it's Wednesday, but this one has been in my mind for awhile now.
Superman has amazing powers. We all know that. For those of you who do not know, Superman derives his power from the yellow sun of our planet. His planet, Krypton, has a red sun, and thru the science of comic book lore, the yellow sun affects him down to the molecular level.
The point about Superman I am trying to make is that his power is a part of him. He has it when he wakes up, when he sleeps (which he technically doesn’t need to do), when he eats (which he doesn’t need either), it is just there. He does not need to charge it up, measure it, and make time for it. It is part of his being.
There is another member of the Justice League you may not be as familiar with. (Well there are several, but for today’s purposes, we will focus on only one.) The Green Lantern, or Hal Jordan as his friends call him, also has some pretty incredible super powers. He can manipulate light into any shape he can imagine, from comically large hammers that would certainly leave a dent, to submarines so he can travel under water, to a coating around himself that enables him to fly. Really pretty cool comic nerd stuff. But Hal’s power does not come from himself. His power is derived from a ring he wears. The ring was provided to him by an elusive group of aliens known at “The Guardians” (Not the same Guardians as in theaters). The thing about the ring is that, its power is finite. It is like a battery. In more than one comic, Hal has run into some pretty serious trouble as the power in his ring fizzles out. He has to make sure to charge it. To charge it is pretty simple, he has to hold it next to, (did you guess it?) a green lantern. Fairly simple, uncomplicated, and immense good will come to him and those around him if he takes the five minutes to do it.
Now you have a glimpse of the vast amounts of brain space taken up by comic knowledge in my head. If you need another demonstration, please ask.
So imagine you salvation is like Superman. It is a part of you. Once you encounter the “Sun” you are forever changed, down to a molecular level. There is nothing you can say, do, not do that will change it. You are His. The power to overcome sin and death is part of you. Whether you choose to interact with it on a daily basis or not, is up to you, but it is still there, waiting, sitting idle. And that is simply amazing to me.
But what if we went beyond Superman for a moment? What if there is more power that we don’t realize?
Imagine that prayer, yes simple prayer, is your green lantern, your ring of power? When we take five minutes, ten minutes, any minutes at all, to slow down, and actually talk to God, the charge that is loaded into our lives, our hearts, and our “ring” is astounding.
Personally, I have realized that I don’t do this. I rest on my faith. I KNOW down to a molecular level that God is in charge of things. That He has a plan, and will work it out. I have Superman faith.
But I don’t pray. Oh, I do the “God bless them” “God please touch them” prayers. But I don’t PRAY. I don’t lay it all down and let the Guardian handle it.
There is power in prayer. I believe that. The Bible says so. My mom says so. My Grandma said so.
So the question is: why don’t I do it?
This is my challenge to myself, not just this year, but this month, this week, and this day. To open myself up to it, to open myself up to the possibilities, to see what will happen, and then sit back and watch him move.
To pray.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
From November 20, 2012
Mondays with Mary: My weekly rant
I have warned my children several times to never start a sentence with “you said.” More times than I can count, they have gone into another room and said “mom said”
This is a very dangerous practice, to quote someone directly, but falsely. It is such a serious offense it is against the law. If done enough, and in a public enough manner, you can be made to pay hefty fines, or even spend time in jail.
You may wonder why I even bring this topic up.
... During election season, direct quotes are a hot topic. One word out of place can change the entire meaning of a sentence, and one sentence taken out of context can change the entire meaning of a statement.
To go to a very good friend of mines house, I drive past a church. For months this church had signs in front of their building that said “What did you do with the vote I gave you? –God”
I am not a theologian. I don’t profess to be.
But I do know this. Never once in the Bible does God say this. It is a direct misquote.
But it is more than that. It is a breaking of a commandment. Exodus 20:7 says “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
We commonly refer to this as not swearing. That is true too, but it goes deeper than that. To misuse the name of the Lord is to also misquote him, to make up things that are not said in scripture.
There is a huge difference between knowing what the intent of the Bible is, and how a certain topic fits into the overarching theme, and trying to say that you know something that somehow others are not privy to.
We can rest securely in the promises that are in the Bible. God’s word is true. We can dig deep and glean tons from it. But we do not have to add to it. God does not need our help. He does not need us to shove our beliefs down someone else’s throat, or to pass judgment on someone who does not hold those same beliefs. If you truly are concerned for someone, pray for them, spend time getting to know them, and show God’s love to them. Don’t judge. Don’t blame.
And most certainly, remember that God reaches and convicts everyone at different points in their spiritual journey.
That, my dears, is what grace is about.
I have warned my children several times to never start a sentence with “you said.” More times than I can count, they have gone into another room and said “mom said”
This is a very dangerous practice, to quote someone directly, but falsely. It is such a serious offense it is against the law. If done enough, and in a public enough manner, you can be made to pay hefty fines, or even spend time in jail.
You may wonder why I even bring this topic up.
... During election season, direct quotes are a hot topic. One word out of place can change the entire meaning of a sentence, and one sentence taken out of context can change the entire meaning of a statement.
To go to a very good friend of mines house, I drive past a church. For months this church had signs in front of their building that said “What did you do with the vote I gave you? –God”
I am not a theologian. I don’t profess to be.
But I do know this. Never once in the Bible does God say this. It is a direct misquote.
But it is more than that. It is a breaking of a commandment. Exodus 20:7 says “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
We commonly refer to this as not swearing. That is true too, but it goes deeper than that. To misuse the name of the Lord is to also misquote him, to make up things that are not said in scripture.
There is a huge difference between knowing what the intent of the Bible is, and how a certain topic fits into the overarching theme, and trying to say that you know something that somehow others are not privy to.
We can rest securely in the promises that are in the Bible. God’s word is true. We can dig deep and glean tons from it. But we do not have to add to it. God does not need our help. He does not need us to shove our beliefs down someone else’s throat, or to pass judgment on someone who does not hold those same beliefs. If you truly are concerned for someone, pray for them, spend time getting to know them, and show God’s love to them. Don’t judge. Don’t blame.
And most certainly, remember that God reaches and convicts everyone at different points in their spiritual journey.
That, my dears, is what grace is about.
From October 1, 2012
Mondays with Mary
Dylon is my baby. Well, not so much, but still. He is four. He will be five this month. I find that very hard to believe. ( I am fully aware that several of you have children much older, but this is mine )
Dylon is a cutie. We were getting out of the car the other day, and walking into a store. He grabbed a hold of my hand and said "Mom, I love you, you're the best. Without you I would be nothing."
Talk about melting my heart!
The sentiment was cute and adorable, but it struck a cord with me. It made me think again about how much we would be nothing with out God. How we can go thru life, go thru the motions, doing the day to day patterns, but not really living it to the full.
... With out Him, we are nothing. Even if we still go to work, school, church, errands, and everywhere else, but are we taking him with us?
I want to be
Dylon is my baby. Well, not so much, but still. He is four. He will be five this month. I find that very hard to believe. ( I am fully aware that several of you have children much older, but this is mine )
Dylon is a cutie. We were getting out of the car the other day, and walking into a store. He grabbed a hold of my hand and said "Mom, I love you, you're the best. Without you I would be nothing."
Talk about melting my heart!
The sentiment was cute and adorable, but it struck a cord with me. It made me think again about how much we would be nothing with out God. How we can go thru life, go thru the motions, doing the day to day patterns, but not really living it to the full.
... With out Him, we are nothing. Even if we still go to work, school, church, errands, and everywhere else, but are we taking him with us?
I want to be
From September 24
Well, it sure has been awhile, but today is Monday, so why not a little "Monday's with Mary"? See why we can't call it mornings with Mary?
I have been thinking a lot lately about destination, verses journey as well as the journey verses the route taken to get there.
I could take a plane to the top of Mt Everest and parachute in to the summit. (In theory, since I don't enjoy flying and am fairly certain I would enjoy falling even less)
When I got to the summit, there is no question that the view would be astounding. It would be amazing. Amazing and breath-taking. So breath-taking, that I would probably die, or come very close to it.
That is not a joke. Part of the journey to the summit it going up, and then back down. Then up, and then back down. They do this for days, even weeks to train their bodies, as well as their minds for the task ahead of them.
The experienced climber recognizes the folly in pushing straight to the goal, without thought or care. The experienced climber also takes a guide with him. A guide who’s only job in life is to take people up, and back down. Not for the glory of saying he has climbed the mountain 50 times in his life, but for the purpose of training and protecting the other travelers.
Can you imagine that? Can you imagine going thru what many who have accomplished it to be the single most grueling experience of their lives? The guide goes thru it again and again. Not for his glory or fame. We all heard about the 12 year old who had climbed all the major peaks. Did anyone realize there were something like 20 crew members with him and his dad? I don’t remember seeing any of the crew on the Today Show.
I know those may seem like two random and different thoughts. Let me explain.
I have no idea where my summit will be, but I do know, down to my very cells that when I get there, the view will be astounding. It will be worth the struggle, the up and down, the pain, the training, all of it.
Part of my training and struggle right now comes in small ways. I painted my bedroom. No big deal, right? With each brush stroke, I could feel myself taking that one step up, then the next. I am moving forward.
When I settle down into my base camp at night, I take a moment to look at where I came from. What is behind, and to look ahead, to where I am going.
And I have a guide. He knows the way. Even in the toughest storm, he knows the way to the summit. He has been there before, and will be again. I have complete faith in His ability to train, guide, nurture and protect me, and my crew.
As for my crew, well they are amazing. Even if I never were to reach that “summit” the view from where I sit is still pretty astounding.
We learn on the journey. We grow. We are tested. We fail. We pass. We fall. We get back up. The journey is where God is. Where he reaches out and holds us.
So as much as I would love to just get to the top and check it off and call it done, I thank God that He has a better plan.
I have been thinking a lot lately about destination, verses journey as well as the journey verses the route taken to get there.
I could take a plane to the top of Mt Everest and parachute in to the summit. (In theory, since I don't enjoy flying and am fairly certain I would enjoy falling even less)
When I got to the summit, there is no question that the view would be astounding. It would be amazing. Amazing and breath-taking. So breath-taking, that I would probably die, or come very close to it.
That is not a joke. Part of the journey to the summit it going up, and then back down. Then up, and then back down. They do this for days, even weeks to train their bodies, as well as their minds for the task ahead of them.
The experienced climber recognizes the folly in pushing straight to the goal, without thought or care. The experienced climber also takes a guide with him. A guide who’s only job in life is to take people up, and back down. Not for the glory of saying he has climbed the mountain 50 times in his life, but for the purpose of training and protecting the other travelers.
Can you imagine that? Can you imagine going thru what many who have accomplished it to be the single most grueling experience of their lives? The guide goes thru it again and again. Not for his glory or fame. We all heard about the 12 year old who had climbed all the major peaks. Did anyone realize there were something like 20 crew members with him and his dad? I don’t remember seeing any of the crew on the Today Show.
I know those may seem like two random and different thoughts. Let me explain.
I have no idea where my summit will be, but I do know, down to my very cells that when I get there, the view will be astounding. It will be worth the struggle, the up and down, the pain, the training, all of it.
Part of my training and struggle right now comes in small ways. I painted my bedroom. No big deal, right? With each brush stroke, I could feel myself taking that one step up, then the next. I am moving forward.
When I settle down into my base camp at night, I take a moment to look at where I came from. What is behind, and to look ahead, to where I am going.
And I have a guide. He knows the way. Even in the toughest storm, he knows the way to the summit. He has been there before, and will be again. I have complete faith in His ability to train, guide, nurture and protect me, and my crew.
As for my crew, well they are amazing. Even if I never were to reach that “summit” the view from where I sit is still pretty astounding.
We learn on the journey. We grow. We are tested. We fail. We pass. We fall. We get back up. The journey is where God is. Where he reaches out and holds us.
So as much as I would love to just get to the top and check it off and call it done, I thank God that He has a better plan.
From May 21, 2012
It is Monday, in case that has in some way escaped your notice.
If you are looking for something comical, I am sorry to disappoint you, but not this week. Maybe next week. :-)
Today I watched my oldest child “graduate” from 5th grade. This marks a special day for our family, as this is the only year that Ty and Wy will walk the halls of the same school. Wy and D never will. And the next time that Wy and Ry do, they will be a senior and freshman in high school. I am really not ready for that!
But Wyatt’s class holds a special place in my heart. They were the first group of kids I got to be a “school mom” with. I have worked in their classes for six years, and I have loved watching them grow.
There is one little girl in the class that I would like to tell you about. When they were in Kdg and just learning how to read, she was falling behind. Her scores were very low; she was shy, withdrawn, and did not engage very often in class discussions. When I asked the teacher about her, she told me that her mom was a nurse who worked second shift. Her only sibling was a sister who was one year older, and as much as she tried to read her books with her, she didn’t have the fluency to make the story flow. Their care giver in the evening was their Grandma, who loved them and took great care, but only spoke Spanish, and therefore was unable to help with homework. My heart broke for her; it seemed to me she wasn’t even being given a chance. So when the teacher asked me if I would be willing to read thru her books before each test, I readily agreed. The change in her test scores was drastic and immediate. The social change in her was not as immediate, but no less significant.
Today, I watched this little girl (along with my son and many others) receive the Presidential Excellence in Education Award. To be completely honest, I was a bit teary eyed. While I am in no way taking credit for her intelligence and hard work, I was wondering if things would be different if I, and several other moms, had said, “no way, she’s not my kid, not my problem” to or about her along the way. If I had decided I had my own kids, in my own yard to focus all of my energy on, and therefore I was unable to pour into any others? I really don’t think that is what God has in mind for us. We are to care for those around us, to see a need and meet if we are at all capable. We are very good at doing this for those in the church. We are great at seeing a need on the other side of the world and holding carwashes and bake sales to fix it. That is all great. But sometimes the need is much simpler, and much, much closer to home. Do you have a neighbor kid that every time your child steps outside they show up? Have you ever wondered what it is like at home that they don’t want to be there? Does that same kid ask for a snack or food every time, or hug you on the playground at school? Ever wonder when they last ate, or last received some affection? I wonder these things all the time. As much as I am aware that I cannot fix every problem, and as talked about before, sometimes I say no, I still look for these opportunities around me on a regular basis.
So I ask you this, who have you hugged today, that is in no way connected to you? Is there someone you should?
If you are looking for something comical, I am sorry to disappoint you, but not this week. Maybe next week. :-)
Today I watched my oldest child “graduate” from 5th grade. This marks a special day for our family, as this is the only year that Ty and Wy will walk the halls of the same school. Wy and D never will. And the next time that Wy and Ry do, they will be a senior and freshman in high school. I am really not ready for that!
But Wyatt’s class holds a special place in my heart. They were the first group of kids I got to be a “school mom” with. I have worked in their classes for six years, and I have loved watching them grow.
There is one little girl in the class that I would like to tell you about. When they were in Kdg and just learning how to read, she was falling behind. Her scores were very low; she was shy, withdrawn, and did not engage very often in class discussions. When I asked the teacher about her, she told me that her mom was a nurse who worked second shift. Her only sibling was a sister who was one year older, and as much as she tried to read her books with her, she didn’t have the fluency to make the story flow. Their care giver in the evening was their Grandma, who loved them and took great care, but only spoke Spanish, and therefore was unable to help with homework. My heart broke for her; it seemed to me she wasn’t even being given a chance. So when the teacher asked me if I would be willing to read thru her books before each test, I readily agreed. The change in her test scores was drastic and immediate. The social change in her was not as immediate, but no less significant.
Today, I watched this little girl (along with my son and many others) receive the Presidential Excellence in Education Award. To be completely honest, I was a bit teary eyed. While I am in no way taking credit for her intelligence and hard work, I was wondering if things would be different if I, and several other moms, had said, “no way, she’s not my kid, not my problem” to or about her along the way. If I had decided I had my own kids, in my own yard to focus all of my energy on, and therefore I was unable to pour into any others? I really don’t think that is what God has in mind for us. We are to care for those around us, to see a need and meet if we are at all capable. We are very good at doing this for those in the church. We are great at seeing a need on the other side of the world and holding carwashes and bake sales to fix it. That is all great. But sometimes the need is much simpler, and much, much closer to home. Do you have a neighbor kid that every time your child steps outside they show up? Have you ever wondered what it is like at home that they don’t want to be there? Does that same kid ask for a snack or food every time, or hug you on the playground at school? Ever wonder when they last ate, or last received some affection? I wonder these things all the time. As much as I am aware that I cannot fix every problem, and as talked about before, sometimes I say no, I still look for these opportunities around me on a regular basis.
So I ask you this, who have you hugged today, that is in no way connected to you? Is there someone you should?
From May 14, 2012
Well, It is Monday again, as it was just pointed out to me.
Today, I had the opportunity to go on field trip/ class outing number 5 and 6 (I think) of either 10 or 11, in the last, current, and next weeks. Just for fun, I decided to throw a craft sale, prom alterations, a nasty flu, mother's day, laundry, dishes, general house maintainence, oh, and a husband in Afghanistan.
No big deal right?
It has come to my attention that I can't do it all. I am also learning that I am not a failure as a mom if I don't attend EVERY event that my children are involved in. I don't really have a great or deep spiritual lesson to go with it, I am sure Davella could find some verse to back me up.
I opted this morning to stay home. I used the time to catch up on some laundry, and some zzzzz's. I t...hen met my beautiful daughter and her class for lunch and a hike. It was fun. I was able to be present for her, hug on the other kid that was field tripping too, and also get some work done, have a rest, and some fun.
Being a Mommy is the best thing in the world. But it is a balancing act every day. I am still trying to learn it. I am sure you are too.
In my opinion, we, as women, and as moms, need to give each other permission to not be perfect. To not have 100% attendance in every activity, every time.
Kelli gave me that permission on Saturday. It sounds silly, but I really needed to here that it was ok to take a break.
So, I guess that is what I want this weeks lesson to be. It is ok to say no.
You have permission. I have permission. We all have permission to say no, it is too much, or, I just need a break.
So, go put on your yoga pants, grab a good book, and say no. Even if it is just for a couple of minutes.
Today, I had the opportunity to go on field trip/ class outing number 5 and 6 (I think) of either 10 or 11, in the last, current, and next weeks. Just for fun, I decided to throw a craft sale, prom alterations, a nasty flu, mother's day, laundry, dishes, general house maintainence, oh, and a husband in Afghanistan.
No big deal right?
It has come to my attention that I can't do it all. I am also learning that I am not a failure as a mom if I don't attend EVERY event that my children are involved in. I don't really have a great or deep spiritual lesson to go with it, I am sure Davella could find some verse to back me up.
I opted this morning to stay home. I used the time to catch up on some laundry, and some zzzzz's. I t...hen met my beautiful daughter and her class for lunch and a hike. It was fun. I was able to be present for her, hug on the other kid that was field tripping too, and also get some work done, have a rest, and some fun.
Being a Mommy is the best thing in the world. But it is a balancing act every day. I am still trying to learn it. I am sure you are too.
In my opinion, we, as women, and as moms, need to give each other permission to not be perfect. To not have 100% attendance in every activity, every time.
Kelli gave me that permission on Saturday. It sounds silly, but I really needed to here that it was ok to take a break.
So, I guess that is what I want this weeks lesson to be. It is ok to say no.
You have permission. I have permission. We all have permission to say no, it is too much, or, I just need a break.
So, go put on your yoga pants, grab a good book, and say no. Even if it is just for a couple of minutes.
From May 28, 2012
We have all bought a super cute shirt, only to show it to our friend and hear “really?” or some equivalent of that. As women we tend to shop in packs, or at least duos. We consult each other on where to eat, what to wear, what movies to watch, or books to read. We are continuously seeking advice and approval from our peers.
Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 24:6, Proverbs 11:14 and many, many more scriptures refer to seeking counsel. The Bible does warn us about seeking the advice of fools, Isaiah 11:19 and Proverbs 12:14 are just two examples.
Rylee is 8. This past week she helped me to pick out a swimming suit. I love it. When she was 4, I never would have asked her advice. She would have dressed me in Care Bears or Strawberry Shortcake. When she was 6, it would have been... Barbie or Polly Pocket, or something equally outrageous. Not wise counsel.
When we are having problems with our children, let’s not call on the friend who is not a mother and ask advice. Let’s call on the friend who is one, two, or maybe several stages ahead of us in the parenting journey. The ones who have weathered this storm, and many more, and have come thru as shining examples, even if there are a few dents, of what God can do.
If we are having financial problems, let’s not call on the people who helped us get there. Let’s call someone who has been thru it and come out successfully on the other side.
If our marriage is struggling, please, ladies, please, be careful who we speak to about it. Our culture is so wrong and so backwards on so many levels of this. Please seek the counsel, comfort and advice of Godly women who are going to affirm your marriage, your husband, and you, and lift it all up in prayer.
Please seek women who know and understand God’s design for marriage is to grow and mature us in our faith and in our relationship with Him, not always to make us “happy.” Happiness is most often involved, as is joy, patience, anger, frustration, peace, and so many more emotions that flow thru us.
I have spent much time in the last several weeks thinking of marriages, and praying for them. I have some dear friends whose marriages are under direct attack. Mine as well. If the devil can destroy or marriages, he can rock our faith in a way that nothing else does. Please be strong. Please be patient, kind, not envy, not boast, not proud, not dishonoring, and not self seeking, not easily angered, and keep no record of wrongs, do not delight in evil, but always rejoice in truth, always protect, trust, hope and persevere, and never fail.
I know is sounds like a lot. Too much even, but if we lift each other up in prayer, and support each other thru the hard times, God will help us thru. Because he promised, and He cannot lie.
I know I am not the only one who has these troubles. Keep that Godly counsel around you.
God has a plan.
Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 24:6, Proverbs 11:14 and many, many more scriptures refer to seeking counsel. The Bible does warn us about seeking the advice of fools, Isaiah 11:19 and Proverbs 12:14 are just two examples.
Rylee is 8. This past week she helped me to pick out a swimming suit. I love it. When she was 4, I never would have asked her advice. She would have dressed me in Care Bears or Strawberry Shortcake. When she was 6, it would have been... Barbie or Polly Pocket, or something equally outrageous. Not wise counsel.
When we are having problems with our children, let’s not call on the friend who is not a mother and ask advice. Let’s call on the friend who is one, two, or maybe several stages ahead of us in the parenting journey. The ones who have weathered this storm, and many more, and have come thru as shining examples, even if there are a few dents, of what God can do.
If we are having financial problems, let’s not call on the people who helped us get there. Let’s call someone who has been thru it and come out successfully on the other side.
If our marriage is struggling, please, ladies, please, be careful who we speak to about it. Our culture is so wrong and so backwards on so many levels of this. Please seek the counsel, comfort and advice of Godly women who are going to affirm your marriage, your husband, and you, and lift it all up in prayer.
Please seek women who know and understand God’s design for marriage is to grow and mature us in our faith and in our relationship with Him, not always to make us “happy.” Happiness is most often involved, as is joy, patience, anger, frustration, peace, and so many more emotions that flow thru us.
I have spent much time in the last several weeks thinking of marriages, and praying for them. I have some dear friends whose marriages are under direct attack. Mine as well. If the devil can destroy or marriages, he can rock our faith in a way that nothing else does. Please be strong. Please be patient, kind, not envy, not boast, not proud, not dishonoring, and not self seeking, not easily angered, and keep no record of wrongs, do not delight in evil, but always rejoice in truth, always protect, trust, hope and persevere, and never fail.
I know is sounds like a lot. Too much even, but if we lift each other up in prayer, and support each other thru the hard times, God will help us thru. Because he promised, and He cannot lie.
I know I am not the only one who has these troubles. Keep that Godly counsel around you.
God has a plan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)