by one who had known much sorrow-
This story touches my heart- every- time- I- hear- it.
Allowing God to raise him up, despite his trials-
such an amazing testimony-
"clinging to the hem of his cloak..."
"weary...heavy laiden...rest"
"took her hand and helped her up"
"to be held in the palm of his hand"
A little something about head tables, legalism, and the poor-
WHAT IF, we kept this in mind when doing CHURCH?
The words of a man, they called- Jesus:
Luke 14 (New International Version)
Luke 14
Jesus at a Pharisee's House
1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. 3Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" 4But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.
5Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?" 6And they had nothing to say.
7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
12Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
The Parable of the Great Banquet
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22" 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' "
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
34"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
that question... above... yes right up there...
is perhaps one of my biggest pet peeves...
(see, I wrote about it: HERE)
When I hear a member of Club Christian-
ask the "RELEVANT" question...
I can't help but think-
Dude- ahem, I mean,
dear one: if you are asking how you can be relevant-
You've already lost your relevance...
AND If you're TRYING to be relevant
you've forgotten how to be yourself...
Quit TRYING to be relevant,
and learn to be a FRIEND...
A REAL FRIEND
because when you TRY to be something you're not
you appear fake-
and guess what...
The WORLD can smell FAKE
a hundred miles away...
Phew... that came off, perhaps, a little direct...
The most amazing leaders I have ever known
have the ability to make everyone around them
feel like gold-
who became LIKE them and lived AMONGST them...
I'm certain he would do the same today.
Exactly 5 years ago this very month, I was battling serious depression-
I would lay in bed at night crying my eyes out-
hurting and not understanding why-
When my mind would race and I couldn't sleep-
I'd get up and surf the net-
I remember crying in the shower for hours-
until I almost passed out-
During the day, while my husband was away- I would sit on the couch, in a daze
I felt like a dark cloud was over me
I couldn't snap out of it-
So many tears- Not knowing how to process my thoughts- Not know why I was feeling this way-
Exactly 5 years ago- 7 days before Christmas, I had miscarried my third child-
Miscarriage is not understood by those who have never miscarried-
I had known many women who had miscarried previously, but their grief was kept hidden...
I didn't understand that my depression stemmed from a loss-
The loss of something that was a part of me, something my husband and I had created together...
A child I had already grown to love-
Miscarriage is different from the loss of a loved one with whom we've shared memories- It's not the memories nor the physical touch, that we grieve, but instead- we grieve that which will never be... We grieve the loss of our unborn child- the loss of something that was a part of one's very being, part of one's soul
and it hurts-
Before I miscarried, I had no idea what a miscarriage entailed-
oops- a blob fell out- there- it's done-
SOOO not what happens-
Your body goes through all the signs of a pregnancy- morning sickness, weight gain, hormonal changes- and then, one day- that all stops...
and then, eventually, the miscarriage begins-
Labor (pain!), just like any other pregnancy-
and massive amounts of blood-
it could take hours and possibly days to complete the process...
tears through it all...
I had no idea...
just writing this brings back a flood of memories that I had put behind me-
I never understood how much losing a loved one could hurt-
I had never watched anyone go through such pain-
And I especially did not realize that going through a miscarriage could hurt so much-
Most do not understand nor realize that miscarriage is a loss and that those who have miscarried can't just 'snap out of it'
Four months later I was pregnant again-
I told God that I would not be able to endure another miscarriage-
The week after Easter, I miscarried again-
I hurt again-
But it was during that year that God drew near to me-
I cried out to him and he brought a crazy peace that I didn't understand-
I read my Bible over and over- marked up it's pages- posted verses throughout my house... Played worship songs and spent my darkest hours
CLINGING TO THE HEM OF HIS CLOAK
He came to me- took my hand- and helped me up
and on some days- dragged me along side Him, when I refused to get up...
How long did it take me to get over my loss?
Honestly, does anyone ever truly get over a loss?
Every year the thought of- my third child would be 3 this year, 4 this year, 5...
One never gets over a loss- but in time, it does get easier...
the memories stay with us forever...
With a miscarriage- it's the feelings of our pregnancy that stays, the ultrasounds that we keep, the heartbeat we once saw and heard... the memories of what their names would have been and what their future might have held- the potential that was never allowed- a piece of our heart, crushed forever
yet, our love remains the same-
and HE- the Lord, our God- the God of comfort-
carries us, always, in our darkest hour-
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
I long for a unified church-
that works in faith
and lacks religion-
A church made up of all of God's children-
One that promotes the caring of the poor and the taking care of the widow and orphan-
A church where Jesus walks amongst us...
A church packed
NOT because of the whos whos of the whats what
but packed because there are hurting people
who long to cling to the hem of his cloak-
A church that cares more about people and less about rules...
A church where coffee, tears, blood, and dirt are allowed to stain the carpets-
I long for a church who ushers the least of these to the front row and the head table
and where the leaders sit in the back waiting for the prompting of the holy spirit...
A church where we don't have to hide behind any sort of mask
and where REAL people walk as friends amongst us-
A church lacking in division, full of prayer-
A church anointed, full of the holy spirit-
I long for a church that cares less about programs
and cares more about giving, serving, and sharing
A church where the children, families, and saints are welcome without shushing
and where Jesus, himself, beckons them in-
I long for a Jesus church
where Jesus moves, walks
where he takes our hand and helps us up...
A church where the glory of God falls-
A church that forgets about walls, borders, and pews
and meets wherever HIS people are gathered
full of joy, love, grace, laughter, and compassion
full of the Messiah himself-
A church who loves those who have not yet found their way-
UNCONDITIONALLY
and when one of our own has gone home-
we are able to worship with all our hearts
knowing that we worship the same God they now stand with - face to face-
It's coming, and I'm ready.
(On December 26th, my youth group lost one of it's own- our dear brother- Eddie Spangler- He now stands face to face with his Father in heaven and with our friends who are already there- waiting for the rest of us to come home- Praying with a heavy heart for Eddie's wife and 2 young boys)
originally posted 12/28/08
If THEY just worked harder- they wouldn't need welfare
If THEY weren't so lazy- they could get a job
If THEY would just get the right job- they would have health insurance
If I were THEM- I would just work several jobs to pay off my debt
THEY don't have to live THERE- there's always a way out
Well- that's their fate, I'm glad it's not mine...
If they just prayed harder...they wouldn't be in THAT mess
and then THEY- THEM- and THERE became ME- MYSELF- and I
Yep, I've been there...
several college years later plus one masters degree
working overtime and a half...
We found ourselves THERE...
the place I once looked down on,
the people who I wanted to minister too...because I was a bit better-
NO, I didn't really think to myself- "Girl, you are better than them,
You have money, You have clothes, You live in the right neighborhood...
Now let's go minister to some poor, ghetto, welfare folks...let's show them God's love down there in the ghetto..."
No, I didn't think that really...
but in a backwards way...
I wanted to minister to THEM, but
I would never live THERE
I wanted to show Christ's love, but
I would never want to be like THEM
I wanted to give my money for missions, programs, and hugs
BUT, I didn't TRULY want to get to know them- TRULY just be THEIR friend
Just know them for them
Not for ME
and then...
I found myself waiting in the welfare line
I found myself without health insurance
I found myself wondering where the next meal would come from, how the bills would be paid, where to take my sick kids, how the gifts would be bought, would the phone be turned off, sleeping on mattresses without frames...
I found their fate, much like my own when I was tracked by security while shopping as a young mom... and again when a shop owner accused me of stealing- for all to hear
I found myself praying and still in THAT mess
I found myself living THERE
I became THEM
and suddenly...
THAT, THERE, THEM became
ME, MYSELF, and I
and I realized that we are all merely a step away
from being THAT, THERE, THEM...
and I realized that even if I think I understand THAT, THEM, THERE... situation...
I've never TRULY walked in THEIR shoes...
and I realized that GOD is so HUGE that
HE will become very very small, just for me...and for THERE and for THEM
and I realized that GOD hears my prayer...
THEIR prayers
Our prayers
even when we don't think he is listening
and that US, THEM, THERE...
we truly are no different...no better...no worse
and that there was indeed a reason...HE became like US...like Them...and lived THERE
AND HIS fate- truly was for US ALL...
Have a very Merry Christmas, my bloggy sisters!
It's Black Friday, today-
so I ventured out with a friend and a sis in law-
At 8 a.m., cuz we are oh so adventurous like that-
and I FELL IN LOVE with these
oh so beautiful, emerald green shoes...
and this:
oh so cute, adorable, shirt-
I also saw this:
oh, yes...and these:
But, can you possibly guess what came home with me instead?
Nope, not that- nor that- nor those, up there...
Yes to THIS:
and THREE of these:
Cuz when you're a mama to three boys-
Your life becomes less about you, all things girly- frilly- and new
and more about them, all things firetrucks, video games and guns...
Happy Holidays, my friends-
or should I say:
Happy Shopping!
*For my amazing God
(Indescribable!)
*For my husband
(I love you more with each passing day)
*For my beautiful children
(True gifts from above)
*For my home
(Praises!)
*My friends
(You are the best!)
*My bloggy buds
(sorry I haven't been the best at keeping up!)
*My husband's job
(Praises and more Praises!)
*Blue skies and sunshine
(Will never take this for granted again!)
*My really high and comfy bed
(Nor this!)
*Good times and bad
(for in the bad, I grow, in the good, I comfort, I breath again)
In everything, I give thanks...
I was part of bizzaro world...
Have you seen that Seinfeld episode where
Nothing was as it seemed...
Well, I lived in that world,
Once upon a time...
Crazy stories, mean- ugly people,
Things turned upside down and inside out-
Yet, every time, I go to blog about it...
Every time I start to give you, in bloggy world,
all of those examples
of that once upon a time, bizarro world-
The words I hear are these:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Ephesians 6:12
So, I go to write about all of my experiences-
I begin to type out the various stories-
because I know that some of you have walked that road
And some of you are walking that road
And I want you to know you are not alone-
And I know that you can attest to exactly what I mean
when I say my world was a bizarro world...
That verse, I typed- up there-
describes my once upon a time world TO. THE. T.
And I want you to know
That you MUST keep going-
Believe me when I say-
In my once upon a time- bizarro world-
I TRIED TO RUN!!!!
WE TRIED TO RUN!!!
What's that you say?
You tried to run too?
Cuz we tried to run all the way to Africa!
And every time we were nearly knocked off our feet-
God sent us messengers our way-
Messengers of encouragement-
Keep going- they'd say-
God's not finished with you yet-
He's brought you to
He'll bring you through!
So now I'm telling you:
Every time that person or those people knock you down
Every time you think- things can not get any stranger, worse, or wierder
Get up-
Keep going-
and as hard as it is:
REJOICE
and
BE GLAD
because I promise you
even though it seems your battle is with the people-
look behind them
and look around you...
Your battle-
belongs-
to-
the
LORD!
Angels are walking beside you, my friends-
and oh, how I know your story
too well...
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:28-31 (NIV)
And then I remember- Jesus lived that story too-
How bizarro his life must have been-
He gets it, He knows!
and then he hung on the cross and died-
for me, you, us, and THEM...
yep THEM...
oh boy-
still learning to forgive...
the way HE forgave-
Phew- is that possible?
P.S. Check THIS blog- Glenda was one of my inspirations near the end of my once upon a time, bizarro kind of world...
This year, for the holidays- EVERYONE- in my circle is getting a mini pumpkin bread loaf, beautifully wrapped in gingerbread man gift bags (from Michaels), and tied together with a big red bow, complete with the following recipe attached... For those of my friends who read my blog: SURPRISE!!! tee hee hee :)
This one thing I CAN assure...
THIS IS THE BEST PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE EVER... I PROMISE!
3 c sugar
3 1/2 c flour
2 t baking soda
1 1/2 t salt
4 eggs
1 c oil
2/3 c water
1 t ground cloves
1 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
2 c pumpkin
optional: chocolate chips
Grease a bundt pan with butter and flour (WELL!) Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients. Cook at 350 until knife inserted into center comes out clean... usually about 1 hr and 15 min... but this varies... You don't have to use a bundt pan- Just as you can see that I am using this recipe for mini loaf pans- length of cooking time will vary based on the pan you use... SERIOUSLY, the best pumpkin bread ever- ENJOY!
Today, I made THESE cupcakes and they turned out DIVINE! For those of you who don't know, my oldest son, T- is doing various fundraisers in order to save up for an educational trip to Ireland, Wales, and England through his homeschool group. Lucky for ME, selling cupcakes is on his list of fundraising activities. AND Let me just say... THOSE Strawberry and Cream cupcakes from Betty Crocker are absolutely fabulous!!! The only thing I changed was the frosting- The recipe called for Betty Crocker frosting, however- I made my own using a dear friend's recipe (THANK YOU TABITHA!!!) that calls for butter, powder sugar, and Vanilla- I added 2 T of the strawberry soda (called for in the cupcake recipe) to the frosting and ZIPPIDEEDOO DA DAY!!! I made some mighty fine cupcakes TODAY!!! My sister in law creatively frosted the tops of the tiny cakes- and together- we make a mighty fine cupcake team :O) NO, SORRY, no pictures BOO HOO- must. get. camera. soon...
Now I bid a happy cupcake making day to YOU!
So, by now, you all know that my 5 years in Oregon were not exactly what you would call 'fun' nor 'easy' for me- But, God sent me some pretty amazing ladies to get me through the Portland season, I say not so figuratively. One such lady moved near me during my last year and I've known her since my youth group days- In fact, you can see her pictured (very prego with twin baby boys!) below... Thank you, God, for sending Carrie my way- just when I needed a coffee friend most!!! Her sister
, pictured far right, (and right next to me) was part of a shower throwing trio yesterday. Lindsay writes a fabulously fun blog HERE. Lindsay also gave me a bloggy award a few days back- 
She thinks I have a lovely blog- Why, Thank You, Lindsay!!!
I accept: rules are....
•Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
•Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
•Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
Images by: Heather Roselli, istock photo
