His path.  This thought gives me hope.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Reason Is...

"What exactly is God's motivation toward humanity?...love...If the message that God wants to get across to us is just about getting our beliefs right, then He didn't need to come Himself.  If God's entire intent was to simply overwhelm us with the miraculous so that we could finally believe, no personal visitation is necessary.  There is only one reason to come Himself, because in issues of love, you just can't have someone else stand in for you."  - (Erwin McMannus, Soul Cravings)  

So I'm sitting here in a coffee shop looking out at the humans running through the rain-soaked parking lot and I ask, "Really? Really?  He desires us car-driving, shopping-obsessed, self-absorbed suburbanites?"  Yet in the hills just  beyond, it is still, and I see Him waiting patiently indeed, His passion fully kindled and His desire undeterred ~ a passion and desire for which I am fully grateful.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Thankful for My Friend

I have never really thought of God as my friend.  Lord. You bet.  Creator.  Check.  Father.  Yes.   He's my designer and creator, and I am privileged to be called His daughter, but friend?  For someone to be a friend means I have to know him or her.  And the more I know this person favorably, the more I choose to be in relationship.

In this Thanksgiving season, I am grateful for my friendship with God.  I am thankful that in His Son, I have not only salvation but an approachable role model on how to live a fulfilling and loving life.  Christ chooses to walk in relationship with me, as I Him.  Our friendship is sweet and while I sometimes balk, I am thankful for His loving willingness and ability to hold me accountable for the actions I say I want to live by daily.  Thank You, sweet Friend.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Divine Conspiracy of Sacrificial Love

"When Jesus invited His followers to take up their cross, it was a call to spiritual greatness in the divine conspiracy of sacrificial love." - John Ortberg

That sentence stopped me in my tracks.  I had to literally unpack the individual words to embrace the potential of their collective power. 


spiritual ~ (n) ~ of, or relating to, consisting of, or having the nature of the spirit
greatness ~ (n) ~ extremely large in quantity or number; of considerable duration

As a Christ follower, the act of "taking up my cross" is not meant to be a spiritual burden, yet it's often how this act is presented by the church.  Instead, it is a call to allow the Holy Spirit to flow unimpeded in me, to the fullness and duration that is only His, but in a way that is designed specifically for me.

divine ~(adj) ~ heavenly, perfect, in the service or worship of God, God-like
conspiracy ~ (n) ~ an agreement to perform together

Oh my!  Conspiracy!  By taking up my cross, I literally enter into agreement with God to participate in His perfect Kingdom plan.  It's like I've got the inside scoop, yet I'm only one piece of the puzzle.  And to fit into the agreement to perform together, I must perform with the gifts and talents by which I was specifically created.

sacrificial ~ (adj) ~ to forfeit something of value for something or someone considered to have a greater value
love ~ (n) ~ God's benevolence and mercy towards mankind / the benevolence, kindness or brotherhood that man should feel towards others

I get to participate in God's plan to woo mankind back to Eden,  back to relationship, back to heaven on earth.  And to do so, I first gratefully accept His sacrificial love for me in His Son, Jesus Christ, and then, in turn, I have the privilege of extending that unwarranted but freely given love to others.

It's exciting! energizing! amazing!   I have access to the power and might of a most Holy God whose only desire to draw us back to Him.  I am invited to participate in His Big Plan.  I am invited to accept His gift and then give it to others ~ I am invited to  love and be loved.  The mere thought makes me giggle.