So we've managed to survive another year. However, with world tensions mounting, and the prospects of a long and tortuous Presidential campaign ahead, it would seem that 2012 will likely test the presumption that mankind has "arrived" and is destined to solve all of the world's problems.

Of course, as believers, we know better. In fact, if anything can be assumed, it's more likely that mankind is simply finding new ways to screw things up, and instead of leading us into utopia is creating obstacles to our very survival.

The fact is ... apart from our hope and confidence in God's "plan and purposes" for this world, and knowing that He IS in control, the natural conclusion to all we see happening about us is not very optimistic. From a strictly humanistic perspective, we seem to be on a collision course with chaos. Even the Mayan calendar suggests the end of the world on December 21, 2012.

HOWEVER ... there IS Good News.

In the words of one of my favorite authors, Timothy Keller, he offers the following insight:

"How, then, will the story of human history end? At the end of the final book of the Bible, we see the very opposite of what other religions predict. We do not see the illusion of the world melt away nor do we see spiritual souls escaping the physical world into heaven. Rather, we see heaven descending into our world to unite with it and purify it of all its brokenness and imperfection.

So ... as we begin a New Year we can be confident that God is in control, and whatever happens, be it political ... physical ... cultural ... or apocalyptic, we can rest in His unfailing love, mercy, and grace.

Life In The Valley

I've been in a valley lately, and I have to say it is a hard place to just BE. My spirit is restless.

I know from within the deepest part of me that God hears my prayers and works things out in His timing. I am staying in the Word and trust Him daily. Still, it feels like a long march, through a deep valley, and it takes a conscious effort to put one foot in front of the other.

Yesterday, a friend asked how I was doing. I told her I know that I am not alone. My very best friend, my Lord, is with me, encouraging me, nudging me further along the way. "I shall fear no evil." The 23rd Psalm is of great comfort right now. I wonder, if this is the valley, what was I doing during my last mountain top experience with the Lord? Did I use it well for His Kingdom purposes?

I can tell you this; it certainly makes me think about the next mountain, and strangely enough not to seek to rush through this valley either. It is here where the Lord and I talk more frequently and plod along together, lingering in moments of His presence. There is such wisdom grown in the valleys. Yet not one would say, "I wish to dwell here." Like longing for heaven, I am beginning to appreciate life in the valley. 

Often we mistake the mountaintop experiences of our physical lives, feelings and emotions as the pinnacles of our journey, where there is apparent freedom and comfort. In reality, it is frequently devoid of growth and lacks the nutrients needed to sustain life, a healthy spiritual life. And we view the valleys of our lives as places we never want to visit willingly.

Our spirit knows that the valley is fertile and rich, growing and green. Lasting freedom and comfort is developed in the valley, dwelling deep and pressed in. It is here where we must choose to abide for a season with God for spiritual growth, and be taught how to cleave to Him. There is life in the valley, abundant life.

I've got the joy of the Lord flowing over in my soul
I've got the joy of the Lord bringing me peace
There is no shadow of doubt that His love can't cast out
I've got the joy of Lord living in me


I have tried so many times to begin this devotion. It flits from one framework to another so quickly; I wonder how God can ever use me for such an honored purpose of devotion writing. There have been so many verses He has shown me to help me conquer fear, laziness, and depression. Contrast this to the moments when I stand in awestruck wonder of how He accomplished a good work in such a timely manner. I am constantly praying for God to help me solve my problem instead of working harder on my own.

Probably because I've already worked so hard at it, it has become a huge pile of junk that I could never hope to put together to represent a glorification of God's wondrous hand.

December is usually a time when I can reflect on the previous year as I begin to write friends and family a yearly recap of our household.  2011, though, has brought chaos to my life and mind.  I have struggled with purging unnecessary items in order to manage medical supplies for my daughter.  I have only one place where I have been successful at creating a clean look and it's about 1 foot square.  I stare at it for brief moments, trying to figure out how to extend it throughout the entire house.

As I continue to think about the many changes I have had to adjust to and will be expected to make in the coming year, it becomes overwhelming.  Tears come for past grief and sorrows.  They are actually a relief to my being as I turn my thoughts back to what God has done for me and I know will continue to do for me.  This year hasn't been an easy one but it has been a character building one.

I listened to an old CD this morning and the son "I Got The Joy" by Wendy Foy Green of Sierra came on.  Its upbeat tempo perked up my spirit and reminded me of the simplicity of God's love toward me.  Asking Him for help only helps me recognize again my need to be in connection with Him now and in the future.  If I lose this aspect of my life, despair is all I see.  Yet when His word comes into view, I am reminded of how deeply He cares for me and wants to help me change in my heart so He is able to use me to bring Him glory.

My favorite scripture for the Christmas season is from the Gospel of John 1:1 and 1:14. Together they say "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God..the Word became flesh and lived for awhile among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father full of grace and truth."

I have some friends who have been in South America (30+ years) translating the scriptures into a language the Pume Indians could understand. Periodically they send us a paragraph or two. The simplicity and the music of the words is so beautiful. Recently I received the entire gospel of John. The above scriptures are the first that I read in it. I want to share that with you this month for your joy and renewed worship during this season.

Juan 1:1 says "From way, way back before there was the earth, the one named Word existed. He existed together with the true God. For he is also the true God". And in verse 14: "The one named Word because human. He came to have a body. And he came to live among us. And as he lived among us we saw his beauty. It's true. We saw his surpassingly great beauty, his immeasurable beauty. Look, the Father God had only just one Son. And precisely his beauty we were always seeing, his continually telling the Truth."

May the one named Word fill your hearts and homes with His beauty, His compassion and His truth. This wonderful season we all call Christmas. And may we "continually" show compassion and speak truth.

Carpe Diem--Seize the Day!
I grew up in a non-Christian home, but was allowed to explore whatever religion I chose, as long as it did not interfere with family time. I am thankful that God laid the groundwork early for me by providing loving Christian neighbors, and faithful, patient Christian friends who waited, watched, and prayed over me. They never pushed, they just gently invited and nudged me ever closer toward the foot of the cross, where one day I recognized my own need for a Savior. I am grateful for their incredible faithfulness.

Ever since then, I have prayed for my family to come to know Jesus’ loving kindness and sacrifice for them on the cross. Gratefully, my two children have already trusted their hearts to Him. My mother and brother passed away years ago, so just my dad and sister remain. My prayers for them have continued for the past 30 years. It has often been a discouraging time of watching and waiting, for any outward signs or interest, but then I am reminded of those who watched and waited for me, and how God longs to have them know Him intimately. How often were they discouraged by my lack of desire? Yet they continued their vigil.

Every fall, in this neck of the woods, is a challenge for anyone who suffers from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It is an expected and yet totally unwanted blanket of depression that hampers one’s ability to emerge from the fog of cloudy thinking and sense of foreboding. I had been there often, and I know what it feels like.

S.A.D. hit my dad hard and fast this year. I think it was aided and abetted by the diagnosis that his cancer had returned once again. He has been making end of life decisions for a while now…what to keep, what to get rid of, who to give it to, but not the most important one of all...where will he spend his eternity? This latest one-two punch sent him spiraling into depression, and yet it is also the first time in his life where I have seen him reach out. He is finally coming to the end of himself, and I think it scares him.

God can and often does use hard things in our lives to give us fresh perspective. A bit more than two months ago, I started emailing my dad every morning after praying for him. I send him a greeting, a bit of news, a picture, and a thought, with no expectations other than to show him that I love him. He often does not have the physical or emotional energy to respond. But, it is here in this most vulnerable time and season of his life, between the lines of the email pages that he is beginning to share his vulnerability with his youngest child, me. Strangely, it is depression and the inevitability of death that has opened a door between us to slowly begin to share what his heart really longs for…the assurance of a life with permanent and unwavering Good News.

What is God teaching me today? He is teaching me to be still in His presence, let His plan for my dad unfold as He sees fit, and to continue to persist in prayer.
Psalm 46:10—“Cease striving and know that I am God.”

Recently my son Micah had a crick in his neck that just didn't want to go away. I bought one of those disposable instant ThermaCare heat wraps in an effort to apply some concentrated heat therapy right on the spot of discomfort. Quick and easy to use, those little things put out quite a bit of heat and last for about 8 hours. Amazing! I was pondering this and thought about the similarity between this scenario and my prayer life. "OUCH! God it hurts! Help me please!"

I cry out when something hurts, when there is pain in my life, when I would really appreciate some instant relief *thank you very much).  Please God, no long-term therapy, ok?  I don't have time to go through pain and want this to go away now.  Eight hours max  and even that seems too long.

First Samuel gives the account of how David is pursued by King Saul for 8 years. David has been anointed as the next king of Israel by Samuel, but David refuses to take Saul's life and become king himself. He is unjustly and hotly pursued by Saul even though he proves his allegiance to his king over and over again. The Psalms are filled with David's agonizing pleas to God to deliver him and to "take away his pain" (as in, NOW)!

"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me"

Did David have a bad attitude as he waited on the Lord to answer his prayer to deliver him?  I bet he wanted some instant relief as well - the 8-hour type instead of the 8-year version.  I don't know what his attitude was like while he was waiting, but there is the end to his cry:

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6

God, please help me to learn what I need to in those seasons of pain.  Help me endure and be patient as I wait on you. Help me to trust in your UNFAILING love - even if it takes longer than eight hours.

I Corinthians 12:19- 24 "But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of. An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn't be a body, but a monster. What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way-the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it's a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn't you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?"


This past summer I have had the opportunity to learn more about the human body on a deeper level. It is truly a fascinating creation of God. The human body works well as long as all the organs are performing at their optimum levels. When one organ declines or fails the entire body goes into overdrive to regain the proper balance of health. Paul used the human body to demonstrate how the church should be united when worshiping and serving God. We know there is so much more going on in the human body then just what we see on the outside. In the past I have likened myself to a single, red blood cell--a person who seeks to bring oxygen to the various parts of the body through encouraging conversation; or maybe nurturing young things to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I love bringing energy to the body of Christ!
As we begin a new chapter here at Peninsula Bible Fellowship, I urge you to use what God has blest you with to continue to support this church body. Look for your “bodily function” and use it to support an ongoing ministry. Even if what is seen on the surface seems more appealing, there is an underlying network of nerves, muscles and tendons intertwining to keep the eye moving to and fro; or the hand extending outward. Don’t be afraid to think deeper about the body. Look at your special talents or experience and seek ways to use them to support an ongoing ministry. It might take some time to find your function if you are new to serving in a church body. Remember, our entire universe is based on the smallest molecules, knitted together in the correct pattern producing a well established organism -- each small task completed well is just a couple of stitches which support larger organism gain optimum function and health.
When an area of the body is not working well, the rest of the working body is forced to try and keep it afloat for as long as it can, until healing occurs or it shuts down completely. It is vital for ALL members of the body to function within their purpose in order to bring God the glory. If we are just sitting around not exercising our gifts, no matter how insignificant they seem, we allow Satan (bad bacteria) the opportunity to invade our body and cause havoc among us.
Let us honor one another in the coming months ahead. Allow yourself to be stretched and strengthened through proper nutrition through the word of God. Then join in with fellow believers to give support to those working to reach the community of Kitsap County.

I watched as the toddler was talking beside his mom as she entered PBF for another MOPS meeting. The little guy was carrying a full water bottle that was almost as big as he was and he had a cute truck tucked under his arm. His arms were struggling to keep a good grasp on that large bottle as he followed his mom. I noticed that his back was arched as he toted his heavy load, but not for one second did he stop or ask for help.

He marched and struggle don towards that door.  His mom was carrying her newborn in an infant carrier and over her shoulder she had a huge diaper/mom bag with all the essentials for a successful morning, AND she was trying to NOT drop her breakfast dish she made for the morning.  Of course I rushed ahead to opent he door and offered to share some of her load.  She laughed and said, "No thank, I've got it."  She smiled sweetly and pushed onwards to the meeting.

I was struck by how much our everyday life mirrors what goes on onside of us as we struggle to grow spiritually.  How many times have I been bogged down with so much internal baggage, but when someone asks if they can share my load I sweetly say, "No I'm FINE" and then work myself into a tizzy without even thinking of taking my "stuff" to God first.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 11, "Com eto me all you are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  And, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from ,e for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Foir my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Every MOPS meeting our Mentor Moms and Steering Team members ladies pray to be the hands and feet of Jesus to all of the moms who enter our doors.  Sometimes that means literally sharing the physical load of one mom and other times it means offering to share the spiritual burdens of another.

 MOPS works because of God.  And MOPS works because of women who obediently serve God through this ministry.  I am blessed beyond measure to be one of them.

For months a certain radio preacher broadcast that the “rapture” would take place on May 21st. When that didn’t happen, he explained that what actually occurred on that date was the “beginning of events that will culminate in the destruction of the earth on October 21st”.

Since much of the world looks at this kind of prediction with disdain and ridicule, how should we as believers respond to a world that is becoming more and more skeptical and hostile to biblical Christianity?

We know that Jesus IS going to return. However, what can we do in the meantime to share with our friends and relatives that “today is the day of salvation”, and that we need to be ready for Christ’s return?

As the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (Col.4:5-6)

I was reading Matthew 22 this week. Jesus spoke the parable of the wedding banquet and described the kingdom of heaven in this story. In the parable, a man was invited to come to the wedding but he chose not to put on the "wedding clothes" that would have been provided for him by the host. When questioned as to why he did not wear the "wedding clothes" he was "speechless". He was also tossed out of the party into the "darkness."

God has invited us, the undeserving, to his banquet and He provides us with "wedding clothes" to wear that are appropriate for this occasion. Our decision is whether, or not, we are going to accept those "clothes." This parable is given to us as an analogy for our relationship with God. He is offering us an invitation to his banquet, which is eternal relationship with Him, and He is preparing us for that time. The question to ask yourself is: what are your "wedding clothes?"

So this week I was thinking about my "wedding clothes." For me, it's understanding how to be humble and obediant yet also truly joyful in the Lord. It's learning to trust him and letting go of my typical desire to control and plan everything in my life. It's recognizing that my plans are not always His plans and that I need to be totally open to change. I'm learning more about this in my life and it's nice to share it with you. I hope you can explore, and accept, your "wedding clothes."

Sometimes the phrase, "You worship Me" is said with a question mark' other times with an explanation point. Yet many times it is simply a quiet whisper like the tail end of an echo reverberating in a canyon or cavern. It doesn't always catch my attention, but when I am quiet in my heart, it is a discernible statement which I know is only from God.

Read Ephesians 3:14-19

Recently my husband and I had the opportunity to spend an evening together listening to Southern Gospel music, a type of music that is popular with folks from the Bible Belt, gray hairlines, and those who enjoy an excuse to clap in church.  Steve doesn't fit into any of these particulars, but he loves the style as do I.  It speaks to my traditional Baptist self which I grew up with.  The fact that I did not have to worry about kids while we were together afforded us with theopportunity to enjoy each other's company for a few hours, an added bonus!

We had arrived early, and after we had been seated for a while, I became aware of a disturbing conversation behind us.  I was uncomfortable because as the conversation progressed I sensed a lack of discretion on the part of the alpha female.  Apparently the small church they were a part of is experiencing some opposing views about the worship portion of their service times.  Miss Alpha was a strict singer-of-hymns type.  "We don't need praise music!"  She wanted to start a ministry which included a bus with the signage "Traditional Worship Service" on the side.  My mind went to what I have heard God echoing in my heart for years, "You worship Me."

I do not know how God works in your life, but I do know He works in my life in terms of years.  "You worship Me" popped into my frame of reference when I was whining about not being involved in the same areas of the church I had been involved in before marriage.  I played piano, the fake organ, and sang with a small choir in a little Conservative Baptist church.  I was Miss Alpha only in terms of adding praise music to the hymns during worship services and doing a bulk of singing at one time rather than scattered throughout the entire service.  I had definite opinions on how things should run.

God has constantly been whispering to me, "You worship Me" and I have been exploring this statement for years now.  I have come to reason it is not where I am, who I am with or the circumstances surrounding me with which I need to be concerned.  It is WHO I worship.  Much like a sponge which soaks up water until overflows, I need to be soaking in worship daily with God until the only thing which exudes from my being is the fullness of God.  This form of worship happens more often inprivate moments rather than in services.  It begins with the heart attitude and needs to connect to the mind in order for my perspective to change. 

Think about what you convey to other believers.  Is your heart filled up with God?  Is He the One you worship?  Does this worship exude from your being to those around you?  What does this look like in your life?

As Washingtonians, we are a fickle lot, always wanting what we have not. If the spring rains soak us, dampening our spirits, we long for the warmth of summer. If the summer sun turns smoldering, we long for the cool crispness of the fall. When fall storms arrive, both in and around us, we long for the relaxing rest of winter. When the snows blanket the earth and our plans, we long for cleared roads and the freshness of spring. We are always in want of something…mostly change from our current circumstances.

Through his Word, God has been teaching me what it means to be content in the midst of my circumstances, and how to weather the storms of discontentedness and change in my daily life.

What He Said- Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

What I Learned- He is God and I am not! He speaks to me when I cease my striving/doing and am still enough to hear his voice.

What He Said- Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time (a season) for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

What I Learned- Everything God does has a purpose, a season, and is perfect in timing, even if do not understand it.

What He Said-Phillipians 4:12,13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

What I Learned-God alone is the one who provides and gives strength to endure when things don’t go the way I think they should. He gives me courage to trust him, despite my circumstances and what I see going on around me. When I trust him, he is able to put my worries, anxiousness, and fears into proper perspective.

What He Said-Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

What I Learned-Because I love him and want to please him, I choose to have an attitude of gratitude in advance for the day he has given me.

God has shown me that he orchestrates the length of my days and the color of the daily canvas of my life, whether it is colorful, gray, blustery or blue. He knows just how long each season I experience should last. Each day is an opportunity to trust Him to prepare my canvas for the day. Because this is the day that the Lord has made, I will practice joy in advance and rejoice and be glad in it. That is what contentment is to me.

Psalm 8:1, 3-4: "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who have set your glory above the heavens! When I consider your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and stars which you have ordained."

If you are like Karen and me, we have been longing for more than one sunny, warm day at a time. It has been a cold wet spring. We live in a beautiful area with the mountains, the Sound, green trees and clean air. Psalms 8 and 19 tell us that nature does reflect God's glory and for us it is easier to experience that with clear blue skies and war days. But human beings according to Genesis 1, made in the image of God, reflect God's glory more than anything else in creation. May each of us as we continue in our walk with God reflect His glory to one another as we study His word, and give Him our praise and worship.

Psalms 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God. and the firmament shows His handiwork."

One of my kid’s favorite books is “The Cat in the Hat Comes Back!” A lovely story aboutthe infamous cat who causes mayhem for two little children. And after our recent Good Friday service at my church, I found a picture of the Gospel in the book by Dr. Seuss.

The story begins with the two kids shoveling snow in the yard. The cat in the hat skis on by the kids and right up into the house.   The kids will have no part of this after their last encounter and they run in after the cat. They find him in the bathtub eating pink cake. After pulling the plug, there is a big, pink, cat ring inside the tub. Everyone wonders how they will get the pink cat ring off the tub. The precocious cat uses Mother’s new white dress to wipe the stain right off and of course the kids complain that now the stain is on Mother’s new dress.  Well the stain gets wholly transfered  to different items; dad’s $10 shoes, the rug in the wall, the wall, Dad’s bed, and finally out the window into the yard. Outside, it completely covers the yard. With the help of other cats, hidden in the hat of Cat-in-the-hat, they eventually Zoom away the stain completely.

Now, you wonder, how does all this fit in with a Gospel portrait? At our recent Good Friday service, we had the opportunity to “paint” our sins on the cross before we took communion.  in solid, red paint, we brushed our iniquities on a large wooden cross to identify that “it was my sin that nailed Him there.”  A beautiful example of the stain our sin caused on the sinless one. What I have always had trouble with was, if Jesus paid for my sin, and covered me with His righteousness, why do I still sin? And so often?

I came to realize that my Sin (capital S) was transfered to Jesus, just like the Cat in the Hat transferring the Pink cat stain to different objects in the story. And just like when I painted the cross in church,  it was completely removed from me and completely taken on by Jesus.  Jesus took my Sin nature; my authority of sinning. I still struggle with the real world body that desires sinful things i.e. pride, selfishness, lying etc… But my Sin nature was completely, wholly, and utterly transfered to Jesus. It leaves no trace on me. At least thats how God sees me. Clean. Like Mother’s new white dress.

Thanks Dr. Seuss for helping me understand Jesus’ astonishing accomplishment on Good Friday

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Joe and I have had the opportunity to experience the power of the prayers of the PBF family. Joe had two hospital stays and two surgeries; we had two granddaughters staying with us for eleven days; my 92-year old mother spent time in the hospital, moving to a nursing home and then passing away. Also during the last 2-1/2 months two of my aunts and an uncle passed away.

Many of you (our PBF Family) came alongside us during this time, helping with our granddaughters, bringing us meals, and so much prayer. I have continued to feel the peace and comfort from God as you prayed. James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous man (woman) is powerful and effective." We thank you so much for your powerful prayers.
Recently in a staff devotional time, Joe shared with us an article by Tim Keller that suggested a way of praying as found in the original Episcopal Book of Common Prayer by Thomas Cranmer.

1. The address- a name of God. (Almighty God.)
2. The doctrine-a truth about God's nature that is the basis for this prayer. (Unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid.)
3. The petition-what is being asked for. (Cleanse the thought of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.)
4. The aspiration-what good result will come if the request is granted. (That we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name.)
5. In Jesus' name-this remembers the mediatorial role of Jesus.)

Being sick is never fun.  Yesterday, my youngest son got into the pantry and pulled out the electronic ear thermometer.  He had seen us use it on the kids whenever someone was sick.  The mysterious beeping sound it made when the temperature was taken, combined with our concerned faces when we looked at it must have been intriguing.  Not to mention the funny feeling as we placed it in the ear canal.

 Levi came over to me with the thermometer, and I positioned it in his ear.  Funny thing is, I don't ever remember using it when I knew he was healthy.  I was surprised to see a reading of 95.7 degrees, well below the norm of 98.6.  Had it been off the whole time, even when he was sick with a temp showing 102 degrees?  Seeing today's reading made me want to compare his temp over several days to calibrate the machine.

 If we never take inventory of our lives when we are healthy, how can we measure when we are not?  This is something I am going to ponder in the future.  How do my boundaries look when I am in balance?  How does my relationship with my wife appear when I am healthy, both spiritually and physically?  How quickly does my anger flare up when things aren't going my way?  Perhaps I can begin to notice signs of a sickness coming.  Do they have a zinc lozenge for spiritual health?

We have a guest staying with us right now. We don't have guests often but our family does enjoy hosting people. Nothing fancy, just a simple blow-up air mattress in the home office. He is only here for a few days, but I find it fascinating how it changes our normal family routine. Especially in one area in particular. Underwear.

Each night the cats want to be let out. They scratch at our door and someone gets up to let them out. In the privacy of your own home you can get up in your underwear and let the cats out, but when you have a guest in your home, you are never quite sure if they are awake , or if they will see you. For good reason, we maintain a sense of modesty and are embarrassed if someone other than family sees us in less than proper clothing.  So you put on sweats to cover yourself.  If it's just family in the home, you don't bother covering up. With family, there is no self-consciousness, no embarrassment, no fear.

Modern American church life is very self-oriented.  Many don't view the church as their family. Hence the "sheep shifting" as people hop from church to church.  Individuals like to think of a church service as their private encounter with God. But should that really be our perspective?    I like what Ed Welch has to say in his book, "When People are BIG, and God is small," "... when we truly understand that God has called us to participate in a larger family(i.e. the church), we are free.  Church begins to feel a little more like family sitting with us in our living room.  Better yet, we feel like a family sitting together at the feet of Jesus, sitting around the throne."

How different would your relationships be at church if you viewed yourself as part of a family, your church family. Would you let people see you with your hair down?  No makeup? In your underwear(proverbially please!) Would you worry so much about what you are going to wear?  Here is a harder question; would you feel like running to a different church if someone hurt your feelings, or if you felt slighted, or you were asked to step down from a ministry?  I am not trying to judge, as there are legitimate reasons people need to leave a congregation. But I think many would agree our perseverance for difficult relationships is very, very, short.

Family is a place to be known, without fear. Family sees our moles and messy hair, sees us in our good and bad days, knows our stuff and still loves us. So whether you wear whitey-tighties or boxers, let grace and mercy be given to all as we work out our relationship to God with awe and trembling.

A funny, witty phrase runs around worship circles about certain worship songs called 7/11 songs: songs with 7 words, sang 11 times. They usually reference songs that are considered shallow and don’t say much. Because, really, what can you say with 7 words? Not a whole lot.
But what you can do with a song that doesn’t have a lot of words is yearn. Crying out can be done with as little as three words, “I need you.” The song that comes to mind that does this well is Breathe. The chorus says, “And I, …I’m desperate for you!” what a great repeatable phrase to cry out to God for our need for him to rescue us. We need God daily. We need him moment by moment because He holds the matter of the universe together. We need to know that He cares for us, because we often feel like no one else does.

Another song in this category is The Steadfast Love of the Lord. Great Scripture put to music from the book of Leviticus. I served in Sierra Leone as a missionary in the 90′s and I remember a prayer meeting in the pastor’s house. A man was leading a singing time and we sang, “The steadfast love of the lord never ceases… His mercies never come to an end…”  And, I am not making this up, we sang that song at least 25 times! I felt after 10 times that we must be coming to an end! but no, there was more…. and then something happened, After 15 or so times, I resigned myself to keep singing and the words took on a whole new meaning. I got lost in them and poured over their truth.  The melody disappeared and  It was almost an out of body experience. Words like “never” and “new every morning” started to sink in with their weight. It really was a powerful experience.

Now, if you only ate fruit for all your meals, your body would start to deteriorate from lack of proper nutrition. We still need the complex Carb’s and fiber of theologically rich songs. Songs that teach us the deeper truths of God and how His glory shines brighter than a thousand suns. As with most things, moderation is the key. Balance your diet of songs and you will grow. Plus, an occasional slurpee sure tastes good! I recommend Blue Raspberry.

Jason

I recently heard a story about Stuart. Good ‘Ol Stu who loves Jesus as much as anyone. He puts in 10 hours a week leading the worship team on top of the 50 hours he puts into his Engineering job.  After he finds out what the pastor is going to preach on, Stu spends most of his time studying the scriptures. Unfortunately for the congregation he doesn’t put much time on his instrument. At the service, he starts the first song in the wrong key. He also forgot to tune his guitar before hand and after the second verse, its so bad that the pastor has to ask the band to start over. Later he then botches another musical transition. Stu sheepishly laughs it off and says thank goodness God listens to our hearts and not our performance!

Well, God may hear the sound of our hearts, but the people hear the terrible train wreck of the music!  People should not have to ENDURE Worship, but they should ENJOY it.  If the quality of the music is bad, people will be so distracted they won’t be able to concentrate on the eternal maker of the universe. And that can’t be pleasing to God.  In all things, we should strive for excellence; to do the best of our ability. Whether it is cutting tomatoes or mowing the lawn, we should do the thing as if we are doing it for God.  Often that takes practice, sometimes it takes perseverance. Bob Kauflin, who told me this story, also said we should know the scriptures as well as we know our instruments. Sounds like we should put time into both.

Being sick is never fun. Yesterday, my youngest son got into the pantry and pulled out the electronic ear thermometer.  He had seen us use it on the kids whenever someone was sick. The mysterious beeping sound it made when the temperature was taken, combined with our concerned faces when we looked at it must have been intriguing.  Not to mention the funny feeling as we place it in the ear canal.  Levi, came over to me with the thermometer, and I positioned it in his ear. Funny thing is, I don’t ever remember using it when I knew he was healthy. I was surprised to see a reading of 95.7 degrees, well below the norm of 98.6.  Had it been off the whole time, even when he was sick with a temp showing 102 degrees?    Seeing todays reading made me want to compare his temp over several days to calibrate the machine.

If we never take inventory of our lives when we are healthy, how can we measure when we are not?  This is something I am going to ponder in the future.  How do my boundaries look when I am in balance?  How does my relationship with my wife appear when I am healthy, both spiritually, and physically. How quickly does my anger flare up when things aren’t going my way.  Perhaps I can begin to notice signs of a sickness coming.  Do they have a Zinc lozenge for spiritual health?  

During the week, I work at a restaurant. Customers come in and place their order with me and I work to fulfill their order. I ask questions to clarify exactly what they want and I do my best to make it that way. The customer gets their food, gets their drink, and we clean up after them. Hopefully they are satisfied with the service, cleanliness, atmosphere, and quality of the food so that they will come back. My goal is to develop repeat customers to grow and sustain my business.

When I come home, I often help prepare dinner or at least help clean up. Lisa does a fantastic job of making sure there is a plan for dinner, but food at home is a family affair. During dinner, if one of my kids wants some more water, I will usually tell him that he can fill it from the kitchen faucet. I am not being rude, I am trying to train up my kids to think and act for themselves. When you eat with family you get things for yourself, you shouldn’t expect others to do everything for you. You contribute because you are in a family and families work together. Everyone is needed to make the family function. When someone slacks off, it affects the other ‘cogs-in-the-wheel’.

I love it when my kids go above and beyond what is expected of them. If tanner cleans up claire’s plate from the table as well as his own, I smile. I thank him for thinking of others. Watching your children give extra of themselves is extremely rewarding and you get excited to see that your hard work of parenting is sinking in.

In all my years of restaurant work, I have never had a customer ask if there was anything they could do to help me. No one has offered to do the dishes, or take out the garbage. No one has asked if they could pay extra for their meal. No one has asked for an apron so they could help me with the lunch rush. And I don’t expect them too, in fact, I might laugh if someone asked. They are the customer and I am there to serve them. They are the consumer, the recipient of my services.

At church, are you a consumer? or are you family? Do you contribute or expect all others to serve you while you take in the sermon and music. Do you come week after week, and be served by others? The church was designed to operate as family. We need you to plug in and become part of the process. Find a place to give of yourself, anywhere you like, and you will find that you care more about what goes on, how things look. Your life will be richer and your walk with God will be fuller of life. I guarantee this because God has demonstrated this by His Son, Jesus. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus gave his life for others, so that we could then give ours away as well.

So, consumer or family…

I am married with three kids. A beautiful family. 2 Rambunctious sons and1 fascinating princess. I know they love me partly because they tell me.  But if that was all they did, tell me they loved me, then over time I would start to doubt their true feelings. I don’t know if I could continue to believe it. If I never got a hug, or kiss on the cheek, or a jump on the back I would wonder if they were just telling me what I wanted to hear.   If they physically never showed anything when I walked in the door, but instead just sat on the couch with their heads and eyes focused on the TV, I would wonder if they cared about me. You see,  there is a connection between the words we say and the actions we do. Obvious you say, but do we notice this idea is at work all the time? Even at church?

When I am leading the church in song, there are parts of songs that I choose not to sing because I see the hypocrisy of the lyrics and and physical response of the congregation.  For instance, the song, “I could sing of Your love forever,” has a bridge that says, “Oh, I feel like dancing,  Its foolishness I know…”   Now, I know that my people won’t be dancing when they sing this line . It just feels wrong to put them in a place like that. I could choose to sing the bridge and use the lyrics as a jump off point to make a point about posture, but I don’t know that it would make a difference. So I choose to skip that. There are many many songs like that. Songs that include various physical responses to worshiping God; Raising of hands, Clapping, shouts of joy,  Kneeling, bowing before our maker, Crying out to God, etc…  So do we skip every section of song that calls for a physical response?  I believe that would be a bigger crime. We need to appropriately teach our churches how to let go.

Fear of Man is our greatest enemy. More people worry about what others think than what God thinks.  God sees our hearts as we sing(thankfully so as some people sing in a different key than the rest of us, G-I’m-flat!) God knows what we are thinking and feeling as we lift our voices to Him each Sunday. What can help our minds and spirits is the aligning of our voice and body into one, unified person. To get there we have to let go of others perceptions and stop comparing ourselves to Mr. Charismatic in the next aisle. I like to close my eyes to remove any distractions around me. To be honest, it is easier to lift my hands on stage than in the congregation. I see the need to be an example and encourage others to lift their hands to the Creator when I am up there in the limelight. In the crowd, you feel everyone behind you watching you. It can be intimidating. Ultimately what is more important, others wondering about your Christianity or God seeing you abandon all others for Him.  God determines your fate and it is He who gave it all for your rescue.  Let us give Him our hearts and bodies as well.

You are running  a few minutes late. The band has already started and people around you are singing. The song is an up tempo one that talks about God’s love and how he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Except that you don’t feel that. You aren’t quite there yet. Your kids have toothpaste in the hair and their clothes don’t match; your spouse is frustrated at something and you’re not quite sure what it is. Traffic was bad on the way to church and you are not sure why you came in the first place. All the easy seats are taken and you might have to squeeze in between some people with their eyes closed. What now?

Focus on the words. Yes, the words of the song. Hopefully the worship leader has chosen songs that are theologically rich and singable.  Songs that tell of who God is and what he has done for all of mankind, specifically you. While your church may have a hot band that can rival American Idol, the reason they are even up there is because of the words. The words are there to preach to us, for us to memorize and recall later when we are not surrounded by Christians. The words tell us of the Gospel and why Jesus had to suffer and die for our sin. The songs use words in a poetic, beautiful way that gives us a fresh perspective on our situation as sons and daughters of God. If ‘brevity is the soul of wit,’ then songs are witty ways of hearing the scriptures said another way.

Focusing on the words helps you focus less on the music. Your church may not have the best musicians but they play their best so that the Bride of Christ can sing to the Groom. Focusing on the words brings to mind pictures and stories from the bible, complementing the song.  Focusing on the words helps us forget our troubles and brings us closer to seeing heaven. Of the few things we know about heaven, we know for certain that we will be singing there. Revelations even shows a picture of God singing over us.  Now, how cool will that be! God singing over His people. ..do you think he’s a baritone, bass or tenor, hmmm…?

The words remind us to forgive each other.  They help us remember that God can heal our pain, clean our stain and turn our sorrows into songs of praise. And they might even help you get through the rest of Sunday with your toothpasted, non-matching kids and frustrated spouse.

Sitting in McDonalds watching my kids play in the play area is a true joy. Not because of the noise, the empty tasteless calories of a Happy Meal; not because of the kids with runny noses who insist on rubbing it all over their hands and then touching every toy in sight; but because my kids laugh. They laugh with delight and giggle as other kids chase them. I love that.

Soon after I drift to watch the parents of the kids there.  Some of whom my children are chasing in a game of hide and seek.  Some single parents, some parents who this might be their only outing that day, and others who meet their friends for a quick lunch. I watch one pair in particular. A nice family. The father and mother along with their only child. I turn my head and no longer do I see the father there. The mother and 3 year old son finish eating their food and are waiting for something. Did Dad go use the restroom? Go back to order more food? Get something out of the car?  nope.

It’s raining outside.  The boy soon sees his dad right outside the window of playland, looking in. He pulls out a cigarette and lights up.    Mom and the son are waiting for dad to smoke his cigarette. Waiting patiently I might add. Dad stands there and looks in to see his boy; he waves, ….in the rain. That dad’s cigarette was more important to him than what his family wanted or spending time with them. He was worshiping. I couldn’t believe someone would stand out there to smoke and make his family wait for him to finish. He was worshiping.

As Harold Best points out in his book, “Unceasing Worship” we are never ceasing worshipers.  All the time, every where we go, we are worshiping. With our money, time and energy, we are saying to ourselves and to the world what is most important to us. This father at McDonalds cigarette, or more likely his need for nicotine, was more important than his family, more important than getting wet, more important than spending a little more time with his son, more important than anything else.  His need above all others. He was worshiping himself. He was god and he wanted what he wanted no matter what. Am I being harsh or overly simplistic? could be. But I’m right.  More importantly God is right when he says that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Is it wrong to smoke? Not sure and not the point. What is evident to me is that we all want what we want and don’t care too much about others if they stand in the way. Sure we can be patient but we eventually will get or do what we want.  Because  we are all born worshiping ourselves and our needs above everything else.  The question becomes, will we continue to worship ourselves, or worship Him who made the mountains and the seas?

Everytime I get on stage, I have to remember that leading people in worship is not about me. My truest hearts desire is that people would engage with the living God. But somewhere in the back recesses of my brain, I think that if only I can play a killer arrangement, add just the right amount of dynamics and distortion that people will stand and rejoice in God’s goodness. And if the congregation doesn’t engage I somehow failed them. Maybe I could’ve picked better songs or chosen a better key for them to sing in. Crazy, I know.

There are signs that all musicians look for to see if people are engaged. We look for raised hands, closed eyes, bowed knees, and loud voices. As if we could tell a persons Spirituality by there faces and posture! I know there is a connection to acting out what you are singing. If we are sitting on our hands while we sing, “Oh I feel like dancing! It’s foolishness I know.” there is a hypocrisy there that disconnects our minds and our hearts. But if we are standing with hands lifted high as we sing, “So we raise up holy hands,” our brains and body connect in a way to make the words more engaging. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have been leading people in song and my mind is a million places other than church. “What am I having for lunch? or I wonder if Lisa has book club tonight?” We can’t help it sometimes.

So last Sunday, I come home from church and my wife reminds me of something I already know, but need reminding of. She asked how church went, and I was discouraged because it felt like people weren’t engaging. Lisa gently reminded me that God is the one who does all the work. He convicts, encourages, bring us back, and speaks to us no matter the circumstances or songs I choose. God cares more about the church than I ever could. And He is calling me to be faithful, not necessarily successful.

‘Cause it’s all about Him

As we find ourselves in the midst of Lent, I have a dilemma I'd like to share--perhaps you can relate to it as well. As I work to prepare my heart and mind for the coming of Easter, reflecting on the ultimate meaning of Jesus' resurrection, temptation seems to rise up even stronger against my flesh. Because I am weak, many times I succumb to sin. OK, there, I said it. I am a sinner!

A guy stuck right in the middle of the contemporary age of 2011. Temptations abound! Culture invades me in ways that oppose my faith. Pleasure, pride, self-interest, and attraction to "bright shiny objects" are just a few of my weaknesses. But Jesus, through daily devotion speaks to me. His small voice says, "Brian, you know you can't do this on your own. You need to completely surrender to me. I know it's hard for you. I know your background. I knew you before you were born. Learn to seek me fully learn to die to yourself. Get out of your own way. Embrace my way."

I consider myself a "work in progress" and I know God has a beautiful plan for m. And it is by His grace, support from my Care Group, friends, loved ones, and my own willingness to get out of my own way daily that I will become the man God desires. The dilemma is: do I continue to struggle as I am, or will I fully surrender and get out of my own way?

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25

Silence is thought by some to be golden. And in our busy, noisy, fast-paced lives most of us need some time to be alone, quiet and simply to rest. Even God rested on the seventh day and gave us the Sabbath-one day in seven to rest.

But there is a time when silence is not good. When the Pharisees in Luke 19:39 called on Jesus to still the crowd of disciples from praising God for Jesus, he replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

In other words, there is a silence that is golden, but also one that is guilty. It is not healthy to be silent about what Jesus is doing in our lives. And silence about Jesus among nonChristian friends is not healthy. In fact, it is sometimes sinful. Silence that prevents people from hearing good news is silence that as Simon Garfunkel wrote, "like a cancer grows." Let us prepare our hearts to hear about the Sin of Silence this weekend and how we can turn away from that silence to honor God with our voices.