From the old files: The Call

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

A not particularly relevant picture of moonrise a few weeks ago...

I'm not even sure why I was digging around in obscure files last night but I stumbled across this bit;  I have no idea when I wrote it.  Years ago, I'm sure.  I don't remember writing it, so it hit me like a new thought, lol.  Strong enough that I thought it worth sharing...

Sometimes the call is loud and clear from a long distance.  It brings plain instruction for bridging the gap between the here and now and the there and then.   A plan to be walked out, diligently, to be in the right place at the right time.

Sometimes the call is a beacon, flashing, with no more than a direction.  Move towards the light.  Somehow the next bit of the path becomes apparent at the right time…a door opens, a door closes.  The way may not be straight but little by little, making it up as it goes, it seems, comes the surprise that what looked like a detour was actually the most direct route.

Sometimes the call is a whisper.  No far-off goal or dreams of the future.  Just a hint of where to set the foot next.  And then where to set the next.  And the next.  Not knowing exactly where the journey will end but trusting that it is going to be exactly where it should be.

And sometimes the call is to be still and wait. Because the end goal is a place that can only be reached if one is divinely carried.  Oh, sure, it would be possible to laboriously toil along in what appears to be the right direction, but, as He must carry the traveler to the end there’s no benefit to slogging and fighting until being picked up when it would be just as productive to rest and worship at the origin. Arrival Is in His timing in either case.

Your call isn’t my call. Sometimes my current call isn’t the call of ten years ago.  We can’t judge the validity of a call by its clarity or its effort. 

Only by the peace that comes from hearing His voice say, ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’

Friday Faithfuls 2: 3 John

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Welp...after being so carefully anonymous about names in 2 John, our elderly apostle is throwing names around all over the place in his third epistle (did any other Chosen fans do a long speculative double take at 'my dear friend Gaius'???)  So either my speculation about his caution in the last post was way out in left field, or he didn't feel the need to be as cautious with this letter for some reason.  Perhaps Gaius is in a less risky location?  Who knows, lol.

But John's style is a bit different here. Whereas his previous letters had been to groups of people, this letter is written to one person. Like Paul's letter to Philemon, it's personal.  John relates the failings of one particular individual, commends another, but he especially commends Gaius for being hospitable to some traveling believers who related to John how well Gaius had treated them.

It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.  We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.  - 3 John 7-8.

I think that's an interesting contrast to a sort of similar passage in 2 John: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.  Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work" (verses 10 - 11)

John equates hospitality and welcome as participating in the ministry. In the previous epistle, as part of his warning against false teaching, he cautions folks against even being hospitable or encouraging to folks who are preaching a different teaching.  But here...Gaius is warmly commended for being hospitable and encouraging to folks who are accurately sharing the gospel.

It's worth noting that there is a distinction between the teachings.  There is a difference in the way believers are to respond.  And it is scriptural.  There is teaching that is correct and we can 'work together for the truth' and teaching that is not correct, and anyone who supports that 'shares in his wicked work'.

John is not being tolerant here, y'all.  Not at all.

And I'm gonna be honest...when I picked that verse I had a whole different direction I meant to go, but typing it out it brought to mind the passage in 2 John.  I had never looked at them together before.  But the contrast is telling.

Be careful who you partner with in ministry. All teachings are not equally valid.  Make sure your support is going to those who are working together for what is actually...the truth.

The Hodgepodge is Going to the Birds...

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

I haven't done a Hodgepodge post in quite a while; life has been busy.  But, being as how I've felt a bit birdbrained lately, when I saw the topic of this week's randomness I decided to play along.

You can click through on the button and see everyone else's responses to the prompts, but here's mine...

1.  April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder? Any birds in your home decor? Have you ever owned a pet bird? What's your favorite bird?   

I don't have a bird feeder...currently.  Plans, yes, but it hasn't happened yet.   I'd like a hummingbird feeder and a regular bird feeder...actually, THIS ONE has caught my eye from social media ads.  It's a bit (*koff koff*) pricey, but  what a cool idea!

I have a ceramic owl...circa 1977...hanging in my living room.  I got it one of the summers I worked at the local walk-up ice cream stand; someone in the community made them and sold them in the shop; I think it was $10.  I loved one of the color combos and got it to hang in my dorm room at college.  It really doesn't go with the decor but it's sentimental now, lol.  Doesn't it just SCREAM 'Seventies!'  Owls were the thing then...

I have never had a pet bird...being a cat person, I wouldn't want to subject a bird to the trauma of living in the same house with a cat.  I know some folks pull it off, but I just think that would be an awful thing to do to a bird, lol.  My grandmother had parakeets from time to time...my memory of them was that every one of them somehow managed to escape the house and fly off.  Who knows what happened to them after that.

Favorite bird is a hard one, because there are so many that I love.  Cardinals in the winter, robins in the spring, the occasional eastern blue bird...and hummingbirds, of course!  I will say that when we visit Dollywood I would rather go look at the eagles than ride most of the rides...and the Birds of Prey show that they do there is really cool.

2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'? 

Oh, that's a toughie.  I don't really feel like I'm a 'natural' at anything.  Even the sewing was something I had to work at over time.  

Oh!  Wait! (The revelation hits) Reading, lol.   Once I learned how...I was off...

3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life. 

I suppose...empty nest.  The youngest was married and moved out in June of 2021, and my facebook feed has just reminded us that it was one year ago this past weekend that we moved her and her hubby to a new job down in Florida.  The two middle ones, who had moved out well before that point, are both getting married this year.  Oldest is married with two kids...but only lives two miles away.  But 'empty' hardly applies to the house...which still contains a goodly amount of their stuff...

4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for?  

I've eaten all of those but chia seeds...I think.  Can't remember having them.  My grandmother grew sunflowers and I well remember the sore thumb from splitting the shells open!  I have a broccoli-bacon-cauliflower salad w/red onions and sunflower seeds that I really, really like and don't make nearly enough, lol.

5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'? 

A new book to read!  I picked up Barbara Emodi's first foray into fiction writing...I've read her sewing blog/books/magazine articles for years, so it's kinda cool to see her branch out into something different.  A murder mystery no less.  I have't had a LOT of time so I'm only on about chapter 4 but it's been good so far.   Two weeks ago I read the Wingfeather saga in a marathon whilst my hubby was on a camping trip.  Darn near pulled an all-nighter but finished it in three days.  The end of the fourth book had me almost to the ugly cry.  Wasn't expecting that in a kid's story.

6. Insert your own random thought here.   

I am feeling the cold current of swift flowing time more this year than I think I have before.  It is just unbelievable to me how fast things are moving.  I don't feel like I'm keeping up...which is kinda scary, to be honest.  

Spending three days reading books and doing little else probably doesn't help, lol.

Friday Faithfuls 2 - 2 John

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

13 verses is all I have to choose from in 2 John;  and I can't choose what I chose when I did this little challenge 10 ish years ago. 

But 2 John is like hearing one side of a phone conversation...one that is kind of aware there are eavesdroppers.

This time reading through, something caught my eye that isn't really a passage.

John doesn't mention any names at all except Jesus.

Remember how Paul's epistles all start off with something like 'Paul, an apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, to (whoeover)'.

John says 'The elder, to the chosen lady and her children...'

Paul also closed his letters with names of those who were to be greeted, and names of those who send their greetings.  

John says, 'The children of your chosen sister send their greetings'

I wonder why he maintained such a cover of anonymity here.  Do you suppose...it was due to the persecution that had so affected his life in the preceding years?   So if the letter were intercepted there would be no incriminating evidence there?  I never picked up on that before this read through...now, it really stands out.

It makes the verse that jumped at me for this week's passage so much more poignant, if that is the case.

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink.  Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.  -- 2 Jn v. 12

IF John was being extra cautious in his wording because of the threat of interception and persecution, this makes much sense,  Of course he wouldn't want to commit to paper thoughts and instructions that  could be used as evidence against him or against the people to whom he was writing.

He told them to love one another, walk in obedience, and beware of false teachers.  And then he says he wants to meet in person to share the rest of what is on his heart.

Because he didn't want to commit it to paper.

I am sure there was cause.

But it is a good reminder that there is nothing like an in-person meetup, exhortation, encouragement...worship service.

Epic Reading

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

My reading has been rather epic so far this year.

I did a re-read of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy to start the year off; I am not sure why but I just feel a compulsion to visit Middle Earth every two to four years.  Narnia, too, for that matter but I'm not hearing that siren song just yet.

But, just before the Easter costuming frenzy hit, I ordered a set of books I'd been hearing about for a while.

Staff got the Monday after Easter as a holiday, after a very full weekend, but I went in to work to get the data entry done and took my Monday on Thursday (offices are closed on Fridays).  My Sweet Babboo had a camping trip this weekend , so I 1) didn't set my alarm  and 2) settled in to read during mealtimes.  

Or at least, that was my plan.

So I started Book 1 at breakfast on Thursday.  Read a bit more at lunchtime, and a little bit more before I went to bed.  It was, to me, a rather awkward writing style and I struggled to get into the story but finished the book around lunch time on Friday.  Ditched the idea to just read at meals, and read while the laundry was running.  Finished book two Friday evening and started Book 3.  

The awkward writing style had abated somewhat...and I think I adjusted to it.  I stayed up until a ridiculously late hour, weeping slightly at the end of Book 3 and, against my better judgment, started book 4.

My morning coffee stretched through lunch and beyond, and, y'all, it was very nearly the ugly cry at the end of 4.

Lots to think about here.  

Now, to finish the other stuff I meant to do on my long weekend...

Friday Faithfuls Two - 1 John

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

1 John.  Y'all, that is a rich little book.    John starts by affirming his status as an eyewitness to everything Jesus said and did; but that passage is what I selected the first time I did this little cruise through the Bible, so, even though it blends nicely with the passage I selected from 2 Peter a couple of weeks ago, I have to pick a different passage.

What struck me this time, as I read through the five chapters that comprise John's letter to the church, is the contrast between two world views...'The World' and "Of God".  There is no commonality between the two; and a follower of God should not have a shred of a world-honoring lifestyle.

I kept changing my mind about the verse that I would select to sum up his position as I read through...and then the last verse hit me as perfect.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. -- 1John 5:21

What is an idol?  We tend to read this and think of the literal little statues and rocks and things that pagans set up as gods and to which they burn incense and make sacrifices, but the truth is that an idol is ANYTHING to which one holds allegiance that equals or supersedes devotion to God, or misdirects our devotion from God to the idol. 

Here's a test...imagine, for just a moment, that God required you to give up, in whatever form that takes, the thing/ideology/ position/ etc.....how do you react?  Do you feel threatened?  Offended?

Would you choose that [whatever] over a relationship with God if you recognize the choice?  Because once you see an idol in your life, you are at that choice.  Obedience...or not.  The Enemy will tell you it's not a big deal...you can have both.  Honor God and enjoy whatever benefits you perceive from the idol.  But remember...he lies.  You cannot keep both.  And I bet, deep down, we all know we can't do both. It takes some pretty strong self deception to convince ourselves that we can follow God and the world's influence at the same time.

The 'world' is FULL of idols.  The 'world' itself is an idol.  And if you are confused about what John means when he says 'the world', then read 1 Jn 2:15-17, where he describes it.

But...a Godly world view is simple.

God is supreme in all things.

Keep yourselves from idols.

Friday Faithfuls 2 - 2 Peter

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Um, yeah, I know it's Saturday.  We'll just pretend it's Friday and I'm not behind schedule, lol.

We really are coming close to the end of this flying skim through the Bible, looking for the verse that resonates each week.

This week we are in 2 Peter...which, similar to the book of 2 Timothy, is our last message from an apostle.  Peter knows this; he states as much in 1:13 - 15.   He spends 2/3 of his letter warning against false teaching and encouraging his readers to be steadfast until the end.

So what caught my eye in this short little 3 chapter letter?

Peter's testimony.

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. - 2 Pet. 1:16, NIV 84

John makes the same claim in his writings...folks, we SAW this.  We LIVED it.  It HAPPENED. 

It's  good thing to remember as we head into Holy Week.  It's easy to distance ourselves from the narrative; to relegate it to a story...along with the rabbit who delivers baskets of eggs and the jolly fellow who flies around with reindeer and delivers presents.  Just part of the culture, as we do all the Easter stuff.  But Peter emphasizes that HE SAW IT HAPPEN.

Eyewitness testimony here.  

Backing up a verse, Peter writes that he wants to make sure folks will remember all this 'after my departure'...which was immanent. 

Take a moment and read through the whole letter.  Like I said,  it's short. Unlike Paul's last words, which were to a dear friend and very personal, Peter is writing to the entire church.  This is his last injunction to all of us. 

It would be good to give it a consideration.

Just because I thought of this this morning; if you're interested...here's an oldie, from Peter's perspective just before he's crucified.

Every time I really listen to the words, it brings me to tears.  Can you imagine...Peter going to the (upside-down, if the stories are correct) cross, with the thought...'I'm gonna see His face again....'