Hammer on Anvil '

On Valentine's Day, my husband and I took the States (what we call our children) to a local pizza buffet/arcade center. Incredible Pizza wasn't extremely busy, because most couples opt for more romantic settings for Valentine's dinner, but there were several families with the same idea we had, so we had to stand in line to order. While we waited, the man behind us began to huff and puff about the wait. His grumbling became more audible as minutes passed, and he got to a point where he was actually complaining about the fact "so many children" were there. Yeah, um, it's a pizza place with  bumper cars. Kids are to be expected, Reginald Grump.
 
The only jobs I've ever had were in retail/customer service, so my heart began to feel burdened for the one person manning the counter and the super grumps he would have to serve. To make matters more chaotic, there was some hubbub over a gluten-free pizza order. It became apparent that the guy behind the counter was actually the manager, and he was literally doing four jobs at one time. I've been there before, so I tried to be patient and extra kind to the manager when it was our turn at the register. Shortly after we ordered our game cards and began to proceed to buffet glory, we heard the man behind us yell once more at the obviously overworked manager because he had to wait, like everyone else.

Ugh. I so often want to hit those types of people in the face with a chair, but that sorta negates the "be kind" mission I am on. So I just said a quick prayer for peace for the manager and I gave Reginald Grump the "you're in trouble" glare I have mastered since being a mother.

With pizza consumed, I made a dash to the dessert buffet for a gooey cinnamon roll and cup of coffee. The Reginald Grump, as now he will be forever called, was standing at the other side, complaining about the lack of options on the buffet. There were, no joke, four huge covered tables brimming with food. This guy was just a complainer and we all know how God feels about complainers (Numbers 14). I don't like confrontation and I knew that nothing I could say could melt Reginald Grump's cold heart, so I did what any respectful lady tempted to reprimand would do: I glared more intensely and slowly shook my head at him. Then I saw it: He was wearing a Christian t-shirt.

Rage. There is no excuse for his behavior, but the fact he had a shirt on that claimed my Savior makes his offense absolutely grave. People, this is the image of the American Christian church. To the world we are huffed up on ill-perceived holiness, boasting about a generic faith through copyright infringement t-shirts and impossibly hateful attitudes. Our shirts say "Jesus," but our actions yell "@%#*%$*." That's taking the Lord's name in vain, friends. We have got to stop it.

Believers, the sub-culture we have created by playing it safe has left us with a great void of actual culture and no sense of how to treat people. Our idea of "edginess" is stealing junk food slogans and adding Jesus, and we think that since our clothing boasts His name, we don't actually have to be kind to others. That's absurd. We are supposed to, as believers, have a direct line to the Creator, so why, WHY are we so sans creativity and compassion?

True talk: I tried to listen to our local Christian radio station last week. Two songs in and I was running to my Macklemore Pandora playlist for some much needed flavor. Seriously, our faith looks bland, boring and apparently real grumpy. That's crazy, guys. We are doing this all wrong.

Church, the things we did, and often still do, to separate ourselves from nonbelievers are pretty much what the Pharisees were doing all along. Read Matthew 6 and tell me that is not how the American church sounds. It's true and if it hurts your feelings, you are in good company. I can't tell you how much I want to break free from the chains of bland faith, boring culture and safe worship. Seriously, I have had enough. If the Lord is not present in how we treat others or how we talk to strangers, then there is nothing that separates us from nonbelievers. Just because you wear that t-shirt, or go to church, or think Halloween is evil does not make you a Christian. It's His presence in our life, in our actions, in how we treat others, that sets us apart.

Look at the example Jesus gave us! How did he treat others? With grace and compassion. For everyone. Sure, He turned the tables over, but read the words in Matthew 21. He was angry at the church -- at the people who claimed to be set apart, but did not have the Lord's presence in their lives. Friends, revival is coming. If we don't change, God is gonna start flipping tables over.

In my church we are going through some hefty changes and transitions. God is renovating people, cleaning house and making His presence known, but with revival comes opposition from the enemy. And boy howdy do I feel it. Believers, there is no simple way to say it: If you are making efforts to be closer to the Lord, you will be attacked. If you are not being attacked you are playing it safe and are not considered a threat. I can say, most certainly, that my church is under attack and I know it's because the people are crying out for the Lord and abandoning the things we thought set us apart. As soon as we began to press into the Lord, we started seeing the individual attacks from the destroyer. Health, finances, cars, relationships. Things are getting wonky. Or as my friend said during her recent attack, "Whoa. Things is gettin' real." But we knew this was going to happen. Spiritual warfare is real, so put on the armor of God and quit complaining. Yes, things are difficult, but odd as it sounds, we should be encouraged with these attacks. It means we are doing something right.

I want to encourage you. Simply, act like Jesus, don't wear t-shirts that say Jesus, but look like the Reese's slogan. Seek the Lord and make your faith mean something -- something that can't be bought at mall kiosk. But remember when your faith means something you become a threat and you will be attacked. That's going to suck, but you will develop perseverance and when perseverance is complete you will be mature, lacking in nothing (James 1:1-8). And let's call it like it is, Reginald Grump was immature and lacking in lots. Friends, don't be that guy. Our churches are overflowing with those people. Let's start clothing ourselves in the character of Christ and leave the embarrassing shirts in the rubbage bin where they belong.

I watched the Oscars. There, I said it. Not only did I watch it, but I had been looking forward to watching it.

I enjoy these award shows. I'm not sure why. My wife and I DVR it, lay the boys down and we sit down to watch and fast forward through the commercials.

I was a little excited even to see what Seth MacFarlane did. Now, after it's all said and done, I'm glad I watched.

MacFarlane made a lot of jokes throughout the night. Some funny, some a little more colorful, and others that were down right mean or inappropriate. But one really stuck with me.

At one point in the night he said "It's [the Oscars] a lot like church, only there are more people praying."

When I heard him say that I went from sitting to laying down and I held my stomach. I actually felt the jab in that comment. It hurts when it's true.

We really do not pray enough. We don't pray like the early church prayed. When someone was imprisoned, they gathered to pray.

While waiting on the "gift" that Jesus would send, they gathered to pray.

Paul often wrote to the churches asking them to pray because he knew they would. He knew it would be more than a "ok we will." and then right before seeing Paul again they hurry and say a prayer so they could say they've been praying.

We do a lot of talking about praying. We send out emails or make phone calls to make sure everyone knows what is happening, but when we get those do we stop what we are doing and pray?

Do we pray before a Bible study? during? afterward?

Do we pray with our families before meals? before bed? before leaving for work?

Do we pray for missionaries that we know on a daily basis?

Our church just had a ladies prayer night on Monday which I thought was awesome! Then I thought about how long it had been since I heard about one. Then I thought about why I never hear about a men's prayer night. Or a all church prayer night.

Prayer is our connection with God. It actually makes a difference. We need to stop talking about prayer and really start doing it. For our families, friends, missionaries, those who don't know Christ, our enemies, and for everyone and everything. Our world would be a much different place if God's people actually talked with God and it is way passed time we start.

A few years ago, our sons presented me with an iPod for Christmas. At the time I wasn't sure how I would employ it, but it didn't take long for me to realize its value. Now I cannot imagine doing my daily three miles on the treadmill without it.

Last week during my workout, I listened to Steve Camp's "Open Heaven, Lord." Though I had heard it many times, this time was heart-wrenching for me, because the message is something God has been bringing to my attention over and over again of late. This verse in particular got me:

Jesus, Holy Lord
Our prayers are lifeless and cold.
Waken us up from the slumber of sin
And purify our lives within.

I am guilty of my prayers being lifeless and cold. Sometimes instead of remembering that my sovereign God has a perfect plan, I harp on how I want things to be done. Instead of praying for His will to be done, I babble about my personal gripes and irritations.

It is the same with the Church (capital "c" because I mean church universal). We make ourselves the butt of the world's jokes and the object of its disdain because, more often than not, we behave like anything but disciples of Jesus Christ. We want things our way. Some gripe about how the music at church is too loud or how there just aren't enough of the "good old hymns" anymore. Others gripe that there are too many hymns, and not enough upbeat music. Still others lament the fact that donuts are not served anymore -- only bagels.

A friend of mine recently shared a conversation she had with someone who had attended a church for just a few weeks, and said she didn't think it was a right fit. Normally that wouldn't be unusual, because sometimes you know after one visit if a church isn't right for you. But the woman's reasoning is what caused my friend to lovingly confront her. When pressed a little about why she didn't think this church was right, her first comment was about the music.

My friend very diplomatically suggested that if the type of music played was her only complaint, perhaps she needed to rethink why she attends church at all. And she is exactly right. Friends, do you look for church services that will entertain you and ensure that you are not bored for 90 minutes every Sunday? Or do you go because you thirst for God, as the psalmist does in Psalm 42? Do you prefer to hear clever anecdotes and stories from the pastor, because the truth of God's Word makes you feel uncomfortable?

God is calling His Church to awaken, my dear brothers and sisters. He is calling us to stop fattening ourselves with mindless entertainment so that we can feast on the Bread of Life. He is calling us to circumcise our hearts that have become calloused due to sin.

The rest of Steve Camp's song asks God to refresh and renew His people, and restore us to our first love. It may not be your kind of music, but I encourage you to give it a listen:

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q=Steve+Camp+Open+Heaven+Lord

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his MIGHTY power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis mine)

Last week an elderly man, dressed in his matching military colors and ready to fight, followed me out of the store and to my car.

I really enjoy a good action movie. It doesn't matter if it's war, syfy, comic, or just a man overcoming great obstacles. I enjoy them all.

It's the character development in those movies. It usually starts out with some guy who doesn't have his life all together. He/she is confused or abandoned and then the rest of the movie is spent getting answers and all the while becoming someone great. I love it!

It's like in the movie The Dark Knight Rises. Bruce Wayne ends up being at rock bottom...quite literally. He is in a deep chasm with no way of escape. His body is broken, his is broken mentally and emotionally as well. But time passes and he overcomes to save the day once again.

In the Bible we read about David. He started out as a nobody, or at least that's how everyone else viewed him. He was completely overlooked when Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king. He was overlooked when it came time to go to war. Nobody thought much of David. Until he killed Goliath and cut off his head (that's right! 1 Samuel 17:51...didn't learn that in Sunday School).

There was a time when David had to flee from King Saul to save his life. He did this for years. During this time he gained a close group of men who became known as "David's Mighty Men." These guys were beast. In 1 Chronicles 11:22 we read about one of them:

"Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion."

This man didn't just kill a lion. He went into a pit....on a snowy day. He sacrificed footing and visibility and still came out the victor.

Too often we look at our Christian life like "oh man...I have to go to church this morning. I have to give part of my paycheck...I have to be nice to that person....I have to pray for them...I have to go serve my community.....I have to make sacrifices." And our walk with God becomes blah. We do it begrudgingly and with no passion.

But what a great privilege it is to carry out the will of God! We are called to live a life so much greater than ourselves! We have been saved and now it is our mission to go into all the world and reach others for Christ! We are on a mission...and adventure! Jesus said "I have come to give you life and give it more abundantly." He came to give us true life!

Yes we sacrifice...no we may not get the recognition that others receive but what we do have and will gain is so much more than that! We receive love from the Father. We have true life! And it is an amazing life, one to be lived out with joy. It is amazing that God has called each and every one of us to take part in this mission!

So go live it out! Overcome your obstacles. Slay your lions (maybe not literally). Take part in the wonderful Kingdom of God.

A very dear friend of ours, with whom we shared breakfast just a month or so ago, passed into the arms of Jesus over the weekend. Jo was a vitally alive woman, even when last year she was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

When my mother-in-law passed away last April, Jo came to the visitation. My husband and I had not seen her for a while, and noticed that she seemed frailer, and a bit stooped over. Her speech was halting, and we thought perhaps she had suffered a stroke.

We met Jo and her husband, Larry (who passed away four years ago) at church many years ago when we began attending their Sunday School class. The subject was intercession (a passion of mine) and my husband and I learned a great deal from Jo and Larry's wisdom. We didn't just learn about prayer, though -- Jo and Larry asked us to begin praying with them during the church service.

Those Sunday mornings are forever etched in my memory: Jo and Larry on their knees, tearfully pleading with God to come in power and accomplish His purposes in the Sunday service. I probably learned more from praying with them week after week than I would have ever learned sitting in the sanctuary.

The pastor of that church ran it like a shrewd businessman. John and I saw the writing on the wall and left the church, but Jo and Larry stayed. Even though they knew the pastor was dead wrong, they interceded week after week for him and the congregation.

After a time, Larry wisely and biblically confronted the pastor about his sins. Instead of accepting the correction, though, the pastor made the grave mistake of essentially booting Jo and Larry out of the church. They showed up to a business meeting and were informed that their names were no longer on the membership roll. I will never forget the sense of dread I felt for that pastor when Larry told us what had happened. In removing Jo and Larry from membership, he had also unwittingly removed his own prayer covering. Shortly thereafter, the church imploded and its congregants were scattered.

Jo and Larry found a new church home, which I'm sure benefited from their wisdom and counsel. After Larry passed away, Jo remained involved in her church, and even kept a neighborhood Bible study going that she and Larry had started.She exuded the "gentle and quiet spirit" with which Peter says women should clothe themselves (1 Peter 3:4). When she battled breast cancer, her countenance did not waver.

Whenever we got together with Jo, it was usually at Cracker Barrel for breakfast -- where we last saw her about a month ago. Our bond was such that, even if we had not seen each other for months, we easily picked up where we left off. We shared news about our families, and laughed and cried together. The last time we were together, Jo fondly remembered an incident we had shared about one of our sons a few years back. She began to cry and said she admired us so much for how we loved our son unconditionally. My husband and I could scarcely believe our ears. That kind of compliment, from a woman of God that we held in such high esteem -- we were humbled beyond words.

Proverbs 27:17 talks about the kind of  "iron sharpening iron" relationship that we all need in order to grow spiritually. If you do not currently have a "Jo" in your life, I encourage you to ask God to send you someone to mentor you. You will not regret it.

Ok people...this post is more food for the thought than revelation.(a pun you will appreciate by the end of this post) It's been a really busy week. Honestly, I almost completely forgot to post at all. This week we celebrate the best Valentine's gift I'll ever receive..Turtle. Yes, my funny little Valentine is now 4 years old! There is one stellar Spider-Man party in the making and an agenda of other fun birthday week adventures. Life is crazy. I am presently typing this in the center of what has been declared a 'construction zone' by my two littles with a blaring TV, spontaneous crying from the ignored 20 month old, and what may or may not be a food fight starting in the kitchen ( I refuse to look). Can I girl get a little grace?

Like I said...this post will be short and sweet...er...ok, maybe just short. Love you all!


The original Valentine. Be still my heart.



Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Did everyone splurge appropriately on chocolate, jewelry, flowers, and dinner? I mean, how else would your significant other know you even love them unless you spend gobs of money? Nothing says loving like a little bling? Can I get an amen?

What you may or may not know about all those indulgences is that someone paid a high price for them. I’m not just talking $$.

This week Americans spend around $345 million on chocolate, 3.6 billion on dining out (reuters.com) and a pretty penny on diamonds and jewelry (a statistic I just couldn't seem to nail down in my very limited research). If these numbers don't phase you, then let me put it another way...

-800 million people around the world do not have access to drinkable water (researchamerica.org)
-there are currently about 150 million orphans in the world (worldorphans.org)


-more than three-fourths of all the world's cocoa comes from West Africa – but the entire continent of Africa only accounts for about 3 percent of its consumption.more here

These are staggering statistics folks. What does it all have to do with you? me? 


Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27

Remove the heavy yoke of oppression...Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. - Isaiah 58:9b-10

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:37-40

Sisters and Brothers...this has everything to do with you and me. Jesus didn't waste time with chit chat in the scriptures. God made sure that every word we needed to hear in order to navigate through life was recorded in the pages of the Bible. When my Jesus says to look after orphans and widows, relieve the oppressed, feed the hungry...He means it. Go. Now. Do these things. On every occasion and in every capacity. 

Are you still wondering what this all has to do with Valentine's Day? For one, chances are the chocolate you purchased and consumed is from one of the many large chocolate manufacturers who buy their cocoa from slave farms along the Ivory Coast of Africa. BBC has done a remarkable job at investigating the trafficking associated with cocoa. Please take the time to view at least a few of these videos. If not because I'm asking, then because Jesus commanded.


I know. I know. I'm such a Debbie Downer. I just ruined all your Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas candy fun forever! Oh well.

Truly, my hope is that more Christians will become conscious consumers. We are plagued with consumerism as Americans. Christ calls his people to 'not be polluted by this world.'

As for me and my crew, we have broken up with non-fair trade chocolate, coffee, bananas, etc. We try to be as conscious of the cost others have to make for our indulgences.  

...and if I've killed the sugar buzz you have from all those yummy chocolates...good!

Jesus, open our eyes to see the suffering and hurt all around us. Help us to look further than the American bubble. Jesus, break our hearts for the least. Remind us that we are responsible for our decisions and actions that cost others so much. Remind us, above all, that we are called to love.