Pray for the Children

I came across this poem in a book, and it really touched my heart. I hadn't really thought of praying for the kids in this way. As you read it, say a little prayer for all the kids around the world. It's kinda long, but worth reading! Really makes you think, and maybe opens your eyes a little bit...

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We Pray for Children…

We pray for children

Who are overprogrammed by school,

Sports and music lessons,

Who spend all their allowance before

Wednesday, who want pizza and hot dogs rather than meat and

Broccoli;

And we pray for children

Who were born with AIDS or HIV,

who saw Daddy make a drug deal on the

front porch last night,

who attend schools with second-rate teachers

and leaking roofs

We pray for children

Who love to play in the mud and wonder how

Their clothes got dirty,

Who have computers and Game Boy and

Nintendo video games,

Who spill their cereal and forget to say grace.

And we pray for children

Who suffer from verbal abuse every day,

Who live with constant fear that divorce

Will split their family,

Who babysit themselves and watch TV till

Mom comes home.

We pray for children

Who have a new ball glove, the latest Schwinn bicycle

And a Razor scooter,

Who wish school would self-destruct before

Tuesday’s spelling test,

Who say it’s not fair that meat and salad come

Before ice cream;

And we pray for children

Who are bullied every day on their way home from school,

Whose kitchen cupboard is empty,

Who drop out of school to live in poverty for a lifetime.

We pray for children

Who melt our hearts with one little kiss,

Who tell family secrets and feel anxious about Santa Claus,

Who won’t clean their rooms without a fuss;

And we pray for children

Who will never to go Walt Disney World,

Who have no uncles, aunts or grandparents to spoil them,

Who have been molested by their priests or ministers.

We pray for children

Who are cherished by their parents,

Who grumble when pushed to try new foods,

Who put off homework until bedtime;

And we pray for children

Who relive 9/11 every time a plane flies overhead,

Who pick the neighbor’s tulips to give Mom a bouquet,

Who live with aging grandparents because Mom has deserted

Them and Dad is in jail.

We pray for children

Who are taught by gifted teachers in good schools,

Who can have any kind of sports equipment they want,

Who try to sneak to the supper table without

Washing their hands;

And we pray for children

Who fear that they might not live to grow up,

Who do not live with their family of origin because

Of divorce or abuse,

Who try not to cry when a friend gets beaten by

A gang member.

We pray for children

Who sneak cookies and hate vegetables,

Who sleep with the cat but never walk the dog,

Who love school except when it’s time to get up;

And we pray for children

who have toothaches but no money for dentistry care,

who stare through barred windows into a seedy,

rundown neighborhood,

who have lost a playmate to a drive-by shooting.

We pray for children

Who ride in Mom’s SUV with a “Kid’s Taxi” bumper sticker,

Who pretend to do homework while playing computer games,

Who live in the big house on the hill and wear trendy sneakers;

And we pray for children

Who have everything but no one to love them,

Who are dying because medical help came too late,

Who have never heard Bible stories.

We pray for children

Who worry about being too fat, too skinny,

Too old or too young,

Who almost made the honor roll,

Who are nurtured by a Sunday School teacher

And loved by their church;

And we pray for children

Who are dying for love and attention,

Who never had a kite, an allowance or an adult friend,

Who have no one to say “You’re great”

And “You can do it!”

We pray for children

Who love to wear the outlandish clothes their schoolmates are

Wearing,

Who forget their lunch money and their school assignments,

Who fret about sitting on the bench at Little League games;

And we pray for children

Who give birth to other children,

Who fear their school will have a shooting like Columbine’s,

Who have never heard about the love of Jesus.

We pray for children

Who tease little sisters and wonder why they tattle,

Who giggle and say precocious things and love life,

Who play Peekaboo with grandfatherly types at restaurants;

And we pray for children who have absentee fathers who never call,

Whose lives have no connection to what they see on TV

Who live with the reality of children crippled and killed by war

And terrorists.

(taken from "For Kid's Sake" by H. B. London)

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Oh Lord, be with these children. Open our eyes to those who need you today.

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

WIB & WIG

Spring - When the snow in the mountains absorbs the warmth of the sun and begins to have the consistency of mashed potatoes and gravy. The year 2000 - A new millenium, the Backstreet Boys are at the peak of their career, and a memorable day takes place for at least two young guys.

I was introduced to a short, scruffy, musician type guy who was coming from the flat farm land of Northern Minnesota. We were both at a weekend youth rally in Kalispell, MT. Within a few seconds of introductions, it was determined that I would be the guide at the ski hill for this guy. Being the brilliant young man I was at the time, I knew how to show this guy what skiing in MT is really like.

Standing at the top of the biggest jump on the mountain, it looks like you're going to run into a large wall covered in snow. With the laws of physics working to your advantage, you can go downhill, up the takeoff, and begin to orbit Montana, before gravity gets a grip and brings you back to the snow. After repeatedly slamming into the takeoff, this gifted guitar player finally became a human canon ball. It wasn't the time in the air that brought the pain - it was coming back to solid ground. I'll never forget this new friend's determination, trying over and over again, disregarding the feelings in his shoulder, wrists, and back. Even more memorable were the shouts of joy, high fives and echoing laughter after a great day absorbing God's creation.

That night I sat in a hard plastic chair, listening to an acoustic guitar compliment the lyrics leaving the lips of my new friend, Jeremy Erickson. This was a different side of the guy than I had seen earlier on the mountain. The songs I heard were new, thought provoking, and created by a guy from a farm in Minnesota. My eyes were just beginning to be opened to the vastness of my Creator's creations. Some lyrics came from the Bible, others were inspired by God painting pictures on warm North Dakota evenings, and still some were in memory of loved ones.

Little did I know at the time, Jeremy and I would bump into each other many times over the next 11 years. An afternoon jam session in my mother's house (playing Jeremy's Taylor guitar) I sit and learn the chords from the guy who wrote the song. In the mountains of Colorado, conversations late at night keep us updated on the days that are behind us. Email updates keep friends connected. The randomness was a part of God's plan for at least two young guys.

Fast forward to the fall of 2009. Walking into a new church building, in a new city, in a new chapter of life, who do I see? The years have changed how much hair is or is not on our faces, but Jeremy and I reunite again - this time on his turf. At Emmaus Free Lutheran Church it seems like God may have brought our lives full circle. Phone numbers are exchanged and plans are made for a time to really catch up.

Over a nice cup of coffee, Jeremy takes a few hours out of his life to connect with me when I may have needed it most. I've finally been processing some of life's realities (my relationship with my dad) and God brought Jeremy and I together to connect with Him. Jeremy and I laugh, ponder, and catch up after far too long. There are so many levels that we find common ground - adventure, family, AFLBS, illness, pain, inspiration, conversation, music, and friends - but that day the common ground was simply, Jesus. Two different people, two different lives, two different perspectives, one Jesus.

While I've heard some of Jeremy's songs at least 5 times, the lyrics from "God's own Glory" connected with me today.

"Reunite the now and then, To bring your glory, Amen"

When We Walk on the Side Streets

I arrived at class last Wednesday eager to develop three rolls of film, taken at my Grandparents farm, for my final photography project. If you don’t know anything about developing film, its a timely process involving going into a pitch black closet, taking the film out of its canister, rolling it on a wheel, securing it in a light proof container, several steps of chemicals and drying before your negatives are ready for use. Yada Yada. Imagine my intense disappointment as I was to the last step, drying, when I pulled my film off of the wheel to discover... It was blank! What in the world happened?!?! I showed my teacher my blank film with knots in my stomach. An examination of my camera revealed the shutter had stopped working properly. Great. I now had the new task of taking three new rolls of film. Lovely.



I’ve absolutely loved my photography class this semester. I’ve spent many hours wandering Minneapolis, seeing areas of the city I’ve never seen before. I’ve captured some amazing shots and learned to love the print making process. I was deeply disappointed and discouraged over my blank film, over all the pictures that would have been, at having to come up with a new project and the time I would spend taking new pictures and developing film all over again. Why now at the end of the semester and for my final project did the shutter give out on me? At this point the last thing I wanted to do was take more pictures.

As I was taking pictures this weekend, I was struck by how much of the cities I am seeing that I’ve never seen before. I’ve taken pictures, downtown, uptown, all over town. Each time I go it’s a whole new adventure. I never know what I will find. Armed with three new rolls of film and a borrowed classmates camera I hit the city to take pictures of churches, the new subject for my final project. There is a church off of Highway 100 that I drive by often. It catches my eye because it has this awesome cross up the side of it. (I included a pic for you :)) So of course I had to go and snap some pictures of it. With ten pictures left to take on my last roll of film I parked in the church parking lot and walked up to the church building. I was surprised to find out it’s a Jewish Synagogue. Who knew? Not me. Seven plus years of living in the cities and I’ve never once gone and looked at this church. I’ve simply driven by a million times thinking “what a cool building.” I suppose I would have never known it was a synagogue if it hadn’t been for this class and stopping to take these pictures.

I began reflecting on how this all relates to time spent in God’s Word. Living in a city you get to know the city to a certain extent. However, if you really want to know the city you have to spend time in it and explore it. Just like God’s Word. If you really want to know God and His Word, you have to spend time with Him. You have to explore His Word, dig into it. You have to get off the highway and walk around on the side streets. You can see something in passing and think you know what it is, but you really only have the gist of it. Not that there is extreme signifigance in it being a synagogue, but more the fact that my perception of this building did not include all the facts. I think sometimes I treat God’s Word that way. I kind of pass on by, but I don’t explore. Too often I let myself be satisfied with a glimsp and a drive by. That is not enough!

Isaiah 55:11 says, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  

God has SO much for us in His Word! How exciting and amazing is it that our Lord wants us to KNOW Him. How incredible that we have this book, this love letter written to us. How awe inspiring that He has purpose in His Word. There is so much to know about God. We will spend eternity getting to know Him. His Word is an abundant source of Him, of who He is and who we are in Him. To really know Him, we need to get into the Bible, not just read it, but dwell on it, meditate on it, explore it and spend time in it.

Sinful Flies

This might seem a bit odd to you to read this, as it seems to me to write it, but I am compelled to do so and so I shall.  

This morning as I was spending some quiet time with God there was this fly buzzing around the lamp near my head.  Now normally a fly buzzing around my head will drive me absolutely crazy, and this experience was no different.  My gut reaction was to go get a fly swatter and splatter his guts  all over it, but I didn't.  It was like the Holy Spirit just said, "Wait a minute."  I thought, "Ok.  This is going to be a test for my patience or something like that."  I went back to what I was doing, and it was no big deal...until a couple of minutes later when I took notice of that buzzing sound again and wanted to do to it as I have previously talked about.  This time it was like the Holy Spirit said, "Go ahead and get the fly swatter;" so I did.  I jumped up out of my chair, ran upstairs, and grabbed a fly swatter, which happens to have the guts of another fly on it which I had previously and was possibly a cousin to this one I now wanted to kill.  I went back downstairs and what do you know, the fly was gone.  Humph.  

I immediately thought to myself, "That's a lot like life.  That fly is just like sin in my life.  It's there, it's small, and I want to kill it."  It seems like it's so often the "little" sins that I need to get rid of.  You know those ones that just kind of creep around, coming out of nowhere?  Those thoughts are good and true but I also thought of something else just after that, "I can't get rid of them, only the Holy Spirit working in me can."  Just like I didn't do anything to get rid of that fly, in fact it flew away while I was gone, I can't do anything to get rid of my sin.  I wanted to kill that fly and I want to kill my sin, but any death that comes to my flesh is only done by the working of the Holy Spirit within me.  He is the one that does the work of changing my heart to follow God's commands and gives me the strength to be obedient.  Yes, I fight against sin in my life, but the victory comes through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yeah, I know.  It's kind of a cheesy story, but this whole business with the fly really got me thinking and made me ever so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, because as much as I want to be sin free I can't be on my own.  May you too find His strength to be yours today as He continues to get rid of the "flies" in your life.

Bringing Him glory in the midst of the Ordinary

Do you ever feel like your life is monotonous? Same thing, day after day, with perhaps only a little variation? Even then the variation may be the fact that you ate Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast instead of Life. I had one of those monotonous days the other day. At work, my day consisted of: take paint can off of shelf --> remove old label --> replace with newer, prettier label --> return to place on shelf. This terribly exciting process continued for approximately two to three hours (it was so exciting that I lost track of time!).

Later that evening as I plopped down on the couch to plunge through a textbook or two, I chatted with my good friend Heidi on Skype. Heidi has such a wonderful heart for the Lord and seems to always be busy about His work; talking to her is so exciting and encouraging for me. But then as I considered my all-important paint can label activity of the day, I thought, "Good grief, Sarah. What good are you doing at that lumberyard?" But Heidi told me something that challenged me to change my outlook. She suggested that perhaps the Lord had given me a job of monotony so that I could focus on establishing my marriage with Jordan, invest a greater time with the girls at youth group, and plunging ahead in school. I'm so quick to complain . . . and yet, the Lord knows what He is doing.

I've often times been challenged by the words of Colossians 3:23-24. Last week at work, I was given a renewed sense of challenge and encouragement in them. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Our perspective of work of any kind changes when we view it in that light, doesn't it? Whether we spend our days replacing paint can labels, serving coffee, or dealing with unruly children, we are to remember that our true boss is the Lord. We are His servants in whatever area He has placed us in. We never know exactly why He has placed us where He has; we simply must be faithful to be good stewards of the time and resources He has given us. Forgive me, O Lord, for the times I haven't!

May our hearts be focused on Christ in all of our activities this week. He is the reason we have life; let our lives bring Him glory!

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

Faith like a Child

Why is it that as we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to trust God? I have been mulling over that question all week now, and my original idea was that we lose our imaginations as we focus too much on reality, and therefore don’t believe in the impossible anymore. However, I’m just about the most imaginative person in the world— just as my imaginary friends— so I couldn’t justify this result.

As I’ve thought about this more I’ve realized that even though I do have a fantasy world in my mind, I still live in a world where we’re expected to be practical. When I look at the lives of children I can see that trusting for God’s provision comes so natural to them, because they don’t live a practical life. I was reminded of this as I thought back to Vacation Bible School (VBS) a few years back when we were learning about Proverbs 3:5-6—which now happen to be my favorite verses— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths”. During this week one of the girls in my class told me that trusting God is easy, because He always comes through.

This week I had a hard time believing that. I have been looking for a summer job since late February, having applied to over fifteen different nanny jobs already in hopes of finding a full time position. However, I’ve only heard back from one person so far and it was an immediate no based on my age. I was offered a job watching one of my absolute favorite boys from my old workplace, but as they only needed 16 hours of work I had to consider if it was worth it or try to hold out. Everything in me wanted to take the job, since I knew I loved the boys and the parents and it would still be a job.

I was offered the job two weeks ago, and the mother wanted an answer this week. As I prayed I realized how easy it was to settle for something that is tangible now, especially when there’s no hope of something better in the future. But I’m not one to settle. So I did the hardest thing imaginable to me, I told her no. As the tears came with my surrender of holding onto control of my life, I realized that God does have something wonderful planned for me. In letting go I gave everything over to God; although it was hard, I was acknowledging God and trusting that He will direct my paths.

In the Bible Jesus declares that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have faith like a child— those who trust in the Lord with all their hearts. What does your life look like now? Are you holding onto something to have control of your life, or are you surrendering everything and letting Him lead? When the future has a bend in the road, the only thing left to do is trust that God will provide, because He always comes through.

You are Chosen. Are you Willing?

A chosen representative. Another title for Christians, I suppose, as we live our lives for Christ in this world. We go through many difficulties, joys, and times that draw us closer to God for a purpose. We may not see them at the time, or even realize that what we are going through will have eternal significance. Not only do our personal situations give us opportunities to reveal to the world what a difference that a relationship with Jesus makes, but it also give us wisdom and insight in situations to help others through that time when they may be going through it.

A friend was talking to me once about schooling, emphasizing how we don’t know what will happen in the future, let alone tomorrow. But her desire to live for Jesus, and live in the moment is so strong and of a willing spirit, that even if after getting a degree in Psychology, if God guides her in a totally different direction, so be it. Her reason: there may have been in one person in a class that she could put Christ’s fingerprints on, one person that she could impact, for the glory of Christ, that she wouldn’t have been able to do any other way. This really reminded me that God places me where I am for a reason, and that I need to make the best of those opportunities for their sake. I am a chosen representative of Christ, uniquely qualified to reach people like me – I may be their only hope. This is for everyone in every situation. Ultimately it is Christ working through us, for His glory, be we still have the responsibility of going, taking that step that could change a person’s life.

There is a meaning in the situation you and I are in…a forever meaning; a life saving meaning. Rescue those who are lost, those who need Christ. Even Christians need Christ through fellow Christians. Make the most of every opportunity, and point to Christ. Don’t let those you are to rescue down. But ultimately, don’t let Jesus down.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” -2 Corinthians 2:14

“Lord, open a door; Lord, open their heart; Lord, open my mouth.”

Chew the cud while you fill the Daddy Tank as you live the day because it's a good day, all day, everyday.

Back in the day, there was a pretty good golfer who moved to Kalispell, MT to work with some young people in the area. This golfer had a pretty good grasp on the "clubs in his bag," knew how to "correct a slice," and could also help the new guy "sink a putt." Stretching this sports analogy a little farther (and losing accuracy) - Paul Kneeland is always playing "above par." It may be more accurate to say that in my life, at the right time, God used Paul to "hit a hole-in-one."

For about 8 years, Paul lived in Kalispell, MT. With a shorter golfing season, Paul spent more time eating sausage links with the kids in town than he did out on the links. This is something I am very thankful for - God brought Paul into my life to show me what life as a part of His family can look like.

Paul has a lot of sayings that have stuck with me for years (See the title of this post...) and probably more sayings that have gone in one ear and out the other. Of all these sayings, the most significant thing I remember Paul talking about is "Filling your Daddy Tank." Just as a car can't run without gasoline in the tank - a follower of Jesus can't run without spending time with the heavenly Father. In ministry you can't pour into other people's lives unless your tank is full. Spending time being filled by the Holy Spirit provides a way to overflow into our friend's lives. I don't know how many times Paul talked about walking down Church Drive, talking to Daddy, being filled, and then overflowing into my life.

When Paul talked about filling the Daddy Tank, he would use a phrase from the farm - "Chew the Cud." Cows chew up grass, swallow it, barf if back up, chew on it some more, swallow it, burp, get another taste, then swallow again, maybe puke one more time, chew on it again, then swallow it down and really get nourished by the food. Paul wasn't talking about eating food, but reading the Bible. He encouraged me to 'chew the cud' as I looked at God's Word. Chewing the Cud and Filling my Daddy Tank have become a part of my life as I "Live the Day."

Live the Day - Duh. Seriously, Paul? That's simple. As my forehead has grown (see "male pattern baldness" - another thing Paul has taught me) I have thought about the phrase "Live the Day." What does that look like, today? How did I Live the Day, yesterday? What does tomorrow look like? Why should I Live the Day? Paul has a phrase for that too ...

It's a Good Day, All Day, Everyday. Yup. Looking at life through the perspective that God is in control, has planned everything, and has called me to live a life with Him, it is a Good Day, All Day, Everyday. Sometimes life sucks. I have spent more time at a computer this week than I ever dreamed I would, but these have been good days, all day, everyday this week. Who am I to complain about anything? While I was staring at this screen, I got an email. From Paul Kneeland. Paul and his son Andrew came to Minneapolis yesterday. God knew that I was planning on writing this today. I just got back from a "mandate" with Paul and Andrew and McDonald's. What a cool surprise. My Dad's got my back.

It is a good day, all day, everyday, so live the day and don't forget to chew the cud, but most importantly, fill your Daddy tank.

Wood Ticks

My grandma and I spent a few hours out in the woods on my grandparent’s farm yesterday. I drove up there to take my final project photos for my photography class. We took our time as we walked pausing often to look around us and observe what we saw. We spotted paper thin bark peeling off the side of birch trees, fallen trees with their roots exposed, moss covered logs, fungus growing out of the side of trees, and even found some bones. We heard all sorts of noises, frogs barking and growling (did you know they bark and growl), wood peckers pecking, birds calling, bugs buzzing and the wind rusting through the trees.


It wasn’t until we were back at the house, sitting on the porch, that we started noticing the wood ticks crawling on us. They actually crawl around for quite a while before latching on. Gives me the hee bee gee bees. Even after I thought I had found them all, hours later I still found a few more. Yuck. Creepy crawly bloodsucking little bugs! This is the time of year when wood ticks abound out in the country. To avoid them, I suppose I could have taken my pictures in the cities or not gone out in the woods. However, if I had done that I would have missed out on a two hour walk with my grandma. I would have missed out on seeing so much of God’s beautiful nature. I would have missed out on all the fantastic pictures I took.


Now I don’t intend to draw a deeply theological observation out of this or throw in a Bible verse and sculpt out a matching message. What it simply made me think of was how in life sometimes the walk in the woods comes with ticks. We shouldn’t miss out on that beautiful walk just because we might pick up a few wood ticks along the way.

"Only One"

So the other day I was watching the movie "Sherlock Holmes" and I was struck by something, and it was this:  "That's how many people are today."  Here's the scenario without giving out too much of the plot (I hope anyway:)). Towards the end of the movie the evil villain's plot is foiled by Holmes and Dr. Watson and the thing that struck was while watching one of the villain's main followers.  You see throughout the movie he had been a faithful follower who did his master's bidding, believing that he was the one who would lead them into ultimate power and an eternal kingdom that would never end.  He followed him wholeheartedly, never doubting, even committing murder in order that he might rule with his master.  Here is what happened though.  After the villain is stopped he exits the room that they are in and his follower is left in the middle of the room with a look of complete bewilderment and confusion on his face.  He doesn't understand what just happened and now he doesn't know what to do.  The scene ends with him pushing through a crowd of people trying to get away from it all.  That's when I thought, "That's how many people are today."  

You see, many people are following many things today.  Whether it's a world leader, a new age guru, some superstition, religion, or cult of old, people are following something hoping that it will bring them what they long for. Many throughout history have found that what or who they are following, just like the guy in the movie found, is a complete farce and is not able to deliver that which they so longed for and hopefully many in our age of history will find the same thing to be true before it's too late, for there is only one Man who is worth following and that Man is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  

One day everyone will know that there is only One that is worthy to be followed, only One that fulfiils our deepest needs and desires, and only One that will have an eternal kingdom with no end.  He is no scheme of man or of His enemy Satan.  Satan loves that many do not know Him and are instead following the lies he has spread and the lusts of their own sinful flesh.  We ought to pray that many who are following lies in this world would come to a point of bewilderment and confusion that would leave them hungering for the truth that they can only find in Jesus Christ.        
  

Take it to the Lord in Prayer

Studying in a coffee shop is probably amongst my top eight favorite activities. Since moving to Beulah, such opportunities have been somewhat limited. So on Wednesday afternoon, after a meeting with my advisor, I drove to the nearest Starbucks, pulled out my laptop, and stared at the screen. An English essay was breathing down my neck, demanding to be finished before the next-day deadline. Normally, writing English papers comes pretty easily to me; but not this year. Our assignments have all been research papers or mini-research papers or papers that involve some sort of research. I'd much rather write a children's story or a creative essay, those are way more fun.

As I stared at my screen, unsure of how the paper would turn out, I did something I've sadly not done in awhile. I took a moment to pray before beginning my assignment. In the next hour and a half, I produced more solid writing than I had in the previous hours contemplating that assignment. Admittedly, I at first gave credit to the fact that I was back in a coffee shop, the "best" study environment, for the productive writing time. Dumb, eh?

Yesterday, in my 5th grade Sunday School class, we were discussing what to do for our portion of the end of the year program, just a few weeks away. My favorite suggestion was that we say the books of the Old Testament in whale. :) After tossing out a few more hilarious, but not too practical ideas, we moved onto the lesson. As the hour was drawing to a close and we began taking prayer requests, I reminded the kids to be thinking of something we could do for our our program over the course of the week. The same girl who suggested we speak in whale cried out, "Hey! Let's pray about that!"

So, you may be asking yourself, how do these two stories relate? Both incidents reminded me of the importance of prayer. Jesus tells us that we are worth much more than sparrows, who He provides for (Matthew 6:26). What concerns us concerns the Lord. We are invited to "...cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) I love that the Lord never gives us a list of things that are acceptable to pray about and things that are unacceptable to pray about. Peter didn't say just the big things, like someone battling cancer or families being ripped apart; he wrote "all your anxiety". Nothing is to little to bring to the Lord. So, if you're worried about a paper or an upcoming test; or if someone you love is facing some serious medical conditions, don't be afraid. Just go to Jesus; He invites you to come to Him.

"'Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden 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

Praise the Lord that He cares for all the things that concern us! What an incredible God we serve.

That's it...I quit!

Have any of you really, really hated your job before?

I can’t count how many times I’ve said that I would quit when the parents came home to myself in the past few months. This is a completely new concept for me, because I have always worked with children and work has been a highlight in my day. As crazy as this sounds, I’m currently a nanny. I work with an ADHD boy who will be turning 11 tomorrow, and working with him has not been the cakewalk I’m used to when dealing with children. Ever since January I have wanted to quit; I’ve even written out my two weeks notice twice! Many people ask me why I don’t just throw in the towel if I’m so stressed about work all the time, and this is now my answer.

I have been praying for months that God would show me if I should quit or not, and have never felt that I’ve received an answer. As I was complaining to a friend this past week, she reminded me that maybe I’m not praying for the right thing. Instead of praying for God to let me quit with a clear conscious, I should be praying for patience and peace in my current situation.

From that I could recall many times in the Bible where people call out for patience, especially in Job and the Psalms. Job 6:11 says, “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?” This was exactly how I felt for a long time, not seeing any reason that I should continue working with him. However, then I found Psalm 40:1 which says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” From this I realized that God did hear my complaints, He knew that I am stressed, and yet He has kept me at this job now for almost eight months.

While I’m still stressed when I’m working with him because my patience does run thin, I’m comforted by the fact that I know God has a reason for me to be there. Although I cannot see it now, I know there is some good that will come of this, either for me, for my nanny boy and his family, or for all of us.

I can recall a poster from my orthodontist growing up that said, “Bloom where you’re planted”. This has encouraged me to be content with where God has me at the moment, because I know His reasoning is far greater than anything I could ever imagine. So for now, I will continue where I work. As my favorite verse states, “But as for me, I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”

Hey guys

Sorry I'm late, once again... I promise to do better next week; I won't be reffing a basketball tournament then. So I'm not really sure what to post on, but Jeremiah Jones came to mind the other day, so he's going to be my inspiration. Jer is a super good guitar player, but what is best about his playing is his willingness to share his abilities with others. In 1 Timothy 4:14 we read: "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you." Now, I'm not sure about the council of elders part, but I do know the first part of the verse tells us not to neglect our gifts. Jer was given the gift of music, and he has chosen to develop his musical abilities and to share them with others. Everybody has been given spiritual gifts, the challenge is to discover what you've been blessed with and use those gifts. If you aren't sure what they are, pray about it, or ask a friend/pastor/etc. Then remember, don't neglect those gifts; use them for the good of others.

till next week (on time, I promise)

Matt

What was I thinking?

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:8-11)

The many promises in this passage have never left me. They have always been a comfort, especially lately. God’s ways always amaze me. I think the most fun things to think about is how God has led my life from when I was in High School until now. I had my own thoughts on where I would be…never would I have thought I would end up in Arizona, here to share Jesus with so many who need Him desperately. At the time, my plans were invincible, and they were gonna happen…but I praise God that He is the one in control, and He knows what He is doing. I can’t even begin to understand God’s thoughts and ways, so instead I marvel at them. He has led me to Arizona, where I am in the center of His will. There’s nowhere else I would rather be. In verse 9, “way” (Greek: Derek) means road, journey. God definitely has me on an adventurous journey that I’m excited to travel with Him!

As I am here in AZ to share Jesus and God’s Word, I give Him glory that it never returns void. Every Wednesday afternoon we have Kids Club, where about 9 kids show up. A handful of them like to give us trouble every week, and most of them don’t seem to want to have anything to do with God outside of Wednesday night. I pray that their lives will be impacted, that they would see Christ. But here, God promises that His Word never returns without accomplishing what He desires. It is easy to be discouraged after Kids Club, thinking that they got nothing out of that time, but even if it is something that they remember five years down the road that turns them to Christ, then Praise God! Wednesday night may be the only night that they receive any form of love, any resemblance of Christ. That applies for any and every person that we encounter during our day, those we know, and those we don’t.

I thank God that in just the right time, He encourages me. Many times it is easy to forget it's not about results, but about staying focused on Christ, though at times He does give us results. There is a six year old who has just started coming after Easter who is full of joy and energy. He makes me smile every Wednesday! Yadiel has such a heart for Jesus. He is a kid who has so much fun…and if there isn’t any fun being had, he makes it! The other day his mom came into the church and told Pastor Al that ever since he had been coming to kids club he started reading his Bible every night. When I heard this I couldn’t stop smiling. Just one way God’s word has not returned void, and another way His plans are greater than mine.

Father Figure Fun

Life does not exist without the father. This is a simple fact.
Life does not exist without the Father. This is a simple fact.

Growing up as a human being, the role of the father is very important. Our world is messed up by this nasty thing called sin, creating a place where fathers are not fulfilling the roles God has given them. Some kids face a situation where "Dad" leaves for another woman, tired of the family he created. Down the road, another kid feels pressure from "Dad" who is using his words to manipulate his kid into being the person "Dad" wants to have. The girl next door hides in her room because "Dad" sexually abuses her. Across the street, "Dad" buys his kids whatever they want, whenever they want. From one house to another kids are living in situations where they get a distorted view of a father, and unfortunately never meet the Father.

I was born into a family with Mom and Dad both loving God and loving each other. With two older brothers, I was the baby, looking up at Matt and Nate and Joanne and Allen. At the ripe young age of 32, Allen was the proud father of three young boys. A few short years and Allen was the proud father of three boys, living with a disease that would take a good chunk of life away from him. Multiple Sclerosis has shaped Dad into a man that he never imagined he would be. No more hiking, wrench turning, elk hunting, tree climbing, driver's license, phone, or even rides to church on Sunday morning. The life my Dad lives today is simply the memories of the life he once lived.

Even though my family may sound like a mess, I know without a doubt, God has been walking with alongside us the whole time. I have experienced first hand, the gracious love of God the Father. Whether hot or cold, gentle or violent, stressful or calm, easy or hard - my Father has been with me in every season of this life. With God's perfect timing, my life has been made more complete by different father figures who have shown me my Father.

Jeff Buscher lived across the street from the Hersets in Kalispell, MT during the 1990's. What a great father figure for three young Montanans. As a 2nd grader, I didn't fully understand what was going on when Dad moved to a nursing home that Fall. Without Dad at the house, Jeff was the go-to-guy for many of life's little hiccups.

Three boys sharing one toilet, creating the "un-uncloggable?" Jeff brings in "The Snake." Two boys need a ride after school? Jeff rolls up in "The Egg Van." Long winters have the boys couped-up inside? Jeff gets out the climbing rope, builds a rope swing in the garage, and encourages us to find that Tarzan deep inside. The developing male body feels the need to launch himself into the atmosphere? Jeff's got the power tools and wood to build that perfect ramp. Time to hear about "the birds and the bees?" Send Jeff on a weekend road trip with the boys.

Thinking of Jeff brings me to Matthew 25 (see www.matthew25project.com) which is filled to overflowing with insight from the Father's son, Jesus. All of the stuff that Jeff did for me as I grew up, was above and beyond his responsibility as a father. Or was it? God has given Jeff "talents" and wanted Jeff to use them "to one of the least of these" (me). I am blown away by Jeff's ability to show the love of Jesus to the people around him. Young or old, rich or poor, white or black, nice or mean, his own son or Allen's son.

It is not the "Who?" but the "Why?" that compels Jeff to live out the Gospel. He has been a father to many so that many may know the Father.

Thanks, Jeff.
Love, Timbo.

For such a time as this.

The moment I stepped out of the house this evening was surreal. It rained today, but now the rain was gone. The air was fresh, the sky a bright, brilliant blue with perfect, puffy, white clouds, and the sun golden and glowing as it started to set. It was a moment that resonated the Glory of God the creator. A moment full of evidence of Him. Can you look back on your life and point out times when you have seen God's hand evident in your life?

I image Esther reflected often on God's hand in her life. I imagine that she told her children and friends the story of how God placed her in just the right place at the just right time to save the Israelite nation. I imagine how she must of been in awe of God's plan for her life.

Esther 4:12-14 says, "When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

I was talking with a friend tonight and remembering a tough time in my life that she went through with me. I was so grateful for her presence in my life at that time. I never could have imagined before hand how much I would need her then. We discussed how God knows what we need and when we need it. He places people in our lives at just the right time to be there with us, support and encourage us. We are promised in His Word that "He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut 31:6, Heb 13:5) It speaks of His great love for us. He must love us so much. I mean I "know" He loves us. But there are those moments in life when I am reminded, He REALLY loves me and it takes my breath away. 

"Can You Trust Him?"

"Can you trust Him?" That seems to be a question that many people have when considering whether or not the promises of God are true. I would emphatically say, "Yes, you trust Him," but the question that follows most often is this, "Why?" or maybe the better question is "Should I?"
When God asks us to trust Him, especially in our early days of following Him, one of the most common gut reactions is fear. Questions flood our mind and doubt fills our heart. You are not alone when these things happen. The Apostles, the chosen of God to be the first to bring His Gospel message to the world doubted, Abraham doubted, Moses doubted, the guy down the street doubts, your pastor has doubted (more than likely anyway), and Oswald Chambers, author of one of the most well-known devotionals, doubted. Doubt is a common thing in the Christian's journey, but it need not be acrippling thing. God gives us many examples in Scripture of those that doubted and though He sometimes needed to rebuke them He always gave them grace and strength to accomplish the task that He asked them to do.
You see, we cannot conjure up faith or trust in our lives. Faith is a gift of God but as we seek Him and get to know Him better our faith will grow. As we live our lives more and more according to His ways we will find that He can be trusted. Though the world, our flesh, and the devil will scream at us not to follow Him know this, we can. Jesus asks us to lay down our lives and to follow Him whole-heartedly, completely. I suggest you do, but don't take my word for it, take His. Do you think that He doesn't see your tears, that He doesn't know that your heart is broken? He does. Cry out to Him. He will answer the cries of your heart. Trust Him. He will take care you. Has He asked you to do something you are afraid of or just plain don't want to do? Trust Him. His ways are best. It's for your good, the good of others, and for His glory.
So, the question remains, and if it is a question that you want to ask someone or someone has asked you, the answer is the same, "Yes, you can trust Him."

I forgot the flannel

My first "real" job (by real, I mean one that takes money from your paycheck for the government) was at the neighborhood Curves for Women. My name badge titled me "The Director of Fun". And you better believe we had fun; those ladies never had a more fun-filled workout! Before that, I earned my dollars by babysitting. Upon graduating from high school, I worked at my home church in Sioux Fall's summer ministry program. During my first year of AFLBS, I worked as a nanny; the second year, I worked in an after school program. Last year when I lived in Fargo, I was a member of the AmeriCorps, working as a mentor for 5th graders at the YMCA. Notice the theme in all but one of the employers? You got it! Children. I kinda like them.

Now, I'm here in Beulah. And where do you suppose I'm working? The lumberyard. For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm not much a lumber-Jill. When I was younger and my dad would take me to the hardware store, I'd either end up lost, think the entire time about how weird it smelled, or gaze dumbfounded at all the tools I saw. To be honest, not much has changed despite my employment. My jobs are various in nature: helping costumers, stocking shelves, clerical work, cleaning, and whatever else they tell me to do. It's an okay job; one I'm grateful to the Lord for providing, but one that provides wonderful motivation for me to finish college.

Lately, the lumberyard has been filled with "one of those days" for me. Days where my co-workers are stressed and aren't afraid to show it. Days where I feel like the gum on the bottom of someone else's shoe. Days where I truly feel like a "misfit toy". When I have such days, I often ask the Lord why on earth He would have me working at the lumberyard.

This past week, which held "one of those days", I came home from work on my lunch hour, grabbed my Bible and started reading 2 Corinthians 3. I have always found great comfort and encouragement in verse 5 - "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God". What a great verse as we look at our involvement in ministry! Our weakness is Christ's strength at work within us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He will use us for the work of His kingdom despite ourselves, despite what we lack. He is the One to supply the strength, adequacy, and success.

At least, that's how I usually thought of this verse. But the other day, I was challenged with the thought that maybe 2 Corinthians 3:5 does not simply apply to stereotypical ministry positions. Could my adequacy to be an employee at the lumberyard come from the Lord? Yes, it can and it does. The Lord may not have imparted upon me incredible knowledge of tools, wood, key-making and paint-mixing - but He is giving me incredible opportunities. Opportunities to share my faith with lost co-workers. Opportunities to become more patient and loving with those that can be so difficult to handle. Opportunities to depend more upon Him, and less upon myself.

So remember, whether you are involved in full-time ministry or take orders at a restaurant, your adequacy comes from Christ. He has placed you where He has placed you, and He will use you. Praise the Lord for doing so in spite of ourselves!