Don't Just Hear. Hear and Do.

I'm not gonna lie: my husband and I have a pretty cute kid. (What parent doesn't say that about their kid?) Unfortunately, though, like all cute kids, our little man doesn't always do as he's told. (What kid doesn't do that to their parents?) But it brings my heart joy when he listens. When he hears me say, "No Zeke; please don't throw your fork on the floor," and he doesn't throw his fork onto the floor's collection of dropped cheerios and cheese. When he hears me say, "Zeke, can you put your toy in the basket for Mommy?" and he adds that toy to the mound of trucks already in the basket. I can honestly say that such simple things make me smile.

And ya know, I can't help but think it's the same way for the Lord. After all, we are His children and He has given us His Word. But He doesn't want us to just listen. To just underline the parts in our Bibles that sound good, to nod our head in agreement at the things we like, or simply feel inspired, encouraged, or hopeful. He wants us to do.

"But prove yourselves to be doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." - James 1:22, NASB (emphasis mine) 

So when the Lord, through His Word, tells me to "open [my] mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate" (Proverbs 31:8), then I need to not be silent in a culture that kills more than 3000 children every day. And "doing" involves more than bringing such a sad fact to light on a blog.

When then Lord, through His Word, tells me to "let no unwholesome word proceed from [my] mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment" (Ephesians 4:29), then I better clamp my mouth shut when gossip wants to spew forth. Even if it is gossip in the form of a "prayer request".

When the Lord, through His Word, tells me to "'Love one another, just as [Jesus] has loved [me]" (John 15:12), then I better start showing love to my husband and son by sacrificing what I want. I better get out of my comfortable daily routine and reach out to that new mom, or to that one who's lived down the street for well over a year.

There's no end to the list. Practicing hospitality (Romans 12:13). Not worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Making disciples (Matthew 28:28).

But here's something important - so don't bypass this or stop reading now: 

I don't do to earn His love. I don't do to earn a ticket to heaven. I don't do to be "good enough" or "better than".

I do because I love Him. Because doing brings Him joy. Doing points others to Him. 

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8-10, NASB (emphasis mine)

Let's Pray

I'm grateful for prayer. I'm grateful that we have a God who answers prayer. And I'm grateful that no request is too small in His eyes, no concern of ours is too insignificant for Him. As I drove home from Sioux Falls on Friday, I felt the prayers of family and friends being offered on our behalf. My can't-sit-still-for-more-than-thirty-seconds boy napped for nearly three hours straight (the longest nap he's taken probably since he was a newborn); he played well, let animal crackers keep him happy, and all together did great on the seven-hour car ride. Definite answers to prayer. The roads were only wet, not slippery; and we had safe travels the entire 507 miles. Definite answers to prayer. In moments like those, when I see, experience and feel the power of prayer, I wonder: why don't I pray more?

And not just pray because it's nice or it makes me feel connected to God or to tell Him about how that lady at the grocery store made me feel. I mean pray. Pray for our nation. Pray for the lost souls surrounding us. Pray for our courts. Pray for the devil's hold on hearts to loosen and for the world to turn to Jesus.

I've realized in the last couple of days how little praying I do. Oh sure, I pray for our families, those dear to my heart and the troubles facing them. But why don't I pray bigger? With a more far-reaching, worldwide impact? Don't get me wrong: those prayers for my parents, brother, in-laws and close friends -- those are important. But far too often I simply stop there. Why do I fail to mention our nations leaders, abortion doctors and clinics, our church leadership, the souls of the lost, Bible translators, the hungry, the orphans, airline pilots?

Pride, perhaps. But I think what it really boils down to is discipline. Not just recognizing all there is to pray about (and yes, it's quite daunting), but actually praying. Carving out time in my day to pray. Praying while I do everyday, mundane tasks. Not allowing my mind to wander and daydreams to enter. Being still before Him. 

"'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him to knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!'" - Matthew 7:7-11 

If you're like me and disgusted at the atrocities performed by Kermit Gosnell, let's pray.
If you're like me and dismayed at the acceptance of blatant sin even by believers, let's pray.

If you're like me and shocked at the bombing in Boston, let's pray.

". . .pray without ceasing . . ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Deprevational Giving

In another week or so, I imagine there will be a handful of Facebook status' crawling along my home page saying something like the following: "So long, Facebook! See you after Lent." In high school, it was common this time of year to hear my classmates say during our lunch break, "Ugh. I wish I could eat that cookie. But I gave up sweets for Lent." Growing up in a non-Lutheran home and attending a church where "giving something up" for Lent wasn't common, emphasized or even talked about, it was kind of weird. And in all honesty, I still think it's a bit odd. I mean, I get the reasoning behind depriving oneself during Lent; the whole think of what Jesus gave up for you; when you crave what you've given up, pray or think about the Lord and let that satisfy you. But in high school, and even now, I can't help but think that the emphasis is more on us - on what we are sacrificing. There seems to be an attitude of "Woe is me! I cannot drink that latte for another four weeks." Seems to me that we've got this all wrong.

I couldn't help but think of the upcoming "Lenten deprivation" as I read through Isaiah 58 the other morning. The LORD is addressing the Israelite's observance of fasts - but somewhere in our Christian heritage, we seemed to have lost the importance of, or at least need of, fasting. So His words made me think of Lent. You should probably just grab your Bible, Nook, Kindle, or open a new web page and read the entire chapter: it's good. Here's some highlights that struck me:

"'You do not fast like you do today to make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one's head like a reed and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? 

Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed to free and break every yoke? 

Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? . . . 

If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones . . ." - Isaiah 58:4-7; 9-11

Deprivation alone doesn't do much good. Maybe our deprivation needs to be accompanied by giving. Depriving so that we can focus more on the needs of others. Realizing that we have so much that we can give some of it up. Using the money saved on that latte to feed a child for a year. Using the money saved on those baked delicacies to free a girl from prostitution. Not buying those new clothes to sit in our closet but instead giving them to a homeless shelter to clothe a kid who's got one pair of jeans. Taking the time to visit our elderly relatives and fellow believers in the nursing home. To stop casting the blame on someone else for all the problems in the world and start doing something - however small - to change it. To deprive my tongue of the joy of gossip and clamping it shut, speaking instead the words of the Lord. Spending time serving in a food shelter or packing boxes of food for the hungry next door and around the world.

And maybe this whole deprivational giving should be done every day of the year - not just the forty-some days of Lent. Because I think that's what it looks like to follow Jesus. When we give, when we care about the needs of others and actually do something about their needs, when we spend our time and money on helping the hungry and naked -- others will see the Light of the World in us.

"'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put in under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.'" - Matthew 5:14-16

That You May Be Filled...

Do you ever feel like your brothers and sisters in Christ just don't have the passion you'd like to see them have? Or, maybe you don't feel like your church has the New Testament like testimony it should in the world?

I have.

My small group just started into the book of Colossians last night. As I read through the first chapter, I was convicted. And I share this with you, not to convict you, but to encourage you, to follow the example of Paul.

Verses 9-12 of Colossians chapter one says; "...we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

As I read these verses I was convicted because, when I see things lacking in others, or my church, I rarely take it to prayer. And if I do it's something like; 'God, they need to change, so please do it, according to Your will.' Which isn't bad, but in that, my heart isn't crying out for their wellbeing.

Could we, in an effort to see change in those whom we love as other parts of the body of Christ, pray for those around us, and each other, in this way? I wonder what may change around us in the next month if we partake in heartfelt, uplifting prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Who's up for giving this a go?

Alarm Clocks

I really don't like waking people up. In fact, if I made a "Top Ten" list of my least favorite things to do, waking up a soundly sleeping person would probably make the list. (Also on that list? Folding fitted bed sheets. What an awful thing! Why didn't my home-ec teacher show us how to do that?) When it comes to waking someone up, I feel like if they're sleeping - they're most likely enjoying it. And they probably need the sleep too. So shouldn't I just let them sleep? Even though church is starting in 20 minutes? Even though they asked me to wake them up? Ugh. I cringe just thinking about having to wake someone up. 

Unfortunately, I don't think my disdain for waking people up is limited to physical slumber. It's way to easy for me to just let those around me spiritually sleep as well. 

All around me, there are people living in sin. They might not be "major" sinners - like murderers, adulterers, or criminal masterminds. But just ordinary sinners. People who were born sinful. People who break the law by speeding. People who are prideful of their good deeds. People who gossip about their church family. People who, without Jesus, are destined for an eternity in hell. Spiritually asleep. 

And what do I do about it? In all honesty, I'm silent far too often. Why? If I truly grasped the reality of hell, the intensity of Jesus' love and suffering on behalf of all mankind and my responsibility as a believer in Jesus - wouldn't I share? Shouldn't I share? 

"And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear . . ." - Jude 22-23 (emphasis mine)

"'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations' . . . 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another' . . . 'If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.'" - Matthew 28:19; John 13:34, 14:15

If you came to our home for a visit, spent the night in our luxurious guest bed and uttered the words, "If I'm not up by [name time], would you wake me up?" - I'd cringe. I'd frown. And I'd hate to do it. But if sometime during the night, our house caught on fire and you slept soundly during the chaos - I'd wake you up. I wouldn't let you suffer in our burning house. So, shouldn't I do the same thing for someone who is headed for an eternity in hell? 

I may never like being an alarm clock for someone getting their physical rest. But I pray the Lord would give me the courage I need to be an alarm clock for those in spiritual slumber. Because if I don't give them warning, their fate is going to be much worse than being late for church.

"Run From The Candy"

Have you ever completely pigged out on candy? Me too. It doesn't feel good after. Immediately, or often longterm, as it can cause skin irritation, rotten teeth, weight gain, poor sleep, etc. But we still pigged out, even though we knew the consequences right? You did know what was going to happen right?

As far as I have experienced the majority of my sinful actions are the same way. I knew what was going to happen, but I did it anyways. If you pig out on candy, and then in your sickness after, someone berates you and tells you to 'run from the candy the next time', does it help you to not do it again? Not likely. How about if we get punished further for eating the candy? Maybe when we were kids we got spanked. Did it really help us to not want to eat candy again?

Likely not. Because we can remember the sweet taste in our mouths, the energy high, maybe even the fun times we had because of the high. I've never experienced guilt or shame granting me freedom. Whether from pigging out on candy, or after throwing myself into sin.

What if we approached not pigging out on candy, from a different perspective. What if instead of saying 'Run from the candy', which is really works righteousness... We were to say, "In Jesus there is freedom from the desire for candy, and not just one type of candy, but all candy, all of the cheap imitations of food which doesn't ever really fill you up, and only causes sickness and decay. Jesus is the real thing, here, let me introduce you to Him, let me share with you what He has worked in my life, let me show you what He thinks of you, and what He did for you and all the world, let me help you in getting acquainted with Him, and deepening your relationship with Him."

What if we actually shared the Gospel, instead of berating sinners over their sin and only giving them 'solutions' in the law, and self-help/works-righteousness methods?

What if we allow God to work in us to the extent it overflows and impacts everyone around us? How is this even possible? By running to Jesus, and not the candy.

Out of the Comfortable Familiar

It's been over three years since I first moved to Beulah, and in all honesty, there are still some days that are really hard. Really . . . lonely. Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful people up here who have adopted us into their family; and I have have a small handful of friends. But what my heart really desires, what my heart really needs, is a "bosom friend". A friend whose relationship goes deeper, a friend who can put a smile on my face for days after spending time together, a friend who I can chat with for hours or simply just sip a cup of coffee with. A friend like Carmen.

What I love about my friend Carmen is that no matter how many weeks (or months!) goes by before we talk again, our friendship picks up right where it left off. When we do talk, my heart is full for days afterwards. Carmen always makes me laugh, and she's always ready to listen. Just thinking about her makes me smile and I can't help but praise the Lord for her friendship. The bummer part, though, is that Carmen lives in Texas. Not in Beulah with me.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Lord has been working on my heart. He's been teaching me about the risk of relationships. I've been reminded that friendships like those I have with Carmen and a few others don't just miraculously happen. They have to be cultivated. They have to be invested in. They take time. I've been challenged to be more inviting; to open my home more to those I know well and those I don't know hardly at all. I've been reminded that to have a good friend is to be a good friend. I've humbly realized that the world around me isn't necessarily going to say, "Wow! What a great girl. I want to be her friend." I've come to understand that I need to initiate conversations, coffee dates and play dates. Just as Jesus invested in others and loved them - He desires us to do the same.

"'For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?'" - Matthew 5:46-47

It's easy to stay with what we know; with what we're comfortable with. But a lot of times, the Lord takes us out of those situations and places us far from the comfortable familiar. Far from our families. Far from our "bosom buddies". It's easy to simply exist and wait for someone to notice us, to begin investing in us. But I think that would be "loving those who love you". We're called to something higher; to something harder. I believe the Lord desires us to step out of our comfortable familiar and love not only our enemies - but those we don't know.

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor . . . [practice] hospitality." - Romans 12:9, 10, 13

Knit or Crochet ?

It's that time of year again.

Cool evenings leading to chilly nights. The sun rises and melts away Fall's first frost. Shorts and t-shirts dominate sunny afternoons before sweatshirts come out again after the evening meal.

With the changing of seasons people are looking for their warm clothes again.

Some people start knitting.

My wife and I crochet. 

She makes mittens. I make hats. Together we engage our creativity to make things people enjoy.

There was a poet named Dave who used creative language that I enjoy describing how God created us all.

 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

In the "Tim Herset Translation" it reads:

    'you crocheted me together in my mother's womb.' 

Just as each stitch in every hat I make is unique, God made every part of every one of us unique. 

We've all been given a personality, a smile, a sense of humor, a left brain or a right brain default, a laugh, and an identity. God made you to be you. 

Sometimes the world wants us to believe we have to change who we are in order to be "good enough." 

That is not the case. 

God knew every detail about you when He put you together in your mother's womb. 

Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He redeems, restores, and renews the broken parts we have.

Now, we are to be His children, living as He made us to be. 

What is it that sets you apart from everyone else on this planet? 

How did God knit - or crochet - you so you can best serve Him?

Do you need to get back to being the person you know you are?

Be. Know. Do.

All too often I lose my balance.

Last week this happened when I stepped on a rock. Part of my lower leg touched the ground in a way it was not designed to touch. Ankle equals sprained. Losing my balance has drastically affected me this week.

This week has been tough as a result of losing my balance. I am moving slower than normal. There is a nagging pain. People notice a difference and ask concerned questions. I feel like a different person.

All too often I lose my balance.

Jesus calls us to follow Him.
Who we once were has been transformed into something (someone) new.
We have a new identity, someone God desires us to be.

Jesus tells us some important stuff.
We are to love God and our neighbors with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.
These are the two most important commands we are supposed to know.

Jesus gives us instructions.
Leave your life of sin. Go and make disciples. Remain connected to Him.
Life has an endless list of things we can do.

All too often I lose my balance.

Some days I'm more concerned about what I know. 
Other days all I focus on is the list of things I want to do.
Then there are days where my main objective is to simply be.

To walk with Jesus while remaining balanced, I need all three.

Be a part of the Family - the Father's love adopts you.
Know that Jesus has paid the price for sin - He is your hope.
Do what He tells you - follow the Holy Spirit's leading.

Wrinkles and Ripples

For some, like myself, the process of putting a pen to paper is meditative. 

It brings clarity.
Time slows down.
Life receives an evaluation.
Film is developed in my photographic mind.

As my eyes focus on the squiggles filling up the lines, I picture myself staring at the glasslike surface of a high mountain lake.

My forehead wrinkles are but ripples on the water.
The teeth creating my smile blend in like smooth stones rolling up against the shore.
A splash wakes me up, and I'm back to reality.

Over the past five weeks life has been turned upside down, I've been shaken; my pockets emptied onto the ground. Slowly but surely, coins are picked up.

The process has been both exhausting and restful.

And there has been much to write about.

For the next six weeks I will share with you, the reader, some of the thoughts that God has clarified in my mind.

You will see into some dimly lit corners of my heart.
You will hear the songs of joy overflowing from my soul.
You will get to know me a little more.

And hopefully you will more fully know Jesus.

I will be writing about four main areas of life that God has used to shape me.

Loving.
Losing.
Leaving. 
Living.

Looking forward to taking you on this journey I've been along lately. 

His Arrival

Jordan and I are officially in the "final countdown": baby Langness can arrive at any time. To be honest, this reality doesn't exactly seem real. It's crazy, it's exciting, it's terrifying -- and it's still very surreal. Although my mind knows that at any moment the time for us to start making our way to the hospital could come, this moment still seems far away, like a distant possibility. Even so, and even though I'm filled with terror at the thought of such a little life being so completely dependent upon me, I am excited. I'm excited to meet this little guy who's been jumping on my bladder like it's a trampoline and kicking my ribs like they are soccer balls. I'm excited to see that hair that's given me heartburn for the first time in my life. I'm excited to learn alongside Jordan what it means to be a parent. And I know we're not the only one's who are excited.

We've got a couple of first-time grandma's (and grandpa's; they just hide their excitement a bit more) who can't wait for this little tyke to arrive, either. There are aunts and uncles who are anticipating the arrival of their nephew. Our church family is anxiously awaiting his birth as well. I think there could actually already be a waiting list to hold the baby at church; so many people have told us how excited they are, how they can't wait to hold baby Langness and cuddle him.

As I've thought about this excited anticipation regarding the arrival of our baby, I'm struck with thoughts of another arrival. An arrival that should fill each and every one of us with such excitement, such anticipation, that we cannot hold it in any longer. The arrival, the return arrival, of our Lord Jesus. Over the past couple of days, this song by Phil Wickham has been playing over and over in my mind:

"Here in the final hour, hope lifts the tired eyes. Here now, we are waiting for You to arrive . . . We are waiting, anticipating Your arrival . . . Voices raising, celebrating Your arrival. We'll keep the candle burning, we'll watch for every sign. Here now, we are waiting for You to arrive. Great things about to happen. Lord, let Your kingdom come and call us home to heaven, the city of our God. Haste the day!"

I have to ask myself: am I anticipating the return of Jesus as I am anticipating the arrival of our firstborn? Have I prepared for Jesus to return as I've prepared for this baby to arrive? Do I live each day with the reality that Jesus could return at any moment on the forefront of my mind? Or does that too seem to be a distant reality, one that I put on the back burner of my thoughts?

I hope and pray that the Lord would change my heart. I pray that He would make the truth of His return real to my heart and that He would fill me with an excited anticipation for His return. I pray that I would live each day in anticipation of His arrival.

"I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in His Word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." - Psalm 130:5-6

Have any Quarters?

Somehow, we've reached the second half of February. Before you know it, March will come in like lion and out like a lamb. And then, we'll be in April, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this season of Lent, it's typical for believers to "give something up" in order to remember Jesus' incredible sacrifice for us. This year, I'd like to challenge you to do something a little bit different.

If you're one of those who usually give something up during Lent - go ahead and sacrifice. But this year, I'd like to challenge you collect the money you save by not buying your latte, baking and eating chocolate chip cookies, taking a trip to the Dairy Queen or Cold Stone, or supporting your daily addiction to Mountain Dew. Take the money you save and donate it to someone who needs it desperately.

If you typically don't sacrifice something you love during Lent - go ahead and don't give anything up. But this year, I'd like to challenge you to match the funds you spend on your latte, baking and eating chocolate chip cookies, taking a trip to the Dairy Queen or Cold Stone, or supporting your daily addition to Mountain Dew. Take the money you spend on those luxuries and for every dollar you spend, donate it to someone who needs it desperately.

Check this out:

Think of that: $.25 - a single quarter - can feed a child. You can't even buy a can of pop or stick of gum for that anymore. So little can do so much. And I believe this is something that touches the heart of God in ways that we too often neglect in the church today:

"'Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, adn the LORD will answer; you will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. And the LORD will continually guide you . . .'" - Isaiah 58:6-11a

Part two of my Lent challenge to you: If you're able, spend a couple hours volunteering at a Feed My Starving Children location. I guarantee you they will be some of the most blessed and rewarding hours of your day, even your year.

So, are you willing to take my challenge? I cannot think of a better way for us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ than to spread the Gospel - and sometimes, sharing the Gospel starts with a bag of rice.

For more information regarding Feed My Starving Children and to donate your saved or matched funds, simply go to http://www.fmsc.org/.

Remember His Love

In elementary school, Valentine's Day parties were always my favorite. I enjoyed getting 20 boxes of those conversation hearts - who doesn't love solidified sugar in second grade? I also have fond memories of decorating an empty Kleenex box with my mom - making it transform into a beautiful, love-colored mailbox. (To be honest, every February, I'm tempted to create a Valentine's box just because I can.) I also liked picking which classmate received what Valentine . . . and you had to be careful about it; otherwise, Boy #1 might realize you're crushing on him when he's not supposed to know and Boy #2 might think you're crushing on him. But alas, elementary school comes to a close for most of us and such parties cease to be. And although I don't get to celebrate Valentine's Day like I did in second grade, I definitely have a better understanding of this wonderful thing called love.

Ezekiel 16 paints an incredible picture of God's love for us. I encourage you to stop reading this blog, grab your Bible, and read the entire chapter. It's humbling to do so . . . to realize our condition before the Lord saved us, before He redeemed us with His blood. It's mind-boggling to consider all that He has done for us even though we are beyond unworthy. And unfortunately, it's heart-wrenching to consider how we treat this precious gift of His love towards us.

"'As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born.When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' . . . I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine . . .Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. . .Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you . . . But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and your poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing . . . You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. . . Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. . .Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood.'" (Ezekiel 16:4-6, 8-12, 14-15, 17, 20, 22 - emphasis added)

It isn't comfortable to remember our past sins. And we don't need to live in guilt because the Lord throws our sins on the bottom of the ocean floor when we come to Him in repentance (Micah 7:19). Yet how important it is for us to remember. To remember what we were before the Lord came along; to remember from how great a danger He has saved us. As we remember that, His love and grace seem to become so much stronger, so much greater, and so much sweeter.

This Valentine's Day, whether you snuggle up with a sweetheart or your teddy bear, remember to meditate on the great, great love of God the Father towards you. Remember what you have been saved from. Rejoice in the wonderful love of our Savior. And never cease giving Him thanks for that love that passes all comprehension.

When - Not If

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning. It's been a rough week here in Beulah. On Tuesday night a shooting occurred, resulting in the death of one young man and injury of another. Last night, a student who was out skateboarding was a hit by a vehicle; he passed away early this morning. Two tragic events in less than a week is enough to shake up any town . . . especially a small town like Beulah. And even though I didn't know those involved in either incident personally, my heart is weighed down with grief -- grief for those who lost a son, a brother, a friend. Once again, it seems like Satan is winning.

This morning as I sat down with my bowl of oatmeal, Bible, and heavy heart, I was encouraged by the LORD's promises in Isaiah 43:1-5:

"But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you . . . Do not fear, for I am with you.'" 

I was struck once again with the truth that the LORD doesn't say if - "If you pass through the waters . . . if you pass through the rivers . . . if you walk through the fire." He said when. "When you pass through the waters . . . when you pass through the rivers . . . when you walk through the fire." Jesus promised tribulation during our time here on earth (John 16:33), so it shouldn't surprise us when awful things happen. Yet, as those who trust in Him, we have confidence that the LORD is with us through every trial and tribulation - no matter how difficult, no matter how tragic, no matter how impossible it seems to cope. Praise the LORD He doesn't leave us when the 'going gets tough'.

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" - Isaiah 40:10

Through the events of this last week, I was also struck with the urgency we as believers must have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around us. Life is short -- sometimes too short. And it can come to an end so quickly, so unexpectedly. But this life is not the end; in fact, it's only a small portion of our existence. We, along with those we work with, learn with, drive the freeways with and buy groceries from, all have eternal soul and will spend eternity somewhere. As believers, we have the best news ever to share with them - as well as a heavy responsibility. May we be found faithful stewards of the grace of God, sharing it with those we encounter every day . . .and may we never fall into the lie of believing we can tell them about Jesus "later". Later may to be late - either for us or for them.

"Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." - 1 Corinthians 4:1 

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 (emphasis added)

Another Lesson from Odyssey

I love listening to Adventures in Odyssey. It's safe to say I listen to at least an episode a day, if not more. Listening to an episode or two of Odyssey makes cleaning the bathrooms, washing the dishes, or making supper enjoyable. But I don't just love Odyssey because it's noise to have in the house when I'm home alone - I love Odyssey because, even as a 23 year old, I still learn important lessons and truths from God's Word. 

Today's episode was one of those that truly challenged me. Unfortunately, it cannot be summed up justly in this blog. So, tonight, as you get ready for bed, or tomorrow as you wash the dishes, procrastinate studying, or make a batch of cookies, I encourage you to listen to the episode entitled "Tornado". You can do so by clicking here: http://www.whitsend.org/. Or, you can pay a couple bucks here (and trust me, it'd be well worth it): http://family.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=DA14925-7. 

May you be challenged and encouraged as you listen to the love of little Mandy. And may we be spurred to share the love of Jesus in the same manner. O Lord, when I see a need around me, may I not harden my heart or turn blindly away from them. Give me Your eyes, Your heart, and Your zeal to accomplish that which You call me to!

"Jesus didn't give us exceptions on who to show His love to." - Chris, Adventures in Odyssey host 

"'You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward to you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?'" - Matthew 5:43-47 

Show Me!

Towards the end of the musical My Fair Lady, Eliza's anger erupts at lovesick Freddy. The poor man fell in love with Eliza the moment he met her and wrote her two to three letters a day trying to prove that love. Eliza exclaims to Freddy:

"Words! Words! I'm so sick of words! I get words all day through . . .Don't talk of stars burning above; if you're in love, show me! Tell me no dreams filled with desire; if you're on fire, show me! Here we are together in the middle of the night! Don't talk of spring! Just hold me tight! Anyone who's ever been in love'll tell you this is no time for a chat!"

Do you ever think the Lord gets sick of our words? Our words declaring our love for Him and the spoken promise to do whatever He calls us to do? Do you think He'd rather simply seeing us actually do what He has called us to do?

"'Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?'" - Isaiah 58:6-7 

"'I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like the waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'" - Amos 5:21-24

And what about those He has called to us to care for and to show His love? Do mere words help them at all?

"But whoever has the world's goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." - 1 John 3:17-18

It's one of my favorite times of year: Operation Christmas Child season. What an incredible way to share the love of Jesus Christ. By filling a shoe box with school supplies, coloring books and crayons, hygiene items, toys, stuffed animals and other goodies, a child not only receives a wonderful material gift. They receive the message of Jesus' immeasurable love for them. This past week, I received a newsletter from Samaritan's Purse, the parent organization of Operation Christmas Child. I was once again profoundly blessed as I read about the impact the shoe boxes and the Gospel has had on children's lives around the world. Check out these numbers dealing with the country of Haiti:

• Last year, 286,000 shoe boxes were given to children in Haiti. Praise God!
• Last year was the first year Samaritan's Purse offered The Greatest Journey (a 12-week Bible study; upon completion, children receive their very own copy of the New Testament) in Haiti. So far, 60,000 boys and girls have completed the lessons and received a New Testament in Creole. Of those, 27,000 have made first-time commitments to Jesus Christ! Praise God!!!
• One of Samaritan's Purses' church partners in Haiti began handing out shoe box gifts in the mountains, in a town where there was no evangelical church. Now, there is! There is a growing congregation with 250 children enrolled in The Greatest Journey. Praise God! 

You still have time to pack a shoe box and share the love of Jesus with children around the globe. November 14-21 is the National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. For more information, go to: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/. What an incredible opportunity we as believers have to not just say that we love Jesus or love others -- but to show them!

Moments of Quiet and Boredom

Do you ever feel boring? Like nothing exciting ever happens to you? 

I remember a conversation I had with my good friend Rachel a few months after the two of us had been married. We commented on how, when you're engaged - you're exciting. Everyone - even those obscure relatives of your mom's you who've never actually talked to before let alone met - want to know how you are doing, how the wedding planning is going, and what plans are post-wedding day. And then, suddenly, after the wedding, it's like you fall off the face of the planet. No more wedding planning = no more excitement.

Until you have a baby. Or spend the summer in Africa on a missions trip. Or spend a semester studying overseas. Or graduate from college. Or something exciting.

But, what about those of us who nothing exciting never happens to? Those of us who move to western North Dakota, where the most exciting things seem to happen to those in the oil industry? Sometimes, it can be disheartening when nothing exciting happens. But this week, as I was listening to Adventures in Odyssey, I was struck by this truth spoken to a similarly discouraged Connie Kendall by the wise Jack Allen:

"Life moves in rhythms and cycles and we all go through periods when it seems like nothing is happening. But things are happening - all the time. We just have to stay in tune enough to see what they are, how they fit together. So even in times of quiet and boredom, God's handiwork is shown to us. That's the real adventure - learning to look and listen to our lives so we'll understand what God is doing." 

As believers in Jesus and servants for His kingdom, our lives are exciting! I think we sometimes just get caught up in the big things, like doing ministry in Africa or Haiti rather than in rural North Dakota. Each day, as we spend time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer, He is teaching us. He is molding us after His image. The change comes slowly, but it comes if we're willing to let Him work. I think our feelings of boring-ness come when we make our walk with the Lord about us rather than about Him. We have been created to do things for Him, not Him for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Next time you feel boring and like nothing exciting ever happens to you, take a step back. See how the Lord is using you in your unique place and position. Maybe it's showing love to the unlovable, or spending time at a homeless shelter, or telling your co-workers about the wondrous love of Jesus. We also need to examine what He has been teaching us in His Word and how He is using those lessons to make us more like Jesus. In those times of quiet and boredom, remember to look for God's handiwork in your life.And always, no matter what: 

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually." - 1 Chronicles 16:11

(The quote from Adventures in Odyssey came from album 26: Back on the Air; episode entitled "Love is in the Air". Check out the entire adventure at whitsend.org.)

be lovable

I took a pill the other day that said "Be lovable." Well, not literally. At one of my bridal showers, the ladies each wrote marital advice on a piece of paper and rolled it up so it looked like a pill and put it in a prescription bottle. The advice to "be lovable" was intended to be directed towards my husband, but God didn't want me to only apply it to him.

The Bible tells us in several places to love each other, to put others before ourselves, to live selfless lives. Though we hear it continually, it is something that we as Christians continue to struggle with. I know lately God has been trying to teach me about loving others, and sacrificing my wants and preferences to put others before myself. It is a process.

But by the advice the other morning, God turned my thoughts from these commands to the other side. God commands us to love others and sometimes it is hard because people aren't very lovable, or we are just being stubborn. But my thoughts were turned to, "Am I, in loving others, allowing myself to be lovable?"

Lovable defined is of such nature to attract love. God continued to question "in your struggles with loving others, are you being lovable as part of your attempts to love them?" We can try to love people, but when we make life miserable for them in our unloveliness, is that really love?

The challenge that God has placed on my heart for this next week is as I continue to learn to love others, is to be intentional about making it easier for others to love me as much as possible by being lovable. Maybe that is something we all need to focus on as Christians as we, by God's grace, love others.

Compassionate Action

Give me Your eyes for just one second . . . Give me Your eyes so I can see everything that I keep missing . . . Give me Your eyes for humanity . . . Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted . . . Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten . . . Lord, give me Your eyes.

I couldn't tell you how many times I have prayed for the Lord to give me His eyes and His heart for those His heart breaks over. It truly is the desire of my heart to love my neighbors as the Lord would have me to love them. To see their hurt and their need. To have compassion as Jesus has compassion.

But this week, I was struck with a thought as I read through parts of Matthew. Often times, we read about Jesus having compassion on those He encounters - but He just doesn't feel compassion and leave it at that:

"A leper came to Him and bowed down before Him and said, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed." - Matthew 9:2-3 (emphasis mine)

Now when Jesus heard about John [death], He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick." - Matthew 14:13-14 (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? Jesus did indeed feel compassion, but Jesus also put that compassion into action. As believers, we must be willing to act - not just to feel compassionate. It's like having faith without works: faith without works is dead, so perhaps we can say that compassion without action is dead too.

I will continue to pray for the Lord to give me His eyes and His heart for the lost, hurting, and needy. However, my prayer has now extended to include, "Lord, give me the boldness and courage that You have to show compassion to those that need it."