So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel. He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ -- Joshua 4:4-6 (NLT)
A few weeks ago, the movers arrived to pack our belongings for the trip to Dallas. The gentleman in charge, Sean, asked me to show him around the house and point out anything that needed special care. We worked our way through the house and eventually made our way to the backyard.
On the patio, near the back door, were three large river rocks; the largest weighing around 25 pounds. I pointed to the rocks and told Sean that he could pack up everything but the rocks. Then I informed him that I was going to personally haul the rocks to our new home.
He paused and gave me the oddest look. And then he spoke,"Lady, do you mean to tell me that you trust me enough to pack and move thousands of dollars worth of furniture but you won't trust me with these rocks?"
Without hesitating or cracking a smile, I said, "Exactly. Those rocks are really special to me. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to one of them."
To which he replied, "I'll wrap each one in its own moving blanket, like they were babies, and tuck them in a special spot on the truck where they won't get bumped or chipped. Now will you trust me?"
I actually paused to think about it. With some reluctance, I finally agreed. (It was the "like they were babies," part that swayed me!)
Although there were a few mishaps with some of our other belongings, the rocks arrived safe and sound. They are now in the backyard of our new home.
Why are a few rocks hauled from a dry river bed, near an obscure country road, so special?
The first and largest represents the half way point in my Sabbath Year (August '05-August '06). I had taken a year off from group Bible study and was in the middle of a year of personal study with the Lord. It was hard work and the enforced time of solitude with God was challenging me on the deepest of levels. I wanted to quit even though I knew it was not God's will. So, at the six month mark, I went looking for a river rock to remind me of God's faithfulness (I had just read Joshua 3 and 4). The second rock represents the completion of my second year of daily Bible study with the Lord. And, the third rock represents the completion of my third year.
I did not choose any of these rocks because of how they looked. In fact, each time I walked along that river bed, my only goal was to find "the rock" the Lord wanted me to choose. I recall walking with my head down, sweeping my eyes from side-to-side, as I carefully climbed over thousands of rocks. As I walked, I constantly checked with the Lord, "Is it this one? Or that one? I need some kind of sign, Lord. There are so many rocks...how do I know which one I am supposed to take?" Eventually, my eyes would fall on a rock and I would know somewhere deep in my soul that I was looking at "the rock."
So, here I am in a strange land seeking the familiar. I can see my rocks as they rest near the back gate. Knowing they are there brings me comfort. And, no matter how strange Sean the Mover might think me, it seems perfectly logical to me that I chose three rocks over furniture. Those rocks are visual reminders of my God who has delivered me from sin and death and ransomed me for life eternal. Praise be to God, my Rock!
Father, I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1-2) I will praise You as long as I have breath. In the saving name of Jesus, Amen.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Giants in the Promised Land
"We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country - a land flowing with milk and honey. But the people living there are powerful and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!" --Numbers 13:27-28
We made it through our first week in a new town, a new home, and new schools. Without a doubt, the hardest part has been Claire's assimilation into the high school system.
This school district uses an accelerated block schedule. Students take four classes each day for an extended class time. One semester = one full credit. In our old school system, students take seven classes each day. One semester = 1/2 credit. We're talking apples and oranges.
Claire's counselor helped her piece together four courses (none of which she was taking back in San Antonio) to get her through the first half of this semester. After we determined her paperwork was in order, it was time for me to leave. The counselor arranged for someone to walk Claire to her second period class, already in session, and I made my way to the car.
I sat in the school parking lot and had myself a good cry. And then I texted a few friends and asked them to pray.
When I picked up Claire, at the end of the school day, she did not have much to say other than, "Kids in San Antonio are a lot friendlier than they are here." It was a sobering day.
The next morning, we headed to the high school. Claire was less than enthusiastic about repeating the day...no friends, no one to eat lunch with, nothing familiar to look forward to. I was dreading it for her.
My phone buzzed to indicate that I had received a text.
(As a side note: In Flower Mound it is against the law to use a hand held cell phone in a school zone. The police are diligent in enforcing speed limits and ticketing cell phone usage. Just in case you ever come to visit!)
As has become part of our routine, Claire reached over and opened my phone to read the message to me.
"It's from Miss Vicki." Silence followed as Claire read the words to herself.
"What does it say?" I asked.
"It's a bible verse."
It was odd that she didn't read the words aloud. But we were nearing the school and it wasn't the kind of day to push her. We had reached our destination. With a heavy heart, I watched my daughter gather courage around herself like a shield. She reluctantly got out of the car and walked towards the school. My prayers followed behind her in a desperate plea to God.
When I pulled into the garage, I remembered the text. I opened my phone and read the following words:
This is a new day.
Stand and See.
I am with u & ur children.
There r no giants in this land.
Says the Lord.
It wasn't a Bible verse but it was definitely a word from the Lord. Two things immediately struck me about the message: First, gratitude. I was grateful that God made sure that Claire read the words first. He ministered to my child with words from someone she knows and respects. Second, was the Lord's reminder to me that I was focused on the wrong thing.
My job as Claire's mom was to claim the Promised Land for her no matter how scary the giants might appear to both of us. I had lost sight of that in the midst of the challenges of the day before. It was time to refocus my prayers which had slipped into: "Lord, help Claire to walk amongst the giants." to "Lord, help Claire claim all the goodness of the Promised land You have prepared for her."
Abba, You alone are God. You have ordained each day of my life and the lives of my loved ones. Forgive me for focusing on giants when there is a Promised Land to claim. Thank You for the beautiful friends You have placed in my life that remind me to keep my eyes on You. And, thank You for the blood of Jesus which covers us, the work of the Cross that seals us, and the light of Christ that surrounds us...this day and always. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
We made it through our first week in a new town, a new home, and new schools. Without a doubt, the hardest part has been Claire's assimilation into the high school system.
This school district uses an accelerated block schedule. Students take four classes each day for an extended class time. One semester = one full credit. In our old school system, students take seven classes each day. One semester = 1/2 credit. We're talking apples and oranges.
Claire's counselor helped her piece together four courses (none of which she was taking back in San Antonio) to get her through the first half of this semester. After we determined her paperwork was in order, it was time for me to leave. The counselor arranged for someone to walk Claire to her second period class, already in session, and I made my way to the car.
I sat in the school parking lot and had myself a good cry. And then I texted a few friends and asked them to pray.
When I picked up Claire, at the end of the school day, she did not have much to say other than, "Kids in San Antonio are a lot friendlier than they are here." It was a sobering day.
The next morning, we headed to the high school. Claire was less than enthusiastic about repeating the day...no friends, no one to eat lunch with, nothing familiar to look forward to. I was dreading it for her.
My phone buzzed to indicate that I had received a text.
(As a side note: In Flower Mound it is against the law to use a hand held cell phone in a school zone. The police are diligent in enforcing speed limits and ticketing cell phone usage. Just in case you ever come to visit!)
As has become part of our routine, Claire reached over and opened my phone to read the message to me.
"It's from Miss Vicki." Silence followed as Claire read the words to herself.
"What does it say?" I asked.
"It's a bible verse."
It was odd that she didn't read the words aloud. But we were nearing the school and it wasn't the kind of day to push her. We had reached our destination. With a heavy heart, I watched my daughter gather courage around herself like a shield. She reluctantly got out of the car and walked towards the school. My prayers followed behind her in a desperate plea to God.
When I pulled into the garage, I remembered the text. I opened my phone and read the following words:
This is a new day.
Stand and See.
I am with u & ur children.
There r no giants in this land.
Says the Lord.
It wasn't a Bible verse but it was definitely a word from the Lord. Two things immediately struck me about the message: First, gratitude. I was grateful that God made sure that Claire read the words first. He ministered to my child with words from someone she knows and respects. Second, was the Lord's reminder to me that I was focused on the wrong thing.
My job as Claire's mom was to claim the Promised Land for her no matter how scary the giants might appear to both of us. I had lost sight of that in the midst of the challenges of the day before. It was time to refocus my prayers which had slipped into: "Lord, help Claire to walk amongst the giants." to "Lord, help Claire claim all the goodness of the Promised land You have prepared for her."
Abba, You alone are God. You have ordained each day of my life and the lives of my loved ones. Forgive me for focusing on giants when there is a Promised Land to claim. Thank You for the beautiful friends You have placed in my life that remind me to keep my eyes on You. And, thank You for the blood of Jesus which covers us, the work of the Cross that seals us, and the light of Christ that surrounds us...this day and always. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Goodness of God
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." -- Psalm 37:3-6
My husband, Marty, is a God fearing man. He loves his family and his God. He works harder than anyone I know. He has never been a "keeping up with the Jones's" kind of guy. He is content with life with one exception...
In all our time in San Antonio (13-1/2 years) there was one thing Marty consistently longed for: a backyard with some land, trees and privacy. For the past several years, I have been petitioning the Lord on his behalf. My prayer has been that the Lord would lead us to a home with a backyard that would be a sanctuary for Marty.
A few weeks ago, I read in Genesis 13:14-17, where God shows Abraham all of the land that He has chosen for him and his descendants. Afterward, God commands Abraham, "Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you." (v. 17) I wrote in the margins, "Get to know the land."
Those words came back to me, this weekend, as Marty and I started unpacking boxes in our new home. Every few hours, Marty would disappear into the backyard. I watched through the windows as he and the dog explored every inch of the property. I remember thinking, He's getting to know the land.
As I look past the unopened boxes and the move-in chaos that surrounds me, I can see the evidence of God's magnificent provision...
Through the family room patio doors I see a pool with water that sparkles in the sunlight. Looking past the pool, there is a wrought iron fence that encloses a portion of the backyard. In the middle of the fence is a gate covered in an arch of climbing roses. Beyond the gate a large span of flat lawn big enough for a game of touch football or wiffle ball beckons. And beyond that the property is edged by a dry creek and woods with lots of mature trees. Truly God is good.
In all those years of lifting up that prayer, it never occurred to me that I might have to move 250 miles for it to be answered. And perhaps it is good that I didn't know. For if I had known the sacrifice it would require of our family, I am not sure I would have been brave enough to utter the words and trust God with the results.
Father, You have blessed our family in ways big and small. Thank You for the things You let me know ahead of time and for those things You keep hidden from me until the proper time. Help me to always make my requests known to You and to trust You with the results. Your ways are always best...even when they require a sacrifice. Thank You for the blessing of this new home and Your provision for all of the details that come with making a new life in a new land. Lead the way. In Jesus' name, Amen.
My husband, Marty, is a God fearing man. He loves his family and his God. He works harder than anyone I know. He has never been a "keeping up with the Jones's" kind of guy. He is content with life with one exception...
In all our time in San Antonio (13-1/2 years) there was one thing Marty consistently longed for: a backyard with some land, trees and privacy. For the past several years, I have been petitioning the Lord on his behalf. My prayer has been that the Lord would lead us to a home with a backyard that would be a sanctuary for Marty.
A few weeks ago, I read in Genesis 13:14-17, where God shows Abraham all of the land that He has chosen for him and his descendants. Afterward, God commands Abraham, "Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you." (v. 17) I wrote in the margins, "Get to know the land."
Those words came back to me, this weekend, as Marty and I started unpacking boxes in our new home. Every few hours, Marty would disappear into the backyard. I watched through the windows as he and the dog explored every inch of the property. I remember thinking, He's getting to know the land.
As I look past the unopened boxes and the move-in chaos that surrounds me, I can see the evidence of God's magnificent provision...
Through the family room patio doors I see a pool with water that sparkles in the sunlight. Looking past the pool, there is a wrought iron fence that encloses a portion of the backyard. In the middle of the fence is a gate covered in an arch of climbing roses. Beyond the gate a large span of flat lawn big enough for a game of touch football or wiffle ball beckons. And beyond that the property is edged by a dry creek and woods with lots of mature trees. Truly God is good.
In all those years of lifting up that prayer, it never occurred to me that I might have to move 250 miles for it to be answered. And perhaps it is good that I didn't know. For if I had known the sacrifice it would require of our family, I am not sure I would have been brave enough to utter the words and trust God with the results.
Father, You have blessed our family in ways big and small. Thank You for the things You let me know ahead of time and for those things You keep hidden from me until the proper time. Help me to always make my requests known to You and to trust You with the results. Your ways are always best...even when they require a sacrifice. Thank You for the blessing of this new home and Your provision for all of the details that come with making a new life in a new land. Lead the way. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Pushing Past My Feelings
(I wrote this earlier today...)
I am sitting in the terminal at Love Field Airport in Dallas, TX waiting to catch a flight back to San Antonio. In the past 36 hours I have:
· Called on prayer warriors to bathe my latest house hunting trip in prayer
· Declared, in faith, that I was going to Dallas with the goal of coming home with a "new address"
· Left my kids "home alone" to navigate a few hours on their own (last night) and to get themselves up and out the door (this morning) without adult supervision
· Spent the better part of yesterday looking at 12 homes with my agent and ruling most of them out
· Met with Marty (my husband) to scrutinize the three "finalists" on the list
· Ruled out two of the three (on the spot), leaving us with house #3 that required a stretch (on all levels)
· Climbed into bed exhausted and wondering what to do about house #3
· Woke up, planning to talk our options through, only to discover that it wasn't "business as usual" at ATT this morning. Marty had to head to the office. House decisions would have to hold until the weekend.
· Cancelled my 1/2 day with the agent.
· Switched my return ticket to an earlier flight.
· While waiting to depart, my agent called. Because of additional information she just received, house #3 is no longer a viable option.
· We are back to square one - no house.
I feel like a failure. I am discouraged. The doubt (did we pick the right city?), the anxiety (we only have five weeks until the kids start school in Dallas), and the despair (our list of wants/needs isn't making our search easy) are creeping in. I do not feel like a strong Christian. I do not feel like a woman of deep faith. I am struggling to hold on to hope. I hate being in this place of uncertainty.
So this is my confession, Lord. I am overwhelmed. From experience, I know that the only way out of this is to push past my feelings and recount what I know about You. So here we go...these are the tangible ways I have seen Your hand at work confirming the city of Flower Mound as our new hometown:
• The two high schools we visited both had visible signs of Your presence...posters announcing Bible studies, Young Life activities, a counselor with a Scripture rock on his desk.
• Both high schools have strong band programs with great directors
• After contacting a former member of our church, who now resides in Flower Mound, I received a lengthy email detailing the city, a vibrant church, Bible studies and community. She also extended an invitation to dinner and a tour of the nearby church whenever we are ready.
• Surprise! I received three additional emails from friends of the former church member who also live in Flower Mound. They spoke high praises for the school system, community, and churches. (Methodist church)
• I contacted someone (daughter of one of our former pastor's) who is now a girls' senior high youth director at a local church (Lutheran church) in Flower Mound. She also spoke highly of the area and gave me great feedback on both of the high schools and churches nearby. She offered to meet my teenage daughter (over the Christmas break) so that she would know someone before she actually moved to Flower Mound.
• A law student in nearby Ft. Worth (former youth at UUMC) found out we were moving to Flower Mound and offered to take us to her church (Matt Chandler's) and get our kids connected in the youth program. She drives 45 minutes each Sunday in order to attend church in Flower Mound - loves the church!
• Found out our real estate agents are both strong Christian women. One of them also happens to have grown up in St. Louis (my home town), attended college at Missouri State University (Marty & my alma mater), pledged the same sorority as me, and has a brother-in-law who is youth pastor at nearby church (Lutheran). How small of a world is that?!
• Contacted a friend's cousin, who lives in Flower Mound, and just so happens to be the Assistant Superintendent of the Lewisville School District (school district for Flower Mound). We were able to talk to her and get more information about the schools (all good) and received a friendly offer to meet us anytime we were in town & and an invitation to attend their church (Chuck Swindoll's) with her and her husband.
I feel better. Once again, I see the evidence of Your fingerprints all over this move. You have gone before us to Flower Mound. You have prepared a place for us. We just haven't found it yet. Yet.
I am claiming the Scripture that was a part of my daily reading today. I have been speaking these words for weeks without realizing they were actually Your Word. Thank You for putting them in front of me, this day, when I needed them most. No wonder I have been clinging to them so tightly.
"I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word." --Psalm 130:5
I do believe. Help my unbelief. And please, Lord, show us the right home for our family. I am counting on You. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
I am sitting in the terminal at Love Field Airport in Dallas, TX waiting to catch a flight back to San Antonio. In the past 36 hours I have:
· Called on prayer warriors to bathe my latest house hunting trip in prayer
· Declared, in faith, that I was going to Dallas with the goal of coming home with a "new address"
· Left my kids "home alone" to navigate a few hours on their own (last night) and to get themselves up and out the door (this morning) without adult supervision
· Spent the better part of yesterday looking at 12 homes with my agent and ruling most of them out
· Met with Marty (my husband) to scrutinize the three "finalists" on the list
· Ruled out two of the three (on the spot), leaving us with house #3 that required a stretch (on all levels)
· Climbed into bed exhausted and wondering what to do about house #3
· Woke up, planning to talk our options through, only to discover that it wasn't "business as usual" at ATT this morning. Marty had to head to the office. House decisions would have to hold until the weekend.
· Cancelled my 1/2 day with the agent.
· Switched my return ticket to an earlier flight.
· While waiting to depart, my agent called. Because of additional information she just received, house #3 is no longer a viable option.
· We are back to square one - no house.
I feel like a failure. I am discouraged. The doubt (did we pick the right city?), the anxiety (we only have five weeks until the kids start school in Dallas), and the despair (our list of wants/needs isn't making our search easy) are creeping in. I do not feel like a strong Christian. I do not feel like a woman of deep faith. I am struggling to hold on to hope. I hate being in this place of uncertainty.
So this is my confession, Lord. I am overwhelmed. From experience, I know that the only way out of this is to push past my feelings and recount what I know about You. So here we go...these are the tangible ways I have seen Your hand at work confirming the city of Flower Mound as our new hometown:
• The two high schools we visited both had visible signs of Your presence...posters announcing Bible studies, Young Life activities, a counselor with a Scripture rock on his desk.
• Both high schools have strong band programs with great directors
• After contacting a former member of our church, who now resides in Flower Mound, I received a lengthy email detailing the city, a vibrant church, Bible studies and community. She also extended an invitation to dinner and a tour of the nearby church whenever we are ready.
• Surprise! I received three additional emails from friends of the former church member who also live in Flower Mound. They spoke high praises for the school system, community, and churches. (Methodist church)
• I contacted someone (daughter of one of our former pastor's) who is now a girls' senior high youth director at a local church (Lutheran church) in Flower Mound. She also spoke highly of the area and gave me great feedback on both of the high schools and churches nearby. She offered to meet my teenage daughter (over the Christmas break) so that she would know someone before she actually moved to Flower Mound.
• A law student in nearby Ft. Worth (former youth at UUMC) found out we were moving to Flower Mound and offered to take us to her church (Matt Chandler's) and get our kids connected in the youth program. She drives 45 minutes each Sunday in order to attend church in Flower Mound - loves the church!
• Found out our real estate agents are both strong Christian women. One of them also happens to have grown up in St. Louis (my home town), attended college at Missouri State University (Marty & my alma mater), pledged the same sorority as me, and has a brother-in-law who is youth pastor at nearby church (Lutheran). How small of a world is that?!
• Contacted a friend's cousin, who lives in Flower Mound, and just so happens to be the Assistant Superintendent of the Lewisville School District (school district for Flower Mound). We were able to talk to her and get more information about the schools (all good) and received a friendly offer to meet us anytime we were in town & and an invitation to attend their church (Chuck Swindoll's) with her and her husband.
I feel better. Once again, I see the evidence of Your fingerprints all over this move. You have gone before us to Flower Mound. You have prepared a place for us. We just haven't found it yet. Yet.
I am claiming the Scripture that was a part of my daily reading today. I have been speaking these words for weeks without realizing they were actually Your Word. Thank You for putting them in front of me, this day, when I needed them most. No wonder I have been clinging to them so tightly.
"I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word." --Psalm 130:5
I do believe. Help my unbelief. And please, Lord, show us the right home for our family. I am counting on You. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Grieving Differently
"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 1:4-5
Our upcoming move to Dallas, TX will be the second time, as an adult, that I have packed up my family and started over in a new city. The first time occurred 13+ years ago, when our family left my hometown of St. Louis, MO and headed to San Antonio, TX. It was a time of great difficulty for me: emotionally, physically, spiritually. But as I've pondered the differences between that first move and this one, I am aware of a radical difference in myself.
Move #1 - I had just begun taking baby steps in my faith journey. For the first time in my life, I understood the concept of a church "home." I was afraid to leave and concerned that I wouldn't find another body of Christ that would nurture me and show me how to grow.
I grieved for those things that never had a chance to take place.
I knew just enough about God and His word to cling to His promise that He had a plan for my family and me (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of a relationship with God to trust Him to keep His word. What I was lacking was faith.
I hoped He would keep His word.
Move #2 - I may have arrived in San Antonio, broken and scared, but I am not that person anymore. I have been blessed by a church that embraced my entire family. I have been nurtured in my faith, been given opportunities to explore my spiritual gifts, and encouraged to follow the Lord as He reveals my own unique calling. I have been loved well by others and have been given the opportunity to love in return.
Now I grieve for all that has taken place.
This time, I know enough about God and His word to believe that He has already gone ahead of us. I have faith in His plan.
I expect Him to keep His word.
So I grieve differently. This grief is sweet. It is mixed with joy, love, and a deep gratitude for the men and women of faith who have helped me become who I am today. Truly I am blessed.
Most people wait until they leave to say goodbye. Well, I am starting a month early! It is important to me to say thank you - to say it often - and to say it well. To my family of faith at UUMC: You have blessed me beyond measure. You have represented Christ faithfully. And, I will always give thanks to God for each of you. Thank you for all you have taught me. Grace and peace, Denise
Father,
In all my prayers for the people of University United Methodist Church, I pray with joy because of their partnership in the gospel from the first day I arrived in San Antonio until now, being confident of this, that You who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I believe You will do it and I thank You in advance. In the powerful saving name of Jesus, Amen.
Our upcoming move to Dallas, TX will be the second time, as an adult, that I have packed up my family and started over in a new city. The first time occurred 13+ years ago, when our family left my hometown of St. Louis, MO and headed to San Antonio, TX. It was a time of great difficulty for me: emotionally, physically, spiritually. But as I've pondered the differences between that first move and this one, I am aware of a radical difference in myself.
Move #1 - I had just begun taking baby steps in my faith journey. For the first time in my life, I understood the concept of a church "home." I was afraid to leave and concerned that I wouldn't find another body of Christ that would nurture me and show me how to grow.
I grieved for those things that never had a chance to take place.
I knew just enough about God and His word to cling to His promise that He had a plan for my family and me (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of a relationship with God to trust Him to keep His word. What I was lacking was faith.
I hoped He would keep His word.
Move #2 - I may have arrived in San Antonio, broken and scared, but I am not that person anymore. I have been blessed by a church that embraced my entire family. I have been nurtured in my faith, been given opportunities to explore my spiritual gifts, and encouraged to follow the Lord as He reveals my own unique calling. I have been loved well by others and have been given the opportunity to love in return.
Now I grieve for all that has taken place.
This time, I know enough about God and His word to believe that He has already gone ahead of us. I have faith in His plan.
I expect Him to keep His word.
So I grieve differently. This grief is sweet. It is mixed with joy, love, and a deep gratitude for the men and women of faith who have helped me become who I am today. Truly I am blessed.
Most people wait until they leave to say goodbye. Well, I am starting a month early! It is important to me to say thank you - to say it often - and to say it well. To my family of faith at UUMC: You have blessed me beyond measure. You have represented Christ faithfully. And, I will always give thanks to God for each of you. Thank you for all you have taught me. Grace and peace, Denise
Father,
In all my prayers for the people of University United Methodist Church, I pray with joy because of their partnership in the gospel from the first day I arrived in San Antonio until now, being confident of this, that You who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I believe You will do it and I thank You in advance. In the powerful saving name of Jesus, Amen.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Celebrating Someone Else's Faith
"For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" --1 Thessalonians 3:8-9
A few days ago, I met a friend at Starbucks. For the better part of 2 hours we took turns catching up on each other's lives. Our time was precious and bittersweet because my time in San Antonio is drawing to a close.
It is hard to believe that we have only known each other for one short year. We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance who thought we would benefit from knowing each other. My friend prefaced the invitation by sharing that the person I was about to meet was grieving a great loss, facing an uncertain future, and doing their best to remain strong in their faith. Would I walk alongside this person for a while?
I agreed. Soon, my new friend and I settled into a routine of meeting once a month at Starbucks. In a way that only God could have orchestrated, our conversations skipped right past the trivial and dove right into matters of life and death, faith and hope, battles lost and battles won. I was humbled by this person's willingness to trust God and me with matters that were deeply painful and personal. In turn, I was free to share the struggles and victories that were a part of my own journey of faith.
Over the course of this past year, the Lord has continually comforted, delighted, and humbled us during our time together. He has always been faithful to provide clarity and revelation regarding the bigger picture of how He is at work in each of our lives.
So the other day, as I sat across from my friend and listened as she related her most recent adventures with the Lord, I couldn't help but celebrate. My friend has persevered in the midst of tragedy and stands firm with a faith that has grown deeper and stronger through trial. Her faith brings me great joy.
I will forever equate the smell of Starbucks with my time spent with this friend. She has inspired me and taught me much about the resiliency of the human spirit. In a similar way, the fragrance of someone standing firm in their faith must bring great pleasure to the Father. I can just imagine whenever He sees one of His children exercising their faith...He stops, breathes in deeply, and smiles with great contentment.
Father,
Thank You for the privilege of witnessing the growing faith of my friend. Thank You for the celebration that comes as a result. Give me eyes to see those around me who are standing firm in their faith. Help me to acknowledge and affirm their faith; reminding them that it is a reason for celebration on earth and in heaven! May we send up a continual fragrance offering of faith to Your heavenly throne. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A few days ago, I met a friend at Starbucks. For the better part of 2 hours we took turns catching up on each other's lives. Our time was precious and bittersweet because my time in San Antonio is drawing to a close.
It is hard to believe that we have only known each other for one short year. We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance who thought we would benefit from knowing each other. My friend prefaced the invitation by sharing that the person I was about to meet was grieving a great loss, facing an uncertain future, and doing their best to remain strong in their faith. Would I walk alongside this person for a while?
I agreed. Soon, my new friend and I settled into a routine of meeting once a month at Starbucks. In a way that only God could have orchestrated, our conversations skipped right past the trivial and dove right into matters of life and death, faith and hope, battles lost and battles won. I was humbled by this person's willingness to trust God and me with matters that were deeply painful and personal. In turn, I was free to share the struggles and victories that were a part of my own journey of faith.
Over the course of this past year, the Lord has continually comforted, delighted, and humbled us during our time together. He has always been faithful to provide clarity and revelation regarding the bigger picture of how He is at work in each of our lives.
So the other day, as I sat across from my friend and listened as she related her most recent adventures with the Lord, I couldn't help but celebrate. My friend has persevered in the midst of tragedy and stands firm with a faith that has grown deeper and stronger through trial. Her faith brings me great joy.
I will forever equate the smell of Starbucks with my time spent with this friend. She has inspired me and taught me much about the resiliency of the human spirit. In a similar way, the fragrance of someone standing firm in their faith must bring great pleasure to the Father. I can just imagine whenever He sees one of His children exercising their faith...He stops, breathes in deeply, and smiles with great contentment.
Father,
Thank You for the privilege of witnessing the growing faith of my friend. Thank You for the celebration that comes as a result. Give me eyes to see those around me who are standing firm in their faith. Help me to acknowledge and affirm their faith; reminding them that it is a reason for celebration on earth and in heaven! May we send up a continual fragrance offering of faith to Your heavenly throne. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Joy of Being Expected
"Praise the LORD!
I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails." -- Psalm 111: 1-3
I am sitting at the car dealership while my car is being serviced. It may sound strange, but I love coming to this place. They know how to treat a customer and they do it well. It is a fairly new facility. They have thoughtfully provided room for people to sit in comfort and wait in their choice of: a TV room, children's play area, or work center complete with cubbies & complimentary computers. For those of us with our own laptops, they provide free wireless access. There are always fresh donuts, coffee, tea and water bottles in the hospitality center. And best of all, each and every time I show up, they are expecting me.
It is a good feeling to be expected.
Yesterday, I had two very important appointments on my calendar. I looked forward to both with a mixture of hope, anticipation and the uncertainty of the unknown. Both meetings represented new adventures with the Lord; the kind where you are about to step off an old familiar path, and in faith, trust your feet will land on something solid.
In both meetings, I was expected. The individuals involved had prepared for my presence through prayer and reflection. I was blessed by the gift of their time. I was blessed by the fruit of our discussion. I was encouraged by their willingness to walk on this part of my journey with me. Each asked questions and provided me with further things to ponder until the next time we meet. And that was the icing on the cake...there is more to come.
It is a good feeling to be expected.
It is an even better feeling to be expected and welcomed in the name of Jesus.
O Father,
Thank You for the godly people You have placed in my life. Thank You for the joy of being welcomed in the name of Jesus Christ. Help me to remember to welcome others with the same hospitality. I love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails." -- Psalm 111: 1-3
I am sitting at the car dealership while my car is being serviced. It may sound strange, but I love coming to this place. They know how to treat a customer and they do it well. It is a fairly new facility. They have thoughtfully provided room for people to sit in comfort and wait in their choice of: a TV room, children's play area, or work center complete with cubbies & complimentary computers. For those of us with our own laptops, they provide free wireless access. There are always fresh donuts, coffee, tea and water bottles in the hospitality center. And best of all, each and every time I show up, they are expecting me.
It is a good feeling to be expected.
Yesterday, I had two very important appointments on my calendar. I looked forward to both with a mixture of hope, anticipation and the uncertainty of the unknown. Both meetings represented new adventures with the Lord; the kind where you are about to step off an old familiar path, and in faith, trust your feet will land on something solid.
In both meetings, I was expected. The individuals involved had prepared for my presence through prayer and reflection. I was blessed by the gift of their time. I was blessed by the fruit of our discussion. I was encouraged by their willingness to walk on this part of my journey with me. Each asked questions and provided me with further things to ponder until the next time we meet. And that was the icing on the cake...there is more to come.
It is a good feeling to be expected.
It is an even better feeling to be expected and welcomed in the name of Jesus.
O Father,
Thank You for the godly people You have placed in my life. Thank You for the joy of being welcomed in the name of Jesus Christ. Help me to remember to welcome others with the same hospitality. I love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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