Mom's Diary

I am not a morbid person. I don't sit around thinking about dying. But it will happen. Someday. After losing my parents in the last couple of years, I have had so many questions that can never be answered, and we talked a lot! So I think about things that my kids and grand kids may wonder about when I am gone. I think my mom knew we would wonder about things so she left several years of diaries for us to read. I pick it up and read some entries once in a while. Today was one of those days, so I can tell you that on this date in 1966 she bought a new dress and only had to spend $2 because the Dallas church ladies had given her $4 as a going away gift.  On this date in 1970 I went to school with swollen tonsils and a fever. I was an over-achiever! I am better at keeping my germs to myself now. In 1976 I chose the florist for my wedding. In 1986 our oldest daughter was interviewed by a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader on a telethon raising money for children's hospitals. And in 1982, mom weighed... well, I'm going to keep that private.

History can be so fun!

Sunday I listened to Andy Stanley share that, what we know as the Old Testament, (The Law and Prophets) was made famous, not by the Jews who used it as their creed to live by, but by the non-Jewish sector digging into Jewish history for the sole purpose of discovering and understanding all there was to know about the resurrected Jesus, the Messiah that most of the Jews didn't even recognize.  Thousands of years of history carefully laid out to prepare the way for the Savior of the world to make the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. All that history paints a picture of a Creator who made us in His image to love and be loved. And how critical it was for His people to live in that love, allowing no distractions, nothing that would pull them away from the One who made them and knew them and designed them for intimacy with Him.

His message caused me to reflect on my history and how it is laying a foundation for the generations that will come after me. I really want all of it to reflect back to my Messiah. When people look at my history and my parent's history and their parents before them, I want it to all boil down to ... "A foundation was laid to help her believe in the resurrected Savior who walked with her and stretched her and grew her and she trusted Him day by day to help her love with His amazing love."

Today you are writing your history and that of your kids and grand kids. How will your diary read to them? This is the perfect time to work on making your history point to a life lived for God. We will face new challenges weekly that will bring us to a new level of trusting our God and leaning into Him. We will be stretched and we will need to exercise patience and self-control. We will need to love and offer grace like never before. This pandemic creates a challenge beyond our typical day to day life and those are the places where the very best stories are written.

Please don't allow these days and weeks to create a history of fear and anger, impatience and frustration. Rather, find the places where God is at work. Where He is sustaining you. Where He is providing for you. Where He is reaching out His hand to you in the middle of a storm. Be a reflection of His goodness and grace as your history is written for the generations to come. Let it all point to a life led and blessed by the Messiah.

May your life be a story of God's amazing grace. Leave a journal or diary behind for the generations to come of how God sustained you in the COVID-19 Pandemic....but, leave out the part where you tell people your weight.

When Clouds Roll In

Have you ever heard, or maybe been involved in, a debate about the creation of the world? That always baffles me since there was no media on the scene to record the events exactly as it occurred (and who would really believe them, anyway?). The Genesis account of the creation was not written for the purpose of memorizing the order in which things were created or start arguments about whether the seven days were 24 hour days. It was simply written to explain to God's people that  they were, in fact, created in the image of the One True God. These people had been living among and enslaved by those who believed in multiple deities with self-seeking agendas. And then they wandered in the desert and discovered even more civilizations that believed in even more gods with all manner of ridiculous demands and they simply did not know the God who had rescued them.

Moses wanted them to know His God. The One whose voice he had heard on the Mountain. The One who made covenants with His people so that they might live and thrive. The One who protected and brought them miraculous victories. The One who cared about their day to day living so much that He gave them careful instructions about how to live. Using Genesis as a weapon to battle the world defeats the entire purpose of pointing others to a good and mighty Creator.

I, like Moses, want you to know my God... the God of Moses; the God of my father, the God who I serve. With the Coronavirus pandemic, we are living in a time when fear is growing daily and the One True God will be challenged and questioned and doubted. We are surrounded by cultures that don't know and believe and serve our God, just as the Israelites in the days of Moses.  We have a great opportunity to lean heavily into the God who created us in His own image so that we can reflect His love and spread His peace and shine His light. I pray that all the unknown surrounding us will draw us closer to Him and increase our desire to know this God who is not at all surprised or threatened by COVID-19.

As we enter the unknown, may I remind you that your children are listening to you and taking cues from you as to whether there is reason for concern. They will sense your unspoken fears. I encourage you to be confident that your life is ultimately in the hands of a God who sees; who knows your fears and is the source of our peace. Allow them to express their fears and don't belittle them. Just listen and explain that we are all in this together and we will be part of the solution. Keep your conversation age appropriate for them and as light as you can as you answer their questions. Add some fun imagination to all the scary imaginings they may be hearing. Assure them that if God determines that your family should all be covered in purple stars and orange glitter, that He will delight in you, as always and be with you as He promised. Nothing is too hard or too big for our God. All power rests in Him to use in the way that is best, from His sovereign perspective. Look to Him through the days ahead and rest assured that His love is unstoppable and His faithfulness is unending.

Dear John

We have a really important thank you letter to write. But the recipient has an undeliverable address at present. Perhaps one day we will see him and be able to thank him in person. His name is John. John is a good name. It was my grandfather's name... eventually. His parents named him Wally Grover Franklin. Unfortunate. Soon after he came to know Jesus, WW1 erupted and he went to the leaders of the church he attended and asked if it was wrong to go to war, knowing that he may be required to take the life of another. He was told to serve his country as a cook in the Army (apparently leaving necessary dirty work to the heathens???) so he went to enlist. When asked for his name, he told them John Franklin and Wally Grover disappeared forever. That will create issues for future descendants working through their genealogy!

John Franklin had many wonderful attributes and with them shaped my father, to a large degree and Dad, in turn, shaped me...therefore, if you are reading this and you know me and I have had any positive influence on your life, when you get to heaven, find my Grandpa John and thank him! 

He isn't really the John I was referring to, however. I just like that story about determining to change your identity and going for it! Too good not to share so that part is just extra.... at no charge! The John I am referring to shaped the lives of so many people for so many centuries, including Grandpa John, Dad and Me. The man I speak of loved Jesus and spent three years traveling with Him, learning from Him, watching Him, being transformed by Him. And then he wrote down what he knew to be true of Jesus and His Father, God. 

John spoke of Jesus as light in the darkness, truth among deception. He spoke of His friendship and His desire for us to abide in Him. John taught us how Jesus wants us to love and the way He actually demonstrated that love for us. It is in the writing of John that we discover that the opposite of love is not hate, as we may think. The opposite of love is selfishness. You can find that truth in the ever popular verse, John 3:16.

For God loved the world so much that He gave...

If love is giving and selfless and generous, how would you score yourself today? Examine the time that you give, the resources that you share and give yourself a grade. If we grade on the curve, we get an A+ compared to Ebeneezer Scrooge, but then Mother Theresa blows that curve! More important is our generosity with forgiveness and love for others. We can all use some extra time to study before that test is given. Right?

I had the blessing of growing up with the example of love that my dad learned from John Franklin who learned from the Gospel of John. I have seen love personified my entire life. Maybe you were not so blessed. Even so, the One who taught John to love is still teaching us today and when He is living within our hearts, He is shaping us and showing us and directing us down the path of love. Within you is the same power that brought Jesus out of the grave. It's not too late to learn to love well. You can and will make a profound impact on the world, like John, if you will let go of all you are hoarding for your own protection and generously love with the reckless hope of being a life-changing agent to those who live right under your roof. 

Who's In Charge Here?

It seems that today there is a marketing plan for everything. The goal is to convince you that you need whatever they are selling. I think one could put the fuzzy green substance just discovered lurking, forgotten in the back of the fridge and find a buyer for it if it was put in the right container with the proper claim of its tremendous benefits! But, news would travel fast that what is on the inside doesn't match what is on the outside and sales would quickly plummet because it what really matters is what is inside.

We all know that, so it's not exactly an epiphany that what is in our hearts is what really matters. And guess who sees what is in our hearts more than anyone else. If you said the people under your own roof, you are absolutely correct. Your spouse, parents, children, grandchildren... they are the ones that witness who you are when stress comes to visit. They see your reaction to fear or to annoying people. They see how you respond to them and others when you are tired or distracted or not feeling well.

As followers of Jesus, we can make a lot of claims.  We can have high standards. We can follow a creed or a list of self-imposed disciplines. We can try to convince others that our God is good and they should follow Him. We can read books and blogs, listen to sermons and podcasts, but, if we can't convince our family that the Spirit of God is in control of our thoughts and actions, out attitudes and words, then there doesn't seem to be much purpose or point to how we "market" ourselves to the world.

Our acceptance of Jesus as our Savior gives us an all access pass to the Holy Spirit... the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus told His followers would be with them in His absence. It is the Spirit of God within us that has the power to take the reins, lasso our thoughts, determine if they should stay or go and move us in the right direction. When we learn to let go of our control we will begin to see the results of a life of surrender to the Spirit of God. Here is how Eugene Peterson describes it...

"What happens when we live God's way?

He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - 

things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.

 we develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, 

and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. 

We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, 

able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

Galatians 5:22-23 -The Message Bible

Do You Know What God Thinks?

I like knowledge and information. When I said yes to marriage, I read books on how to be a good wife. When I had kids I read about how to be a good parent. When they became teenagers, I read even more books about how to prepare them to be a responsible adult. When I followed the call to ministry, I read and read and read and am still reading in order to learn all I can to help as many as I can. There is so very much I want to know and understand. And I suspect many of you feel the same. 

Most of us don't want to be mediocre parents or spouses or employees or friends. We want to know the best way to handle the most difficult situations and be a successful as possible in all arenas of life. 

Looking at marriage statistics, our chances of success are slim. When it comes to raising children, there are experts everywhere to remind us that we are going to mess our kids up, but we should try to keep that at a minimum. Not very encouraging, so it's easy to feel like all is gloom and doom with regard to living victoriously, however, I would like to offer you some encouragement along with a plan of action. It is the easiest and yet it is likely the most difficult thing you will ever attempt. All you have to do is slow down and listen. Very simple. Yet, very difficult. It is counter-intuitive to slow our pace because the people  all around us are furiously running past us, doing more, trying harder, being awesome (or so it would seem) at  juggling life and keeping all the balls in the air. It is our natural response in this culture to rush to stay in step with those who look so successful. And rush you must if it is your goal to live successfully in this culture. BUT if it is your goal to live in the culture that Jesus calls us to that is not congruent with this world, then you have to slow down and listen.

If you have decided to follow the way of Jesus and allow Him to reign supreme as your King, then His Spirit lives within you, to guide you and lead you to the Father at any moment of any day. He will direct your steps, help you make the right decision, shape you into the person you were made to be. But, He seldom, if ever, shouts over the noise we expose ourselves to. Rather, He waits for us to draw apart to a quiet place and silently listen for Him to lead us in the right way. Jesus often demonstrated this for His disciples because He knew the value of quiet communion with His Father.

I read somewhere that if you want your kids to know Jesus, spend less time talking to them about Him and spend more time talking to Him about them. I would alter that some and invite you to spend more time LISTENING to Him so that He can direct your parenting decisions. When it comes to your marriage, do the same. He will teach you how to give and receive love, if you will only listen. You will recognize His voice if you have taken the time to learn who He is by being a student of His Word. If you just can't find the time to be still and listen - even just 10 minutes a day, then you are likely to wander in the wilderness of life, doing your best to do your best. And that might seem like it's good enough. It may even be better than a lot of people. But, if you choose His way and heed His advice and set aside time to allow the Spirit of God to share the message of God with you, it will be a game changer. Your life will be a reflection of the One who made you and you will fulfill the plan that He made for you, which I far prefer over wandering and wondering. 

Troubled Hearts

Sometimes there is, deep inside of me, a profound sense that I am utterly alone. I have lost all those who shaped my childhood and made me who I am and without them I fear that nobody can truly know me. Some days, I'm not even sure I know who I am. Those feelings don't represent reality, but they are very real. I have lived with my dear husband far longer than I did my parents and nobody knows me like he does. I have precious friends who I can be completely transparent with and they know me very well. But some days, I just feel alone and lost without my parents and the aunt and uncle who had the most profound impact on me. 

I am so grateful for the heritage that is mine and the fact that I have had such special people who impacted me so profoundly that I still long to sit down and chat with them. I am grateful for those friends who know what I need even when I don't. I would be lost without Dana, a companion who walks patiently and lovingly beside me throughout the journey of my life, and for children and grandchildren who bring me great joy. But, as amazing as my life and my people are, sometimes there is still darkness and pain.

I know that I am not alone and that if you are breathing, you have experienced pain and loss and  possibly utter loneliness. For some of us, that is not a place to be feared because it points us directly to the Comforter. The Advocate. The Counselor. That's where I find myself. In the old rocking chair my Dad bought me the year that he died, looking within myself, finding the place that the Spirit of God inhabits and just quietly listening for His direction; His comfort; His peace.

If you find yourself in a place where the waters seem troubled and you struggle to know where to turn, try sitting still and listening to the Spirit within you. He will give you what you need and remind you that you are not alone and forgotten. If you are a follower of Jesus, you need not be afraid for you are never alone. His Spirit lives within you and will give you all you need.

He's Inside

Life is full of battles. Kids. Partners. Coworkers. Illness. Bills. Relationships. Parents. The list is long and makes us all exhausted at any given time. Physically, Mentally, Emotionally. Spiritually. But, we have what we need for the counter attack when we are followers of Jesus. We don't have to go to a special place or attend a certain number of church services or memorize a designated number of Bible verses. We don't have to travel to Tibet or to the Vatican. We don't have to do anything, but sit quietly and acknowledge the Presence of the Spirit of God who is living within us and wait to "hear" from Him as He gives direction for brokering the peace treaty that we need in the battle waged against our very souls.

You probably already know that, as did I, however, recently I was somehow reminded by an unheard voice, "I'm right here inside of you. Let me speak into your life." I think I forgot that I don't have to go find God, because God has come to me! He is right there inside waiting for me to slow down from all that I think I should be doing and quietly sit, awaiting the message He has for me. 

Sometimes in the quiet I discover that I am trying to do God's job instead of mine. Sometimes I discover that I need to love better. Sometimes I find that running from conflict will never solve the problem. Sometimes I know that I just need to sit still and listen to the silence in order to retrain my brain to accept silence as a healthy practice.

No matter where you find yourself today, remember that if you are a follower of God and desire to strengthen your relationship with others, it begins by strengthening your relationship with Him and that requires time in silence and solitude. If there is another way, in half a century of searching, I have not found it. There is no substitute for quietly listening. He seldom shouts over the noise we surround ourselves with or interrupts the activities we involve ourselves in. He waits patiently for us to sit still and accept the gift of His presence, as a cup of cool water when we are so very thirsty.

If you are struggling in a battle with another person or simply struggling with a battle within yourself, remember that the Spirit of God is inside you. He can see all the other things that are in there, possibly leaving Him little room to work... or even be noticed. You can refresh your mind and your spirit by taking the time to sit in silence with Him, finding out what needs to be eliminated, discovering what needs to be added, learning the way to do the next right thing. I invite you to sit quietly and be refreshed with His living water as you enjoy His company and learn from Him.

Think*Practice*Follow

I have been familiar with the Philippians 4 passage that implores us to think about the positive and beneficial things; things that are true, praise worthy and admirable, but somehow I missed something until I was listening to the pastor read it on Sunday. I had always skipped over a crucial part of what Paul was saying. I knew that if we were to focus our thoughts on the things of God that we would find peace. Period. But, that's not the whole message. I was struck by a very important part of the instructions that is so critical to bring into our home.

After zeroing in on the truthful thoughts we are to allow into our mind to focus upon, Paul goes on to say, "Put into practice all you learned from me." How is it, that even though I have quoted this section of scripture for years, I had overlooked an important ingredient to finding peace. It isn't just what we think, it's what we practice. And not just what we practice, but deliberately practicing the things we have been taught by a good, solid mentor. It is a wonderful thing to have a mentor who knows the Word of God; who has walked with Jesus for years; who is mature in their faith and is growing closer to Him year after year. I hope you have that person in your life and I hope that you take advantage of all the wisdom they have to share.

But... what about your kids? Who is their mentor in the faith? Who can they look to for their spiritual formation? Is that something you are willing to pass off to the teachers at church? Their youth leader? Or is that something you should be responsible for? I would suggest to you, a godly parent that is pleasing to Jesus must be willing to be learning and teaching; growing and leading; spiritually mentoring their kids as a lifestyle.

It hit me like a ton of bricks that I could not have said to my kids, like Paul did to his spiritual kids, "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me -- everything you heard from me and saw me doing..." and feel good about how they might behave! Maybe quite the opposite! Once again, I found myself wishing for a do-over. I wanted to go back in time and use the spiritual maturity I have gained since my kids left home and set a better example for them. It really made me look at myself and desire to be a better student, a more faithful servant, a gentler more merciful human for the sake of those who will come behind me.

Please don't wait until your kids are gone to draw closer to Jesus. Don't wait until your schedule is less crazy to find time to meditate on the truth that will bring freedom to your mind. Don't wait until you understand everything in the Bible to share it with your kids. Do what you can NOW and make some mistakes (like I did)... but DO move toward being a mentor for your kids TODAY. Be ready to tell them you are sorry when you mess up. Be humble and allow them to see that you are a student, learning and growing and making mistakes and even failing a few tests along the way. But, make being a godly mentor to your kids a critical priority in your life. You can't depend on anyone else to teach them the way you can, because they see you up close and personal and witness how you handle the tough places in life day after day. You have the best stage from which to demonstrate the love of God and His call to obedience to His Word.

Consider the fact that this formula for experiencing the peaceful presence of God involves what you think, what you practice and who you follow. In a time and place where anxiety is commonplace and peace is scarce, perhaps it's time for us to take seriously the advice of Paul and THINK POSITIVELY, PRACTICE DILIGENTLY, and FOLLOW FAITHFULLY so that our kids and grandkids have a good mentor to lead them.

What Do You Think?

 The way we think has great power to control the outcomes of our lives. The human mind is a stage where drama loves to play and the drama that is created there, whether consciously or unconsciously, has the potential to make us or break us. It has the potential to orchestrate success or failure in our human interactions, our relationships, our job performance, our homes and our overall well-being. 

The brain is a powerful organ, often referred to as the computer that controls the entire body and all of its systems. The mind, being the drama that it is, likes to short-circuit that magnificent organ and cause it to work less effectively on our behalf. This explains why medical professionals have determined that more than half of the ailments in the human body stem from stress... which is the drama that the mind creates with which to hijack the healing powers of the brain. 

If you don't believe me, then why were we afraid of the ocean after watching Jaws? Why did the noises in the utility closet sound like raptors after watching Jurassic Park? Why was it so hard to trust my husband back in the days when I "treated" myself to 2 days of soap operas a week?  I am certain I am not alone in this struggle. You, too, have had your mind mess with you at some point.

So if your mind is playing out a scene of distrust, sorrow, worry and strife; jealousy, envy, anger and bitterness, and you don't get up an walk out on that performance, your brain will send a legion of  neurons that will cause your body to react in negative ways. But, what if you were to close the curtain and fire the cast and shut down the show. What if, instead you decided on a whole new drama where the outcomes align with the promises in scripture? What if you truly believed that you could be a new person with a new life and a new found love and passion for your spouse? What if you believed that you could master the thing that you've been struggling with? What if you believed that you could be a success and impact the world in a positive way? It would be a game changer, for sure.

As I concentrate on the mind and it's potential to alter our lives, I think of Paul's instruction for us to wear the whole armor of Christ to conquer the battles waged by evil. I believe that it is no coincidence that he chose to have us wear the helmet of salvation in order to protect the "computer" that controls our movements and our health and well-being. When our salvation is secure, we have the power of God within us to conquer whatever life brings us, so why do we need a helmet to protect us? Perhaps because God knew that the drama in life that can bring us good times, can also strip away the truth by firing lies at us. The world is full of such lies and without protecting ourselves from those lies and all that drama, we will not live victoriously and abundantly as God's Word promises. We are easily dragged down by the thoughts planted in our mind by the enemy and he will use that stage to do terrible damage and kill our effectiveness as parents, as husbands, as wives, as followers of Jesus.

Bringing this message home, I encourage each of you to take note of the drama in your mind and act immediately to capture every rebellious and unhealthy thought and make it submit to Jesus Christ who is our Truth (2 Corinthians 10:1-6). If it does not build up your marriage, if it does not help you parent in a Godly manner, then close the curtain and change the scene to the thoughts that will bring healing and wholeness to your home. Look for thoughts that are true, honorable, right and pure. Focus on what is lovely and admirable and excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8) and see where those thoughts will take you. Let God transform you, your home, your marriage and your family dynamics by changing the way your think.

Are You A Carrier?

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

I am a doer. I like it when I can see a need and can charge in with (what I perceive to be) my unlimited strength and wisdom and alleviate the burden I see someone carrying. So, I like this verse. It fits who I am and justifies my drive to go fix things. I recently had the opportunity to use this drive by flying out to Montana to spend a week with our youngest son, Kyle, after his skiing accident left him with a punctured lung, lacerated liver and 5 broken ribs. I quickly discovered there was nothing there that I could fix. I bought some grocery and made some drug store runs, fixed a few meals, did laundry and arranged pillows. I was going there to "fix" something I couldn't fix.

Of course "fixing" others is a total misinterpretation of that verse. I couldn't fix broken bones or take his pain away, but what I could do was just be there. Offering hope and love. His reaction to my "non-fixing presence"... words of love and gratitude for being with him that week.  For a "fixer" that was such a great reminder that there is a big difference between carrying a burden and making it disappear. We are not called to fix what we didn't break, but to love enough to walk alongside someone who is broken. 

How does this message translate at home? As a young mom (and a fixer), every moment was a teachable moment. There was a lesson to be learned with every mistake or flagrant foul the kids committed. I wonder now if they would have learned just as well if I had just silently allowed them to suffer the consequences of their choices without judgement or sermon, but walked alongside them in love while the dust settled around their misdeed. We start off life with an infant, bearing ALL the burden for them because they need us to do that. As they grow, we have to back off and allow them to carry the burden for themselves so they can learn to master life skills. If you read further in Galatians 6, you will find Paul telling his readers to bear their own burdens. In today's vernacular, we should never be the enabler who confuses bearing another's burden during a difficult time with carrying their entire load, absolving them of responsibility. My take on this is that we allow our kids to feel the pain of bad decisions, but rather than standing over them with condemnation, we sit beside them with compassion. After all, has it really been that long since you screwed up?

While I was in Montana, I talked with a young wife who told me that her grandmother was very old school and believed that the wife should serve her husband and care for him, even though he was perfectly capable of caring for himself. She didn't like that concept at all! They were a few years into their marriage and content to care for themselves. What happens, though, when there is a pain that visits the heart that sets us back on our heels? When a roadblock appears out of nowhere causing us to stop dead in our tracks? When sickness or loss is suffered? Rushing in to tell your partner to suck it up and be strong is not typically the best way to healing. Busying yourself with "fixing" will also not do a thing for your relationship. Pointing out how they got themselves into this situation or refusing to show compassion because they deserve whatever the outcome will certainly not strengthen your relationship. The best way to bear your spouse's burden is to know your spouse. Living for yourself will not enlighten you to the person you have chosen and what their needs might be. You simply cannot bear their burden if you don't know them well enough to know who they are inside. Truly knowing them enables you to try to out-serve each other. That may feel awkward in the beginning if it isn't your typical method, but it is an excellent way to build a relationship that lasts.

Bottom line... life can get tough and sometimes we just aren't up to the struggle... whether we are 6 or 60. Sometimes we need someone to help shoulder our load. There are no awards at the end of the road for going it alone or forcing someone else to do so. The Law of Christ is to love others and love God. We can't love God if we don't love what He created....(and that's your spouse and your kids). The way to demonstrate your love for them, according to scripture, is to carry their burden. It may seem to you that they should be able to manage without you, but what a blessing it is when they see you are by their side, walking with them through their valley. You don't need a lot of knowledge to sit with someone and listen. You don't need to quote scripture or have the wisdom of a sage. You just have to care that they hurting or afraid and hold their hand in the valleys of life. The darkness is always more bearable when you are not alone.

Not Shackles But Shelter

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Why do we choose to be angry rather than to understanding? Or to be envious rather than grateful? Or to be bitter rather than forgive? To be weary rather than rest? To be burdened rather than to trust? It just seems to be our default setting to accept pain  as reality rather than seek the cure. Jesus said that we will have suffering in this life, but He never said we had to hold on to it tightly and be completely miserable. 

The above passage can easily be brought home.  Think of your marriage or other relationships that have you worn down, weary, burdened, exhausted. How likely are you to take that to Jesus and accept His rest from that burden? Aren't we more inclined to stew about it, share it with our co-workers, put it on social media, confide in ALL of our dearest friends than we are to simply come to Jesus with it? Perhaps it is because we have read the next sentence: Take MY YOKE UPON YOU... and we see that yoke as a form of bondage. A giving up of our free will. A shackle that keeps us from doing things our way. Not that "our way" has much merit or has brought any relief to the stress growing into a broiling volcano under our roof.

But, there is so much to be gained by taking that yoke. You get to snuggle in close and learn from the LORD himself. Learn the rhythm of His movement. Learn the joy of His presence. Learn the gentleness that builds relationships. Learn the humility that comes when we finally see the log in our own eye when we were angry over the speck in our rivals. And learn the rest that comes when His grace completely covers that log up and moves us forward.

The reason His yoke is easy is because, when yoked in partnership with Him, we no longer carry the weight of judging others. That belongs on His side and is too heavy for us to carry. We don't have to hold any grudges because vengeance belongs to Him. It will crush us if we try to shoulder it. We don't have to withhold love and affection because when we walk in sync with Him, we learn that love is unconditional and there is no exception. We don't have to keep track of the score, but can find rest knowing that He has seen it all. 

Is there stress in your home that is wearing you down? Is your family life doing pretty well? Either way, may I encourage you to take a look at that yoke. It isn't what you might think. It's not about bondage. It is a tool for rest. His yoke is not like shackles, but like a shelter from stress you were never meant to carry. Come. Take. Learn. Rest.

Never Alone

I am sitting at a computer in the lobby of the hotel where I am staying in Big Sky, Montana. Out of my window I can see Lone Peak, the mountain my son was skiing down when he collided with a tree at about 25 mph. He was not alone on the Mountain that day. He was with friends, but the Friend that was with him that kept him from more serious injuries than a lacerated liver, punctured lung and 5 broken ribs has never left his side in all the years he has been away from my watchful eye.

I am ever so grateful that God protected him. I am also extremely grateful for the prayers that have been offered for him in all the days since the accident... however many that might be. I don't even know what day it is. Let's blame it on the altitude here!

I belong to a special family. Not a perfect family. We come in all shapes and sizes and have all sorts of history of unfortunate choices and warts and secrets. But, we are family because we are united by a belief that we are not alone. That each of us matters to a loving God who made us each for a purpose and has His hand on our lives. That family has reached out to me multiple times a day to check on Kyle and check on me. What a calming effect that has had on me through the hours since I got that phone call.

Kyle will heal. It will be a long process, but he will know every single day that he is here because the Head of this amazing family chose to give him another chance at life. He is already planning the slopes he will conquer next year... and I hope he will always remember the family that prayed him through this.

I am so thankful for you all. I am so thankful that my heritage is one that taught me the importance of belonging to a family of faith. I am so blessed to have known many "family" members who have so positively impacted my life... especially this week as I look at the grand view of snow covered mountains of Montana and do important things... like put socks and shoes on a grown man and remind him just how much he is loved.