Remove your sneakers…

She writes words that move me deeply.  I read her post about a devastating fire and the void.  She responds to my comment with these words…

“I look at how fire consumes, and I wonder how anyone does — survive, that is.” 

That word consumes it makes its way into my journal.   My thoughts tumble onto the page as the pencil scratches the words: consuming fire – fire burns – touches everything – leaves its mark, its smell.

I begin to search God’s Word…”our God is a consuming fire.”  Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29

The next that catches my attention sings the word glory, one of the names God has given for 2010…

“To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”  Exodus 24:17

Several months ago pastor preached a sermon and used a quote that has stuck with me:

“A zealous man in religion is preeminently a man of one thing.  He only sees one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. … He burns for one thing, and that one thing is to please God and to advance Gods glory.  If he is consumed in the very burning, he does not care–he is content.  He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God has appointed him.”  JC Ryle^a

At a recent ladies retreat the speaker leaves these words, “We should have the smell of the desert on us.   Think of Moses in the desert, falling before the burning bush, consumed but not destroyed by the fire.”^b

Perhaps my life should look this way, consumed but not destroyed by the fire.  The grace of His presence, the fire of His glory only transforms – makes a new creation in the image of His Son.  

“Because I know, when He did what He did to make me whole, the farthest thing from His mind was putting me back in the same position as I was before.”

Friends, the new year 2011 I walk into cautiously.  Taking sandals off (or in my case sneakers) because He speaks the word consume.  It makes me hesitate – but how I desire to burn, be consumed for one thing – His glory.   The Father names 2011 Consume and bowing I yield. 

Father, all I need is you, consuming, heart burning for your glory.  Jesus your fragrance all over me.  Holy Spirit, only by your guiding, light the way for this trembling daughter. 

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^a Quote from JC Ryle:  Practical religion : being plain papers on the daily duties, experience, dangers, and privileges of professing Christians (1883)

^b Beth Taylor

Thankful Thursday

Father – thank you for the love that was birthed in your heart from the beginning of time - Your plan to redeem all of mankind.  Thank you for the sacrifices made to draw our hearts close to yours.  Jesus – no sweeter name – thank you that you are the gift of love that never ends.

A joyous heart sings thanks for…

876.  Safe travel to deliver sweet grandson

877.  Gentle hands to birth the baby

878.  Strong mother to breathe through the pain

879.  Snow and

880.  Baby for Christmas

881.  Privilege to witness the birth of grandson

882.  Darling daughter’s wisdom, preparing meals ahead of birth

883.  Gold-hearted mom to be with son’s while Princess daughter and I help new mom and dad

884.  Prayers of family and friends

885.  Quiet first days with darling daughter, dear son-in-love, and grandson

What Came for Christmas

My mind ponders the magnitude of the gift the Lord gave the day Jesus was born.  How a tiny infant changes everything.  

“Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  Philippians 2:6-7

He took on our nature in order to give us his nature.   Jesus became weak and helpless so that we could be strong.   He came to make his home with us and in us.

Because a baby was born, we celebrate his birth on Christmas, the world can be overcome. 

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Christmas Day 2010 we welcomed the newest addition to our family.  Little One was born in the midmorning hours weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long.  Mother and baby are both amazing. 

Scripture Only Sunday

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”  John 14:23

Christmas Blessings

This holiday season may you find a quiet place to experience the grace and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankful Thursday

The beginning of the month was packed full with little time left for reflection.  The cycle continues as the weeks fly by and I think of words written in Scripture concerning Mary …

“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. “  Luke 2:19

Father – I want to be like Mary and treasure up all the blessings you place in my life.  To be grateful and remember them over and over again.   God, I want to always live my life with wonder at how good you are and to live with an open heart.  Thank you today for…

Precious husband’s days off

Trains and shooting gallery set up for play                                                

Weekly encouragement from darling daughter’s doctor – everything is on schedule

Children’s Christmas program                            Princess daughter’s birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet friend who lends her creative eye with a camera

“Good morning” texts from Awesome aunt – love stretching across the miles

Yearly traditions – movies, gingerbread house building

Breakfast with a friend to celebrate her birthday

Finishing 6 crocheted caps in two days

Waiting…

Christmas approaches and we continue to await the arrival of this firstborn son.  Isn’t this what we are all waiting for?  To celebrate the birth of the firstborn son of God.

May His love be born in our hearts daily.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  Luke 2:6-7

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Photo:  Darling Daughter waiting by Jessy

Pilgrimage of Grace and Glory

The new year quietly slipped in and I still ponder the words of a poem I penned last year…

My heart resolves to seek  His face

To find his glory and his grace

Bowing down to touch the ground

I lay my head on earth’s cold soil

For in the darkness beneath what’s seen

Mystery grows and waits to reveal

New glories to astound this God seeking heart

He asked the question, “Do you see when you look?”  The wise men, they saw the glory of The One True King, full of grace and truth.   So for 2010 God invites me to look into His grace and glory.

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Grace came first…God’s Riches At Christ Expense.  God’s glory in the face of Christ.  Jesus paid it all to lavish on me the grace and glory of the Father.   He longs to extravagantly extend this same blessing to all.

There have been obstacles to His glory.  He has overcome them as He directs and leads me out of fear.   God has called me to freedom and I must Step Up and into His direction for my life.  Sometimes the step up is a journey climbing and crawling over obstacles.   I am always listening for His voice.

I was even hearing God at Six Flags as he called me to radical obedience flowing in grace.  He has moved me out of my hermit cottage, allowing this introvert to bloom at bit.  By His grace I facilitated a ladies Bible study and His glory shone strong in the hearts of the women I took the journey with.  He allowed me the privilege of helping plan the ladies fall retreat.  His grace and glory, His presence there among these women was so obvious, present, and sweet.  This racial obedience is steering me further out.

Stained by His Glory…these words have resounded in my ears all year.   Jesus has cleansed me by His grace and I will be forever stained by His glory.  I have been eternally changed by the Creator of the universe. 

Dwelling in His Glory…He sets the stage for the next step along this yearly pilgrimage path.  I continue to find the one whom my heart loves and I am so grateful He invites me to dwell in His grace and glory.   His grace and glory, they go hand and hand.   God extends His lavish grace cleansing and covering all my sins, my failures, my fears.  What follows is His glory as He indwells me with His light, calls me His daughter, and gives me a new nature.  I have seen His glory and He is full of grace and truth.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14

Scripture Only Sunday

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.” 

John 1:14

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

I’m up earlier than I have been in years, except for the occasional nights of insomnia, 4:00 am is way too early.   It is about 15 degrees outside and the wind is blustery.  We load her two bags and carry on into the vehicle and head to the airport.  Our 13 day Christmas gift has come to an end as my Amazing aunt’s plane rises in the air and heads her for home.  What a joy it has been to have her here!  

I reflect over the past week’s activities – Father in heaven I am so exceedingly grateful for…

856.  These two riding the four-wheeler together

857.  Chinese buffet

858.  A great uncle’s 90th birthday (he’s in the red cap seated by his younger brother) – looking good for 90

859.  An easy crochet project – cap for expected little one

860.  These two sisters helping me with the crochet project – Amazing aunt and Gold-hearted mom

861.  Silly card games and faces

862.  Visiting Uncle and Aunt at their lakehouse, again having my mother’s siblings together under one roof

863.  Challenge son getting out at midnight to shop for Amazing aunt, getting her a pretty good deal on a new computer

864.  Colorful balloons

865.  Amazing aunt’s safe arrival home

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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.

In Christ

They dress in their very best outfits while downstairs we dress the tables.

They line up early to have a picture taken, a memory to hold, while we line up turkey, vegetables, and dessert, food prepared by servant hearts.
These women who have been used and abused by men are escorted by gentlemen who hold their chairs to seat them and wish them a blessed Christmas.  We watch the excitement on their faces as they take their places at the tables prepared for them.
I think how it is so like God, that those seeking to be a blessing are blessed more by the light of Jesus shining from hopeful eyes.   
^“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 4:6
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Thank you to those of you who prayed for this Christmas outreach.  God’s grace was extended in such a tangible way there was a glimpse of His glory – His light shining from the faces of those who prepared, those who were served, and those served.

Treasures of Grace and Glory

The Father named the year for me…glory and grace.  There have been so many words I have heard and read this year - sermons, books, music, and blogs.  There have been so many opportunities God has placed before me this year.  There have been disappointments, fears, struggles, and lots of changes.  I contemplate, dwell, on all the places the Lord has taken me this year.  I breathe in and exhale…

I close my eyes

imagine us all

vessels of beauty

treasures fashioned

by Master’s hands

formed, shaped

perfectly molded

to hold eternal

grace and glory

--Nancy Kourmoulis

Scripture Only Sunday

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – God with us.” 

Matthew 1:22-23

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

December has arrived and the moments have become packed.  Darling daughter is expected to deliver our first grandbaby sometime this month.  So we begin with a baby tea.  Gold-hearted mom’s youngest sister flies to be with us and to celebrate their uncle’s 90th birthday as well.  

I breathe in the memories we are making.  I don’t want to forget any of them.  Quietly I pray, Father, thank you so much for…

Amazing aunt’s safe arrival from out-of-town

Sitting up late chatting

Listening as Gold-hearted mom and Amazing aunt plan for winter and summer trips

Shopping with three sisters for darling daughter’s baby tea

Laughter among Gold-hearted mom, her brothers and sisters

Memories and meals shared around my grandmother’s table

Lights along the way as we walk through town

Local leaders whose focus is “Jesus, the reason for this season.”

Longtime friends serving

Hot chocolate and cookies

Little ones singing

Community tree lighting

Soft gloves and warm scarves

Red velvet cake and cream cheese icing

Red gerber daisies

Baby tea for darling daughter

House full of family and friends

Generous friends

Adorable baby items

Lights of the season

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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.

Blessings such as these…

Things around here have been very busy.  The days are fast approaching when our darling daughter will deliver her firstborn son.  Over the past weekend we celebrated the blessings of this new life with a baby tea. 

God is so good and provided over and above what they needed (and they needed everything). 

Father, thank you for being so extravagant towards this first child and her husband.  Continue to provide as the moments arrive for little one to be born.  God you are good and your love endures through all generations.

Scripture Only Sunday

“Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”  Colossians 4:3-6

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Seems this should be my prayer for the next little while.  God opening doors asking me to open my mouth and make the most of every opportunity.  Father, help my speech to be full of your grace, encouraging and bringing out the best in others. 

Saturday Sketches

Advent – Jesus Coming

Thankful Thursday

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." -Cicero, Ancient Roman Statesman and Philosopher

My pastor used this quote in his sermon several weeks ago.  He actually gave me several good quotes on gratitude to ponder.  When my life flows from an attitude of gratitude I find that life takes on a better look and feel.  I am less depressed and disappointed.   Gratitude helps me keep my focus on the giver of good gifts and the sustainer of difficult days. 

Father, I am thankful for You.  For your beautiful, compassionate, generous heart.  Thank you for loving me, for loving the world.  Thank you that you give…

Opportunity to serve

So many women in my local body of Christ willing to serve

The gift of God in each of these women and how they use their gifts to minister

Breathtaking evidence of God at work 

Lives changed by His grace

A woman who stepped out in faith

Her willingness to ask others to help

God’s glory shining on the faces of changed women

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Extending Grace

He called Peter out of the boat – in my case it is a hermit cottage.  Lavish grace Jesus has bestowed on me, lavish grace he asks me to give away.   The same dear friend who encouraged me to teach a ladies Bible study asks if I will help with the ladies Christmas outreach.  Together with another adorable child of God I step further out of my introverted, hermit ways.   I am so grateful for a partner on this part of the journey.

A local women’s ministry here asks for sponsors to host a table of women for a Christmas dinner.  This ministry extends grace to women who have bumped hard up against life and ended up in prison or a drug rehab program or both.  They call themselves a whole-way house because they desire to see the women whole in Christ – fully healed, fully free.  It is breathtaking to see the change that is made in these women. 

I feel so privileged to be able to partner with others to serve the Lord by extending His grace.  We have the opportunity to provide a nice dinner and gifts for these women who are seeking the Lord after walking through so much.   We seek to sponsor two tables.  Father, could we start small blessing the sixteen women at these tables.

Father, this is more than I can do.  I am in over my head.  Father, you drew me out and I responded in faith but I have this lump of fear in the pit of my stomach.  Help me remember, it is not about me, it is about you.  Father help me be your hands and feet.  Serving others so that you will be exalted and glorified.  Being a grace giver so that your light shines bright. 

Teach this child how to organize these servant hearted women to minister to those in this world who have endured so much suffering.  Oh how sin gets hold of us and twists our lives into knots.  We have all ended up in some kind of bondage.  Some stray so far, try to cover the pain, they end up in chains, handcuffs.  Physically they are chained, but Father, the binding goes deeper.  The chains keep us bound to every cutting word, hurtful deed, devastating choice we have ever experienced. 

Jesus, thank you that you have come to set us free – to set me free.  How you long to give us garments of righteousness and praise instead of filthy rags.  Jesus, you have draped your robe of righteousness over my shoulders – how can I share that with another?   Show me how to open arms and embrace another with your grace, to share a glimpse of your glory.

Spirit, I have opened my eyes and seen your grace daily poured out in my life.  I have felt the weight of your glory carry me when things have been difficult.  In this year named grace and glory how can I do anything but throw my arms up high and wide and rejoice that you would bestow on me the blessing of being a grace giver in your name.  That perhaps someone would ask me, “Who is this King of Glory?

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory”^a

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Ann asks, How do we PRACTICE Christmas?  How do we prepare for the coming of Christ?  To which I answer, Extend Grace.  Christmas lives daily – His name is Jesus.  Linking to A Holy Experience Walk with Him Wednesday.

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^aSong lyrics “King of Glory” by Third Day