Today is the twelfth birthday of The Weekly Encourager. Here's what I sent out that first week, and it's still valid a few years later.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield:
The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!”
- Psalm 84:11-12
What a wonderful promise for us as parents!
God is faithful,
j
Remember last week when I said I had a terrible cold but “I don't have cancer?” Well, the cold is almost gone (thank You, Lord!), but apparently I do have cancer. I learned on Tuesday evening that the biopsy of my left arm shows basal cell carcinoma. This cancer is more likely to occur in fair-skinned people over 40 who have had many severe sunburns early in life. Well, that was me. As a child, whenever I wasn't in school, I was usually outside. I was outside in the neighborhood, in the woods, at the pool, and at the beach. Those of you who are over 40 know that, back in the day, we didn't do much about the damaging rays of the sun. We never used sunblock or sunscreen; on the contrary, hoping for deep tans, we used baby oil to attract the sun's rays to our skin. I loved nature and I loved the sun even before I knew God. The first song I ever wrote (at age 4) was about the sun. I was (and still am) always looking for a place in the sun.
Human beings have a built-in need for relationship with their Creator. We're all looking for a place in the Son, whether we know it or not. Many ignore the testimony of creation, many rebel against the idea of submitting to a greater Being, many look for meaning in a myriad of other methods, yet nothing will satisfy except the Son. In His mercy God has graciously chosen to call some to Himself, loving us and forgiving all our sins through Christ. Those of us who know Him personally should be longing for more Son-exposure. We're not seeking a change in our outward appearance such as a suntan, and there is no danger of getting burned. When it comes to life in the Lord Jesus Christ, the more the better!
What kind of baby oil should a Christian put on? Especially when we are feeling pale and dry spiritually, we need to spend time in God's Word, prayer, meditation, quality teaching/preaching, uplifting music, and fellowship with other believers. In a sense, before we go outside, we want to rub any skin that is exposed to the world with this oil of salvation and consecration. We want to be totally covered, even immersed, in God's good news. As we build regular habits using these ordinary means of grace, we will draw in light and warmth and health. Note that baby oil is also shiny, so it reflects light to others while it benefits the wearer.
How am I feeling about having cancer? I'm okay with it. It helps that this type of cancer is very treatable with a high rate of success. Of course it's a pain to go through procedures, but “in everything give thanks,” right? I can be thankful for this, knowing that God must mean some good for me through it. “Shall we receive only pleasant things from the hand of God and never anything unpleasant?” - Job 2:10 TLB He's calling me to a deeper relationship. Do I spend more time maintaining my skin than my spiritual life? Even if cancer leads to death in my case, I am prepared to go at any time. I wish my house and papers were better organized (making progress on that!), but basically I'm ready to go. I have absolute confidence that I am saved. My Savior has prepared a place for me. Thanks be to God!
A deeper tan may lead to cancer, but a deeper relationship with Christ will lead to abundant life. Excuse me while I go put on some baby oil.
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2013 Janet A. Marney
Today I begin Week 3 of possibly the worst cold I've ever had, but the Lord has given me peace. I had set aside these last two weeks to finish a spiritual-themed art quilt for the Sacred Threads exhibit, but I've been too sick to even think about it. Yet I know God is good to me all the time, and He is faithful. I've had to put my trust in Him as I see myself getting further behind in what I had planned to do. If that piece, which is in His honor, is not ready by the Sacred Threads deadline, so be it! If I have a horrible cold, so be it! His timing is perfect.
Last Sunday I was home sick, missing church, plans thwarted by common humanity, yet God made that day good. As I read some Scriptures, I was thankful for a warm safe home, healthy food, warm clothing, clean water, and other riches: family, friends, forgiveness of sin! The Lord has brought me “out of the house of bondage,” “out of the miry clay,” and it is good to remember that. I don't have cancer; my children aren't dying; my house was not swept away in a flood. Yet even if all those happen, I am loved by the Lord. Who am I to complain?
That same weekend, I watched “Little Dorrit” again. Charles Dickens' tale of Amy Dorrit, a little woman with a big heart, is such an encouragement. Despite having lived her entire life in a debtors' prison through no fault of her own, Amy has a remarkable testimony and influence for good. She brings cheer and comfort wherever she goes. Despite misunderstanding, false accusations, and persecution from those closest to her (her family), she is known by others for her good character and ceaseless, selfless good works. I was struck by the scene in which the cold and critical Mrs. Clennam recognizes that Amy is “a good girl, and a grateful one,” although she has but little in the way of material things. Surely if Little Dorrit could remain grateful, we who have so much more should be abounding in gratefulness!
How many rich people are truly happy? I think that man often adds sorrow to wealth, perhaps because keeping that wealth and caring for it and increasing it becomes all-encompassing for some, and they (we?) may forget to thank the Lord. “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.” - Proverbs 10:22 NASB The Living Bible puts it this way: “The Lord's blessing is our greatest wealth. All our work adds nothing to it!”
As I looked up a few verses on wealth, I was amazed by Deuteronomy 8 when read in this light. Moses is speaking the word of the Lord after giving the 10 Commandments, and there is a lot about “remembering.” Well, I always thought that passage was about remembering to obey the Commandments. It is, but the underlying reason for obeying God is out of gratefulness for all He has done. God's people are to “remember” past humbling and present bounty. “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware lest you forget the Lord your God...lest, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart becomes proud, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery...Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant....If you ever forget the Lord your God, and go after other gods and serve them and worship them,...you shall surely perish.” - Deuteronomy 8 NASB
All I have is from the gracious hand of the Lord, whether poverty or wealth, sickness or health. He loves me with an everlasting love. His banner over me is love. Lord, make me a good girl, and a grateful one. “I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things He does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things!” Psalm 103:1-5 TLB
Remember.
j
Copyright 2013 Janet A. Marney
Valentine's Day is here again, that one day of the year when we are supposed to give and receive love, or at least tokens of it. It's also the one day guaranteed to make some feel righteous, some feel guilty, and some feel lonely. (Thanks, Hallmark!) Fortunately, true love is more than candy, cards, flowers, and romantic evenings.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:4-6,10 ESV
This passage gives some insight into the nature of true love. God's love is so gracious. We were full of sin, but God was full of mercy. We deserved death, but God gave us life in Christ. We were headed for Hell, but God hands us to Heaven. We are reborn to a life of joyful service, destined to do good all our days.
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” - Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
These are the traits of a person who truly loves: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness. We who are the recipients of God's grace grow in grace ourselves. A gracious heart overflows in gracious behavior toward others. Every loving thought, word, and deed is because God first loved us.
Gracious Heavenly Father, You are merciful, compassionate, forgiving. Thank You for loving me so much when I deserve nothing good at all. I have such a long way to go when it comes to sharing Your love with others. Today, may I grow in understanding and appreciating Your grace, that I may apply Your grace to every circumstance and person in my life. Make me a person who truly loves.
God is love,
j
The Boy Scouts of America will be making a decision as early as today about whether or not to allow openly gay men in leadership positions. Remembering back a few years to when our son Austin was in Scouting, it was a wonderful feeling knowing that, unlike the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts held firm against external pressure to change their rules. This pressure included the withdrawal of significant support and funding from a variety of sources. As I understand it, the rules were developed to protect boys from damaging abuse. In the past, reports of such abuse in Scouting were met by public shock and outcry; yet now, the public seems to be encouraging circumstances which might make abuse more likely!
When we were in Scouting, the Boy Scouts' assurance of protection gave me pride in the organization to which my son belonged, and peace in sending him on outings, such as the multi-day canoe trip to Maine, without our presence. Let me add that when we were involved in Scouting, this wasn't just a theoretical rule on paper. There were many practical safeguards in place to ward off predatory adults. For example, every parent was made aware of the dangers, every leader was trained in spotting potential violations, and two adults were required to be present with any boy at all times. No boy was to be left alone with any adult who was not his parent. We hosted Austin's Cub Scout den meetings in our home, and if we didn't have two parents available, we had to cancel the den meeting.
It's been eight years since Austin earned the rank of Eagle Scout. With the way our country's culture has been going in the last eight years, I am sure that the Boy Scouts are facing even greater pressures now from without and from within. God's Word states clearly that practicing, unrepentant homosexuals are living a sinful life opposed to God, whether or not they molest children. These persons will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do we want these men to be leading our youth? Can we hold them up as godly mentors, possessing character worth emulating? We know from problems caused by the Catholic Church's past refusal to acknowledge and remove child-molesters from leadership that the danger is all too real. Jesus calls us to be salt and light to the community around us, and the Bible tells us to pray for the city in which we live.
I encourage all true believers to pray for those in government on a regular basis, and also to pray for large nationwide organizations that have great influence, such as the Scouts. Our nation's children must be protected. I will be praying to that end. Lord, frustrate the plans of the wicked, and help the Scouts to stand firm in good, pure, noble, and upright policies and behavior.
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2013 Janet A. Marney
“The gospel aids our pursuit of holiness by telling us the truth about who we are. Certain sins become more difficult when we understand our new position in Christ. If we are heirs to the whole world, why should we envy? If we are God's treasured possession, why be jealous? If God is our Father, why be afraid? If we are dead to sin, why live in it? If we've been raised with Christ, why continue in our old sinful ways? If we are seated in the heavenly places, why act like the devil of hell? If we are loved with an everlasting love, why are we trying to prove our worth to the world? If Christ is all in all, why am I so preoccupied with myself?” - Kevin DeYoung
“Dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live.” - Romans 8:12-13 TLB
“Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us.” - Romans 8:37 TLB
“Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth.” - Ephesians 6:14 NASB
Lord, give us a strong desire to read and know Your word. Let us be so immersed in its timeless truths that we want to follow You in holiness. Cause us to stand firm in time of temptation. Help us to resist the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Conform us more and more to the holy image of Christ, that we might show Your glory. Amen.
God is holy,
j
Quotation from Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. 2012 Wheaton, IL: Crossway, p.84.
“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” - Romans 12:1 I've been reading The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung. He urges, “[D]o not miss what many churches have overlooked: Jesus expects obedience.” (p.16) Most of us know we're supposed to be holy, but what does that mean? I'd like to share some of DeYoung's thoughts here.
Here's one to consider as we're making plans and deciding which activities to participate in this year. “There are a hundred good things you may be called to pursue as a Christian. [A]ccording to the Bible, holiness, for every single Christian, should be right at the top of that list.” (p.20) Wow – that was convicting! Holiness wasn't anywhere on the list I made. Hmm...make time to be holy?
Drawn from many Scriptures, here's a practical picture of what holiness looks like: “You can think of holiness, to employ a metaphor, as a sanctification of your body. The mind is filled with the knowledge of God and fixed on what is good. The eyes turn away from sensuality and shudder at the sight of evil. The mouth tells the truth and refuses to gossip, slander, or speak what is coarse or obscene. The spirit is earnest, steadfast, and gentle. The heart is full of joy instead of hopelessness, patience instead of irritability, kindness instead of anger, humility instead of pride, and thankfulness instead of envy. The sexual organs are pure, being reserved for the privacy of marriage between one man and one woman. The feet move toward the lowly and away from senseless conflict, divisions, and wild parties. The hands are quick to help those in need and ready to fold in prayer. This is the anatomy of holiness.” (p.41)
Action idea for those with small children: have them act out or illustrate this paragraph or write a song about it. Extra points if you do it yourself, too!
Throughout his book, DeYoung emphasizes that a desire to be holy comes from a grasp of the gospel of grace. One phrase that struck me was, “there must be evidence flowing out of us that grace has flowed into us.” (p.26) So the more we understand what Jesus did for us, the more we'll want to do for Him what is holy.
Here's another nugget: “Obeying the commandments is how we fulfill the law of love, and love is at the heart of holiness. If you care about love you will love to obey the Ten Commandments.” (p.46) Keep that one around for Valentine's Day.
Lord, may I be holy in every part of my heart, mind, and body. Move me to do Your will. Grace in – grace out.
God is faithful,
j
Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. 2012 Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
The last two sermons at church have been particularly relevant to my life. In the first week of the new year (Jan. 6), Pastor Dave Coffin preached a sermon on James 4:13-17. The title I wrote in my notes was, “If the Lord Wills.” The main point for me was that we should go ahead and make our plans as best as we are able, working hard to achieve success in our endeavors, but always recognizing that the Lord is sovereign over all. What we plan may not come to pass, so we must be humble and prayerful. We must learn to live with the “if” of uncertainty, yet be hopeful. “My times are in Thy hand.” - Psalm 31:15
My husband and I had planned a Life Reboot for 2012-2013. The idea was to get a few things organized and then to dive into some creative projects that we haven't had time to do. However, the Lord had other plans, including deaths of family and friends, a merger at Dave's day job, the need to upgrade our home business and train a new employee, new health issues, major home repairs, etc. All of these have required lots of extra time and energy. After several months, we've barely dipped our toes into the creative pool. That trip to Europe? Postponed again.
How tempting it is to complain and resent what the Lord has brought into my life at this time! Yes, I know that He created me and all the universe, and that He has every right to order any and all events as He sees fit, but He did not give us the joyful year we wanted. At least I can be thankful that we cleared the decks of volunteer jobs, since we ended up needing every bit of that extra time for the things that happened! I'm sure the Lord knew that in advance. What we want is not necessarily what we need, and our loving wise Father always gives what is best. Once, when our nephew was about five, he got up one morning before his parents were awake. He crept down to the kitchen and ate a whole box of 12 doughnuts, then got sick. Had his parents been around, they would have limited him to one or two treats. Am I a little child who wants to eat a whole box of doughnuts at once?
The next Sunday (Jan. 13) sermon was on humility, that most essential Christian virtue. Writing to the church, Peter said, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:5-7 Pastor Coffin said we are to tie on a servant's apron as Jesus tied on a towel to wash the disciples' feet. An apron is the occupational garb of every Christian. “Get dressed for work!”
To be humble, we must have great notions of who God is and know our proper position relative to Him. I am utterly dependent upon Him for life. He owes me nothing, yet He gives me great riches in Christ Jesus. I am to rest in His will as a weaned child leans up against his mother, in perfect peace and contentment. Therefore, I place my plans in His hands. Humility is always accompanied by faith.
Recently an acquaintance quoted to me, “If you ask anything in My name, it will be done.” She seemed to think it was a formula for getting whatever you want from God. But God is King and Ruler over all; He does not have to answer any of our prayers in the way we wish. I asked her to consider Jesus. Obviously if anyone ever prayed in God's will, it was Jesus. Yet when He asked to avoid the cross if possible, how did God answer that prayer of the most righteous and holy Man that ever lived? He said No. Jesus prayed with great humility, “Not My will, but Yours.” That is the attitude I must have when making plans for the new year, or even for each new day. Not my will, but Yours, Lord. Not my plans, but Yours. Not my timing, but Yours. Not my glory, but Yours.
He chooses by His grace to give us many blessings. I thank God that, although we have lost dear ones this year, we still have wonderful family, friends, and church! I thank God that, although work has been demanding, we do have jobs! I thank God that, although our home needs extensive and expensive waterproofing work done, we do have a home! I thank God that, although we're getting older and it's harder to take care of our bodies, we are still able to feed ourselves, exercise, sleep, and do many other tasks! I am particularly grateful that I have not had another serious ankle, foot, or leg injury since 2005. I can walk without a cane, and that is a huge blessing I never would have appreciated had I not been through the whole painful cycle of surgery, bed-rest, therapy, etc. more than once. Most of all, I thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ and the hope of new life to come!
Oh, teach me, Lord, to be grateful, not grumbling! Teach me to use my time and energy and these good gifts to honor You and to serve others while I am here. Grow in me the faith and humility of Christ. My plans are in Your hands.
“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still.”
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2013 Janet A. Marney
To hear the excellent sermons by Dr. David F. Coffin, Jr., visit http://newhopefairfax.org/resources/sermons-to-hear
Hymn text “Have Thine Own Way” by Adelaide A. Pollard, 1902.
What's the best way to be neighborly? You're probably good at it, but, I failed last week, and the Holy Spirit has brought conviction.
Our next-door neighbor, “Ted,” is not known for his helpfulness. Here's an example. The beautiful tall mass of evergreen trees on the line between our two properties was one of the key reasons why we selected to buy this particular house. The large growth evoked happy memories of summers at our grandparents' homes in Tennessee. Also, the wall of green hid Ted's house completely, making us feel as if we lived next to the woods. Two or three years ago, Ted chopped down most of the trees, including some of ours! His justification was, “I hate holly trees and all those junk trees!” By contrast, I feel that it's a crime to cut down a mature tree, unless it's rotting or growing roots under the house. I told him that old trees were one of the benefits of living in an old neighborhood, and if he didn't like trees he should move to Arizona. (See what a great neighbor I am?) After viewing his trash, beer cans, old cars, and boat, I got estimates on putting up a fence, then realized that a green hedge would be cheaper and more attractive. I remember telling the story to a friend who is not a believer. Her response was, “I would just go right out and plant a whole row of hollies there.” I thought, “Well, that's the world's way: return evil for evil. But I am more spiritual. Even though I really like holly trees, I know my neighbor hates them, so I'll look for something else.” A few months later, I found lovely fast-growing shrubs on sale unexpectedly. I felt that the Lord had honored my faithfulness and made provision.
That was a great spiritual lesson in loving your neighbor, a lesson which I later forgot. Now the neighbor is adding a major addition to the house, which is his right, of course. However, after 24 years of looking out from our dining room at a very pleasant view of green trees with sky beyond, I'm finding it hard to look at Tyvek every day instead. When the first roof line went up, I thought, “It's not so bad, I can see sky to one side of it; I can get used to this.” Then another structure went up, with another roof blocking the other side. I thought, “Well, the two roofs form a nice V, and I can still see sky and one or two distant trees in that V. I can get used to this.” A few days later, you guessed it, another roof went up, this one perpendicular to the other two, and crooked! Now I have to get used to this!
There's loud noise from the construction site but I know it's temporary. What really annoys me is the workers piling junk on the edge of the property, sliding into my carefully-planted garden area. Trucks park in front of our house and drip oil onto “our” street, and trash gets tossed onto the ground. I've been pretty irritated by the mess. One morning last week I went out and shoved some of the large pieces back onto Ted's land, then picked up various scraps of trash and threw them back over to his yard!
As “luck” would have it, just as I tossed the last coke bottle onto Ted's driveway, a construction worker was coming out the front door. I started to feel a little bit guilty, but I probably looked angry still. He looked at me with a strange unfriendly expression, and I said, “All this trash!” as justification. Immediately after that, a second worker came out from the house, and he gave me a huge smile and cheerful greeting! What a contrast! I think it was the Holy Spirit who posed the question in my mind, “Which one was the Christian?”
Was the second worker a Christian, or just a friendlier guy? It doesn't matter – either way, I should have behaved as a Christian, whether anyone was looking or not. Love is not easily irritated, not easily provoked. When I raked up all that debris, it would have been almost as easy to put it in a trash bag as to toss it down the street. If I loved my Jesus and loved my neighbor, I could have been glad for the opportunity to help someone else, even though I didn't create the mess. The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served. Oh, how far away I am from true love! Jesus says, don't just love the neighbor who saves the trees, keeps a tidy yard, speaks kindly to you, and offers to water your garden while you're on vacation. Jesus says love your enemy, do good for your enemy. How much better if I had simply picked up the neighbor's trash and added it to my own.
Picking up trash is such a small thing, but it revealed the state of my heart. Deep in my heart, I do not love the Lord Jesus as I ought. My heart is desperately wicked. I seek my own good above that of others, my own pleasure above serving the needs of my neighbor. This trash incident is but one tiny example of a much larger problem. Pride and selfishness are stinking debris in my heart, trash that needs to be carried away. Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins, so that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us! He lived a perfectly clean life, not creating even one piece of trash, yet He was sent to pick up my personal trash and remove it as far as the East is from the West. And He was glad to do it!
Lord Jesus, teach me to love You more and more, and to love my neighbor as myself. Grow in me a heart of holiness that seeks to obey You and serve the people You have placed in my life.
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2013 Janet A. Marney
“On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate. And men shall speak of the power of Thy awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness.” -Psalm 145:5-6 Wonderful!
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:5 Counselor!
“Gird Thy sword on Thy thigh, O Mighty One, in Thy splendor and Thy majesty! And in Thy majesty ride on victoriously, for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; Let Thy right hand teach Thee awesome things.” - Psalm 45:3-4 Mighty God!
“[Give] thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son....For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible...all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:12-17 Eternal Father!
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Prince of Peace!
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7
Rejoice in the One who came at Christmas, the Lord Jesus Christ.
j
It's been a tough year. I didn't realize how tough until I looked back through my personal calendar in preparation for writing the Christmas letter. The year began with the loss of my beloved father-in-law, and more deaths followed with each season. It was a year of patience-building as we tried to trust God in each new trial. It seems that our bodies, our house, our cars, and our businesses all have reached middle age at once and all need major upgrades. The flooded basement from the derecho and Hurricane Sandy didn't help. Even our church has new challenges. To top it off (or bottom it out), the recent unexplained shooting of so many young children and their teachers at an elementary school only adds to the sadness. There is no peace on earth and there will be no Christmas letter from me this year. I ended up sending out a photo card of a happy moment from our vacation.
How do we go on? What is the answer? There is no answer here in this life, on this earth. This world is a place of destruction, deterioration, and death. The only answer is Christ, who came to bring light in darkness, comfort in sorrow, peace in conflict, hope in despair. So we must set our minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God the Father. We must ring the bells and announce His coming, and remember to trust Him, thank Him, and praise Him in all things. Job said, “Though He slay me, I will yet praise Him.”
This week I heard a new version of an old song we've sung every Christmas for years. The modern tune made the words new again. I'd like to share this classic poem here. May it remind you, as it did me, of why we rejoice at Christmas. The Great God of the Heavens sent His Son to earth, and the world revolved from night to day.
Merry Christmas,
j
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head,
"There is no peace on earth" I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth good will to men.
Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth good will to men.
- by Henry W. Longfellow (1807-1882)
I enjoy decorating our Christmas tree differently each year. With its six-pointed snowflakes, blue sparkly balls, and silver stars of David, this year's tree is looking a lot like a Hanukkah bush. And why not?
Years ago, for our exterior Christmas display, we made a huge star of David that lit up the whole cul-de-sac where we lived. Its presence disturbed some visitors and delighted others. Some people, including some Christians, seem to have forgotten that our Lord descended from the line of David, a king of Israel, so they feel uncomfortable acknowledging the ethnic ancestry of Jesus.
A recent article by David Brickner enlightened me about the shammash (or shammas). Let's test your knowledge of Hebrew: Which of the following is the definition of shammash? a. traditional stew containing several winter vegetables; b. ritual washing of hands before offering sacrifices; c. guilt from disobeying God's commandments; d. none of the above. If you answered d., you are correct!
The shammash is the sexton who manages the synagogue facilities, but at one time it referred to one who helped lead prayer and worship in the synagogue. The shammash is also the ninth candle on the hanukkiah, the candelabrum used to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah when God made miraculous provision of light for His people. This servant candle is the first to be lit, since it is used to light the other candles each night.
Do you see the parallels to the message of Christmas? As the article said, “Contrary to the lowly or demeaning place servants occupy in many cultures, God elevated the role of servant, and one servant in particular...the 'servant of the Lord.' “ Brickner goes on the explain that the 'servant of the Lord' in Scripture indicates a unique intimate relationship with God. Great men of God such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and Job were called 'My servant.' It was “a great honor and a high calling.” Secondly, the nation of Israel was called 'My servant' indicating a special chosen status, despite the fact that some individuals in the community were not faithful to the Lord. The third use of the term is to refer to the coming Messiah, Israel's greater Son!
Isaiah brought God's message about this Servant “in Whom I will show My glory.” The Lord's Servant, God said, would “raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the preserved [elect] ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth....Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted.” - Isaiah 49:3,6,13
The article continues, “Jesus is the servant who was brought low in order that He might become lifted up for all to see. He is the one through whom God's light would be kindled in the hearts of so many people all around the world. Jesus is God's shammash, and because He is, so are we. Y'shua told His disciples, 'You are the light of the world' (Matthew 5:14). What do you think that means for us who would follow Him?” As Executive Director of Jews for Jesus, Brickner no doubt has a special mission to serve the Jewish people, but so do we. Whenever possible, and especially in this season, we should be prepared to remind our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that Jesus was Jewish, and that He came to save the lost of every race.
It is the Shammash who brings light: “a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” - Luke 2:32 “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4 Rejoice in the Servant-Savior, and serve Him by sharing the light! And what about that bright star of David hanging in our yard? When she saw it, our Jewish next-door neighbor asked me, “Are you Jewish?” I replied, “No, but Jesus was.”
God is faithful,
j
David Brickner, “Who is the Shammash?” in Jews for Jesus newsletter, Volume 4:5773/ December 2012, p.1-2. http://www.jewsforjesus.org/
We just got the news that Joe McNulty, son of Paul and Brenda McNulty, died. This young man was in his mid-twenties, a contemporary of our own sons - they grew up together in the church. He had been getting treatment for cancer, then a tumor was found, he got another infection, and he was gone. Just like that, another death of someone we knew. It sometimes seems that this life is only sorrow upon sorrow.
Yet his family wrote, ”He fought the good fight against a giant of a cancer and The Lord has given him the crown of life....His greatest desire at the end of his life was to be holy, according to his own words....As his sickness advanced rendering parts of his body useless, his mind sharpened and he wanted to know all kinds of things. He said that he had lots of time to think in his hospital bed and that he dreamed of many things for his family members and friends. But he wasn't quite sure what God's purpose was for him....As we've heard over and over from many of you, his purpose was to inspire us to live each day for Christ and seek to give glory to God even when our life runs into obstacles. After all this life is not about us, it's about the One who made us and His purposes.”
In sending out the news, Pastor Dave Coffin wrote,
On Wednesday afternoon Joe McNulty fell asleep in the Lord. The shock was palpable, the grief profound.
I use the phrase "fell asleep", not as a euphemism, but because this is the Scripture's bold way of refusing conformity to the world, denying the victory and finality of death. Thus should our minds be transformed, even before the fears, sorrows and pains that are the reality of this passing age.
Because Christ "has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15:20), our Lord's resurrection is a sign that Joe will awaken from death to resurrection. Because "Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep" (1Thes. 4:14). And so we will see Joe again!...
So let us grieve deeply with the McNultys, the grief called for and informed by faith. As our Lord wept at his friend's death, let us weep together freely, knowing that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Rev. 21:4). Let us mourn, with an underlying confidence that in His time our Lord will turn "mourning into dancing" (Ps. 30:11).
What is my response to the news of another death as we begin to celebrate Christmas? We know that God is faithful and His timing is perfect. What about the timing of Joe's passing – is this too harsh on God's part? I weep with Joe's parents, but I can't empathize fully since I haven't lost a child. As I told them, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my only son, but God knows what it's like, so cry out to Him. He will hear and understand and comfort as no one else can.
This is the message of Christmas: God sent His only begotten Son (think of the grief! think of the love!) so that whoever believes in Him could have eternal life. A famous line from the tv series “LOST” comes to mind: “See you in another life, brother.” Joe has another life, a strong, joyful, and fulfilling life that will last forever! Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift! Because God gave His only Son, the McNultys' only son is now enjoying a state of bliss that we can't even imagine. He is pain-free and sin-free, enjoying the many rewards of faith in Christ.
Merry Christmas, Joe, and all those below.
j
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
For the season of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share a short poem.
Love-joy
As on a window late I cast mine eye,
I saw a vine drop grapes with J and C
Anneal'd on every bunch. One standing by
Ask'd what it meant. I (who am never loth
To spend my judgement) said, It seem'd to me
To be the body and the letters both
Of Joy and Charity. Sir, you have not miss'd,
The man reply'd; It figures JESUS CHRIST.
- George Herbert (1593-1633)
As we enjoy the bountiful fruits of the harvest with family and friends, let us remember to praise the Lord for His goodness in making such plentiful provision for us. May earthly blessings remind us of heavenly ones, especially the divine Love which gave up His Son to make provision for our salvation. Jesus, we thank You. You are the pure embodiment of Joy and Charity; be pleased to grow these virtues in us, by Your grace, and may we share them with others. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving! May the Lord bless you all richly.
j
Good morning!
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
This is not a Scriptural suggestion, but an exhortation. As we ponder who God is and how loving and merciful He has been to us in Christ, we will rejoice despite our outward circumstances. It's so easy to get bogged down in the difficulties of this day. Have you ever been thrown into prison for the sake of the gospel? Paul was not placed in one of our clean modern well-lit prisons enjoying three square meals a day, regular exercise, visiting privileges, TV, books, and online college courses to re-train for other jobs. Paul was writing from a first-century Roman prison, falsely accused and mistreated, cold, hungry, dirty, sick, and subject to unimaginable discomforts, yet he rejoiced!
“This day is mine come sun or rain. I awoke this morning so I can't complain. I'll never be given this day again. I'll make this a Beautiful Day.” - M. Traphagen
“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it....Thou art my God, and I give thanks to Thee; Thou art my God, I extol Thee. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” - Psalm 118:24, 28-29
Rejoice in this day,
j
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
My favorite quote from President Obama: “Nothing gets done without a deadline in this town.” I heard him say that on the radio a couple years ago, and it's stuck in my mind ever since. I used to think that it didn't apply to me, because I am a hard worker anyway, but now I'm seeing that the really unpleasant tasks need an emotional impetus. There have to be Consequences for my actions or non-action.
This week I am motivated. We're hosting a reunion this weekend and that means getting two guest rooms ready in addition to the usual shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. The group will be singing together in our family room after dinner, so that means getting the bathroom on that level functioning again. We'll need to gather enough music for everyone, so that means organizing the music. I could go on. What I'm saying is that for months I've been working steadily on a major reorganization of our household possessions, cleaning things, repairing things, shifting things, selling things, and donating things. Many days, it's an overwhelming task, but I keep praying each day for God to show me how best to use my time and energy that day. One day at a time. We weren't even going to have a reunion this year, but one of the folks was getting married and he wanted us to sing for the reception. So there had to be a place to rehearse, and one thing led to another. Voilà, fourteen people for dinner and breakfast.
A few days ago, I was grumbling, why do I have to host this year, when I'm trying to cut back on activities so I can get things done? It's so much extra work! But today the Lord showed me that this reunion is an answer to my prayers for direction and motivation! Oh yes, I am a hard worker. I am organized. The normal things get done on a regular schedule, but the unpleasant tasks like sorting through boxes of books and magazines don't get done without a deadline. President Obama was right: I am human, after all.
But this issue is greater than a deadline. The steady accumulation of Things has become a Problem. Whether this happened because of so many ankle injuries that laid me up for months at a time, whether it was due to the vast energy required for certain family issues and deaths in the family, whether it's fear or materialism or codependency or artistic impulse or ADD or whatever, there is a problem now. “Forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the goal.” Since I am responsible for it, it's only right that I should be the one dealing with it. It's my problem.
This seems a perfect time to quote Mike Huckabee. While he was governor of Arkansas, he made some important lifestyle changes and lost a lot of extra weight. In writing about his overeating, he honestly admitted the problem. He said,
“STOP MAKING EXCUSES! I travel a lot – almost every day....Even though I can typically find things on menus that I can eat, I never assume it. I travel with a little soft-sided cooler everywhere I go [to carry healthy food]....As a governor, I have people who are with me almost all the time...I could assign this task to others and claim it's beneath me to pack a little lunch box like a grade schooler, but I do it myself for several reasons. First, overeating is my problem, and my health is my responsibility. Packing my cooler is a reminder of my responsibility to make good choices today....Packing and taking my cooler is now as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth or buttoning my shirt. Here's the deal: You can eat healthy if you want to, no matter where you are or who you are.” - Gov. Mike Huckabee
I really admire the godly way he owned up to it and took full responsibility. Then he got to work on the problem. The fact that he has gained back some of the weight does not negate his good advice. It only proves that he's human and needs to continue to be diligent to do the right things. Stop making excuses! You can do it if you want to. Those of us who have an addiction need to admit it, own it, get down on our knees and ask the Lord for help, then work hard to do right. No whining about how hard it is – I did this to myself. It's my problem.
Lord, help me to recognize my sin and my constant need of Your grace. Help me to make positive change. I can't do this on my own. Guide me; motivate me; encourage me to persevere. Give us this day our daily bread. May I look to You for help and give You all the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God is faithful,
j
Mike Huckabee, “Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork: A 12-Stop Program to End Bad Habits and Begin a Healthy Lifestyle” Time-Warner 2005, p.122-123
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
I am Pro-Choice. Seriously. I'm not talking about abortion rights, but the right to make your own choices in life, no matter what your past may have been. Christians, if we keep using all the same excuses as our worldly friends do, we are not believing in Christ. Stop whining about whatever you did wrong in the past, or whatever someone did wrong to you. It's a new day. You are a new creation in Christ. Today.
My nephew Chris's wife Shawna posted this thought on facebook: “There is great empowerment in knowing that you have choices in life. Whatever decision you make will grant you an experience of your choosing, no one else’s. From this point on, you should no longer view yourself as a victim of someone else’s choices, mistreatment or neglect. Instead, view yourself as a person with options. Seek God for your destiny and make decisions that agree with that destiny.” - T.D. Jakes
It reminded me of another quote: “Let go of the belief that the past could have been any different.” - Gary Zukav
What?! But if only [insert your favorite regret here] my life would be so much better! No, I say. God is in control of ALL that happens. The Bible says NOTHING happens outside of His divine purpose, so that must include the abuse I suffered as a child, the serious mistake I made 10 years ago, and on and on. The Bible says my life would be so much better if I trusted in Christ! Ask, “Lord, what do You want me to learn from this suffering, and how should I live my life now?”
Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord....I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on...[O]ne thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:1,8,10-14
When Paul said he counted “all things” as loss, I believe that included his past. After all, if anyone deserved to have regrets, it was Paul, the persecutor and murderer of the church. He was a real genuine Class A Sinner. But does he dwell on that? No, he rejoices in prison!
Have you heard the news? Jesus Christ redeemed you, so rise up and walk! What happened yesterday may not have been your choice, but what happens today is. No more excuses. With praise and prayer and perseverance, press on. It's your choice.
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
I've been pondering Psalms 84 and 85 here at the beach. These verses struck me:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!” - Psalm 84:11-12 NASB
“Indeed, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its produce. Righteousness will go before Him, and will make His footsteps into a way.” - Psalm 85:12-13 NASB
I've been studying these verses in the larger context of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and I know that they apply to some of you as well. From a young adult longing for love and marriage, to a 40-something struggling with a difficult marriage, to friends with disabled children, to dear ones facing cancer or living with chronic pain, many of us are enduring trials right now, and the pressures are real. My question is, how real is our faith? Is our faith in God just as real as the stress of our life situations?
If you're at the beach, you have a choice between putting on your swimsuit and getting into the water, or standing on the shore looking on. I know from past experience that there's always some risk whenever you get into the water. One time years ago, powerful waves took me too far away from shore and I couldn't get back in. I was really scared! I was convinced that I would drown until a mysterious man, a very strong swimmer, appeared out of the blue and towed me in to safety. Another time, I was standing in gentle waves that barely skimmed my knees. It was a perfect day and I was ready to swim. Suddenly a huge wave overpowered me with massive force, tumbling my entire body upside down. It took only seconds for the force of the water to twist my right leg around, producing a sprained ankle that troubled me for years.
Both of those situations could have been avoided if I had just stayed out of the water, and that is some people's solution to life - don't get involved. Their main risks are boredom and loneliness, but that's better than fear and pain, right? However, I believe the Lord has called His children to live active lives which involve risks. We need to suit up and jump in! We also need to look at the whole ocean, stretching as far as we can see in either direction, and understand who made it and who keeps it in its place. As vast and powerful and terrible as the sea is, God is far more so. As calm and beautiful and life-giving as the sea is, God is far more so. Faith is the “big picture” perspective that helps us endure fear and pain.
“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt his name.” - Psalm 34:1-3 LB The big picture is all praise from edge to edge. It is only as I contemplate the wondrous character of the Lord God, and the totality of His unconditional love for me in Christ, that I can praise Him no matter what.
The Scripture says, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” That implies that if we love Him and do what is right, He is not withholding any good thing from us! What?! When I first looked at the verse that way, it was revolutionary. That means that He's not withholding the loving spouse we desire, the happy marriage, the successful children, the healed body, the nicer in-laws, the ideal job, the better house, the stable finances, victory over sin. If we don't have the things we want, we don't need them right now, because the Lord is not denying any good thing that we need. “Indeed, the Lord will give what is good.” That is a statement of trust in His perfect timing and care over all the waves of our lives. He knew that my enthusiasm was going to take me too far out in the water; He knew that I would be tumbled in the waves so badly that I would sprain my ankle just standing on the shore. It seems that the Lord continues to put us in situations where we have no control whatsoever! In those cases, we must trust our lives absolutely to Him; we have no choice. Would we be trusting Him so absolutely if we did have a choice?
Lord, You have promised to mold me into Christ-likeness, and You're going to do whatever it takes to get me there. Forgive me: I am so feeble and faithless, complaining about what I do have and longing for what I don't have. Help me to be grateful for Your many good gifts. Help me to know You so well that I can praise You no matter what happens. Don't let me drown in disaster, but raise my eyes to Heaven where perfection is found in Your holy presence.
God is faithful,
j
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
Reading Psalm 84 has been thought-provoking. “How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God....How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee....I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” - Psalm 84:1-2, 4, 10b NASB
Early in our time here on vacation, I read this psalm and thought of worshiping with God's people on the Lord's Day, which is probably the principal interpretation. Some of you know that a Christian couple has graciously made available three beach cottages for very reasonable rates to their friends and friends of friends. Their generosity (and the Lord's goodness through them) has made a beach trip possible for our family for several years. However, finding a good church to attend while here has been much more difficult.
Have you had the same experience? As Christians, no matter where we go out-of-town, whether for business or pleasure, by the time Sunday rolls around, we're longing for some spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Gathering with like-minded believers, even if we don't know a single one of them personally, brings a unique pleasure that increases our joy in the Lord and strengthens our faith for the week ahead. But sometimes a church that looks good isn't so great when we visit. It's kind of like a food that looks appetizing, but when tasted is either missing a key ingredient or has started to spoil. At the end of those services, we walk out unsatisfied, with our spiritual tummies rumbling. Unfortunately, several churches at the beach caused us want to look elsewhere for sustenance. Each year we would try a different one, with disappointing results.
So imagine how happy we were to discover a really good church at the beach! This church is of a different denomination than our home church, but the essentials are the same. This church has wonderful solid Bible-based preaching, joyful singing (with real substance in the lyrics), and friendly people who welcome us. What a blessing to have such a spiritual banquet on vacation! What an encouragement to see what God is doing in other parts of His church! This is truly the Lord's provision for our family, along with so many other good gifts.
A couple days later, I read Psalm 84 again with a whole new perspective. I had just learned that my cousin Judy Walters had died of breast cancer. She was only 62. As I thought about Judy's bright smile, beautiful singing voice, upbeat attitude and classic Daniels giggle, I began to feel the loss. This sweet, friendly, humble, caring, diligent, and generous soul will be missed at every family reunion. Yet I am confident that she is now enjoying a beautiful new cancer-free life in Heaven! Judy believed on Jesus and her life showed her devotion to Him by her glad heart and her service to others. Despite the increasingly difficult challenges of cancer, her cheerful attitude was a shining testimony. Photos of Judy's last days show that her smile was just as bright as ever. Here was a lady who could stand at the threshold of the house of her God in another, deeper way.
Lord, as I see the wages of sin in these “tents of wickedness,” I long to leave this valley of sorrow. How lovely are Your dwelling places in Heaven, O Lord! How bright are the mansions your Son has prepared for us! Here we visit Your house on Sunday, but how blessed are those who dwell in Your house forever! I long to sing in the heavenly choirs with Cousin Judy and all the rest. I want to enter the temple that was not built with human hands according to human plan, human blood and sweat, but built with the pierced hands of Jesus according to the master plan of the Eternal Creator, by the blood and sweat of the Son of God, who “gave His life as a ransom for many.” When I am “at death's doorstep,” Lord, please cause me to rejoice at the threshold. While I tarry here, give me the joy that Judy had. I know that breast cancer runs in the family; let joy and peace run in the family, too. In Jesus' name I ask.
In Christ,
j
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney
As I said last time, I have begun Phase II of a Life Reboot. Phase I was declining to serve again in several volunteer capacities for at least a year. I am still working for income, but the hours I would normally spend on volunteering will be re-purposed for a season. Phase II is the systematic sorting of all my material possessions. This task seemed too overwhelming before, and there have been many setbacks, but I am determined to continue that work. Each day I am reminded all over again of how much there is to do in several different areas. With my ADD, the challenge is much greater, because it's supremely hard for me to stick to just one task at a time.
Yet the Lord has provided encouragement already: 1.The many times I've been laid up with serious sprains and broken bones have taught me Carpe diem. Life is unpredictable, so when I am up and about, I need to make good progress while I am able. 2.Often when there are many areas needing attention, we don't know where to start, but my husband provided clear direction by indicating his top priority. That was a blessing from God. 3.Speaking of my husband, my de-cluttering has spilled over into his life, and he's gotten rid of some things, too. 4. My kids have been a wonderful encouragement. Having lived with me, they are familiar with my areas of difficulty and therefore better equipped to pray and cheer me on. 5. Hauling books up and down stairs in a split-level house is good exercise! 6. Random things I am reading are applying to my situation and spurring me on.
For example, I'm reading Bleak House by Charles Dickens for Book Club. Early in the novel, three characters visit Mrs. Jellyby, a woman who “exerts herself very much for Africa.” She is so busy with charity work that she has little time left over for her own household. While her children run about unsupervised, dirty, and in poor clothing, she sits dictating letters by the dozen to ask people to contribute funds for the poor children in Africa. When heroine Esther's guardian, Mr. Jarndyce, asks for Esther's “real thoughts” about the visit, she replies, “We thought that, perhaps...it is right to begin with the obligations of home, sir; and that, perhaps, while these are overlooked and neglected, no other duties can possibly be substituted for them.”
When I read that passage the words seemed to be in bold type just for me. How many times have I told myself that helping a friend is more godly than clearing my house of clutter? (What noble self-sacrifice!) Yes, people are more important than things, and I hope my life shows a desire to help others. But the fact is, it's a lot more fun to play with kids or plan a party than it is to sort possessions and make the hard decisions about what to pass on. It's certainly more fun to shop for new items at bargain price than to give away the old things. Given my personality, it's a lot easier to start an exciting new quilt project than it is to finish up an old one. It feels very virtuous, when dying relatives want to give me things, to take it all home (as a favor to them, of course), park it in the basement, and say, “I'll deal with that later.”
Phase II is taxing physically and emotionally. Many of these objects were given to me by loved ones who have passed away. I miss the people, so I try to hold on to the special objects which remind me of them, the things that they touched. I love antiques and handmade items and things designed for one use which are now being used for something else. Things with a past are inherently more interesting. I may dream of decorating a mansion or a castle, but God has given us a house of a particular size. I need to be able to say, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.” - Psalm 16:5-6 This is one time when I do need to color within the lines. Thank You Lord for all that You have given us!
As in any area of difficulty, when I am weak, He is strong. What a comfort to read this verse yesterday: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Hosts - “you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.” - Zechariah 4:6 LB That day I culled out another 150 books, and I trusted in the Lord.
Fight the good fight!
j
Quotation from Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Chapter VI, p.60-61.
Copyright 2012 Janet A. Marney