Seven Churches of Revelation

To sum up a sermon series on the seven churches of Revelation, our church painted doors!! That's right, we painted doors!  I loved it.  Our pastor, dressed and role playing as the author John the disciple,  read passages from Revelation.  There were seven lampstands on the stage to represent the seven churches. After a time of worship and reflection, we were invited to write a prayer on one of the seven doors.  The doors served as artists' canvases and were also being painted by an artist during the worship time.

This was one of the most memorable services I can recall, and it reminded me that worship can come in many forms and expressions.

The Church in Ephesus

The Church in Smyrna

The Church in Pergamum

The Church in Thyatira

The Church in Sardis

The Church in Philadelphia

The Church in Laodicea

Bow Down

"Hey what is this? What does it look like?  What am I doing?" my student asked me as he crouched on both knees, arms out in front, bent over, face to the carpeted floor in the classroom.

We were transitioning from the floor to the tables, and his interesting display had nothing to do with the lesson the teacher had just given.

"Uh, the child's pose?" I said having done my pilates the night before.

"Bowing," he answered. "It looks like bowing."

I will never know what sparked this spontaneous act of reverence in the middle of our day of learning, but I am grateful for it because it got me thinking...

"What does it look like?"

Bowing, that is.

Well, bowing comes in many different forms physically and often depends on the environment or situation.  A man may bow after a karate demonstration.  A girl my curtsy after her dance recital performance.  A gentleman may bow to kiss a lady's hand.  In some religions, a person will bow over 1,000 times a day.

Bowing might say, "I respect you."  "I adore you." "I worship you." or even "I submit to your authority."

What does it look like in our lives?

Bowing (as in worshiping) to the wrong things can look like, well, a mess.  Bowing to drugs or alcohol, saying, "I submit to your authority," can lead to the destruction of a life and to much hurt of others.  Bowing to others constantly creates a faulty stage on which you can never please your every changing audience. Bowing to self only leads to unhappiness and a never ending search for fulfillment.

Bowing to the Lord, the great Leader looks like direction and guidance.  Bowing to the Savior looks like security and hope.  Bowing to the Alpha and Omega looks like purpose and stability.  Bowing to the Joy giver looks like more than we could ever ask or imagine for our souls.

 Here's what the Bible says about bowing:

Psalm 95: 6-7

Come, let us bow down in worship,

let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,

for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture,

the flock under his care.

Philippians 2:10

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Micah 6: 6

With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

My student ignited the questioning of myself and my actions.  I must ask myself in my actions, "Does this look like bowing?"

Many times this week I have regretted words that came out of my mouth and hasty responses that did not sound like bowing to the correct authority.

Help me Lord to demonstrate with my life what it looks like to bow to you.

Homeless Kit

After a lively debate at a party about giving to the homeless, my mind was reeling.  One side of the discussion leaned toward not giving money to a stranger on the street.  Another kind soul stated that God wants us to give to others, and it is not up to us how the recipient spends the money.  Some fear becoming an enabler when giving money to a homeless individual because that money could be wasted on alcohol or drugs.  

What should I do then--give or not? 

I would want someone to help me if I was in that situation.  On the other hand, I don't want to contribute to a habit that will only harm a person.  

Someone suggested giving a gift card to a local fast food restaurant to the individual asking for money.

So my boyfriend and I made homeless kits. Caution should be used when giving items to a stranger.  Make sure you are with someone or are in a public, well-lit place when you give your kit.  Be careful. 



Contents:
*beef jerky
*dried fruit with nuts
*fast food gift card 
*gum
*cough drops
*playing cards
*chapstick
*soap
*toothbrush
*toothpaste
*small New Testament

 Another suggestion is to pray beforehand for the individual who will receive the kit.

 My two kits are still waiting in my car to be a blessing to someone.  I hope they are. 

Before and After Wooden Shelves

All the work and color choice accolades goes to Ru.

Momma Ray's Punchbowl and Mom Mom's Shower Dishes

Despite promptings from my mother to pass on my glass bridal shower hand-me-downs, I had an opportunity to use them recently.  They shall stay in the family and they shall be used!  I think my mother's urgings to pass them on in the past were simply a dare to use them or perhaps she was hoping to have more room to store Christmas dishes in my closet at home.  We were both excited that they were put to good use and were pleased with their long-awaited resurfacing and their flash.  Thanks to my roommate for helping me host this shower for our dear friend and for helping to make the table setting right lovely.

Ru's tip:  Place fresh flowers, such as the Peruvian Lillies shown here, in old tea tins for a lovely vintage look.  Place a small disposable cup in the tea tin to hold the water for the flowers and to help hold the flowers in place.

Su's tip:  Passion Fruit Punch (aka Cheater Punch).  This looks and tastes complicated, but it was simply my favorite Passion Fruit Juice bought at the grocery store and mixed equal parts with carbonated lime soda.  I froze some of the punch in a bundt cake pan to create a pretty ice ring that would later create slush for the punch and keep it chilled.  I had leftover lime slices that I had also put in the water pitcher. 

Peaceful Pictures

Let it Go

Letting go is so much harder than it sounds.  I can let go of junk mail and spending money pretty easily.  However, letting go of hurts, worry, and my entitlement is a lot more difficult.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

What is the message that I felt that I was supposed to be learning recently?--  peace--maintaining peace, holding on to peace, seeking peace, and pursuing peace.  Today:  mission failed.  Thank God that He is the God of second chances.

1 Peter 3:11

Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

When picturing peace, one may think of a bubbling brook, green pasture, or breezy beach (yes, please).  That's too easy.  My peace needs to come when I am on the battlefield, i.e., being yelled at by a child with autism, tackling a schedule that is way too busy, or facing disappointment when plans fail or opinions differ.  How can I remain in the bubble of peace in the midst of a tornado swirling about me pulling at my wit's end?  

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Picture Jesus in the boat in the storm (Matthew 8), perfectly trusting, perfectly sound and steady.  He is the answer to peace in the midst of the daily storm of life.

Here are 3 exercises to let go (of stress, worry, etc.):

1) Breath out.  

I've used this one most often driving home from a stressful day.  Take each stressor and put it (clear throat, him/her) on the forefront of your thoughts.  Breathe in a deep breath.  Breathe out that stressor, imagining it floating out with your breath.  May it leave you cleaned out and full of fresh wind.  My friend Nicki used to say, "In the good air, out the bad air."  Also, your deep cleansing breaths send a message to your body to relax, and you need that.

2) Lay it at His feet.

Physically kneel as you approach the Lord's throne of grace.  Imagine you are kneeling at Jesus' feet, the foot of the cross, etc.  Ask him to take your burdens.  He can carry them.  Lay each one down, naming them as you do.  You can even use your hands physically to symbolically represent your laying down of each heavy weight.

3) Shred it.

I have written down past hurts on paper, even from childhood, that I've carried for too long.  I have prayed over them, crying as I listen to Tammy Trent's "I'm Letting Go."  Then I put that paper into my paper shredder and feel a release as it is eaten up.

Shalom prayer (based on the definition of Shalom)

Lord, Forgive me for not trusting in you nor seeking your peace.

Forgive me for trying to control my circumstances and not resting in you.

I pray that you would grant me shalom. 

Help me to seek your peace and pursue it.

I pray for completeness and wholeness in you. 

Grant me your peace, soundness, and safety.

I pray for spiritual, mental, and physical heath and welfare.  

May your tranquility within me be evident to others, 

and may your harmony through me bless others.  

Please bestow on me your rest and peace in the stormy moments and the still moments.

Amen.

Before and After File Cabinet

Here is an old file cabinet that I was allowed to use at work.  It looked to be 15-20 years old with crayon scribbles, dirt, and rust on it.  I spray painted it a bright cheery color called "Marigold."

Before and After Verses

I love a good before and after story!  I like those home makeover shows.  Well, I like just about any makeover show where anything is made over:  a room, a wardrobe, makeup or a hairstyle, a car, old furniture, or a life. I love the idea of taking something and making it better, renewing its purpose, or bringing new life to something.

Isn't the gospel story a before and after story?  God takes our sinful lives, we accept His love and forgiveness, and we are made new!  Maybe that's why I like before and after stories--they resemble the ultimate makeover--of our souls!

Here are some good before and after verses:

2 Corinthians 5:17

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Lamentations 3:22-23

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Ezekiel 36:26

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
  

^{Ephesians 4: 22-24}

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 15: 51

 ⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

Psalm 103:5

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 40:31

³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Romans 12:2

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

John 3:7

⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

1 Peter 1:23

²³ For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

 

Edible Flowers

I ate flowers for the first time in my life recently.  I didn't know it could be done!  My favorite chef brought them to me to put in the salad.  

I'm pretty sure these were pansies.  It turns out there are a lot of flowers you can eat, but I don't think I will be making a habit of it.

I prefer to admire their beauty more than eat them. 

A Joy High

"I am high,"  I told a coworker.  "High on joy!"

I had just taken part in one of the most uplifting activities I had ever experienced before in my life: our school's annual track meet.  I work at a school for children with special needs.  Every spring we have a track meet solely for our school's track team, which usually consists of around thirty children with ages anywhere from 9-19.  

My amazing friend spearheads the entire track season recruiting coaches, organizing students and transportation, and making sure all is in line to prepare the students for the regional and state Special Olympics for track.  She told me the story of how this particular track meet began.  A regional meet had been canceled due to the weather.  She knew the kids had practiced diligently and would be disappointed if they didn't have a chance to compete on a real track.  She called a local private Christian high school to ask if she could use the track one morning and permission was granted.  That is all she expected, but when she showed up with the children on the morning of the track meet, some of the students and faculty were there to support our students!

The track meet has developed into a day that is talked about year round by our students.  The entire student body of the high school shows up wearing our purple and green colors and shouting our cheers.  They form a human chain for our students to make a grand entrance into the stadium.  Each of our students has assigned to them a fan club which consists of around 8 students who have painted t-shirts and decorated signs with their athlete's name.  Over the loud speaker, a lively MC introduces each student with personal affirmation as well as commentates on each event.  The high school students run alongside our athletes yelling for them as if it were the fight of their lives.  Each track star, whether they receive a gold, silver, or bronze is cheered, given high fives, or even lifted up in celebration.  Parents and faculty hide tears behind sunglasses and students leave with t-shirts or crazy cartoonish hats from their fan club.  A certain race of one student with cerebral palsy who competed with no one but himself touched my heart.  He gave it all he had as the high schoolers ran beside him whooping and hollering.  The crowd loved it, and I admit I teared up a bit.

I left overjoyed and floating on cloud nine.  Isn't this a picture of how life should be?  Not just acceptance of others with special needs but love and encouragement that runs alongside them.  Isn't this too a picture of how we in the body of Christ should treat one another?

The only tough part is explaining to our students that no, their fan club won't be at the other track meets or practice!

Worth Fixing

I was tickling the ivories (well the fake ivories--the keyboard), when one cracked and broke off!  I was horrified!  I was convinced this was my keyboard's way of getting back at me for not playing often.  I took a picture of it, texted it to my mother, and asked if I could some day have the piano.  However, it was nothing that a little super glue couldn't fix! It was tricky opening the super glue bottle and trying to position the key perfectly, but now I can't even tell which key it was when I play.

Was it worth fixing?  The apartment neighbors may say no, but I say yes.

Our cars, our phones, our plumbing, and our furniture all need fixing at some point.  I just threw away a sweater that was past its prime.  Some things are worth fixing and some you just have to pass on or let go.  

Psalm 34: 18 (ESV)- "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Our bodies, our hearts, and our relationships need fixing to.  Sometimes we know and put off the fixing.  Sometimes we don't realize how bad the fixing is warranted.  We will occasionally have a dripping faucet in our bathtub, but one time it was a gullywasher coming out of it and would not turn off.  The maintenance man left an apology note with the work order the next day saying, "Sorry, I didn't realize it was that bad."

Psalm 147: 3 (ESV)-"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Is that what happens when we let a sickness or physical condition go on for too long--we didn't realize it was that bad?  Maybe we couldn't get anyone else to realize it was that bad.  I think many times our hearts are the last to be tended to, and we suppress the signs until it is really bad.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11(ESV)-"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

What about with relationships??  Specifically, what about marriage?  Is it worth fixing?  God thinks in most circumstances it is.  I hope that we will all take the time to maintain relationships with conversation, prayer, love, and kind deeds and encouragement.  When it needs fixing, will we take the time to bathe the situation in prayer or the Word, seek wise or professional counsel, and do the hard stuff like surrender and change?  I hope so, and I pray so.

Blessed to Give

A beautiful single rose was left in a tiny glass vase on the front door steps.  Or when her strength was sapped, sweet little Ms. Eva would call to tell her neighbors to clip a prized rose from the bush that stood at the edge of her yard.  This was a touching story told by my close friend about a woman who kept giving and shining even when she didn't have much strength or when it seemed she didn't have much to give.

My friend told me that Ms. Eva was in her own way showing the love of Christ and sharing what she had been given.  This spoke beyond words and left a memory even after Ms. Eva moved out of the neighborhood and into a nursing home.  I was encouraged by this story and reminded that I too need to give what I have been entrusted with.

I recall being jealous of others when I was younger and even despairing over having no talents.  After a trip to Chicago where I was questioned about my passion, calling, and gifting and after many wrestling prayers, God led me to see clearly what those were.  I have a passion for helping children and I was led by a mentor to a ministry at church worshiping with and teaching children.  I work in the field of speech therapy which I feel was a calling to help children with special needs.  I was asked to help a friend through seminary by editing her papers--a way to use my gifts.  

Please help me Lord, not to covet the gifts you have given others.  Please help me to appreciate and use the gifts you have given me to honor you and bless others.  Forgive me for complaining when my schedule is super busy, my job is extremely challenging, or my heart is selfish with your gifts.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6  "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."

Snow in the South

We had a White Christmas in the South!  I enjoyed taking pictures which is one of my favorite ways to play in the snow!

Hearing from Him

I revisited an old journal from 2005 which greatly encouraged me to continue journaling.  I appreciate being able to look back and see what the Lord has taught me (and what I have forgotten that He taught me).  

It took me hours of trying to be still to hear God.  I read from Streams in the Desert about someone's struggle to block out the noise and be still.  It's not easy.  I fell asleep.  I was interrupted by three phone calls.  The neighbors seemed to be restless--but so was my spirit.  I said, 'Lord, I can't find you.  Where are you?  Speak to me.'  I kept wanting to speak for Him.  After hours, I got on my knees in utter defeat, hunger, and frustration.  I pictured myself hiding in the shadow of His wings.  I began to feel warmth and comfort.  I feel that He wants me to know 'I will take care of you.'  Thank you, Lord.

Without the Lord, everything is wrong.  With the Lord, as I read His word, it all begins to melt away.  My worries, that is, seem to fade into the background.  My need for perfection, and distress by the lack of, is dissolved.  As I read God's word, I see what is really important.  His holiness outshines the idiosyncrasies.  He changes my attitude.