Back in February I posted about the first chapter in a book entitled Unexpected Wisdom. I have continued through this jewel of a book and would like to share some of the other chapters.
Habakkuk - Don't Fear the Dark was the title of the chapter and it was a great writing of encouragement and new insight. I love the word "journey". The author reminded me the faith I brought into my conversion is the same faith I need all through the journey of my life. It is a process. He also mentions that we rarely grow in a 5-star hotel, it is with challenge(darkness) that we move along.
"though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I Peter 1:7
I want to learn that darkness does not last forever. A lie that satan wants to tell us all. I have always told the girls that God doesn't play hide and seek in the sense that it is a game to harm us, to irritate us but there are times that God just doesn't speak. He has His own timing and when Habakkuk doesn't hear from God it presents darkness. When he finally does hear from God it isn't what Habakkuk wants to hear.
This week, I caught myself asking for something to go smooth and easy. I think that is fine, but isn't it just like us to want it to be smooth and easy? I also want to grow into who God wants me to be. That means I need experiences that show that my faith will stand firm. I look at a situation and see only a small piece. God is seeing the whole picture and so I need to realize as darkness comes my perspective needs to change. What is God trying to accomplish when I get into a situation that I don't like, that I don't feel safe in? Dying to self is part of the darkness, realizing I must trust!
I love the picture of Habakkuk 2:1 "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me..." How could a book that only has three chapters (Habakkuk) be so good? It gets better and better. The author says something that is important for us to all remember as we walk in darkness and stumble. These difficulties are not ignored but neither are they what shape our lives. "That influence is reserved for God"
Part of our worship is the process of walking through darkness and calling out, waiting and listening to God. We know He is real and we will not let the world convince us otherwise!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
P E A C E
While choosing my flight recently to Washington DC, I decided to fly in early afternoon so I could get on the metro and to Hannah and Jason's condo without all of the afternoon traffic. I arrived early enough to get to the grocery store before either of them arrived.
Later, as I walked into their apartment with hands completely full, I took a deep breath and put my bags down. Such peace came over me! This is the place where Hannah and Jason spend each evening and eat their meals, visit, put their decorating touch on, and live day in and day out. I walked through each room and prayed a blessing over it. God made my arrival such a JOY. I sat and read a bit before Hannah arrived. It was quiet and restful after a day of travel.
Many of the evenings I spent in DC I would walk down to the Potomac canal that is right on the side their apartment complex (by Fort McNair). There are benches along the water and it is so pleasant. I enjoyed the alone time and quiet. I would call Daniel some nights while I experienced this special time. Mainly I observed people, thought about different subjects that came to my mind and talked with God about all that He was providing me with as I visited. There were helicopters that came over head and there were sail boats that I enjoyed as I would sit and watch.
Hannah was a great patient and Jason could not have been any better at care taking!! Each day Hannah improved and as a week went by she began to get around. We really enjoyed cooking together and planning the meals. Their small group at NCC provided several meals. I had prayed they would experience community in this way during this time. What a wonderful feeling to be taken care of and thought of during a time of surgery.
On Friday night, I suggested they get out of the house and grab a movie!! I couldn't resist taking their picture. Their balcony was home for me that night and the clouds were beautiful(complete with their tomato plant -- yielding 12-13 tomatoes). So peaceful!!
The last weekend I was there we were able to enjoy worship on Sunday morning, took in some sights at the National Arboretum, and helped good friends, Matt and Jessie, move into their apt. I was there before and after the surgery, for recovery and even a few days that Hannah showed me some places that are important to the two of them.
After two weeks, Hannah drove me over to Baltimore to catch my plane. We went early and took in lunch and my first pedicure!! We shopped and said our goodbyes. My heart is peaceful as I experienced our sweet kids' world. They are in God's hands and He is a tender Father. Thank you for peace.
Later, as I walked into their apartment with hands completely full, I took a deep breath and put my bags down. Such peace came over me! This is the place where Hannah and Jason spend each evening and eat their meals, visit, put their decorating touch on, and live day in and day out. I walked through each room and prayed a blessing over it. God made my arrival such a JOY. I sat and read a bit before Hannah arrived. It was quiet and restful after a day of travel.
Many of the evenings I spent in DC I would walk down to the Potomac canal that is right on the side their apartment complex (by Fort McNair). There are benches along the water and it is so pleasant. I enjoyed the alone time and quiet. I would call Daniel some nights while I experienced this special time. Mainly I observed people, thought about different subjects that came to my mind and talked with God about all that He was providing me with as I visited. There were helicopters that came over head and there were sail boats that I enjoyed as I would sit and watch.
Hannah was a great patient and Jason could not have been any better at care taking!! Each day Hannah improved and as a week went by she began to get around. We really enjoyed cooking together and planning the meals. Their small group at NCC provided several meals. I had prayed they would experience community in this way during this time. What a wonderful feeling to be taken care of and thought of during a time of surgery.
On Friday night, I suggested they get out of the house and grab a movie!! I couldn't resist taking their picture. Their balcony was home for me that night and the clouds were beautiful(complete with their tomato plant -- yielding 12-13 tomatoes). So peaceful!!
The last weekend I was there we were able to enjoy worship on Sunday morning, took in some sights at the National Arboretum, and helped good friends, Matt and Jessie, move into their apt. I was there before and after the surgery, for recovery and even a few days that Hannah showed me some places that are important to the two of them.
After two weeks, Hannah drove me over to Baltimore to catch my plane. We went early and took in lunch and my first pedicure!! We shopped and said our goodbyes. My heart is peaceful as I experienced our sweet kids' world. They are in God's hands and He is a tender Father. Thank you for peace.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 18, 1979 -- 32 years of Walking Together
Don't we look grand....I love that I still miss Daniel when I leave town and that he calls many several times a day when I'm gone. I wrote words 2 years ago when I was in Lima as Corban was being born. Yes, we were apart -- me in Lima and him in Abilene - 2 years ago. But this year we are together in Abilene and have a movie and making dinner together planned.
As our girls have gotten married, it has caused me to reflect on our marriage in a realistic way. They have only really watched our marriage with marriage in mind for some short years. It is not quite fair for them to measure their marriages that are so new, and that are two completely different people against what they see in ours. We have had years to work it all out and still are in many ways.
God has been gracious to us and we have made many mistakes as we have travels. There has been much forgiveness and I always tell Daniel he is more gracious to me than I am of him.(continuing to ask for this more in my life)
When we do counseling with others on marriage we have a list of three things we feel we did well and three things we messed up. We talk about what we can see now and couldn't see back then. All by the grace of God have all of our days together been accomplished.
So today, I love where God has us and look with open hands for what He has for the future!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
To DC and Back
With my nifty little spiral in hand, I began to list all of the things I was thankful for as I got settled into my airplane seat both going to DC and coming back home recently. Here is my list -- it made all the difference in the world where my mind went as I experienced what my brain tells me can be very stressful and full of anxiety.
Giving thanks for:
I then began to name some our the people who are part of my community, Hope church of Christ, and was so very thankful for their gifts and abilities. I give thanks for what is happening in their lives and how they are walking with God.
As I came home last night I enjoyed the list again....
"While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving." Ann Voskamp
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
"Eucharisteo is elemental to living the saved life", Ann Voskamp
Because I read slow, I have to go over chapters I have read before so I can really remember what I have read. There is a book, One Thousand Gifts, I have been reading since Easter that I want to use to make a change in my view -- in my language. Changes in the way you view life and then translate that into words is very difficult. The subject of the book is giving thanks. Eucharisteo. I had to Google it to get more information and understanding.
Events can happen so fast that my giving thanks goes out the window. I am challenged by the idea to give thanks in all things. There is a new song out that mentions maybe the hard times are how God is making a way for me to grow. So especially in the harder times I need to give thanks. I want to live with my hands open and receive whatever God gives -- and give thanks.
that my morning of play with Corban is over skype
that we have been given a time of caregiving to Daniel's parents
that my body is trying to get me to eat different
that friendships come slow in a new town
that i watch as friends struggle
that i struggle
As Ann Voskamp ends a chapter she says, "our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God." He wants the glory in all of our life. She ask questions like "how do I live ready? How do we live fully so we are fully ready to die?" Her answer, "Without this Jesus, no, no one can be ready."
Today, I want to tell others about Him. I want to put myself with the ones who need a word from the Lord. I must get out there, put myself in places for God to use me. This author is also asking me in my giving thanks for everything to pay attention to what I do have. She mentions she is a farmer's wife, a mother of six, she realizes she has the stars that rise each night in her sky, she will embrace her children who the Lord has created, she knows that there is One who created the snow that she sees out her window. Living fully is fully taking in all that you have. We look past so many gifts of the day. Another one of her quotes is, "as long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible."
How many people do you know that are looking for JOY?? Are you?? Euchariteo is the answer, giving thanks. This weekend we were at a wedding and the preacher told the couple (and all of us) it is hard to be critical when you are appreciative. Giving thanks can turn our lives around!! I had never really thought about the first sin being ingratitude. Adam and Eve being discontent with what God had given. Am I living this today? Has it crept in slowly?
Voskamp brings up the question from Jesus -- "Where are the other nine?" Do you remember the story? Luke 17:17-19. "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" "Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our YES! to His grace."
Starting out may be hard because we have never tried to give thanks for all things. Voskamp suggest writing them down, putting a name to each blessing, as Adam names each animal in the beginning. She starts out... (1) morning shadows across the old floors; (2) jam piled high on the toast; (3) cry of bluejay from high in the spruce; (16) leafy life scent of the florist shop; (17) the creak of her old knees; (18) wind flying cold wild in hair. Do you get the idea? It is a complete change in your thoughts unless you are naturally a thankful person and have recognized these blessing in your life all along.
There is so much for me to learn on this subject. I could think of it all day long. The author challenges me, "if living eucharisteo is the key to unlocking the mystery of life, this I want. To learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or hands empty. That is a secret worth spending a life on learning."
Events can happen so fast that my giving thanks goes out the window. I am challenged by the idea to give thanks in all things. There is a new song out that mentions maybe the hard times are how God is making a way for me to grow. So especially in the harder times I need to give thanks. I want to live with my hands open and receive whatever God gives -- and give thanks.
As Ann Voskamp ends a chapter she says, "our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God." He wants the glory in all of our life. She ask questions like "how do I live ready? How do we live fully so we are fully ready to die?" Her answer, "Without this Jesus, no, no one can be ready."
Today, I want to tell others about Him. I want to put myself with the ones who need a word from the Lord. I must get out there, put myself in places for God to use me. This author is also asking me in my giving thanks for everything to pay attention to what I do have. She mentions she is a farmer's wife, a mother of six, she realizes she has the stars that rise each night in her sky, she will embrace her children who the Lord has created, she knows that there is One who created the snow that she sees out her window. Living fully is fully taking in all that you have. We look past so many gifts of the day. Another one of her quotes is, "as long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible."
How many people do you know that are looking for JOY?? Are you?? Euchariteo is the answer, giving thanks. This weekend we were at a wedding and the preacher told the couple (and all of us) it is hard to be critical when you are appreciative. Giving thanks can turn our lives around!! I had never really thought about the first sin being ingratitude. Adam and Eve being discontent with what God had given. Am I living this today? Has it crept in slowly?
Voskamp brings up the question from Jesus -- "Where are the other nine?" Do you remember the story? Luke 17:17-19. "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" "Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our YES! to His grace."
Starting out may be hard because we have never tried to give thanks for all things. Voskamp suggest writing them down, putting a name to each blessing, as Adam names each animal in the beginning. She starts out... (1) morning shadows across the old floors; (2) jam piled high on the toast; (3) cry of bluejay from high in the spruce; (16) leafy life scent of the florist shop; (17) the creak of her old knees; (18) wind flying cold wild in hair. Do you get the idea? It is a complete change in your thoughts unless you are naturally a thankful person and have recognized these blessing in your life all along.
There is so much for me to learn on this subject. I could think of it all day long. The author challenges me, "if living eucharisteo is the key to unlocking the mystery of life, this I want. To learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or hands empty. That is a secret worth spending a life on learning."
Monday, July 4, 2011
No Pictures!!
Blogging brings JOY but I have had trouble with my cursor freezing up when I try to download new pictures. Do I really need pictures to describe all of the thoughts that whirl around in my head? Too many to write, but I will go a few directions.
My walking/running. I started back today and I always enjoy it! It is when I'm sitting in my house with so many other things beckoning me that I decide to put it off. But this morning, I decided to listen to the Beatles as I started out. All of the songs were about love and so my mind went to marriage. From this end, it is wonderful, but I know there were and really still are some tough places. I am so grateful that God has taught us as His people to push on, to forgive, to give grace, to not feel I need to have the last word, to know that He will be glorified through our marriages as He heals us from our selfishness. Praise Be to God!!
My reading. I have too many books going on at one time, but I love to have new ideas and to ponder what others think. I do not think of myself as creative, but as I put new thoughts into my mind, God takes me where He wants me to go. I sit and try to be silent. The idea of desire and pursuing have caught my attention in the last two days. Even when I went to bed last night, I chose a devotional on the names of God to read. Not knowing where it would take me, the subject of praising God for how long He has pursued me came up. I love that picture. Know today, you have been pursued since before you were born. You are worthy of love and your identity is completely wrapped up in Christ.
My eating. I'm not sure I really have found out what is at the crux of the feelings I have in my stomach, but I am feeling better. I'm learning how to make my own hummus, enjoying spinach as always, making lots of smoothies, finding new treasures in the grocery store. I go soon to visit with a nutritionist. Drawing in new information will be fun and will take me to a new place.
My love for DAniEl. 2011 has brought lots of new feelings as we have dealt with so many health issues. We had never in our 31 years of marriage dealt with surgery in either of our lives. God gives us seasons to bring us to new places. I welcome this even though it is hard. I have enjoyed LOTS of years of plenty with Daniel and his protection and gentleness with me. It is now a time that I get to serve Daniel in this time of healing. Love grows with new experiences, if we let it. God is love and we are being called daily to become more in the image of our Father.
My walking/running. I started back today and I always enjoy it! It is when I'm sitting in my house with so many other things beckoning me that I decide to put it off. But this morning, I decided to listen to the Beatles as I started out. All of the songs were about love and so my mind went to marriage. From this end, it is wonderful, but I know there were and really still are some tough places. I am so grateful that God has taught us as His people to push on, to forgive, to give grace, to not feel I need to have the last word, to know that He will be glorified through our marriages as He heals us from our selfishness. Praise Be to God!!
My reading. I have too many books going on at one time, but I love to have new ideas and to ponder what others think. I do not think of myself as creative, but as I put new thoughts into my mind, God takes me where He wants me to go. I sit and try to be silent. The idea of desire and pursuing have caught my attention in the last two days. Even when I went to bed last night, I chose a devotional on the names of God to read. Not knowing where it would take me, the subject of praising God for how long He has pursued me came up. I love that picture. Know today, you have been pursued since before you were born. You are worthy of love and your identity is completely wrapped up in Christ.
My eating. I'm not sure I really have found out what is at the crux of the feelings I have in my stomach, but I am feeling better. I'm learning how to make my own hummus, enjoying spinach as always, making lots of smoothies, finding new treasures in the grocery store. I go soon to visit with a nutritionist. Drawing in new information will be fun and will take me to a new place.
My love for DAniEl. 2011 has brought lots of new feelings as we have dealt with so many health issues. We had never in our 31 years of marriage dealt with surgery in either of our lives. God gives us seasons to bring us to new places. I welcome this even though it is hard. I have enjoyed LOTS of years of plenty with Daniel and his protection and gentleness with me. It is now a time that I get to serve Daniel in this time of healing. Love grows with new experiences, if we let it. God is love and we are being called daily to become more in the image of our Father.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Swamp Tea
As I have ventured out on blogville I have found a LOT of gluten free sites. I have limited myself because it can be too much information all at one time. I have had the sensing from God to walk slow and enjoy, don't get overload with celiac information. One of the sites, Nicole Tatum at Glutenfreefaces.com had a give away and guess what -- I WON!! It all came in the mail today!
I usually look ingredients up as I come across them and so when Hannah mentioned she has made "Mrs. Lisa Cobb's Swamp Tea" I went to look everything up. Can I drink this or do I need to substitute some items to make it gluten free?? Well, as it turns out it is all fine and so I will make it this morning when my sweet friend, Lynn Spivey comes over. She is from College Station and she is here in Abilene visiting her mom. Can't wait for the visit and the Swamp Tea.
Swamp Tea
6 small tea bags or 2 family size tea bags
4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups sugar -- you can always try less
6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
10 cups water
Ice
Lemon slices or orange slices to garnish
Seep tea bags in boiling water (removed from stove top and covered) for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. In a large container (it must hold at least 1 gallon) combine the tea, juice and water. Stir well. Serve over ice filled tea glasses and garnish with lemon/orange slices. Or pour into ice filled serving pitcher containing lemon/orange slices. Makes 1 gallon (16 cups, about 12 ice tea glass)
I usually look ingredients up as I come across them and so when Hannah mentioned she has made "Mrs. Lisa Cobb's Swamp Tea" I went to look everything up. Can I drink this or do I need to substitute some items to make it gluten free?? Well, as it turns out it is all fine and so I will make it this morning when my sweet friend, Lynn Spivey comes over. She is from College Station and she is here in Abilene visiting her mom. Can't wait for the visit and the Swamp Tea.
Swamp Tea
6 small tea bags or 2 family size tea bags
4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups sugar -- you can always try less
6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
10 cups water
Ice
Lemon slices or orange slices to garnish
Seep tea bags in boiling water (removed from stove top and covered) for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. In a large container (it must hold at least 1 gallon) combine the tea, juice and water. Stir well. Serve over ice filled tea glasses and garnish with lemon/orange slices. Or pour into ice filled serving pitcher containing lemon/orange slices. Makes 1 gallon (16 cups, about 12 ice tea glass)
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