STOP, DROP, AND ROLL

Recently, as I walked through a parking lot, I was entranced by someone else’s unusual display of disobedience. A car pulled into a parking space with a large sign specifically designating that this space was for the convenience of pregnant women. And when the car doors opened, 4 teenage boys emerged. I must say, I’m quite proud of myself for not chasing them down to ask when their “due date” was. I also wondered if they perpetually ignored signs on the roadways. Scary, scary thought.

It has been many decades (5 exactly) since I first learned the rules of the road in high school Driver’s Ed. As every one of us knows, there are certain behaviors expected by those who bestow driver’s licenses upon us. Mostly, the directional signs are not that difficult to comprehend. “YIELD” means slow down and watch out. A picture of a BICYCLE means do not run over the helmet-headed bicycler. And “STOP” means ... stop! There are 2-way stops, 4-ways stops, stop-then-proceed, but there’s no getting around it, it means stop.

The most intense sign I observed recently demands: STOP, WRONG WAY, DO NOT ENTER. And instantly, it occurred to me -- Scripture is loaded to the brim with the Lord’s loving warnings, to beware, watch out, don’t indulge in “deeds of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21). Don’t go there! Why? Not to ruin all my fun, but because ignoring His “signs” can trip me up in my walk with Him, because it causes me to be a bad ambassador, because it doesn’t glorify Him.

More often than not, Christ’s big warning against anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34) is often the biggest problem for me. It is so incredibly easy to dwell on the past, which is anxiety in reverse. It’s easy to fixate on possible trauma in the future. And yet, He says, if you’re about to worry, don’t start. If you’re already worrying, STOP. Just knock it off, don't go there!

I work well with visuals. So this particular STOP sign in my mind’s eye has proven to be very effective. But I’ve learned to take it a couple of steps further. Thankfully, I’ve never found myself on fire. But we’ve all heard of the infamous “Stop, Drop, and Roll” maneuver to extinguish flames. STOP running, DROP to the ground, and ROLL around, thus quenching the flames.

So now, when I find myself in danger of being “on fire” with anxiety, envy, anger, whatever my flesh decides is fun, I STOP. Then I DROP to my knees in prayer, confession, repentance, and praise to my Lord and Savior Who took these very sins upon Himself. And finally, I ROLL ... in His grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and yes, even His necessary discipline.

My loving and compassionate Father, “You are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:3). I thank You for the permanent gift of the Holy Spirit causing me to want to be obedient to Your warning signs. And I am daily thankful for Your Word as my “instruction manual” to drive through my life in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to You.  

LIONS, LOLLY-GAGGING, AND LA-DI-DAH

 

My hubby will testify that I’m a real critter lover. He’s afraid to take me the zoo, or festivals, or a neighborhood walk, for fear that I’ll come home with a new fuzzy lovebug, be it cat, dog, goat, iguana ... okay, so the iguana isn’t fuzzy, but I’d gladly buy it a fuzzy sweater. And now I must guard against torpedoing the 10^th Commandment because our friends are going on African safari next month where they can have hands-on experiences with cheetas, elephants, and wildebeasts.

As much as I love to watch nature documentaries, the one thing I don’t handle well is the videos of one breed taking down another for food purposes. I see it in my own home, when I watch our cats stalk and demolish a cricket. I know, it’s nature, the way it’s supposed to be, survival of the fittest. But I’d much rather not witness this much reality. Yes, I am indeed a wimp.

And now you’re asking me, “and your point would be?” Here it is. Read 1 Peter 5:8 -- “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Now take a good look at the photo above, taken by me, on our deck a few winters ago. The birds had found some leftover kitty kibble and were having a heyday, as evidenced by the many wee birdie footprints. And if you look closely, you’ll spy with your little eye ... the single kitty paw print. Like the song that you can’t get out of your head, so this photo and verse should be stuck in your head, only for a better purpose.

The feline’s expertise is a picture of Satan’s. He takes advantage of the weak, the straggler, the unaware, the apathetic, the lolly-gagger. His grubby little footprints are all over Scripture for me to see as an example of his effect on those who weren’t paying attention when he snuck up on them for the physical, emotional and/or spiritual kill.

When believers are at their most vulnerable is when he strikes. Sometimes that vulnerability is from outside sources, like persecution, illness, etc. But vulnerability can also be the result of disobedience, pride, greed. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16)

Gracious Father, I know that, as Your child, I can never be taken from Your hand (John 10:28-29). But it is definitely up to me not to languish and “la-di-dah” through my days, assuming that because I’m Yours, that the diabolical one has lost interest. That would be the dumbest assumption I could make. You have lovingly provided me with Your armor, and Your insistence that I put it on, so that I “will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11-17). Furthermore, You have gifted me with “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Being aware does not mean living in fear, because You are with me always. And besides my little picture of critter footprints, the “big picture” is that Satan is not long for this world, because You, my Jesus, have already conquered Satan. How I look forward to being with You for all eternity, in a divinely Satan-free environment!

TO ETCH OR NOT TO ETCH

 I’m not a huge fan of tattooing myself, because I know it would become grotesque with rapidly encroaching older age and already-sagging skin, thereby scaring young children. I prefer to make my statements via etchings on jewelry rather than crepe-like skin. If you’re a younger reader, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not being wildly adventuresome.

Recently, I discovered a bracelet that was advertised as engravable, with anything you wanted to say, showing your philosophy and personality to the world. My first thought was to have the word CHOCOLATE engraved a coupla dozen times, since that’s of major importance in everyone’s life, and if it isn’t, well then, I guess you and I wouldn’t have much to talk about [Insert goofy smiley-face emoji here]. Another obvious possibility for a woman my age could be doo-wop lyrics from the 50’s, like “shoobie-doo-wop-doo-wow” and “ramma-lamma-ding-dong.” But then, I’d always have to wear poodle-skirts, and I’m not sure any of my friends could tolerate that.

So, after galloping through cerebral silliness, I reverted to adult thought processes. I wanted something that I wouldn’t eventually find boring, thus landing it in a garage sale a couple of years later. I wanted something I would gladly wear the rest of my life. And then it hit me -- why not show who I am -- in Christ?

And here it is -- the 12 most important words that describe me, not for my glory, but for His. Because of God’s plan before the world began (Ephesians 1:4), I am ... PREDESTINED, CALLED, JUSTIFIED, GLORIFIED (Romans 8:30), ADOPTED (Ephesians 1:5), SAVED (Romans 10:9,10), REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13), SANCTIFIED (1 Corinthians 1:2), RECONCILED (Romans 5:10), UNCONDEMNED (Romans 8:1), FORGIVEN (1 John 2:12), and BELOVED (Colossians 3:12).

I’ve heard that it’s a good idea for every Christian to rehearse the gospel to themselves each day, since we're prone to forgetfulness. It’s also good for me to remind myself of these God-breathed words, to reinforce what Christ has done for me, to keep my perspective, not just on an earthly level, but on “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). This shiny bracelet is also an excellent witness tool, since it is very obvious to those I meet every day, and it keeps me ready “to give an account for the hope” I have (1 Peter 3:15).

My Father, I am beyond thankful that, even before I was born, You applied all those words, and more, to me, a wretched sinner, and now a beloved child. When I meet with other believers, I know the same applies to them, and I am able to encourage them in the same way You encourage me with Your words. You have made me a fellow citizen with the saints, and a member of Your household (Ephesians 2:19). I praise You for Your mercy and grace.

ATTITUDES AND ACRONYMS

Recently as I was strolling through the internet labyrinth, I learned that as many acronyms exist as there are stars in the universe. Most acronyms are way too technical for my wee brain, but I got my daily giggle from several, including:

DENIAL = Don’t Even Know I’m Lying

DIET = Did I Eat That?
MATH = Mental Abuse to Humans,
and my favorite:
AAAA = Association Against Acronym Abuse

That was entertaining, wasn’t it? However, I had a brain spasm recently because of a particular acronym on social media, one that I won’t repeat here, because I don’t want you to look it up and be grossed out. The cleaned-up version of that acronym is meant to tell people “do I look like I care about much of anything?” Apparently, it’s on a line of clothing and is considered to be “attitude” wear. From my vantage point, one might as well be wearing the "cat-with-bad-attitude" picture on one's shirt.  The individual who displayed this acronym on his site clarified by saying that he doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion of him, that he’s done what he wants his entire life, and that the only opinion he ever considers is his wife’s and God’s, and nobody else. And he solidified his lack of caring what people think by offering two more posts with foul language. Yes, this person professes to be a Christian.

I know this person, therefore I'm sure he wouldn’t take too kindly to being held accountable by another Christian. He wouldn’t want to hear about how God’s Word emphasizes believers’ attitudes towards one another are to be that of humility and encouragement. He wouldn’t enjoy reading the many verses emphasizing “wise in their own eyes” and haughtiness, and lack of listening to godly counsel is a gigantic hindrance in walking the Christian road. And he particularly wouldn’t like to hear that the Almighty God doesn’t have “opinions.” He is the “I Am” and His Word is truth. His commands are to be obeyed, not just “considered” and then tossed aside in favor of worldly desires.

And at this point, I must consider the speck/log issue. How many times have I myself behaved in a haughty, not humble, manner towards others, not taken godly advice, or glossed over God’s commands? Probably more than I would care to admit. Sticking one's tongue out at God is, at the very least, inconsiderate.  So this acronym issue was a good wakeup call. And I’ve found many other acronyms that display a more profitable “attitude” to wear on my clothes, and treasure in my heart:

ACTS = Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication

ALONE = Always Leading Others Near Eternity

BREAD = Bible Reveals Every Answer Daily
CHRIST = Compassionate Humble Redeemer Immortal Servant Truthful
GRACE = God Really Covers Everything

My Father, I am so thankful to You for pointing out the importance of evaluating my potential behavior by asking myself, and You, if what I’m about to do will glorify You, or give You a “brain spasm.” Will it veer me off the road I’m walking with You? Will it help or impede, or gross out, other believers if they see what I do? Father, You are so very patient with me, and Your Word is so sufficient, that I want You to be the first Counselor I seek. And if You choose to mediate Your love and advice through other believers, give me the humbleness of heart to listen to them. 

WHO CAN KNOW?

 

If there’s one thing that I definitely know about life, it’s that there are many things I don’t know, such as, where I put my glasses or cellphone that I just had a minute ago. I don’t know how to do taxes. I don’t know why my computer freaks out. I don’t know why cats are sometimes insane. And I’ll never know why my husband thinks that bacon-wrapped brussel sprouts are tasty, when everybody knows that chocolate-wrapped fruit is heaven sent.

And speaking of heaven ... because my earthly life is stuffed to the brim with mostly mundane daily trivia, and occasional life-altering surprises, the older I get, the more I’m inclined to be eagerly looking up. And at the same time, I feel very sad that hoards of people don’t know, don’t want to believe, what happens after they die. Simply put, they don’t want to know or believe God, who He is, and His promises (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I myself used to have a shaky belief in a generic “god” out there, but he (or she or it) must certainly be apathetic about earthlings. I sorta knew that Jesus existed, that He was a good guy. But I didn’t spend any time in the Bible, because I preferred to read anything other than Scripture. Mostly, I believed in reincarnation, that I alone decided the course of my own life (and future lives). And I was pretty sure that everything somehow all worked out in the end and every single person would live in a paradise of his/her own making. I knew the Bible said that Jesus had resurrected, but somehow it was easier to believe in self-reincarnation than God-ordained resurrection. I sneered much.

Then one day, in His perfect timing, my God saved me. And I know why. Because He loved me first (1 John 4:19). He turned my twisted self-oriented thinking into straightforward faith in Him. He humbled me and caused me to see my sinful nature that rebelled against His perfect holiness, caused me to confess and repent of sin, caused me to crave His Word alone, and caused me to know Who His Son really is. He gave me an anchor-solid understanding that Jesus wasn’t just a nice fella who was born, did nice things, died an un-nice death, and maybe resurrected.

I also began to see myself in Scripture, that I had been like the “religious” people who “sneered” when hearing of the resurrection (Acts 17:22, 32). I had been like the disciple Thomas who refused to believe what he hadn’t yet seen (John 20:27-30).

In my suddenly pervasive reading of Scripture, it became clear that the Lord Jesus spoke of resurrection often. And not just His own resurrection, but His promise to raise up every believer (John 5:28-9). He wanted me to know, without any doubt, that I could trust His promises because I could trust Him. My soul soared to read His words, “I go to prepare a place for you, ... I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). He has promised that I will be caught up together with other believers in the clouds to meet Him in the air, “and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). What comforting words!

Knowing a few facts about Jesus in my head just wasn’t enough. I had to believe, to know in my heart that He is the only Way to heaven, He is the only truth, and He is the eternal Life (John 14:6). I will be resurrected, in God’s perfect time (John 6:40, 47; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 44, 49), to live with Him eternally.

I’m not to trust or believe in my own allegedly wise eyes, “but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). Jesus said, “He who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

My God, I know that You keep Your promises and You do not lie. My Jesus, You and the Father are one. I can, and I do, believe Your promises to me. This Easter, I fall on my knees and thank You, that You died on my behalf to reconcile me to my God. And I celebrate Your resurrection, oh-so eagerly looking forward to The Day when all in Your church will be with You eternally, to the glory of God.

I believe all of this, and I know there is no ? to eternity. 

COMMON SENSE, COMMON STUPID

Somebody recently told me that he thought I possess much common sense, based primarily on wee stories, just like this one. Excuse me a minute while I recuperate from rolling-on-the-floor guffawing at the thought of me having any sense at all.

There, I’m okay now. Even though this person has known me a realllllyyyy long time, he’s probably forgotten about the many instances of extremely common-stupid incidents throughout my life. For example, when I, as a desperate teenager, used fabric softener to smooth and straighten my wild hair. Or when I’d read girlish detective novels and spied on the neighbors. Or when my girlfriend and I brought home bird eggs from a nearby field and tried to hatch ’em in the oven. I’ll stop now, you get the idea. But suffice it to say that reaching the coveted adult age of 21 did not diminish common-stupid activities.

When I consider my blemished lifelong behavior and attitudes, one word comes to mind: FOOL. I know, how rude. But according to the Word of God, since I was born a sinner (Romans 5:12), foolishness is one of many offshoot behaviors. Scripture is heavily saturated with examples of foolishness sprouting dainty buds of dishonesty, slander, atheism, hyper-self-confidence, and hypocrisy. Since I was born with a congential “wise in my own eyes” syndrome, it was a bit of a shock when the Lord reached down to save me, and showed me that I wasn’t as wise as the proverbial owl after all.

Psalm 19:7-11 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17 showed me the blessed usefulness of Scripture, stretching me way beyond my own common stupid/sense. Scripture taught me to be humble and ask God for His wisdom, which He gives freely (James 1:5-6). It’s intimidating, and yet, so comforting to know that His thoughts and ways are so very much higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). And Jesus, who IS God, told the disciples to “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29).

My Father, Who is infinitely full of wisdom, I thank You that You’ve given me the privilege of learning directly from Your Word, and learning directly from my Jesus. So no matter how entertaining it is for me to write quirky story-lady blurbs, no matter how powerful our pastor, or t.v. evangelist, no matter the wonderful theologically-helpful books that are at my disposal ... I crave to learn from You first and foremost. Each day, I want to hide more of Your Word in my heart because my own “common sense” is so wishy-washy, and Your very uncommon wisdom is stable and eternal, and I desire it more than “much fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).

CHIRPING BIRDS AND BUSTED BOTTLES

In my humble opinion, this is the proper way to walk a pup -- in the seasonally glorious woods, with fresh air, chirping birds, bubbling brooks, Bambi, munchkins, and most important, convenient benches for tired old people with hyperactive pups, all of whom require copious amounts of sugar-saturated energy snacks.


As opposed to ... traipsing down the sidewalk on our boulevard where people in wannabe racecars shoot off the nearby highway, spasming along at warp speed, tossing out bottles of who-knows-what (although I do) which shatter all over driveways and sidewalks. ’Tis certainly a different type of exercise for us, less like sauntering, more like frantic hopscotching, avoiding spiked and splintery shards scattered about, capable of shredding even the thickest of athletic shoes, and certainly delicate wee puppy paws.

 

Upon consideration, is anyone’s life really like the Bambi-walk through the woods? Nah. Most people’s lives, occasionally or frequently, resemble the hopscotch through the city’s shards. Not to sound cheerless, but diligence is necessary in maneuvering through life. And when we insist on powering through on our own wisdom, well, things can get messy really fast. At least that’s been true in my own life. More than once. Slowwwww learner.

 

What’s my point? Well, as I’m walking our little Minnie pup through the obstacle-shard-course, from my tall long-legged human vantage point, I have a pretty good view of the surrounding area. Short-legged puppy’s vantage point is spectacularly limited, and she could care less about danger. Her goal in life is to smell every blade of grass and pee on it. 

 

So here’s my point -- it’s my job to maneuver her safely through her walk, by guiding and sometimes pulling her away from the shards aiming to cause her harm. I want her to pay more attention to me than she does to peeing on things. Does Minnie WANT to be guided by me? No, she wants to do her thing, when and how she wants to do it. Does that behavior sound familiar? Yes, and I’m ashamed of myself. Because even at my somewhat advanced age, I still find myself lurching away from the guidance of the Holy Spirit, demanding to do things my own way, because hey! I’m gonna do what I want. That’s what happens when I forget the velvety admonition that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18).

 

My all-seeing and all-knowing God, forgive me for refusing to stop and consider that You see things that I cannot, things that You desire to guide me through and around, so that I’m not hurt. No doubt You’ll take me places I’d rather not go for my good and Your glory, but please cause me to pay more attention to You than on my sensory miscalculations. Remind me as often as necessary in Your Word how much you un-love pride and self-sufficiency, and how much You really love humility of heart and trust in You (Proverbs 3:5-6). I am full of praise as You lead me to become less selfish and more faithful as You walk me through the rest of my life.

STINKY THINGS AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

 

Here’s a pretty picture to jump start your week -- a humongous landfill! Probably full of stinky fishbones, and diapers, and rusted metal, plastic, warped shoes, bubble wrap, and ... well, you get the idea. Makes you wanna sing, doesn’t it? That’s why I go visit landfills, to be inspired with ideas for the Broadway musical screenplay I plan to write someday.

A few months ago, I watched a documentary about slum children in Paraguay. Some genius musician went to the local dump site, pulled out ooky discarded objects, and fashioned musical instruments. The children were taught to play, and a band was formed. Lives were changed, both the children’s and those who watched and listened to them play.

In pondering that rancid pile of trash, I had an invigorating thought -- that used to be me. And now you’re thinking, “How offensive! How dare anyone say they’re trash, God doesn’t make trash! I am certainly not trash!”

Well, I partly agree. “In the beginning ...” God did not create trash. He created perfection. However, due to the infamous Adam/Eve fiasco, all subsequent generations were born spiritually dead ... and stinky. How do I know this? Well, my creator God told me so. I was “dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1). My heart “is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). I was once unrighteous, unable to inherit the kingdom of God, due to my sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Yes indeed, I was born into a spiritual landfill, ...

But God! When I was dead, He made me alive, pulled me out of the sin-landfill, raised me up with Christ, and seated me with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:13). I’m included with all other refurbished sinners, part of the Lord’s well-designed plan. How wonderful to know that God uses the “dead” and foolish and weak, to set into the Body. The disciples were only uneducated fishermen, but they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13) and were changed.

 

My Father, how truly awestruck I am when I consider that I was born spiritual garbage, but you washed, sanctified, and justified me in the name of my Jesus and in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). You did that with me, and for me, so that I would be made useful. In Your hands, with Your Spirit, because of Your Son, I am a chosen instrument to play Your “music,” for Your glory and Your purpose. I could not feel more blessed!

ONE !!

1

It’s now a few days past New Year’s with its huge headlines of shiny new babies and glistening new beginnings. But by this time, most people have already experienced the annual trauma of making resolutions, and then watching them go splat on the floor. These self-promises usually involve trying to morph our torsos from flub to fab. I totally commiserate. I myself have spent years attempting to dedicate myself, to set my mind firmly to develop healthy habits. It requires work. And I’m sad to confess, I don’t always wanna work. I seldom have the correct mind-set. Yes, I have chronic congenital mind-flub.

 

I’ve seen a t.v. commercial that talks about how wonderful it would be if all we had to do was eat 1 piece of rabbit food and voila! no more diabetes, or do 1 pushup and ta-da! no more heart issues! It would certainly make life a cakewalk, wouldn’t it? Sadly, things just don’t work that way in this world.

 

Except for 1 instance about 2,000 years ago ... when Jesus “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

 

My Jesus, how thankful and awed I am, that You were so determined that You resolutely and steadfastly set Your face to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), to go to the cross. You never had mind-flub, You had courage and commitment, for the Father’s glory and for my salvation. Please cause me to develop the same mind-set of commitment to You, to grow in You, and to know You more each day.

 

OVERKILL FOR CHRISTMAS

The last time I indulged in a massive dental procedure, my oh-so kindly, generous, thoughtful husband procured mushy edible food for me. If you consider Jello and pudding (not to mention, sports drinks!) to be food. The problem was that the thoughtful husband thought I should have a month’s supply. And since I only needed them for a couple of days, well ... we now have fossilized food in the cabinet. When I tried to tell him gently that this was overkill, he seemed surprised at my response to his love offering.

 
And now that it’s Christmas, for some reason, this overkill issue caused me to think about the many ways Scripture tells us how God has showered His children with loving gifts.
 
He has shown himself to be our Provider, as with Abraham about to sacrifice his son, knowing that “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8-14). For Abraham, that was not an overkill gift. It saved his son, and glorified God.

 
King Solomon humbly asked God for “an understanding heart to judge Your people,” God responded by saying, “I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor” (1 Kings 3:9-14). Not overkill, but abundance of love, and glorifying to God.

The apostle Paul made sure the Philippian believers understood that “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever” (Philippians 4:19). Overkill? No. Love? Yes, out of His endless, abundant supply, and for His glory.

 
Today, I’m meditating on God’s glorious gift to us. “There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10). “And the angels said,” ... “Hey, don’t you think this is overkill?...”

 
NO, they did not. They were “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest’,” (Luke 2:13-14).

 
My oh-so-loving God, Your gifts sometimes seem so overabundant that I can’t totally wrap my mind around them, or understand why You would be so incredibly generous to me, except that You loved me long before I ever loved You (1 John 4:10). And even more unbelievable, Your gifts don’t stop with this life. One day I will be face to face with Jesus, my Savior and Lord.  I know without a doubt that I have “an inheritance reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4).

 
My Father, Your gifts are never overkill, nor will they sit on a shelf becoming increasingly useless. With every gift You bequeath on me, I will praise You while I live, and I will sing praises to You while I have my being” (Psalm 146:2).