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Unlearning the Bible …

Posted in WONDER, tagged christianity, history, psalm 119:105, the second greatest commandment, the word, Truth, unlearning the bible on February 6, 2014| 1 Comment »

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As I read and re-read the title of an article, in a Canadian Christian publication I was aghast! Not that someone would have the view, but that such a view would be printed in a Christian publication, for it’s readers to interpret as the voice of a learned Biblical scholar … of a lover of the Christ whose name we claim.

The entire title of the article was, “Unlearning the Bible to Welcome Homosexuals.”

There is a great misconception in this author’s assumption … that a church has to unlearn the Bible to welcome homosexuals.

To that I say, nay nay!

The Bible is VERY clear that God’s second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27), which is pretty closely linked to the Golden Rule of do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). And it does not indicate that we should only love certain neighbors. So, with that biblical background of the second most important commandment, from the lips of the Son of God, himself … I do not believe that to welcome homosexuals (or anyone else) means we need to unlearn the Bible.

The Bible can be a very complex book, full of what might seem to the casual reader, contradictions.

It is a book full of poetry, history, genealogies, prophesies and fulfillment of those prophesies. It is a book of :

love and hate
war and peace
unification and separation
creation and destruction
birth and death
gentleness and harshness

It is history … HIS … STORY

and we, who claim HIS name,

are the HIS … STORY students, followers, believers.

If the editors of this ‘christian’ publication are willing to print an article, which questions the very authoritative foundation of the Christian faith … the Word itself … then who or what do they believe our authority to be?

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I need to make a disclaimer …

I am not a learned Biblical scholar. I have never formally studied the Bible.

But this I do know, as one who pours over it daily :

the Bible is a better authority than science (Isaiah 40:22, tells us that “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth” … no flat Earth society in these pages),

and the Bible is definitely an authority with more longevity than I, with an eighty-five year lifespan!

the Bible is not our authority … then who is?

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Castle for Sale

Posted in WONDER, tagged castle for sale, history, joy is a flag, old buildings, Redemption on February 5, 2014| 1 Comment »

Gothic Revival.

Just over one hundred years old.

Approximately 19,000 square feet.

Mostly twelve foot ceilings.

Selling for the low price of $700,000.
(less than my own home was recently assessed at)

Plus … this house is located halfway between where all of my kids grandparents live … not more than one half hour drive either way. It’s perfect!

I love older homes and buildings.

They are examples of how short our human existence is and how long human impact can last, they are evidence of the local history, and they provide examples of having an eye that goes beyond simply function.

For me, to walk into a building or home that has outlived it’s builders, is to walk on something similar to holy ground … each step of my own, onto the floor boards of those who laid it’s foundation.

Still, to purchase an older building is to put a down payment on something that will never be completely revived without great cost, great sacrifice. Most often, it is simply cheaper and less headache to simply tear it all down, and lay a new foundation.

But, there is still a great cost, in doing that which is cheaper, easier.

History would be lost … of the previous owners, occupants, and their stories, as well as history of the community as a landmark, and as a reflection of the building materials of the area. Buildings of years past were craftsmanship at every corner with carved dates in the cornerstone, floors of native wood and stone, stairways trimmed with extensive, native wood trim, and windows leaded stained glass.

I hope this lovely castle sells to someone who not only sees it as a real estate purchase, but also a purchase of history and an opportunity to redeem what has been lost while it has sat vacant, while it has been damaged by vandals.

That castle could be a metaphor for us, in our human condition.

The plans for our lives were in production before the groundbreaking of our conception. We were built with great care and craftsmanship. Each and every nook and cranny designed with purpose … not just for function, but also simply to reflect the beauty and wisdom of the designer.

Over time dust has settled on us, we have been damaged by those who left scars, and we may just feel and appear as though our best years were ones that have already past.

But, with the right purchaser we could shine again … refreshed, polished … redeemed as new.

May we all accept the offer to purchase, the offer to redeem our lives, by the One who created us in the first place.

“Joy is a flag flown high from the castle of my heart,
for the King is in residence there”

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A Joy Perspective

Posted in WONDER, tagged a joy perspective, Hope, susie larson, Trust on February 4, 2014| 1 Comment »

On a winter morning, with fog in my brain, not enough coffee in the pot, not enough minutes to sit and create, not enough surety in the day to come … I can easily, quickly, flounder into a dark place.

Then, the beautiful, gentle-but-firm reminder the newness of the day, of fresh starts, of mercies, of a presence of comfort and hope is in front of me,

and I doubt my own doubts, and I feel the joy of anticipation of what lies ahead.

What has changed?

The fog in my brain is still thick, there is still not enough coffee, still not enough creation minutes, still no surety in the day to come, but …

I have been reminded of what I already know …

I can trust Him with my heart.

He was there all through the winter mornings in January.

He was there with long range vision of the future I could not, can not, see.

He was there when plans changed, when choices were diminished.

He was there when all hell broke loose.

He was there when all seemed dark, and bleak, and hopeless …

But,

because He was there,

because He IS here,

I can face the unknowns of today, from my vantage point of weakness, and trust that He will be with me through it all. Never alone will I be, as He is always with me.

And,

He is with you.

Through whatever twist and turn that has changed your plans, your dreams … He is with you.

Trust Him … He is trustworthy.

He is doing a new and beautiful thing in you …

He provides reason to have a joy perspective.

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Do You Love Me, Conditionally?

Posted in WONDER, tagged conditional love, do you love me conditionally, jesus and peter, John 21, Love on February 3, 2014| 1 Comment »

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Ah, February … the month of l o v e .

But, love can have so many meanings!

There’s the “I love my best friend” sort of love.

The “I love making up with hubby after a fight” sort of love.

The “I would die for you” sort of love.

(and, of course, the “I love dark chocolate” sort of love).

They each come from a Greek word, defining different types, or ways of love …

agape or unconditional love

eros or passionate, physical love

philo or a caring, friendship love

… but it’s all really Greek to me 😉

I was thinking of these different ‘loves’ as I was reading the story of Jesus and Peter, when Jesus asks Peter, three times, “do you love me?” and then Peter responds affirmatively, each time. But then Jesus gives Peter a condition attached to Peter’s affirmation of love … “feed … take care of … feed.”

So, for months now, I have been considering this interaction and wondering, is Jesus saying that love is conditional?

Here is the story from John 21:15-19

Jesus Reinstates/Restores Peter

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!””

Next week, we will dive further into this. Until then, ponder with me conditional love.

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Pursued by Love

Posted in WONDER, tagged guest post, Love, love song, lysa terkeurst, pursued, third day, Valentine's Day on February 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »

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As I read the title, Sometimes I’m a Little too Human, I was hooked to keep reading. That is often the case when I read a blog post by Lysa TerKeurst.

This time she was talking about Valentine’s Day, and before you click off this page, let me tell you that this is not the typical Valentine’s Day post. That said, be assured that it is definitely about a love story.

I know it is early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day, but, rest assured, it is never too early to be wooed by true love.

“Which category are you in?

* You hope you’ll have something to look forward to on Valentine’s Day. Hint. Hint.

* Valentine’s Day feels more like Single Awareness Day.

* You’re totally excited and have bought all your friends stuff from the $1 aisle at Target.

* You couldn’t care less because you don’t like the color red or chocolate or roses. So there.

I’ll be honest, I’m always a little on the fence with this day. Yes, I wrote the post Valentine’s Tips To The Misters, to encourage the Misters on the fine art of doing Valentine’s Day right.

However.

It still all feels a little forced. A little too commercial.

Because at the end of the day, a woman wants to feel special. And call me crazy, but mass produced cupids just don’t cut it.

I want to be adored. Thought of. Not as an obligation, because the calendar holiday demands it. But rather, just because…

He loves me.

And it’s at this point where my Christian mind screams… Jesus does this. Let Jesus fill you. Only Jesus can adore you this way. Give your husband a break.

That’s what I call a Jesus juke.

A quick move that makes you feel slapped on the hand for being so human.

Yes, of course Jesus loves me this way. But what if I say that with my mouth, while still feeling a deep ache in my heart. A longing. To be pursued.

That’s where my friend Jud Wilhite’s new project steps in and helps me connect with Jesus in the exact way that my longing heart desires.

Here’s Jud….

Valentine’s Day can be frustrating for many of us. Perhaps you’re single and you don’t want to be, or you’re in an unhappy or disappointing relationship. Maybe you’re grieving a relationship you’ve lost.

This year, remember that God loves you the way a kind and patient husband loves his bride. He wants to pursue you, cherish you, and meet your deepest needs — and He’s the only one who can.

When God wanted to illustrate the passionate intensity of His relationship with us, He chose marriage as the metaphor.

Incredibly, it was the marriage of a prophet named Hosea and a prostitute named Gomer. God told Hosea to marry Gomer and to take her back even after she’s unfaithful. God uses their marriage to illustrate His love and care for His people, who have turned away from Him again and again.

My friend, Jud Wilhite, is offering a free 14-day Pursued challenge that’s perfect as Valentine’s Day approaches. He offers thoughts on the book of Hosea and what this story can teach us about God’s love. Visit www.pursuedbook.com/challenge and sign up for the challenge. You can also download a sample chapter of his new book Pursued

And, to reinforce the words of Lysa Terkurst, a little Love Song …

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The Best of January 27-31

Posted in WONDER, tagged a birth story, back to the shack, best of January 27-31, best of the week, crying it out, reaching down, thanks for things on February 1, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Welcome to February!

Wow! Already the first month of the year has come and gone.

As I looked back at the month I can simply say that … well, let me be really honest with you … I am glad to say good-bye to this month. It was long, it held challenges and frustrations … and it’s done! Hurray!

Sometimes the past needs to just stay there. And sometimes re-visiting the past, or a past experience, is just what the doctor ordered. That was the case as I shared the post Back to the Shack, where I shared my re-visiting of a book that I love.

Crying it Out
(a tale of more momma guilt)

Reaching Down
(being pursued by love that does not end)

A Birth Story
(the birth of breath)

Thanks For Things
(it really is the little things)

Have a lovely day,
Carole

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Back to the Shack

Posted in WONDER, tagged all sons and daughters, back to the shack, book, Love, metaphor, Pursuit, wake up, william p young on January 31, 2014| 1 Comment »

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A few years back, like five or six, I read a book that was,

for me,

the calm after the storm …

or was it the calm before the storm?

A book written by an unknown author, who self-published a book that ended up going all the way to the New York Times Bestseller List (currently over twenty million copies sold).

Recently, through the daily reading of a teacher in whose class I work, I have been re-visiting the Shack, by William P. Young.

This novel, written as a story by Mr. Young, for his children, became both loved and reviled by the Christian community. Some felt it the best thing since the classic John Bunyan story of Pilgrim’s Progress. Others felt it was heresy.

I read it,

and received it,

as a fairy tale, drama, tragedy, love story

metaphor for the depth of love that God has for his children … His deeply beloved.

Last week, while the teacher was reading through a chapter, it happened.

I call it the Shack attack …

The words on the page pierced my heart, as though inked onto the page by my very heart.

“I guess part of me would like to believe that God would care enough about me to send a note.”

and my dry eyes were suddenly hydrated unexpectedly.

I think we all look hope for that kind of love, that kind of pursuit …

and my own experience of The Shack (and of The Word) is that He does.

Be prepared, there will be more posts of my return to The Shack.

Mr. Young stated to radio host talk show Drew Marshall that The Shack “is a metaphor for the places you get stuck, you get hurt, you get damaged…the thing where shame or hurt is centered.”

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Thanks for Things

Posted in WONDER, tagged it's the little things, Thankful, thanks, Thanksgiving on January 30, 2014| 1 Comment »

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Some days it takes intentional effort to find the joy in the day.

Some days the best part is that first cup of coffee, or that hot and steamy shower, or that toast with jam.

When I saw the image, above, I was at the end of ‘one of those days,’ and it reminded me of something, God sometimes blesses through the everyday, mundane, never noticed but always utilized …

things.

Why, just today, some of the things I often forget that I am so thankful for :

a rain jacket
a borrowed umbrella
a fork to eat my dinner with
books … beautifully written books
a white board (my favorite teaching tool)
a table and chair
a photocopier
a drivers license
a wooden spoon
a clean facecloth
a sharpened pencil … and eraser
50% off sticker
a radio in the van
toilet paper
a lock on the bathroom door (so very thankful for that

Many years ago I read a devotional about a little girl and her grandfather. The pair had heads bowed to pray a blessing on the food they were about to eat. The grandfather’s prayer was one of thanks, not just for the meal, but for the sunshine, the lazy dog at their feet, the granddaughter across the table, the sick neighbor across the street, even for the plates the food would be eaten from. Once the amen was spoken, the granddaughter sat quietly, not touching her food.

“Sweetie, are you not feeling well?” asked the grandfather.

“Shhh,” she replied, “I’m praying grandfather.”

Soon, her head popped up, a satisfied smile across her face.

“What did you pray for?” the fascinated man said.

“I thanked God for doorknobs,” she said, beaming from ear to ear.

The grandfather was puzzled. “And why are you thankful for doorknobs?”

“Because, Grandpa, when I turned yours, you were on the other side of the door.”

Ya, and I am thankful for doorknobs too.

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A Birth Story

Posted in WONDER, tagged first breath, giving birth, kittens, Life on January 29, 2014| 1 Comment »

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It’s three boys and …

Last evening I sat down to catch up on social media, when I noticed that a local animal protection agency was airing a live stream of a cat giving birth.

I clicked.

Two hours disappeared quickly (for me, not the Momma cat).

I went to my daughter, to share in the exciting event … “Ew” was all I got from her.

I went to my son, who was eating a ‘snack’ (just half an hour after finishing dinner), to see if he would like to view the miracle of birth … “Mom, I can’t watch this while I am eating, I’ll be sick” was his response.

So, I cozied up in my chair and watched solo, while the Momma cat (Sugarplum) delivered number four.

I then heard movements in the kitchen (with three teens in the house, there is always movement in the kitchen) so I took my device to share the view with our International ‘son’ from China. But, his water was boiling for tea, and he needed to return to his studies.

I climbed the stairs, while staring at my device, knowing that hubby would LOVE to watch additional felines enter into the world … he did look, but the call of the hockey commentator had his full attention.

So it was just me about two thousand others left to watch the final two arrive.

Pretty soon, Sugarplum was panting and growling … number five soon followed. Now two gingers and three dark.

After quite a ‘break’ number six, another dark one emerged.

This cat knew exactly how to breath, what to do and what position to get in, without a how to manual in sight. As each kitten was born she gave them a thorough tongue bath. She cleared fur away from her underside so the newby’s could find their source of nourishment. She endured their dog-piles as she was struggling to push the next ones out.

Watching this furry mom, I was also hearing the commentary of the process, complete with human directions for this feline momma. I had to laugh, as this cat has more instincts in this area than we on two feet will ever have.

The miracle of birth is amazing. The manner by which life duplicates life …the efforts of the female to push this new life out from her body, the waiting for and then the anticipated moment when that first breath is taken.

That first breath …

The sign of life, unattached to any other … the final act before entering into eternity …

Holy ground, as we attend both the first and final breaths.

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Reaching Down

Posted in WONDER, tagged burning bush, Moses, pursued, reaching down on January 28, 2014| 1 Comment »

In the the book of Exodus, the story is told of God coming down to Earth, down to where Moses was, to present His desires, His plans for this Israelite-born, Egyptian-adopted man. God ‘appeared’ to Moses in a bush that was burning but not burning up.

“God said, “you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your ancestors. I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (3:5) …“now I am sending you to Pharaoh. Go! Lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” (3:10)

God confirmed who He was in the language of the time, in the language of the genealogy of the Jews, naming three great men of God, whose power and might came from Yahweh himself. God came to Moses … Moses was pursued by the Creator of heaven and Earth.

But Moses said to God, “I am not a great man!
How can I be the one to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” (3:11)

Moses does the ‘gosh, darn, golly I just don’t think I’m your man’ response. Humility … it can be attractive, but God’s response might indicate that Moses wasn’t understanding that his abilities would not come from within himself, but that Moses would be the vessel through which God would work (hum, kind of reminds me of a post from last week, False Boasting).

God said, “You can do it because I will be with you.” (3:12)

God is not only pursuing Moses, but He promises to be by His side … he won’t be left alone.

“Then Moses said to God, “But if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me,’ then the people will ask, ‘What is his name?’ What should I tell them? Then God said to Moses, “Tell them, ‘I Am Who I Am’ … Tell the Israelites that you were sent by Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob” (3:13-15)

This Moses guy either had spent too much time in the home of Pharaoh or really did not understand his people (that list of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is pretty much the all star line-up for the Jewish people). After all, Yahweh is largely a title normally written YHWH … no vowels, and, when said, one is not really speaking, but simply breathes … YHWH is breath.

“Then Moses said to God, “But the Israelites will not believe me when I tell them that you sent me. They will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” (4:1)

I thing that what Moses is saying is … “if you like it then you should put a ring on it” … aka if you’re serious make it public!

After this God provides Moses with signs and wonders (kind of like an engagement ring) to show to others that Moses is His main man!

“Then Moses said to the Lord, “But, Lord, I am telling you, I am not a good speaker. I have never been able to speak well. And that hasn’t changed since you started talking to me. I am still not a good speaker. You know that I speak slowly and don’t use the best words.” (4:10)

As a mom, I can honestly say, that Moses was whining!

“Then the Lord said to him, “Who made a person’s mouth? And who can make someone deaf or not able to speak? Who can make a person blind? Who can make a person able to see? I am the one. I am the Lord. So go. I will be with you when you speak. I will give you the words to say.” (4:11-12)

Seriously, does anyone have the patience of God? Anyone in their right mind would drop Moses and find someone with better abilities, and more worthy of this task.

“But Moses said, “My Lord, I beg you to send someone else, not me.” (4:13)

And finally, finally, God busts a gut …

“Then the Lord became angry with Moses and said, “All right! I’ll give you someone to help you … Aaron will speak for you … you will speak to him, and he will tell the people what you say.” (4:14-16)

God altered His plan, because His plan was as important as His man.

“So go and carry your walking stick with you. Use it and the other miracles to show the people that I am with you.” (4:17)

And Moses went, following the plan that God pursued him to fulfill.

Folks, God doesn’t only pursue the spiritual greats of the Bible. He pursues His people even today.

The other morning I snapped the picture at the top of the page. What I loved what how the rays of the morning sun were not just peeking through the trees, but they were reaching down to touch the Earth.

God may not speak to you and I through a burning bush, but He pursues us like no other lover on this Earth. He reaches down to touch us, His creation, to reveal the plan that He has for our life.

Sometimes that means we need to look up, in search of the light that is reaching back at us.

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