Mid-afternoon Musings
It's cold today. Only 50, with a cloudy sky. Lest you think I am a wimp saying that 50 is cold, it's gotta be not much warmer than that inside. Okay, so I'm exaggerating a little bit, but you get the point. So, I have carved out a nice little spot on the couch right next to the heater, and my feet are finally starting to thaw out. It feels great! In case you hadn't figured this out from any of my previous posts, I'm definitely one of those people who is always cold. And hates being cold. Not a good combination. So with the heater crankin' right next to me, I'm a happy camper!
Taylor is sleeping, so I am working on some notes that I'll be teaching next internship. No, I am an over-achiever and trying to meet deadlines months in advance. One of our big projects for this break between internships is to compile notes for the entire curriculum so that we can print them off (or put them on CD), and hand it to the new interns upon their arrival. This probably wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Andy's faithful and diligent work on the matter. Neither Aaron nor I have the time and energy to devote to the whole project; we are so thankful for a team around us to help!
So, on a completely different note, let me leave you with a quote for the day:
Being a good cook has very little to do with the ability to successfully follow a recipe, though this is indeed a valuable and necessary skill to master. Being a good cook has everything to do with knowing a good recipe when you see one, and the ability to create a good recipe when the one you're looking for doesn't exist.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Audience of One
Many of the THOP staff are away this week on vacation ("holiday", for you kiwis out there reading this!), so the numbers in the prayer room have been a bit more sparse than usual. Before I led intercession this morning, I spoke for a minute to those who were there and encouraged them about the glory of ministering before the Audience of one. I, myself, need to be reminded of this, too - that we do what we do not because there is a room full of people to lead in intercession, but because there is one Man sitting on one throne who loves the sound of our voice and who is worthy of our adoration. Whether the room is empty or packed really doesn't matter at all; that's not the reason we do what we do. I am reminded even as I write this about those early days in Kansas City (especially on the night watch) when there would literally be no one in the room except the worship team. But that never changed what we did; it simply didn't matter that there was no one else there. The glory of those years (and this season now here in NZ) is that we get to learn value of ministering to His heart without the distraction of onlookers. We carry our reward on the inside - encounter with Him. We tell this to our team here all the time - that in a minute these years will be over and you'll want this time back; so don't waste it. I have to say, there is a hidden glory to being in the "little, rough, and ugly" Bethlehem stable; in the "ship being built at sea".
Many of the THOP staff are away this week on vacation ("holiday", for you kiwis out there reading this!), so the numbers in the prayer room have been a bit more sparse than usual. Before I led intercession this morning, I spoke for a minute to those who were there and encouraged them about the glory of ministering before the Audience of one. I, myself, need to be reminded of this, too - that we do what we do not because there is a room full of people to lead in intercession, but because there is one Man sitting on one throne who loves the sound of our voice and who is worthy of our adoration. Whether the room is empty or packed really doesn't matter at all; that's not the reason we do what we do. I am reminded even as I write this about those early days in Kansas City (especially on the night watch) when there would literally be no one in the room except the worship team. But that never changed what we did; it simply didn't matter that there was no one else there. The glory of those years (and this season now here in NZ) is that we get to learn value of ministering to His heart without the distraction of onlookers. We carry our reward on the inside - encounter with Him. We tell this to our team here all the time - that in a minute these years will be over and you'll want this time back; so don't waste it. I have to say, there is a hidden glory to being in the "little, rough, and ugly" Bethlehem stable; in the "ship being built at sea".
Monday, June 25, 2007
Mommy, I have a stuffy nose!
Taylor has been feeling a bit under the weather the last couple days. Nothing major - just a little stuffy nose - but enough that by 4am last night, she called out to me and told me she was having a hard time sleeping because of her nose. Poor girl! So I scooped her up in my arms and brought her into Mommy and Daddy's bed, proped up her head on pillows, and before I knew it, both she (and I) were fast asleep. She slept great until the alarm woke us up at 7am. We only let her come into bed with us when there's a really good reason - like if she's sick or really scared about something - which almost never happens. I can probably count on one hand the number of times she has slept with us at night - and the good thing is that she never even asks to, either. She's such a good little girl! And I guess since it is such a rare occurrence, there's part of me that really likes it when she comes in bed with us and I get to cuddle with her......that is, unitl she moves over and starts stealing my pillows! :-) After a few doses of medicine and lots of mandarines and vitamin-C fortified fruit juice all day, she's still not feeling too much better, but hopefully by the morning she'll be on the mend.
Taylor has been feeling a bit under the weather the last couple days. Nothing major - just a little stuffy nose - but enough that by 4am last night, she called out to me and told me she was having a hard time sleeping because of her nose. Poor girl! So I scooped her up in my arms and brought her into Mommy and Daddy's bed, proped up her head on pillows, and before I knew it, both she (and I) were fast asleep. She slept great until the alarm woke us up at 7am. We only let her come into bed with us when there's a really good reason - like if she's sick or really scared about something - which almost never happens. I can probably count on one hand the number of times she has slept with us at night - and the good thing is that she never even asks to, either. She's such a good little girl! And I guess since it is such a rare occurrence, there's part of me that really likes it when she comes in bed with us and I get to cuddle with her......that is, unitl she moves over and starts stealing my pillows! :-) After a few doses of medicine and lots of mandarines and vitamin-C fortified fruit juice all day, she's still not feeling too much better, but hopefully by the morning she'll be on the mend.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The winds are still blowing......
The title to my previous post was not only figurative, but quite literal as well. The wind has been blowing all day yesterday, all night last night, all of today, and is forecasted to not stop for another 24 hours or so. I don't think it's been this windy since we moved here.
Well, seeing as how that was completely useless information, how 'bout something slightly more relevant? Yesterday in the mail I received my acceptance letter for my residence visa - "in principle", to quote the words of the immigration office. I need to send them my passport and more money, and then at that time, they will put my resident visa in my passport, which is valid for 2 years. At that point, I need to send them more money, fill out another short form (basically to prove to them that I still live here, am paying taxes, and all that important stuff), at which point......well, who knows what happens after that. Maybe at that point the paperwork and fees will come to and end and I can stay here indefinitely. Who knows. But anyways, it's nice to know that my application was accepted with no hiccups, and that I am free to stay here for at least another 2 years without having to think about immigration. Yet another milestone has been reached.
So, between that and the internship graduation, yesterday was quite a big day! Speaking of the graduation, it was an awesome night in which we got to celebrate and honor the 9 interns who have journeyed with us here for these last 5 months. It was good to have a night with our little community outside the walls of the prayer room to enjoy being together and celebrating and having fun. I think that anyone who has spent any amount of time in an intense, praying community will attest to the fact that feasting and celebrating together is just as important as fasting and praying together.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a much-needed restful day, and then it all goes into high gear on Monday, beginning the process of getting ready for this next group of interns who come in just over a month. Never a dull moment around here!
The title to my previous post was not only figurative, but quite literal as well. The wind has been blowing all day yesterday, all night last night, all of today, and is forecasted to not stop for another 24 hours or so. I don't think it's been this windy since we moved here.
Well, seeing as how that was completely useless information, how 'bout something slightly more relevant? Yesterday in the mail I received my acceptance letter for my residence visa - "in principle", to quote the words of the immigration office. I need to send them my passport and more money, and then at that time, they will put my resident visa in my passport, which is valid for 2 years. At that point, I need to send them more money, fill out another short form (basically to prove to them that I still live here, am paying taxes, and all that important stuff), at which point......well, who knows what happens after that. Maybe at that point the paperwork and fees will come to and end and I can stay here indefinitely. Who knows. But anyways, it's nice to know that my application was accepted with no hiccups, and that I am free to stay here for at least another 2 years without having to think about immigration. Yet another milestone has been reached.
So, between that and the internship graduation, yesterday was quite a big day! Speaking of the graduation, it was an awesome night in which we got to celebrate and honor the 9 interns who have journeyed with us here for these last 5 months. It was good to have a night with our little community outside the walls of the prayer room to enjoy being together and celebrating and having fun. I think that anyone who has spent any amount of time in an intense, praying community will attest to the fact that feasting and celebrating together is just as important as fasting and praying together.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a much-needed restful day, and then it all goes into high gear on Monday, beginning the process of getting ready for this next group of interns who come in just over a month. Never a dull moment around here!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The winds of change are blowing
Today was the last class of this internship; I still can't believe that this is our 3rd class to finish since we moved here! Internship graduations seem to be milestones for our community; a time to reflect on the kindness and sovereignty of the Lord as He establishes His house in our city. And of course it's also a time to celebrate and honor the young men and women who have come here either for a short season or for a long-term season to set themselves before the Lord and to cry out on behalf of a city and nation that need Jesus desperately. Tomorrow's graduation seems to come at a time of great transition for our community. The most apparent, visible expression of this transition will most likely be our move into a new building, but I have a sense that this evident sign of transition is but a picture of a greater transition which is happening in a realm unseen by human eyes. I don't have full understanding of what it all looks like and what it all means, so I'll leave my comments at that. But when you think of us in this next month, please pray. For provisoin and clear direction for a new building. For grace to pray. For wisdom to discern the season we are in and the understanding to respond correctly. That not one would be left behind in the transition. For this coming group of interns that will arrive here within the next month. And that we as a community would walk with our eyes fixed upon Jesus and that love would abound in our hearts still more and more for Him. Amen.
Today was the last class of this internship; I still can't believe that this is our 3rd class to finish since we moved here! Internship graduations seem to be milestones for our community; a time to reflect on the kindness and sovereignty of the Lord as He establishes His house in our city. And of course it's also a time to celebrate and honor the young men and women who have come here either for a short season or for a long-term season to set themselves before the Lord and to cry out on behalf of a city and nation that need Jesus desperately. Tomorrow's graduation seems to come at a time of great transition for our community. The most apparent, visible expression of this transition will most likely be our move into a new building, but I have a sense that this evident sign of transition is but a picture of a greater transition which is happening in a realm unseen by human eyes. I don't have full understanding of what it all looks like and what it all means, so I'll leave my comments at that. But when you think of us in this next month, please pray. For provisoin and clear direction for a new building. For grace to pray. For wisdom to discern the season we are in and the understanding to respond correctly. That not one would be left behind in the transition. For this coming group of interns that will arrive here within the next month. And that we as a community would walk with our eyes fixed upon Jesus and that love would abound in our hearts still more and more for Him. Amen.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Long Week
Wow. It's been a full-on week. And it's not done yet. I feel like I've barely had time to sit down and think, let alone spend considerable time with Jesus. I think I need to change that (at least the latter point).......and change it fast.
This is the last week of the internship, and I've been facilitating class - which has been really fun! This is my favorite week of class of the whole internship. Each day we put a couple of interns in the "hot seat", and everyone else speaks words of encouragement to them; areas of growth they've seen in them over the last 5 months, things they appreciate about that person, giftings or callings they see on that person's life, etc. One of the things I love the most is hearing how people have had an impact on other people's lives, and celebrating the growth that has happened in each person as they have sat before the Lord and allowed Him to change them. It's awesome.
Today I also led an extra worship set, as there are many worship leaders who are sick and unable to lead. I think that the weather certainly hasn't helped that; today was another cold, rainy day in which the heater was an absolute necessity. Breathing all the cold air at night certainly doesn't help the throats, either - but we won't get started on the lack-of-central-heat issue again! :-) Fortunately, the wind has shifted to a northerly, so it's actually much milder now at 10pm than it has been all day. Like I said before, at least the nasty weather doesn't hang around for long when it does come!
And seeing as how it's past 10pm, I need to think about finishing up my day so I can get off to bed before too long. I haven't been feeling 100% either, and really can't afford to be getting myself sick. No sleep-ins for me tomorrow - it's an early morning, 'cuz I lead at 8am. Time now to prepare for my devo in the morning. 'Night!
Wow. It's been a full-on week. And it's not done yet. I feel like I've barely had time to sit down and think, let alone spend considerable time with Jesus. I think I need to change that (at least the latter point).......and change it fast.
This is the last week of the internship, and I've been facilitating class - which has been really fun! This is my favorite week of class of the whole internship. Each day we put a couple of interns in the "hot seat", and everyone else speaks words of encouragement to them; areas of growth they've seen in them over the last 5 months, things they appreciate about that person, giftings or callings they see on that person's life, etc. One of the things I love the most is hearing how people have had an impact on other people's lives, and celebrating the growth that has happened in each person as they have sat before the Lord and allowed Him to change them. It's awesome.
Today I also led an extra worship set, as there are many worship leaders who are sick and unable to lead. I think that the weather certainly hasn't helped that; today was another cold, rainy day in which the heater was an absolute necessity. Breathing all the cold air at night certainly doesn't help the throats, either - but we won't get started on the lack-of-central-heat issue again! :-) Fortunately, the wind has shifted to a northerly, so it's actually much milder now at 10pm than it has been all day. Like I said before, at least the nasty weather doesn't hang around for long when it does come!
And seeing as how it's past 10pm, I need to think about finishing up my day so I can get off to bed before too long. I haven't been feeling 100% either, and really can't afford to be getting myself sick. No sleep-ins for me tomorrow - it's an early morning, 'cuz I lead at 8am. Time now to prepare for my devo in the morning. 'Night!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Sabbath rest
I knew it was going to be a good day when I woke up and my clock said it was 9:00. Thanks to my wonderful husband and sister-in-law who entertained Taylor and didn't let her wake me up, I had a massive sleep-in this morning. I can't remember the last time I did that, and it sure did feel good. The rest of the day was much of the same - pretty lazy and relaxed - just what we all needed. I've tried to make it a point recently to be diligent to maintain a day of rest in my week; ya know, one of those days when I don't have to feel guilty about lying down on the couch to read a magazine instead of tackling all the hundred other things that need to be done. It's amazing what a discipline this in fact is - especially the not feeling guilty part. It's way easier said than done. I remember a few years back, someone who I love and respect greatly gently rebuked someone, saying, "Don't defile the sabbath!". How easy it is to let the value and necessity of the sabbath slip by. It seems like I always have so much to do, so many things to get done, and in my limited understanding it feels like a waste to take a whole day to accomplish none of it. But, hey, if God Himself rested after 6 days of creation, how much more do we finite mortals need a day of rest, too? It would do me good to take my cues off Him.
I knew it was going to be a good day when I woke up and my clock said it was 9:00. Thanks to my wonderful husband and sister-in-law who entertained Taylor and didn't let her wake me up, I had a massive sleep-in this morning. I can't remember the last time I did that, and it sure did feel good. The rest of the day was much of the same - pretty lazy and relaxed - just what we all needed. I've tried to make it a point recently to be diligent to maintain a day of rest in my week; ya know, one of those days when I don't have to feel guilty about lying down on the couch to read a magazine instead of tackling all the hundred other things that need to be done. It's amazing what a discipline this in fact is - especially the not feeling guilty part. It's way easier said than done. I remember a few years back, someone who I love and respect greatly gently rebuked someone, saying, "Don't defile the sabbath!". How easy it is to let the value and necessity of the sabbath slip by. It seems like I always have so much to do, so many things to get done, and in my limited understanding it feels like a waste to take a whole day to accomplish none of it. But, hey, if God Himself rested after 6 days of creation, how much more do we finite mortals need a day of rest, too? It would do me good to take my cues off Him.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Betchya can't guess what this holler is all about......
I'll be home for Christmas,
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree....
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten, and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow...
And it feels like comin' home,
For the first time in a long time....
We just bought our tickets yesterday. It's official. Yipeeeeeee!
I'll be home for Christmas,
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree....
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten, and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow...
And it feels like comin' home,
For the first time in a long time....
We just bought our tickets yesterday. It's official. Yipeeeeeee!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
All Peanut Butter Is Not Created Equal
My conclusion on the matter is that Americans love their peanut butter and know how to make it. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but New Zealand peanut butter doesn't hold a candle to the American stuff. There are 3 choices when it comes to peanut butter here:
My conclusion on the matter is that Americans love their peanut butter and know how to make it. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but New Zealand peanut butter doesn't hold a candle to the American stuff. There are 3 choices when it comes to peanut butter here:
- Choice #1 - Imagine Skippy or Jiff without the suger. Peanut butter + vegetable oil, with no sugar. It's pretty nasty. If the peanut butter is unfortunate enough to have vegetable oil added to it, it deserves having sugar added to it as well.
- Choice #2 - There are one or two brands that are almost exactly like Skippy or Jiff.
- Choice #3 - Organic natural peanut butter. For a girl who has always been a natural-peanut-butter-type-girl, this would be the obvious choice. However, there is a slight problem. This peanut butter tastes nothing like the American natural peanut butter. Now, don't ask me how it's possible come up with two completely different versions of two basic ingredients (peanuts + salt), but it is possible. Believe me. They taste nothing alike.
So, I have to confess that I have (temporarily) turned into a Jiff/Skippy peanut butter girl (Sorry, Dad!). It's just too strange to me to be eating the natural stuff when it doesn't taste like natural peanut butter should. Maybe someday I'll live in America again and I can revert back to my roots of being a natural-peanut-butter-type-girl. Or, you all can send me boxes full of it. I'd go for that idea any day. Thanks to a shipment of goodies from back home, I do have a precious jar of Smucker's Natural sitting in our pantry right now.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, anyone?
Monday, June 11, 2007
An improvement in the weather already
Just as expected, we enjoyed a balmy 18 degree high today (65 Fahrenheit) after our chilly high of 11 (52) yesterday. Needless to say, our house is much warmer today, and I'm not so bitter (no pun intended) about not having central heat here!
I enjoyed a fantastic walk/run up the mount this afternoon; it was a sunny day, perfect temp, and I felt invigorated the whole way up. After intentionally taking a week off last week, I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel out there today - and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I loved every minute of it. This is a miracle, folks. I actually enjoyed getting back into the exercise routine instead of loathing it. I think maybe we have turned a corner in life......
Just as expected, we enjoyed a balmy 18 degree high today (65 Fahrenheit) after our chilly high of 11 (52) yesterday. Needless to say, our house is much warmer today, and I'm not so bitter (no pun intended) about not having central heat here!
I enjoyed a fantastic walk/run up the mount this afternoon; it was a sunny day, perfect temp, and I felt invigorated the whole way up. After intentionally taking a week off last week, I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel out there today - and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I loved every minute of it. This is a miracle, folks. I actually enjoyed getting back into the exercise routine instead of loathing it. I think maybe we have turned a corner in life......
Sunday, June 10, 2007
A Little Bit of a Moan
It's a buuuurrrrr cold, rainy day today. Of course, cold is relative. I am a New England girl, after all. I'm used to cold. Outside. What I'm not used to is having it be cold inside. Thank God for our heater that is keeping our main room nice and toasty, but the rest of the house is freeeezzzzzing!! Taylor's room is the coldest, so I'll move the heater in there before she goes to bed to get her room warm. OH, how I miss the luxury of central heat!!
I guess to keep it all in perspective, I have to remember the people in the south island who have just gotten heaps of snow, but don't have any central heat in their homes. I can't even imagine that!!! The good news is that the cold snap will be over in a few days, and then it won't be quite as cold. That's the thing with New Zealand weather - if you don't like it, just wait a day or two, and it is sure to change.
It's a buuuurrrrr cold, rainy day today. Of course, cold is relative. I am a New England girl, after all. I'm used to cold. Outside. What I'm not used to is having it be cold inside. Thank God for our heater that is keeping our main room nice and toasty, but the rest of the house is freeeezzzzzing!! Taylor's room is the coldest, so I'll move the heater in there before she goes to bed to get her room warm. OH, how I miss the luxury of central heat!!
I guess to keep it all in perspective, I have to remember the people in the south island who have just gotten heaps of snow, but don't have any central heat in their homes. I can't even imagine that!!! The good news is that the cold snap will be over in a few days, and then it won't be quite as cold. That's the thing with New Zealand weather - if you don't like it, just wait a day or two, and it is sure to change.
Waffles, waffles
I have just won this waffle maker on trademe (the New Zealand version of ebay):
I've been looking for a waffle maker for quite some time now, but I have quickly discovered that there aren't too many options when it comes to buying waffle makers here in New Zealand. I guess Kiwis aren't into waffles that much. They're just not too common......and the ones with the nice deep holes (like this one) are virtually impossible to find anywhere in the stores. I would know. I have looked in just about every store in the city.
So when I found this one on trademe, I was pretty excited - but thought I'd end up spending half an arm and a leg to buy it. Not so. Now, $24 + shipping later, I've got myself a brand new waffle maker. I couldn't be more excited. I love waffles. Especially the ones with the nice big holes. Can't wait to try it. Yummy!!!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
My idea of a great evening
Aaron is away for the weekend, speaking at a young adult conference down in Wellington. Taylor is now in bed, which means that I have the next 3 or so hours all to myself to do (just about) whatever I please. So here's my set-up for the night: Sitting in bed, electric blanet on (Did I mention it's cold outside?), laptop in place, my Macintosh Yankee Candle lit (thank God for that container that carried my favorite Yankee Candles across the ocean!!), a nice mint hot chocolate by my side, and my Bible and a stack of books in hand. I can think of no other way I'd rather be spending my time. The only thing that will make it all better is a real, genuine encounter with the living God. Good thing He's in the business of showing up when weak humans set themselves before Him. So I throw myself at His mercy and pray one of my favorite prayers, "Here I am, Lord, the one that you love......"
Aaron is away for the weekend, speaking at a young adult conference down in Wellington. Taylor is now in bed, which means that I have the next 3 or so hours all to myself to do (just about) whatever I please. So here's my set-up for the night: Sitting in bed, electric blanet on (Did I mention it's cold outside?), laptop in place, my Macintosh Yankee Candle lit (thank God for that container that carried my favorite Yankee Candles across the ocean!!), a nice mint hot chocolate by my side, and my Bible and a stack of books in hand. I can think of no other way I'd rather be spending my time. The only thing that will make it all better is a real, genuine encounter with the living God. Good thing He's in the business of showing up when weak humans set themselves before Him. So I throw myself at His mercy and pray one of my favorite prayers, "Here I am, Lord, the one that you love......"
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Winter
Winter surely is in the air. The temperatures have started falling; unfortunately the snow never will 'round here. Way too warm for that, much to my (and Taylor's) dismay. She is already talking about the day when we go to America in the winter-time, and she is hoping that when that time comes, the snow will, too. Of course, I've told her lots of stories about sledding and building snowmen and how much fun it is to wake up in the morning to a world covered in white. *Sigh*. I hope that someday she'll get to experience the wonder of a white winter. The good news is that there's a good chance that our trip home in American winter may not be all that far away..........
Winter surely is in the air. The temperatures have started falling; unfortunately the snow never will 'round here. Way too warm for that, much to my (and Taylor's) dismay. She is already talking about the day when we go to America in the winter-time, and she is hoping that when that time comes, the snow will, too. Of course, I've told her lots of stories about sledding and building snowmen and how much fun it is to wake up in the morning to a world covered in white. *Sigh*. I hope that someday she'll get to experience the wonder of a white winter. The good news is that there's a good chance that our trip home in American winter may not be all that far away..........
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Sermon on the Mount
As you've probably read from an earlier post, the Lord has been putting his finger on the Sermon on the Mount recently, in my own personal life. I've been doing a bit of study on this portion of Scripture, and have been struck with the importance of it. Not only the importance of it, but in light of that, how little time I have given to be deliberate in studying - and then cultivating - these realities in my own life. And just to rub a little salt in the wound of my own barrenness, one of my favorite preaches says that if we are not actively seeking to develop these values in our lives, we are just pursuing another religious self-help strategy with a little bit of "Jesus" language sprinkled on top. That if the Sermon on the Mount values and realities aren't imparted through our ministries, then we don't have a ministry at all. Now that says it plainly! At the end of the day, this is the essence of who Jesus is and what Christianity is all about. Of course, the subject matter of Matthew 5, 6, and 7 is taught many other places in Scripture as well. But the point is that this is the road map for us to follow if we are seeking to build a strong house that will stand through the storm of time. Jesus said it Himself at the end of the Sermon - whoever reads these sayings of mine and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock. And when the storm (read=great tribulation/judgment seat of God) comes, the house stands, because it was built on the rock. Of course, this is way easier said than done. But that's the beauty of how the whole sermon starts. Blessed are the poor in spirit - in other words, if you realize that there's absolutely no way you can do this thing on your own, then you're in a good place to begin this journey. Because you can't do it on your own.
Jesus is so kind. He doesn't leave us to figure out how to survive the hour of trouble that is just around the corner; He actually gives us quite clear instructions. Build your life on these realities, be deliberate to cultivate them in your inner life, seek them out as fine treasure; and then you'll be okay. Your house will stand.
As you've probably read from an earlier post, the Lord has been putting his finger on the Sermon on the Mount recently, in my own personal life. I've been doing a bit of study on this portion of Scripture, and have been struck with the importance of it. Not only the importance of it, but in light of that, how little time I have given to be deliberate in studying - and then cultivating - these realities in my own life. And just to rub a little salt in the wound of my own barrenness, one of my favorite preaches says that if we are not actively seeking to develop these values in our lives, we are just pursuing another religious self-help strategy with a little bit of "Jesus" language sprinkled on top. That if the Sermon on the Mount values and realities aren't imparted through our ministries, then we don't have a ministry at all. Now that says it plainly! At the end of the day, this is the essence of who Jesus is and what Christianity is all about. Of course, the subject matter of Matthew 5, 6, and 7 is taught many other places in Scripture as well. But the point is that this is the road map for us to follow if we are seeking to build a strong house that will stand through the storm of time. Jesus said it Himself at the end of the Sermon - whoever reads these sayings of mine and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock. And when the storm (read=great tribulation/judgment seat of God) comes, the house stands, because it was built on the rock. Of course, this is way easier said than done. But that's the beauty of how the whole sermon starts. Blessed are the poor in spirit - in other words, if you realize that there's absolutely no way you can do this thing on your own, then you're in a good place to begin this journey. Because you can't do it on your own.
Jesus is so kind. He doesn't leave us to figure out how to survive the hour of trouble that is just around the corner; He actually gives us quite clear instructions. Build your life on these realities, be deliberate to cultivate them in your inner life, seek them out as fine treasure; and then you'll be okay. Your house will stand.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
All Blacks
The religion of rugby is once again alive and well in New Zealand. The All-Blacks played their first game tonight, capturing a decisive 42-11 victory over France. I, for one, am very glad that they won. Not because I care anything about the game, but, well, let's just say that an All Blacks win makes for a happy atmosphere in the home. :-)
I am still shocked at what a part of the culture rugby is down here. I guess it's comparable to college and high school football in Texas. It's just part of life. People down here love their rugby.
Things are really going to heat up 'round here when the world cup starts later on this year. New Zealand should win - but then again, they should have won each world cup in the last 20 years, but choked every time. I think that if they lose, the nation will go into a prolonged state of mourning and depression - my husband included. Please; let's not allow this to happen.
The religion of rugby is once again alive and well in New Zealand. The All-Blacks played their first game tonight, capturing a decisive 42-11 victory over France. I, for one, am very glad that they won. Not because I care anything about the game, but, well, let's just say that an All Blacks win makes for a happy atmosphere in the home. :-)
I am still shocked at what a part of the culture rugby is down here. I guess it's comparable to college and high school football in Texas. It's just part of life. People down here love their rugby.
Things are really going to heat up 'round here when the world cup starts later on this year. New Zealand should win - but then again, they should have won each world cup in the last 20 years, but choked every time. I think that if they lose, the nation will go into a prolonged state of mourning and depression - my husband included. Please; let's not allow this to happen.
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