Mourning Time

L & N -

May you feel the embrace of our Heavenly Father and the peace of Jesus Christ during this time of grief.

PS. We love you!!!

Get Real

Rock Canyon Church, Provo, Utah, meets every Sunday morning at Provo Towne Centre Mall movie theaters for worship. Promptly, at 9:00 AM, Lead Pastor Dean Jackson speaks to all of those who have shown up to prepare three movie theaters for worship services. Well, last Sunday he spoke to us from San Diego, California, via cell phone. I was so impressed by what he had to say that I wanted to share it with all of you (And I paraphrase):

I had an interesting experience while walking through a parking lot the other day. I noticed a motorcycle parked in the distance and from where I was it looked like a Harley Davidson. But the closer I got to it, I realized it wasn't. It was another brand name motorcycle 'dressed up' to look like a Harley Davidson. But whoever owned that motorcycle had taken a lot of time and effort to change things on the bike to make it look like the real thing. I came to the conclusion that some people can't afford a Harley Davidson motorcycle because it’s so expensive. So, instead of saving their money and investing in the real thing, they go out and buy a less expensive motorcycle. They then modify it to look like the real thing . I've traveled overseas a lot and seen 'knock-offs' sold as the real thing: DVD's, CD's, clothing, watches, purses, etc. I visited one country where a person could purchase name tags to sew into various items of clothing in order to pass the knock-off as the real thing. Imitation items and fake designer labels are available because everyone is looking for a deal without paying full, retail price. I've asked myself, 'How many times in our spiritual walk do we take shortcuts? Cut corners?' All we're really concerned about is what everybody sees on the outside. We've got the right label...we've got the right identifying factors. But when it really comes down to it, down underneath...are we really who we say we are?

One of the things I've learned over the years is God is not interested in changing how we look on the outside; He wants and has an incredible desire to transform our inside. As human beings we worry about what the outside looks like. But I want to remind everybody listening today that God is looking at our hearts. He is interested in transforming the way we think, how we feel, how we perceive who we are, how we perceive who He is... from the inside.

I encourage you this week to evaluate and take a short inventory of your own life. If there are things in your life to which you've affixed 'tags' (hung a Harley Davidson emblem on there, but it’s not really a Harley), maybe its time to take off the label and be real. Owning a knock-off of the real thing isn't really a problem...the problem comes when you try to pass it off as the real thing.

You are much better off to be honest about who you are. In the same way, take the time to really invest in your walk with God in order to truly become the person God created you to be. You'll be happier and those around you will be happier. Because, what they see is what they'll get!"

As I listened to my Pastor's voice, I was reminded of my own California adventure in October 2005. Upon my arrival at the airport in Sacramento, I immediately noticed the stores (I felt I was in a mall rather than in an airport). Displayed in the huge windows of the stores were very expensive looking jewelry, designer handbags and luggage, and gorgeous clothes. As I passed each provocative display, I thought, "Ohhhh, if only I had time and money I'd stop and shop. But I have neither. I'd best be on my way." Hurriedly, I searched for the escalator that would take me into the waiting arms of my son...away from all the pretty 'bling' beckoning me.

While riding down the escalator toward the luggage pick-up, I gazed at the men and women going up the escalator on the other side. Many of them were wearing trendy clothes adorned with beautiful jewelry, talking on expensive looking cell phones, carrying designer handbags. I gazed down at my very casual, inexpensive clothes and thought, "I'm definitely not in Utah anymore!" I then saw my son and was happy to see someone familiar. He opened his arms and hugged me until my inadequacy evaporated. And then he said, "Mom, we gotta' get you some 'brands'!"

I couldn't believe my ears! Defensively, I said, "What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Just because I'm not wearing clothes with designer labels sewn or printed on them doesn't mean my clothes aren't nice. If I'm going to wear clothes with someone's name on them...I'm going to get paid for it! If I'm going to carry around a designer handbag, the designer is going to pay me for being a walking billboard!" To which he laughed at me and said, “Mom, you're so cute!"

He put my suitcases in the back of his little red sports car and grinned. I saw the look on his face and again I became defensive, "What's wrong with my suitcases? They are functional, sturdy...and borrowed. I don't need fancy suitcases to fly 700 miles to see my family!" He laughed at me and said, "Mom, we really need to get you some brands." As I slid into the front seat next to him I asked, "Who are you and what have you done with my son?" And my handsome, tan, blonde haired, stylish man-child said to me, "This is California, mom. This is the real world. This is the real me." And that's when I'd had enough of his 'world' and told him about the real me and the brand I never leave home without.

I told him that I wear the label above all labels. I told him I am branded for life with the name above every name...the name (that one day will be) on everyone's lips. And when people see me coming, they will not see a walking advertisement for Diesel, Armani, Moschino, Gucci, Ralph, Tomi, or Louis Vioutton. They will see the real me unmasked ...clothed in grace by the grand Designer himself: JESUS CHRIST.

Again, my son laughed at me and said, "Mom, you're so cute!" Seriously I replied, "I'm not being cute, son...I'm being real. What you see is what you get!"

Yahweh Yir'eh

I did it! I read the entire Bible in one year! I started last March and finished today!

In my devotion time this morning I read the book of Malachi in the Old Testament; thereby, completing a New Year's resolution from 2005. Previous to this, I’d read the New Testament and most of the Old Testament…but not the whole Bible. Now, I can say I have read the entire Bible cover to cover!

I began last March by reading the New Testament, starting with the birth of Jesus in Matthew...reading all the way through His return to earth in Revelation. Once I finished there, I went to the beginning of Genesis, in the Old Testament, and read about the birth of the nation of Israel and God's covenant with them as His chosen people...rise and fall of the Kings...the division of Israel into two kingdoms, ruled by wicked descendents of King Solomon...and the eventual enslavement of Israel by the Assyrians and Babylonians (Which God allowed because His children no longer loved and worshipped Him...they actually preferred idols of wood, stone, and metal at this point in their history). The consequence of Israel's idolatry was captivity in Babylon for 70 years. The Old Testament ends in Malachi where a remnant of Abraham’s descendents have returned to Jerusalem after being released from Babylon (And finally cured of their lust for pagan rituals) to await their promised King and Messiah for the next 400 years. After which time, He appears as the baby Jesus in Matthew.

While reading the Bible this last year, I discovered many facts I did not already know…one in particular. In the book of Genesis Abraham took his young son Isaac to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him to the Lord. When the boy realized that they did not bring a sacrificial lamb, he asked his father, "Where is the lamb for the sacrifice? We have wood and fire...but no lamb." And his father replied, "God will provide a lamb, my son." And when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac he is stopped by an angel of the Lord…and a wondering ram was sacrificed, instead. Abraham called the place Yahweh Yir'eh...the Lord will provide. I've known this story since I can remember...but what I did not know until now was that Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave Himself on this very same hill 2000 years later. But it wasn’t called Mt. Moriah in His day...it was called Calvary.

Indeed, God truly did provide the Lamb.

Love Thyself

While at Curves this morning (doing my every-third-day workout) I had opportunity to meet a 51 year-old member and her 80 year-old mother. I asked the older woman how long she'd been working out at Curves. She replied, "I've been coming here since July, 2005. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis and my doctor recommended I start exercising regularly. So, I became a member. Since joining, the Osteoporosis has improved, as well as has my flexibility and strength." After months of working out on a regular basis, she convinced her daughter to join in October, 2005 (At this point you may be asking, "What does this have to do with love thyself?"...I'm getting there.).



So, there I was...sandwiched between the dynamic duo, moving through the circuit workout that has made Curves famous. I thought, "If they can do it, so can I." Through my entire workout I watched the mother-daughter team move through the circuit, never missing a beat to the loud music playing overhead. I must say I was impressed by the two, not to mention a little jealous of the comradery they shared as they encouraged one another.

While running-in-place at a Cardio station I read a quote hanging on the wall in front of me, "My business is not to remake myself, but make the best of what God made", by Robert Browning. Which, I interpreted to mean: take care of the body God gave me so that I can become the person He created me to be...wonderful. In essence, love myself.

As I've gotten older I realize that my body is getting older, too. I wish I'd taken better care of my body in the earlier years of my life because now I'm feeling the results of the lack of attention I 'paid' myself. I can honestly say my excuse was, "I was busy taking care of a family, working, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, going to college, etc. There wasn't enough time to take care of my body, too." Fast forward to here and now. The truth is: if I don't start taking time now to pursue physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being...my physical body will not take care of me in the years to come. And if I'm not caring for myself, I'm a poor example to others as to how they should care for themselves and the ones they love. Hence, love thyself.

Furthermore, I am a result of how I have lived my life. I am slower, less mobile, less energetic than I was 20 years ago...and have about 40 more years to live on this planet (God willing). For me, loving myself is not an option; for me loving myself is a lifestyle. Therefore, I determine to love myself by eating right, spending more time with people who love me, doing what I enjoy doing most (studying the Word and reading inspirational books), and exercising regularly at my local Curves.

I invite you to love yourself, too!

God's Cathedral

The sun is not shining when I leave for work in the mornings...and rarely is it shining when I leave work to come home. I go to work in the dark. I come home in the dark. The last couple of days have been bitter cold and snow is everywhere! Get the picture?

However, the ride to work this morning was different. As I pulled into my employer’s parking lot I watched the dawn break over the Wasatch Mountains of Utah County. In awe, I sat in my car as the rising sun replaced the passing night. An ocean of blue sky quickly spread as far as my eyes could see…and the snow sparkled like diamonds on the ground outside. Toward the west I could see the moon ‘hanging’ in that ocean of sky. Awestruck, I thanked the Father for such a glorious day and went into work. But that's not where this entry ends…

At 5:45 PM, not looking forward to the dark ride home, I left my cozy cubicle and went out into the frigid air. To my surprise the sun was still shining! Breathless (from inhaling bitter cold air), I thanked the Father again for the glorious day He had given me, got into my car, and started the engine. But that's not where this entry ends…

Going home, I turned on I-15 and headed north. I gasped at the beauty of the valley before me. Snow glistened everywhere…on the ground, in the fields, on the mountains. And above all that snow was a striking contrast of blue sky. In that moment I realized I was sitting in the front row seat of my Heavenly Father's Cathedral; a Cathedral created by Him...for me.

And I whispered, "Father, thank you for this glorious day!"

Kosmos

Each morning on my way to work I drop my daughter off at her bus stop. As I pull away from the curb I turn on the radio and listen to a local station. However, today I didn't have to go into work...but decided to listen to the broadcast, anyway. So, after getting my daughter on the bus (6:55 AM...brrrr!), I returned home, made a pot of coffee, and settled down to listen to the broadcast, "Hope Beyond Temptation", by Charles Swindoll.

He began by saying, "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts! I set apart my whole body for you Jesus and make you Lord of my life today!" And immediately I thought, "How do I sanctify myself in a world full of wickedness and perversion? How do I commit my entire being to Christ when I am constantly bombarded with visual images of sex, greed, vanity, pride, and gluttony as I leave my house each day? When I turn on the TV the same can be said. When I turn on the radio, songs speak volumes about sex, greed, vanity, pride, and gluttony. So...how does a single woman live in such a world without compromising herself?" As I asked myself these questions, Swindoll continued (paraphrase):

"God has deliberately, not inadvertently, left many of us on this earth to live more years in-Christ than out-of-Christ in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation...among whom we are to shine as lights in the world.
One of my mentors has made a classic description of the world in which we live: crooked and perverted. And we live in such a world on purpose. Don't think for a minute that Jesus made a mistake in leaving you and me as His lights in a world that is moving in a direction opposite from Him. In fact, He intended us to live in such a world; John 17 is proof of that. In the hours before His arrest Jesus prayed to the Father for His followers. He did not ask that His followers be taken out of the world or away from it; but prayed that His followers would be guarded and protected from evil while living in the world.

In John 17 Jesus was not talking about the physical planet earth, a world with geography and weather. He was speaking of an invisible world system that finds its origin in the enemy himself. And followers of Christ have been left in such a world on purpose as examples, as testimonies, as lights."

At this point in the broadcast Swindoll had my full attention. I waited eagerly for his next words and was not disappointed (again, I paraphrase):

If you turn to John's first letter you'll find an example of the invisible world Christ was talking about. We are told in the letter, 'Do not love the world, or things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. 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 from the world. But the world is passing away, and so are its lusts. But the one who does the will of God lives forever'. The word 'world' used in this passage comes from the term kosmos (the term from which we get the word cosmetic) and is not a reference to the planet earth. Kosmos is the world system that characterizes life on planet earth, a system marked by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.

Furthermore, toward the end of the letter, John says, 'We know that we are of God and the world is under the power of the evil one'. The whole world system...its drive, its goals, rests in the lap of the enemy. And it is in the lap of the enemy that the world system is cultivated and nourished, designed to give us pleasure, make us comfortable, cause us relief, and gains our favor. And over this invisible world system Satan reigns as prince. Just watch the commercials on TV and you'll see the system I'm talking about. Commercials are designed to make you dissatisfied with who you are and everything you have in order to sell what they are offering. The same can be said for kosmos. Kosmos whistles appealingly, 'Come on, you'll love it...this is so much fun, you'll feel so good'.

Now, I said all that to provide a background for the Apostle Peter's challenge to think and be different, resist the subtle influence(s) of the world system, and be holy as God is holy."

Ahhh! Swindoll finally answered my questions. To be set apart and sanctified means to think and be different, resist the seductions of a wicked world, and be like my Heavenly Father...holy. As His eternal daughter I should act accordingly...single or otherwise!

A Love Song

One of my passions is singing on the Worship Team at my church. Most of you understand what that statement means...some of you don't. Let me explain.

On Sunday mornings Rock Canyon Church meets at the Provo Towne Centre Mall in Provo, Utah. A set-up crew arrives at 6:30 AM to prepare three movie theaters for a full-on-Sunday-morning worship experience. Theater one is set up for Prayer and Communion, theater two for KidzPrayz (ages 5 - 11), and theater three...service in the Main Sanctuary. Every Sunday morning is an opportunity to worship God through:

fellowship - prayer - communion - serving

singing

scripture reading - teaching - learning - giving.

As a participant on the Worship Team at my church I have the privilege of inviting the congregation into worship through singing, along with seven other Team members.

In preparation for Sunday morning worship the Team gets together mid-week for a spiritual jam session. We practice the music we will sing the following Sunday morning, discuss what the Bible defines as worship to the Lord, and pray for one another. We don't use hymn books or handouts with the words to the songs written on them at the movie theaters: songs are projected onto the big screen with images of falling snow, rolling tides, or spectacular waterfalls 'moving' in the background. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, at practice tonight we learned a new song...a love song, actually. And the words go something like this:

Every new day Your glory unfolds -
filling my eyes with Your treasures untold.
The beauty of holiness brings worship anew.
My greatest love is...You.

Call me deeper into Your grace -
the river that flows from the holy place.
Wash over me cleansing me through.
My greatest love is...You.

And the 'You' in the song is J E S U S. Goodnight.

Lily of the Valley

Name: Botanically known as Convallaria

Description: Little white bells arranged up a short delicate stem.

Origin: First cultivated in 1420.

Color: White.

Availability: Mainly April and May.

Care Tips: Must not be left out of water too long. Keep cool and shaded.

Trivia: Signifies a "return to happiness" and used in flower arrangements for their sweet aroma. Traditionally associated with May 1st.

Good Company

Greetings family & friends! My Pastors e-mailed me the links to their blogs (Lead Pastor Dean Jackson & Point Pastor Tom Buckley) today...and wow! I was incredibly blessed (not to mention a little proud of my fearless leaders)! And now, I shall attempt to cast-some-bread-upon-the-water myself...

If you are in need of some good company, positive encouragement, or words of great wisdom...pull up a chair. This is the banquet for you! Bon appetit!