Walk in the sunshine.....thanksgiving is at the "root"... It's all about perspective!

Yesterday and today were days of glorious promise of springtime to come weather.  Grace and I took our first walk in many, many months.  I don't know which of us was happier to be outside getting some fresh air and sunshine!  We spent an hour exploring the neighborhood and then came home and sat in the backyard watching Sammy and Kylie (the dogs) romp around the yard.  Sammy came out and immediately spread out in the grass, in the sun.  That outside air made for a long afternoon nap for Grace!  We are so thankful for the little taste of warmer weather. Since this IS Chicago and tomorrow is only March 1, we most likely are not totally done with winter just yet.  But this burst of sun and warmth was wonderful. 

Today at my small group, we had a guest presenter and got to paint a picture!  I was worried when I saw that I would have to paint a tree.  Trees are HARD!  But I pushed through and finished my painting.  It is not my favorite painting, but here it is...

I am sure that you can not see what this is SUPPOSE to be.  I am very thankful that I know the story of this tree. 

Here is the "original" picture painted by our guest presenter.  Rebecca painted this after seeing olive trees during a recent visit to Israel.  I don't think that I have ever really considered olive trees, but she told us that they are mentioned many times in the Bible.   She showed us a picture of the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane - some of which have roots that were there over 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked there.  Today was supposed to be about painting - which it certainly was.  But I gained so much more from all the discussion about the olive tree.  Thinking about the roots of that tree that survive and flourish over and over again.  Even when it may seem as if they are dead, the roots spring forth new life.  Rebecca shared that there are wild olive trees in Israel, but they do not bear fruit.  They must be grafted into a fruit bearing tree!  What a picture of God's plan to bring all of us into His family.  In Romans 11:17, Paul makes a clear reference to this, reminding the gentiles that we have been grafted into the tree that is supported by the rich root that brings fruit bearing.  Looking at my very feeble attempt to duplicate her picture, I am reminded of God's amazing plan.  That not so clearly defined olive tree brings thankful praises to my heart.  I love that the sea of blue behind the tree is the Sea of Galilee. Although I have never been to Israel, it is my dream to someday walk in those places.  

I told Ken this evening that I painted my tree too big.  The perspective is wrong.  I did not leave enough of the sky showing.   It is as if I am standing closer to the tree than in the original painting.  Yes, there is my message of the day.  My painting is exactly right for me.  I have been seeking to draw closer to Jesus.  It has been my desire to shift my focus and see only Jesus.  And thinking about my painting with that in mind, I see a wonderful answer to my prayers.  Suddenly my vision is totally that tree.  If I could, I would run up and hug it right now!    My too big tree painting has gained a spot on the wall in my scrap room where I will look at it every day.  And everyday I will be reminded that my prayers to draw closer to Jesus are being answered. And thankfulness will flow for being grafted into God's family!   

Springtime weather, very hard painting project, revelation of answered prayers and thanksgiving.  It's been a pretty full couple of days.  I could use more days like these!

Jesus, thank you for speaking to me through this painting project.  How amazing it is that we can see your plan for all of us in your creation.  Holy Spirit, help us all to see your answered prayers in unexpected ways.  Thank you for the promise of spring and new life.  Thank you for warm days and walks and sunshine.  Amen

Family bowling day.....winds of change.

It was a beautiful sunny day today - except for the crazy wind!  These high winds actually started during the night last night.  At one point Ken even commented that it sounded like "blizzard wind".  I believe that we would have had a genuine blizzard if the temperature was 20 degrees colder and if there had been precipitation.  The wind blew all day.  Even though it was close to 40 degrees, it felt much colder.  In typical Chicago weather, you never know how to dress or what kind of coat/jacket to wear.  It certainly felt like March was coming in like a lion!!  A roaring lion at that.

Anna's birthday was a bit ago, but for her family get together, she decided we should go bowling!

The last time we bowled together (which was last year for Lia's birthday - I think), Anna was really not interested in the game.  But four is so much older than three when it comes to these events!
We have found a really nice place to bowl sort of equal distance for all of us.  So we meet there for a fun lunch time bowl. 

Grace was so interested in all the lights, the large screen monitors all over the place, the flashing lights - really all of what makes a bowling alley a bowling alley.  I just love seeing the kids together and we had a wonderful time.  Watching Anna actually bowling today reminded me just how quickly these little ones grow up.  Last year at our bowling outing, Grace sat in her car seat, not at all interested in what was happening.  Oh the difference a year makes!

Last weeks news was flooded with stories about Billy Graham after his death.   Rev. Graham's life and legacy are so amazing.  I read that he has preached the Gospel to more people than anyone else, EVER!  What an awesome party there must be going on in heaven right now.  The song that has been on my mind is Thank You for Giving to the Lord, by Ray Bolz.  The point of this song is that each one of us will have made an impact on many people that we do not even know about.  Imagine just how many people will be there to thank Rev. Billy Graham.  The lose of Rev. Graham was certainly felt around the world.  And there has been a shift in the Spiritual realm also.  Many, many people are believing that there will be a new wave of evangelism and new powerful preachers will step up to fill the void left by his death.  Yes, winds of change are blowing.  If there was ever a time when the United States needed those winds to blow, it is now in 2018.  I had an interesting conversation with someone who is especially concerned about the issues and problems facing inner city youth.  After a long discussion, it became clear that knowing about all the problems does not get you any closer to solving them!  With such a large and complex issue like this one, there is no quick and easy solution.  While I applaud the desire to make a difference and to see things change, I also can see the enormity of the problems!  I went to bed, thinking about that conversation.  I woke up with an assurance that Jesus was the only answer to that situation. Yes, we need those winds of change to blow across our inner cities, and change the hearts of the people.

In my small group we have been discussing the opposite of "love" is not "hate" - it is FEAR.  Fear is the root of all that comes against love.  Every emotion, every action, every deed that is not love, comes from a place of fear.  All of us - our families, our neighborhoods, our cities, our countries - need more love!  And God is love! As the seasons change, as March comes blowing in like a lion, as Billy Graham has graduated into glory, let us all pray for a powerful move of God.  Let there be open doors for evangelism and even more important than open doors, let there be open hearts to receive the love of Jesus.

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear.."  1John 4:18

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you are what is needed.  Holy Spirit, show each of us our part of this amazing plan for our world.  Give us all courage and boldness to share Jesus with those around us.  Draw us closer to you Jesus, especially when the problems seem so overwhelming.  Thank you for children, for family and for fun times.  And Jesus, thank you for winds of change.  Amen

Entering a new season....

Yesterday at Doug and Susie's it was pretty clear that Grace has entered into a new season of life...walking!  She is finding it quite difficult to carry items from one place to the other while crawling and therefore, she is forced to walk.  This is a slow and unsteady process for her, but still she has to resort to this mode of movement if she wants to bring an important item with her on her journey. 

She wanted to show me this special book, but I was sitting way across the room.  After several attempts at crawling and not being able to hold on to the book (she even tried putting it in her mouth without much success) she finally stood up and walked the 7 or steps over to me.  She was very pleased with  herself when she finally delivered the book onto my lap. 

This special book holds pictures of our family that she can page through .  You can see that she has found her mommy and daddy, as well as our family picture.  **Side note - special thanks to Aunt Gwen and family for this great 1st birthday present!  She loves this book so much.  It is soft and "chewable" and also as a handle which makes it much easier to carry! 

I also noted yesterday, that all of a sudden she is using so many "baby signs"!  We have all been using these signs for many months - things like milk, more, all done, water, bye-bye, please and thank you - and now Grace is actually making her wishes known through sign.  She has grown into a toddler and left baby behind.  Yes, it is a new season for her and for all of us!

Today is also the beginning of another season - Lent.  With my Lutheran background, Lent was an important observed time for me.  I would usually being a Lenten Journey devotional and also considered "giving something up" for the 40 days of Lent.  We would be encouraged to spend extra time considering the life of Jesus each day as we contemplated His sacrifice on the cross.  Honestly, today I was thinking about how incredibly meaningful Lent has been for me over the years.  I loved helping kids understand this connecting season between the birth and the death of Jesus. During those years of bringing the message to kids, I encountered Jesus in such a deep and meaningful way.  Isn't it interesting just how many times teachers learn and grow just as much as the students?  

One of my very favorite Lenten memories is a very special time with two amazing ladies that happened to work with me - one as a parish nurse and one as a youth director.  I was the church secretary.  We had our own sort of "small group" and often prayed together and encouraged one another.  We were all reading the same devotional that Lent and one particular day, the message was on worship.  We were alone in the church and decided to go into the sanctuary and worship together.  It was a blessing that the youth director was also an amazing worship leader and singer.  There we were, just the three of us in a large room, an unlikely trio, singing our praises to Jesus.  For me that was a game changing moment.  Lent became a time of offering more worship and praise to Jesus.  It became a time of a deepening understanding of fellowship and friendship.  Instead of "giving something up" for Lent, each Lent that followed that experience became a time of growing closer to Jesus and to those most precious to me.  

It was fitting that today, Ash Wednesday, was also my small group meeting.  As I sat there and looked around at those women, I was reminded of that long ago worship time with Lynn and Jade.  And my heart was very full.  What a blessing to be moving into this new season - here in 2018 - growing closer to Jesus and being surround by my shield-sharing prayer warriors.  I believe that this new season we are all called to give out rather than give up during Lent.  Give out your love to those near and dear to you.  Give out your praise and thanksgiving to Jesus. Give out a smile to the clerk at the store.  Give out a kind word to a neighbor.  You get the idea.  It is really easy.  

I am challenging you and I am challenging myself to this 40 days of giving out.  My small group today was such a blessing, leaving me feeling filled up with warmth and love.  I can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for the next 39 days.  Won't you join me?

Jesus, you are the author and creator of seasons.  You have given us rhythms and changes in the natural to guide us through our lives.  Holy Spirit, draw us ever closer to Jesus during this season of Lent.  Remind us when we have a moment or two that we can spend it in worship and thanksgiving rather than on Facebook.  Thank you Jesus for friends who impact us so powerfully.  Amen 

When winter brings snow.....

Since it is February, Chicago should not be surprised to get some snow.  But this snow was predicted to be a "BIG" snow (think 9-12").  There was enough confidence in the forecast to get all of the schools in the area to close.  We were in the high end of the snowfall and as of right now (according to the national weather service) we have had between 6 and 7".  There is another 1-3" predicted for overnight and then more on Sunday.  So I guess this does qualify as a big snowfall.  I just love the quiet calmness of this view from our living room.  The snow is so puffy and clean.  One of my all time favorite banners in church had a snow scene and part of Psalm 51:7 that said "wash me and I will be whiter than snow".  Every time I see a snow scene, I remember those verses from David's heart.  He was deep in the pit of sin, and he knew his sinfulness could only be taken away by God.  It was a plea for help.  It is such a powerful thing to realize that we need the sacrifice of Jesus to bring that clean, white, snow-like, freshness to us - that only His shed blood can accomplish.  A true paradox - being covered by the blood, makes us white as snow. 

Isn't it funny how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that you have everything under control?  I don't know if it is our society, or just humanness, but I believe most of us struggle in some way or another with trying to handle "life" in our own strength.  This week Gwen sent me an amazing verse from the Message and I just love the clarity it brings.....

"Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself.  Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it."   Matthew 19:26

Well, there is so much to think about in that verse!  In the translation that I normally use (NIV) the verse says "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."   This verse falls right in the middle of the disciples asking Jesus how to enter the kingdom of heaven.  I have always thought about this verse showing just how powerful God is.  I know that is most certainly true.  However, the verse from the message opens up the need to trust God in those situations where I have decided that I can handle things MY way.  You know, be in control.  I have been reflecting on the times when there wasn't any chance I could pull off my plans, and also those times when I did fully trust God to handle things and then they worked out great.  Because, let's face it, things work out much better when we realize that when we are weak then He is strong. 

You can't control the weather and you can't stop the snow in February.  Your life might seem dark and dirty right now.  Look at that snowy scene.  Jesus has made a way for us all to be as clean as snow.  You just can't get there on your own strength.   But  there is every chance in the world if you trust God to do it. 

Jesus, thank you for bringing us into the Kingdom of Heaven by the shedding of your blood.  Holy Spirit, remind us to trust God to do the impossible things.  Give us eyes to see your plan of salvation when we look at the snow.  Fill us with your love.  Help us have the courage to let go of control and rest in your peace.   Amen

Come to the table.....

Last Saturday we celebrated Grace!  She was an amazing champ for her birthday.  She got passed from one person to the next, with everyone wanting a turn to hold and love on her.  She smiled and loved her way through the day.  She just beamed as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her.  And then she dug into the cake.  She didn't smash it, as some kids have been known to.  She rather daintily stuck one finger into the cake and ate it finger full by finger full.  She was in no hurry to stop.  Doug and Susie finally called a halt to the cake eating after several minutes.  The highlight of the party was an unexpected one.  After cake and presents and pinata for the kids, some of the party goers were gathered in the living room.  Grace was intrigued by the strings from the pinata.  And with her adoring fans watching, (unfortunately none of us with a video running) Grace took 7 or 8 steps across the room to get to her mom, who was holding those strings.  We tried to get her to do this again with videos running, but alas, she was having none of it.  But mark my words, it was an accomplishment.   And for the crowd of Grace lovers, it was a wonderful and treasured moment. 

This week I have been listening to a song that has really been speaking to me.  It is Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets.    It is interesting how a song can immediately grab your attention and this song did that on the opening lines for me......

We all start on the outside, the outside looking in

This is where grace begins

We were hungry, we were thirsty with nothing left to give

Oh the shape we were in

Just when all hope was lost, love opened the door for us.

I have been in two very different places with this song - both meaningful to me for very different reasons.  ***Side note - isn't it amazing how one song can speak to so many people, in so many different ways? 

Starting off with Grace and her birthday.  Her name couldn't be more perfect for her.  I have blogged about this before.  After Lucas' death, our family suddenly found ourselves in a world we never imagined.  It was a hard, difficult couple of years for me, and I can only imagine just how much harder it was for Doug and Susie.  Then, just as this song says, love opened the door for us - where Grace begins - when our sweet little Grace was born.  On Saturday, at her party, it was little Grace that drew everyone to the table to celebrate not only her birthday, but the love that has filled our family since her birth. It was Jesus who was the giver of hope for us during those dark days.  He continued to call out to us to come to Him, no matter what shape we were in, Jesus kept that door open for us to sit down at the table with Him.

The second reason that this song has been on my heart is that opening line.  Being outside and looking in.   Many years ago I struggled with this exact thought.  I felt like I was never invited to be on the inside.  I would see a wonderful banquet/party happening - but I would be looking through a window and never welcomed inside.  It was such a cold place to be.  This song would have been so helpful THEN!  Thankfully, the Holy Spirit managed to find me in that place, and show me that ALL are welcome at that party.  I just love how clearly the song expresses that invitation to all of us, no matter what is in our past.  No matter where we are right now.  I love the line in the song that says...

Come meet this motley crew of misfits, these liars and these thieves

There's no one un -welcomed here - no

The chorus of the song says it all.  Just come to the table. Come join the sinners, you have been redeemed.  Take your place beside the Savior, sit down and be set free.   

Just come to the table.  

Jesus, thank you for the invitation you give to ALL!  Holy Spirit, reach out right now to anyone who feels on the outside of this amazing party.  Thank you for your grace and mercy that finds us in those hard places.  Thank you Jesus for providing the table of  Communion so that we can enter into your presence more fully each time we come to the table.  Thank you for family, for birthdays and for your love.   Amen

One year old cutie pie and a "senior citizen"!

Yesterday was this sweet little Grace's FIRST birthday!  I had the pleasure of spending the day with her while her mommy and daddy work.  I tried all day to get a cute picture, but when you are one year old you are either asleep or constantly on the move - or eating.  This was the best of the blurry pictures that I captured on my phone.  At any rate, we had a really fun day of play.  She is not quite walking by herself, but she can cruise really fast and crawl like a streak.  Doug and Susie have a really interesting gate setup in their larger than a doorway opening to the family room.  The problem with this larger gate is that the dogs have figured out how to push the gate aside to get into the family room.  So Grace, being the smarty pants that she is, watched the dogs and now pushes the gate aside to get OUT of the family room!  So I spent a large part of the day trying to keep the dogs OUT and trying to keep Grace IN!  The funny thing is that she high tails it directly to the dog bed and toys in the living room when she escapes and the dogs high tail directly to Grace's high chair (hoping to find a stray cheerio on the floor) when they get into the family room.

Here it is, another birthday of a grandbaby and I can't help but reflect in a somewhat similar way on Grace as I did to Anna on her birthday just a few days ago.

This is the "name frame" that I completed for Grace.  These words represent the picture that Jesus gave me before she was born for the plan and destiny for her.  I had a really interesting dream that was sort of like Jack and the Beanstalk.  I saw a large vine extending up to heaven. All of the treasures of heaven would be available through Grace.  And just like Jack in that tale, Grace would he able to fight the giants in the land with a weapon of joy and through song.  I saw her worshiping from the top of that vine, with songs that reached all over earth.    And here she is one year old.  I can tell you that this sweet little girl loves everything musical.  She will dance to any little bit of music she hears.  It is really clear that music is in her blood.  There is no doubt to our family, that she has brought joy and laughter to us.  Grace almost always has a smile on her face.   And she has a large group of people that love her.  When we most needed it, Grace brought hope to our family.  I can't wait to see her destiny play out in the years ahead.  

This has been a week of birthdays.  Grace actually shares a birthday with my sister Karen, who would have been 80 years old yesterday.  Sadly, Karen died in 2007 and I've found that I seem to miss her more each year.  I've been missing my mom also these days.  Along with Ken's retirement, I have just been "feeling" old.  At my small group this past week, we talked about how important it was to know and remember that our life is not over because we are over 60.  It is so easy to fall into the trap that there is nothing left for you to do or accomplish as a senior citizen. We talked about finding ways to discover purpose for the years ahead.  I am so thankful for the time that I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren.  Getting a chance to really know them, to know how to pray for them and to have time to enjoy them and be an influence in their lives, is a wonderful part of my purpose.  The key to finding this purpose is to remember that we are always moving forward into the future, therefore, our purpose can and will change.  In other words, DON'T GET STUCK!  Keep moving forward.  

So, there is Grace at 1 year old - with so much ahead for her.  And here I am, over 60 with so much ahead for me.  Yes, birthday's are a great time to celebrate the time that has past and look ahead to the future.  I am thankful for the reminder that it is good to keep looking ahead.  

No matter where you are in you life - young or old - single or married - celebrate!  This day is what we have been given.  Live your life with purpose.  Make a difference where you are.  Smile and laugh.  Make today count.  Walk forward with confidence into tomorrow.  

Jesus, what a wonderful and amazing God you are.  You shower us with your grace and peace and fill us with your love.  Holy Spirit, help us to be present in our life each day.  Remind us to be grateful for the small blessings.  Thank you Jesus for Grace and the destiny you have for her.  Amen