Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
On a lighter note...
I don't work on Fridays; our church offices are closed (currently - that's about to change back to a 5-day week but since I'm part time I likely will still not work Fridays) so I normally turn off the alarm and give myself a sleep-in day; My Sweet Baboo handles getting the One Remaining Student to her bus stop.
But I forgot to turn off the alarm yesterday and it went off as usual. I keep it set to a local contemporary Christian station; normally the chatter with the morning show folks is what I hear.
But this time, a song happened to be playing -- Chris Tomlin's 'Indescribable' (this is the best video I could find on You-tube; sorry..)
But... I didn't wake up.
I dreamed I was in a warm, flowery field and this song was, like, the soundtrack coming from nowhere and everywhere and I just let go and danced.
I'm not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination, mind you, but in my dream I danced and danced...sorta like Snoopy.
When the song ended and the morning hosts began to chat, I woke up and realized what had happened and turned off the radio. But I woke up smiling.
And it's been a rough...week. Can't always help when I want to, you know. Some things just have to be walked out. So dancing with joy was a gift to me.
I've always rather liked that song...we sing it in church...but it is not at the tip top of my list. Still...I will always smile when it comes up again.
And maybe someday I'll find a field and dance. ;-)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Preparing for the Fast - 2013
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
As sure as New Years Day follows Christmas, a fast follows the turning of the calendar. For my liturgical friends, that will likely be Lent. But for non-denominational us, the fast always begins in January. This year, we begin our corporate church fast on Jan 13...Sunday. There are no set requirements for the fast; although a dietary fast is strongly encouraged, folks are instructed to make sure they will have no particular health issues that will preclude such a fast. Fasting something other than food certainly has the potential to free up time for prayer. Generally, we are encouraged to be in prayer and be sensitive to the Spirit in order to see what we are prompted to fast.
Some years, I have a very definite picture of what my fast is to look like. This year...as of this moment, anyway...I don't. Or rather, what I'm hearing in my spirit is not anything like I've ever fasted before.
I found myself thinking about an old blog post in which I admitted longing for a little structure, and what I began to hear was that I needed to put some serious structure into my life. How about fasting spontaneity?
To live 21 days with hyper-focused intention...strictly planned...perhaps even timed out. Some folks live like that all the time; very defined schedules as a lifestyle. I can't imagine life like that. For me, making a schedule is sort of like closing myself up in a box. But an unscheduled life can be...well, let's be honest, right now it is...chaotic.
I spent a lot of time on last years' fast seeking changes that I need to make. And there are a lot. However, identifying the changes is only the first part; if they are not actually implemented then identifying them is just an exercise in personal guilt.
I need some personal discipline to see those changes happen. Even if, just for the start, it is making a simple plan...which will include specified times of prayer... and sticking to it.
If I can do that for 21 days, I can make a daily plan a part of my life. Not necessarily having every moment of every day planned out, but definitely part.
I believe I will maintain the blog; certainly the 'step up the game' prompt I felt last fall indicates that the blog needs to be part of a plan. I don't expect to have big revelations to share regarding the fast, though...it's just going to be about doing what I know I should be doing. But I may have something to share from the prayer/study time that I will be focused on. We'll see...
As sure as New Years Day follows Christmas, a fast follows the turning of the calendar. For my liturgical friends, that will likely be Lent. But for non-denominational us, the fast always begins in January. This year, we begin our corporate church fast on Jan 13...Sunday. There are no set requirements for the fast; although a dietary fast is strongly encouraged, folks are instructed to make sure they will have no particular health issues that will preclude such a fast. Fasting something other than food certainly has the potential to free up time for prayer. Generally, we are encouraged to be in prayer and be sensitive to the Spirit in order to see what we are prompted to fast.
Some years, I have a very definite picture of what my fast is to look like. This year...as of this moment, anyway...I don't. Or rather, what I'm hearing in my spirit is not anything like I've ever fasted before.
I found myself thinking about an old blog post in which I admitted longing for a little structure, and what I began to hear was that I needed to put some serious structure into my life. How about fasting spontaneity?
To live 21 days with hyper-focused intention...strictly planned...perhaps even timed out. Some folks live like that all the time; very defined schedules as a lifestyle. I can't imagine life like that. For me, making a schedule is sort of like closing myself up in a box. But an unscheduled life can be...well, let's be honest, right now it is...chaotic.
I spent a lot of time on last years' fast seeking changes that I need to make. And there are a lot. However, identifying the changes is only the first part; if they are not actually implemented then identifying them is just an exercise in personal guilt.
I need some personal discipline to see those changes happen. Even if, just for the start, it is making a simple plan...which will include specified times of prayer... and sticking to it.
If I can do that for 21 days, I can make a daily plan a part of my life. Not necessarily having every moment of every day planned out, but definitely part.
I believe I will maintain the blog; certainly the 'step up the game' prompt I felt last fall indicates that the blog needs to be part of a plan. I don't expect to have big revelations to share regarding the fast, though...it's just going to be about doing what I know I should be doing. But I may have something to share from the prayer/study time that I will be focused on. We'll see...
Saturday, January 5, 2013
On the Outside Looking In
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
While leaving a comment on a friend's blog, I found myself wandering off the subject onto something only sort of related and realized that I needed to just turn it into a blog post myself and have done with it. It's been percolating around for a while; maybe it's time for it to hit the page...
Anyway, if I were to ask you who Jesus' best friend was, you'd no doubt answer John. (all verses today from the ESV)
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at the table at Jesus' side (John 13:23)...This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things (John 21:24a)
And if I were to ask you who Jesus was closest to, you'd reply John, but you'd also add his brother James and Simon Peter.
...Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves (Matt. 17:1b)
And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him,, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. (Lk 8:51)
But they were only three of the twelve guys that Jesus picked to be with him all the time:
And when the day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (Lk 6:13)
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out. to preach (Mark 3:13)
But those twelve guys were chosen from the whole group of disciples, from whom he later chose more to go out and preach in his name:
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. (Lk 10:1)
But there were about hundred and twenty folks who were dedicated enough to Jesus to obey his last instruction:
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120)... (Acts 1:15 a)
So...here's my question...which has been rumbling about for ages and ages... who were those other folks? The ones who weren't picked to be the closest to Jesus? We know there were a number of folks who had followed him from the beginning and stayed all the way through; Acts 1:21 speaks of them.
Did these folks sit on the outskirts of the group, watching Jesus teach the 12? Did they watch the boat sail with Jesus away from the shore, then trudge around the lake with the rest of the crowd? Did they press up against him as he went to the home of Jairus, hoping for a word, a nod...something to indicate that they were seen? That they meant something? That they had a part to play in the ministry?
I've heard many messages that had the point that 'You're as close to Jesus as you want to be'...but then I think of those disciples who followed but who were not chosen to be one of the elite. Were they as close to Jesus as they wanted to be? Was that why Jesus chose some but not others? Were the unchosen ones flawed in some way...some way that was more significant than the flaws in the ones who WERE chosen?
See, I find myself on the outside most of the time. Not in the realm of the chosen. And, I might as well admit, I struggle with jealousy of those who seem to slip right in and be comfortable. Well, maybe jealousy is a strong word...but I wonder how people can do that, when I feel I have to earn my place and then earn the right to stay in that place, and then still keep looking over my shoulder for the person who will point at me and say, 'What's she doing here?'.
But...the 72 had a place. And likewise the 120. Do you suppose each of them had a moment with Jesus, all to themselves, in which he called them by name and spoke of their purpose in him? They all saw marvels and won great victories.
Like the 72, I must realize that not everyone is called to be one of the 12. But if I am one of the 72 (or 70, depending on your translation), then I am called to be faithful to the task He has given me. Maybe I'm not one of those closest to him, but I can go ahead and prepare the way and be a representative of Him.
Or, in earthly terms, I may never be someone who truly moves with leaders (or, as my friend with the blog who prompted this post calls it, 'The A List'). That may not be my calling. But maybe I am one who is to give aid and support to those who do. And if I am faithful to that, to my two talents' worth, I will hear the same thing as one who was faithful with five talents' worth.
Because that's what really matters...doing what I have in front of me to do...not wishing I were in another place, doing something else.
Lord knows I have enough right here to keep me more than busy.
While leaving a comment on a friend's blog, I found myself wandering off the subject onto something only sort of related and realized that I needed to just turn it into a blog post myself and have done with it. It's been percolating around for a while; maybe it's time for it to hit the page...
Anyway, if I were to ask you who Jesus' best friend was, you'd no doubt answer John. (all verses today from the ESV)
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at the table at Jesus' side (John 13:23)...This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things (John 21:24a)
And if I were to ask you who Jesus was closest to, you'd reply John, but you'd also add his brother James and Simon Peter.
...Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves (Matt. 17:1b)
And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him,, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. (Lk 8:51)
But they were only three of the twelve guys that Jesus picked to be with him all the time:
And when the day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (Lk 6:13)
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out. to preach (Mark 3:13)
But those twelve guys were chosen from the whole group of disciples, from whom he later chose more to go out and preach in his name:
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. (Lk 10:1)
But there were about hundred and twenty folks who were dedicated enough to Jesus to obey his last instruction:
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120)... (Acts 1:15 a)
So...here's my question...which has been rumbling about for ages and ages... who were those other folks? The ones who weren't picked to be the closest to Jesus? We know there were a number of folks who had followed him from the beginning and stayed all the way through; Acts 1:21 speaks of them.
Did these folks sit on the outskirts of the group, watching Jesus teach the 12? Did they watch the boat sail with Jesus away from the shore, then trudge around the lake with the rest of the crowd? Did they press up against him as he went to the home of Jairus, hoping for a word, a nod...something to indicate that they were seen? That they meant something? That they had a part to play in the ministry?
I've heard many messages that had the point that 'You're as close to Jesus as you want to be'...but then I think of those disciples who followed but who were not chosen to be one of the elite. Were they as close to Jesus as they wanted to be? Was that why Jesus chose some but not others? Were the unchosen ones flawed in some way...some way that was more significant than the flaws in the ones who WERE chosen?
See, I find myself on the outside most of the time. Not in the realm of the chosen. And, I might as well admit, I struggle with jealousy of those who seem to slip right in and be comfortable. Well, maybe jealousy is a strong word...but I wonder how people can do that, when I feel I have to earn my place and then earn the right to stay in that place, and then still keep looking over my shoulder for the person who will point at me and say, 'What's she doing here?'.
But...the 72 had a place. And likewise the 120. Do you suppose each of them had a moment with Jesus, all to themselves, in which he called them by name and spoke of their purpose in him? They all saw marvels and won great victories.
Like the 72, I must realize that not everyone is called to be one of the 12. But if I am one of the 72 (or 70, depending on your translation), then I am called to be faithful to the task He has given me. Maybe I'm not one of those closest to him, but I can go ahead and prepare the way and be a representative of Him.
Or, in earthly terms, I may never be someone who truly moves with leaders (or, as my friend with the blog who prompted this post calls it, 'The A List'). That may not be my calling. But maybe I am one who is to give aid and support to those who do. And if I am faithful to that, to my two talents' worth, I will hear the same thing as one who was faithful with five talents' worth.
Because that's what really matters...doing what I have in front of me to do...not wishing I were in another place, doing something else.
Lord knows I have enough right here to keep me more than busy.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Verse 1 - Isaiah 41:13
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Hello, 2013.
So much has been flying around about cliffs and whatnot; fear is a big factor for many folks.
And, I'll confess, I've had my own battles with fear in recent times. Amazing how quickly the mind goes to 'Worst Case Scenario' entirely on its own...
Anyway, the verse I've chosen to begin the new year and my participation in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team is this one, to combat any fear that tries to get a grip on me:
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. - Isaiah 41:13 NIV 84
I was actually looking up another verse when I read this one; such a comforting thought it brings.
Here we go...
Happy New Year!!! God's Blessings be with you!!
Hello, 2013.
So much has been flying around about cliffs and whatnot; fear is a big factor for many folks.
And, I'll confess, I've had my own battles with fear in recent times. Amazing how quickly the mind goes to 'Worst Case Scenario' entirely on its own...
Anyway, the verse I've chosen to begin the new year and my participation in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team is this one, to combat any fear that tries to get a grip on me:
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. - Isaiah 41:13 NIV 84
I was actually looking up another verse when I read this one; such a comforting thought it brings.
Here we go...
Happy New Year!!! God's Blessings be with you!!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas Reading
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
We did not teach our kids to believe that Santa brought Christmas presents. (Note: That's not a judgement against folks who do. That's just what we were convicted to do.) We always taught them that St. Nicholas was a man who lived a really, really long time ago who gave gifts to very needy folks because that's what God wanted him to do, and that we now play a game called 'Santa Claus' to have fun surprising each other with gifts at Christmastime.
We didn't make a big deal out of it or try to convince anyone else not to teach their kids that Santa brought presents, but boy, did we catch it for not following the society on this one. It's funny, because we caught it from both sides...from the people who thought we were robbing our kids of precious childhood memories because we did not 'do Santa', and from the folks who thought Santa was the embodiment of the secularization of Christmas and would have nothing to do with 'the guy in the red suit', because we 'played Santa' with the kids. Whoda thought it would be such a point of contention?
But into this mix comes a lovely little Christmas read. If you have never read Ed Butchart's the Red suit diaries, you have missed a real treat...a look at Santa from the viewpoint of someone who really understands what Santa should be all about. Ed is an elder at his church and he founded a ministry that repairs/ reconditions and supplies wheel chairs and other aids to folks who are in need of such things, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC).
He also happens to look an awfully lot like everyone's mental picture of Santa Claus.
Consequently, he has been a professional Santa for a number of years, and his books (there is a sequel, More Pages from the Red suit Diaries, as well) are recollections of his experiences, from the physically painful to the heartbreaking to the hysterically funny to the unbelievably precious, not only at Christmas, but year 'round. Ed writes with honesty that is a joy to read, whether it brings tears or laughter. And he always, always presents Santa as a servant of God and a representative of Jesus.
My mother-in-law is a collector of Santas and Santa-themed items, so when I spotted a copy of the first book several years back in a Hallmark shop, I picked it up for her. Of course, I skimmed through it a bit before I wrapped it...and the next year I bought one for myself.
I read through it every year during Advent; but really, it's not just about Santa and Christmas -- it's a great testimony of how God gives truly unique gifts and abilities to folks and how, by following Him in faith, we can put those gifts to work in unusual ways.
(Disclaimer...no one connected with Mr. Butchart or his publishers asked me to do this or even knows I'm writing...I' m just sharing something that touched me with hopes someone else will enjoy it as much as I did.)
Merry Christmas, everyone, and thanks for spending some time with me at Beer Lahai Roi!
We did not teach our kids to believe that Santa brought Christmas presents. (Note: That's not a judgement against folks who do. That's just what we were convicted to do.) We always taught them that St. Nicholas was a man who lived a really, really long time ago who gave gifts to very needy folks because that's what God wanted him to do, and that we now play a game called 'Santa Claus' to have fun surprising each other with gifts at Christmastime.
We didn't make a big deal out of it or try to convince anyone else not to teach their kids that Santa brought presents, but boy, did we catch it for not following the society on this one. It's funny, because we caught it from both sides...from the people who thought we were robbing our kids of precious childhood memories because we did not 'do Santa', and from the folks who thought Santa was the embodiment of the secularization of Christmas and would have nothing to do with 'the guy in the red suit', because we 'played Santa' with the kids. Whoda thought it would be such a point of contention?
But into this mix comes a lovely little Christmas read. If you have never read Ed Butchart's the Red suit diaries, you have missed a real treat...a look at Santa from the viewpoint of someone who really understands what Santa should be all about. Ed is an elder at his church and he founded a ministry that repairs/ reconditions and supplies wheel chairs and other aids to folks who are in need of such things, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC).He also happens to look an awfully lot like everyone's mental picture of Santa Claus.
Consequently, he has been a professional Santa for a number of years, and his books (there is a sequel, More Pages from the Red suit Diaries, as well) are recollections of his experiences, from the physically painful to the heartbreaking to the hysterically funny to the unbelievably precious, not only at Christmas, but year 'round. Ed writes with honesty that is a joy to read, whether it brings tears or laughter. And he always, always presents Santa as a servant of God and a representative of Jesus.
My mother-in-law is a collector of Santas and Santa-themed items, so when I spotted a copy of the first book several years back in a Hallmark shop, I picked it up for her. Of course, I skimmed through it a bit before I wrapped it...and the next year I bought one for myself.
I read through it every year during Advent; but really, it's not just about Santa and Christmas -- it's a great testimony of how God gives truly unique gifts and abilities to folks and how, by following Him in faith, we can put those gifts to work in unusual ways.
(Disclaimer...no one connected with Mr. Butchart or his publishers asked me to do this or even knows I'm writing...I' m just sharing something that touched me with hopes someone else will enjoy it as much as I did.)
Merry Christmas, everyone, and thanks for spending some time with me at Beer Lahai Roi!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Making a Commitment...
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
I've watched this from the sidelines for the past couple of years; somehow I missed the start gun.
This year, I've decided I'm going To Do It.
Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team.
Twelve months. Twenty four verses.
I really, really need this. I don't know if I'll get to participate in the conference at the end...it will be in Texas, after all, and I'm in Alabama, but I need to memorize. I need the Word in my heart...I need the discipline of seeking Him through memorization.
Any one else game?
I've watched this from the sidelines for the past couple of years; somehow I missed the start gun.
This year, I've decided I'm going To Do It.
Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team.
Twelve months. Twenty four verses.
I really, really need this. I don't know if I'll get to participate in the conference at the end...it will be in Texas, after all, and I'm in Alabama, but I need to memorize. I need the Word in my heart...I need the discipline of seeking Him through memorization.
Any one else game?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Longfellow Was Right
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head,
'There is no peace on earth, ' I said,
'For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'
Then pealed the bells more loud and sweet,
'God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.'
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863
We all -- every one of us -- have the power to choose. That some people choose evil and innocents suffer still shocks us.
But 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep' is a word we must recall, even if we don't understand.
'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.' - John 16:33, ESV
This was not a pat, feel good statement made by someone passing by a grieving soul; this was Jesus, just a few hours before he was to undergo his own excruciating tribulation...yet he was speaking in the past tense. With his suffering in front of him, he spoke his victory. That has always astonished me.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Heb. 4: 15-16
The grace and mercy is given to help us in time of need but...grace and mercy is also given to us so that we may help others in time of need. But we must go to the Source, Who is not dead and Who never sleeps.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head,
'There is no peace on earth, ' I said,
'For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'
Then pealed the bells more loud and sweet,
'God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.'
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863
We all -- every one of us -- have the power to choose. That some people choose evil and innocents suffer still shocks us.
But 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep' is a word we must recall, even if we don't understand.
'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.' - John 16:33, ESV
This was not a pat, feel good statement made by someone passing by a grieving soul; this was Jesus, just a few hours before he was to undergo his own excruciating tribulation...yet he was speaking in the past tense. With his suffering in front of him, he spoke his victory. That has always astonished me.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Heb. 4: 15-16
The grace and mercy is given to help us in time of need but...grace and mercy is also given to us so that we may help others in time of need. But we must go to the Source, Who is not dead and Who never sleeps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)