A POEM FOR MOM

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday.

I am so glad that my mother is still alive, and this year I am more grateful for her presence in my life than ever before - still my mom, still my friend.

To honor her, and the blessed calling of motherhood, I am sharing a poem I wrote several years ago.

Hope you enjoy it!

A MOTHER

She carries you for nine months,

Then cares for you

Forever...

She watches out for you

when you are young,

Then watches over you

for a lifetime...

She holds you closely in her arms

for a while,

Then tightly in her heart

Always...

She is there through every change,

Then never changes 

herself...

She teaches you about life,

Then lets you leave home...

and live -

A mother is

every gift of God

wrapped up in one person -

Joy, Peace

Patience, Kindness, Goodness

Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

And most of all...

Love.

Though I am no longer a child,

I will always be 

My mother's child

And that is comfort personified -

My mother is

A safe place to be

A soft place to fall

A refuge in every storm...

She calms the winds of life

And helps smooth

the paths

I have chosen to walk.

I have never questioned 

Her love

or her faithfulness,

My faith in her

has never faltered...

She is the sun

that rises every morning,

And the promise

of a new day.

She is

The keeper of secrets,

The spark

to my dreams,

The footsteps

that walk beside me -

She is the one

on the sidelines

who whispers quietly,

with hands

folded in prayer

and

tears in her eyes,

"Go...go...go,

I'm here."

She is 

The quiet heartbeat

that keeps time

with my own...

My mother is

My best friend,

The beacon

of my life...

My mother is home...

© Sharon Kirby

May 10, 2007

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!

What's a favorite memory or moment of yours with your mother?

Her children rise up
and call her
blessed. 

Thank you, Mom, for leading me to Jesus when I was young.

"Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NLT)


And thank you, Mom, for always showing me how to follow Him.

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (Proverbs 22:6, NLT)

**********

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you wonderful moms out there!!

**********

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, REFLECT LINKUP, US, COFFEE & JESUS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, ONE WORD COFFEE, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, GROWING IN GRACE, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SPILL THE BEANS

Spill the beans.

Blab.

Blurt.

Blather.

Yes, I have been guilty of spilling the beans.

But let me be perfectly clear here.  I am not talking about sharing secrets or confidences.

No way.  

I am eminently trustworthy with private conversations, vulnerable feelings, honest thoughts.

I will not betray a person's faith in me.

And I will not be the one to burst the bubble of a surprise party, gift, or announcement.

So, I'm not talking about that.

It's more that I just don't think sometimes, and something slips out that probably wasn't the best thing to say.

You see, I suffer from "foot-in-mouth disease."

I can't tell you the number of times I've said something, and then realized what I've said, and wished that I could rewind my words.

For instance, I am a walking, human spoiler alert at times.

Like how I ruined the movie Armageddon for my older son (SPOILER ALERT!):

"It's so sad when Bruce Willis dies at the end of the movie."

Or how I ruined the movie Sixth Sense for my youngest son (SPOILER ALERT!):

"It's so weird how Bruce Willis is really dead at the end of the movie."

(Honestly, what is it about Bruce Willis and me??  In my defense, I thought both of my sons had already seen these movies).

I've also been known to tell my oldest son the score of a game, only to find out that he hadn't seen the game yet.

"Did you see that comeback in the third period?  WOW!"

"No, Mom, I taped it.  Thanks."

Sigh.


I also seem to tell everyone way too much about my personal life.

My sons tease me about how often I make *a close personal friend in less than five minutes.*

I think some of the teasing is good-natured, and comes from their admiration of my openness and vulnerability.  But sometimes, I think they believe that I should be a little more circumspect in what I share!

And I can't begin to recount the all-too-many times that I've said something in anger, in the heat of the moment, only to realize that I didn't really mean it.

So, if spilling the beans means upturning a pot of beans and making a big 'ol mess, yeah, I've done it…

No wonder we are admonished to *tame the tongue!*


I got to thinking about this…

As I read in the New Testament, it's interesting that there are several instances when Jesus performs a miracle, and then cautions people not to tell others about it.

It never worked.

People always told.

But why didn't Jesus want it told?

What were His reasons for wanting silence?


In my research, I've come upon two good reasons:

First, if news of Jesus' healings and miracles became widely known, His movements would become hindered.

Can you imagine the excitement generated by what Jesus did?  And how much attention this brought Jesus?

And how much this newfound *celebrity* would inhibit Him on His mission?

Indeed, this is exactly what happened:

"As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn't publicly enter a town anywhere.  He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him." (Mark 1:45, NLT)


Secondly, Jesus was undoubtedly concerned that news of His miracles would distract and detract from His mission.  Instead of coming to Jesus for His message, many would be attracted to Him solely for the miracles He performed.

They would be less interested in finding truth than in viewing a "show."

Dazzled by having their physical problems solved, they would concentrate on that instead of their spiritual need – the forgiveness of sins.

They would become like King Herod:

"Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle." (Luke 23:8, NLT)

Or like everyone else:

"Jesus asked, 'Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?'" (John 4:48, NLT)


So, there was a time when Jesus counseled against "spilling the beans."

And people disobeyed.

However, at the end of His time on earth, Jesus gave a completely different message.

He commissioned His disciples to go and tell the world about Him:

"And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'" (Mark 16:15, NLT)


I think about this.

You know, He was talking to us, too.

The Great Commission was given to ALL His followers.

How are we doing?

Sometimes we've been known to disobey these words, too.

We've kept the message to ourselves, bypassed opportunities to speak truth, or melted into a corner when people start castigating "religious" people.

(At least I've done this – have you?)

But we can't afford to be silent.

Jesus wants to be known.

For who He truly is – the Living Son of God.

Jesus did not come to this world to be a performing puppet.  He wasn't a circus entertainer or a showman.  Not a magician or a conjurer.

Certainly not a vending machine to fulfill our endless requests.

He didn't come for our purposes.

He came to save us.

And now, as His hands and feet, He calls us to spread His Gospel – the very Good News of who He is, what happened when He was here on earth, and why He did what He did.


We're so human, aren't we?

We're told to keep quiet – and we open our mouths.

We're told to speak out – and we close our mouths.

Oh, how we need the Holy Spirit's discernment and His power.

We need to be told when it's wisest to keep silent, and then to obey.

And we need to be told when it's wisest to speak out, and then to obey.


I'm asking for the Lord to help me in this area.

I want to *tame my tongue* – and use it properly for His purposes.

But, as far as spreading the message of His salvation?

Well, I can hear Him saying to me…

"Go on!  Spill the beans!!"



Are you boldly taking opportunities to share the Gospel?

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills
and everywhere -
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ
is born.


(Written by John Wesley Work, Jr.) 

"'I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God.  That is the one thing we must not say.  A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher.  He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell.  You must make your choice.  Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.  You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher.  He has not left that open to us.  He did not intend to." 

(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)



"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'
They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'
'But what about you?' he asked.  'Who do you say I am?'
Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'
Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you…'" 

(Matthew 16:13-17, NIV)


"'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:8, NLT)

"With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all…" 
(Acts 4:33, NIV)

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.  Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world." 
(Isaiah 12:4-5, NIV)

"…'Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'  But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?  And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?  And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?  That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:13-15, NLT)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith…" (Romans 1:16-17, NASB)

"I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not." (2 Timothy 4:1-2, NLT)

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

"'Now go!  I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.'" (Exodus 4:12, NLT)

"'God will give you the right words at the right time.  For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.'" (Matthew 10:19-20, NLT)

"'And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.'" (Matthew 24:14, NLT)




Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, REFLECT LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TITUS 2SDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY 
(The last few days have been so busy, and I've not been feeling well.  So, if I joined your blog hop/link party and didn't reference you here this week, I apologize.  I'll be back on track next week.  Thanks!)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WOULD JESUS WEAR JEANS?

It's a good question.

Now, hold on…

I don't mean this question to be facetious, flippant, disrespectful, or sacrilegious.

I want it to spur us on to some serious thought.


When my sons were young, they asked me questions about Jesus all the time.

Did He get tired and hungry?

Did He get sick?

Did He get blisters?

Did He ever have a headache?

Did He ever trip and fall?

On and on the questions went.  

At first, I was tempted to think that they were being impertinent.  But then I realized that they were very sincere, and that what they were really asking was this:

"Is Jesus like me?"

All these questions gave me a wonderful opportunity to tell my boys that yes, indeed, Jesus was just like us – except with no sin.


Sometimes I think about what it would be like if Jesus walked the earth today.  

I like thinking about that...

What would He look like and wear?

Where would He go, and who would He talk to?

What would make Him angry, and what would break His heart?

And who would rise up against Him?

It's interesting to me to contemplate these things.

And based on what we read about Him in the Bible, I think we can make some educated guesses to answer those questions.


What would He look like and wear?

I don't think that Jesus would look like a movie star or fashion model.

I don't think He'd be dressed in designer suits, stylish sunglasses, or fancy shoes. 

I don't think He'd be driving a Ferrari. 

Jesus was humble and simple.

Isaiah described Jesus as looking like an ordinary man, and that there was nothing special in His appearance that would make Him stand out.  

"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2, NIV)

So sure, He might be wearing jeans or cargo pants!

And maybe Birkenstock sandals???


Where would Jesus go?

I think we might be surprised at the answer to that.

I don't think He'd expect to be eating at gourmet restaurants or staying in five-star hotels.

I don't think He'd be seeking center-stage, or hungry for the spotlight.

I don't think He'd worry about crowds flocking to Him, or desire to perform in front of cheering throngs.

I don't think He'd be running for office.

Rather, I have a strong feeling that Jesus would go to places where He could encounter people in an intimate way.

(Maybe He'd find His way to the local Starbuck's, and wait for the opportunity to speak to someone?!)

He would quietly go about the business of His Father, wherever that led Him.

"'For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.'" (John 6:36, NLT)


Who would He talk to?

Again, I think we might be surprised.

Jesus was always reaching out to the marginalized, the ostracized, the minimalized, the victimized – the persecuted, the mistreated, the abused – the weak, frail, and infirm.

When I think about it, I can picture Jesus speaking to those same people today.

I can see Him on Skid Row or working in a soup kitchen.  I can see Him at the feet of a homeless person.

I can see Him in hospitals and hospice care centers – with the sick and dying.

At nursing and assisted living facilities – with the old and forgotten.  

On a college campus – with the seekers and the skeptics.  

In a prison – with the angry and hopeless.  

At a rehab clinic – with the addicted and broken.

I can see Him talking to the people that are so easily vilified by society…(and sometimes by Christians??).

People who persecute us, or whose lifestyles or religious beliefs are different than ours, or who do hateful and ugly things.

Jesus would be found in the company of those who needed Him most.

Even if it was politically incorrect, unacceptable, or scandalous.

"'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" (Mark 2:17, NIV)


What would make Jesus angry?

This is an interesting question to ponder.

Of course, my first inclination is to think that Jesus would be angry about the things that make me angry.

Injustice, hatred, cruelty.

And yes, Jesus would be angered by these things.

But He would also be angered by things He might see in me.

Hypocrisy, self-righteousness, pride.

And Jesus would also be angered by the things He might observe within His church.

By white-washed tombs of impurity, and empty words, and prideful boasting, and false piety, and critical spirits, and unforgiving hearts, and sanctimonious posturing.

By misinterpretation and misrepresentation of God's Word.

By anything and anyone who thwarts the cause of the Gospel.

"Do not cause anyone to stumble…even as I try to please everyone in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:32-33, NIV)

Jesus would be angered by the *log-in-the-eye folks* who spend so much time pointing out the *specks* in others.


What would break the heart of Jesus?

I think it's easy to think of some things – disease, affliction, suffering, loss of innocence, and the like.

He would be saddened by the way His beautiful world is broken and filled with sin.

But, I think He would also be saddened by apathy and complacency amongst His beloved followers.

As I write this, it is Palm Sunday, the remembrance of Jesus' triumphal procession into Jerusalem.

But as Jesus approaches the city, we see a most unusual reaction:

"...as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep." (Luke 19:41, NLT)

Why did He cry?

Surely not for His own sake, though He knew He was approaching the crucifixion.  

No, He wept for His own:

"'How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes…because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.'" (Luke 19:42, 44, NLT)

Jesus was anguished by those who were not saved – and His heart still bleeds for them today.

He is grieved when we who do know Him do not obey Him, when we shirk the responsibility of bringing His Gospel to others.

He is troubled when we remain in our comfort zones.


And finally, who would rise up against Him?

Truth be told, I don't think it would just be the "bad guys."

Because I think Jesus, the Person, would rail against all the artifice of "religion."

He would single-mindedly oppose counterfeit teachers and false doctrine.

He would speak out against idolatry, and all of the myriad ways that it manifests itself – fame, fortune, reputation, beauty, possessions, people.

He would hate everything fake and conceited and pretentious.

Jesus is still the two-edged sword, the One who divides households and nations. 

The One who brings controversy and contention, because He stands for Truth.

He would not win a popularity contest.

"'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.'" (Matthew 10:34, NIV)

If Jesus walked the earth today, would He still be crucified?

Sadly, my friends, I believe He would.

Because Jesus would not remain quiet.

And the world would want to silence Him.

For the heart of mankind is still proud, selfish, stubborn, and cruel.


Next Sunday is Easter.

The day when we celebrate the greatest day on earth.

The day when Jesus rose from the grave, paying our sin debt, and conquering death.

But just 40 short days later, He returned to heaven, sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

So, in every real and mysterious and overwhelming way, He now walks the earth in us.

Therefore, we must go where He would go, talk to who He would talk to, be angry at what would make Him angry, and let our hearts be broken by what would break His.

We must be courageous and brave, determined and resolute, when others rise up against us.

We must open ourselves to His work in our lives, and seek to obey His calling.

We must venture out of our comfort zones.

We must represent Him well.


Would Jesus wear jeans?

Maybe.

But let me just say this – 

Truthfully, He's wearing what YOU put on this morning…

Now go and be His hands and feet!!



How can you *wear* Jesus this week?

I'll be Your hands
I'll be Your feet
I'll go
where You send me
And I'll try
to touch the world
like You
touched my life.



(From the lyrics to "Hands and Feet" - songwriters:
Tyler Burkum, Bob Herdman, Charlie Peacock,
William McGinniss, Mark Stuart) 

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NLT)

"For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." (Romans 8:13, NIV)

"Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.  Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17, NLT)

"Because God's children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (Hebrews 2:14, NLT)

"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 
(2 Corinthians 5:18-20, ESV)

"As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it." (2 Corinthians 6:1, NLT)

"'You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.'" (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)

"'…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:8, NLT)

"…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…" 
(1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, NLT)

"Sing to the LORD; praise his name.  Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." (Psalm 96:2, NLT)

"I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power…" (Psalm 71:15, NLT)



HAPPY EASTER!  


HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!!



Linked with:

INSPIRE ME MONDAY, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TITUS 2SDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WISE WOMAN, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, THE LOFT LINKUP, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PETER PAN CHRISTIANS

OK, so there's this TV commercial.

It drives me crazy.

Picture the scene:

It's a high school reunion, Class of 1965.  A small group of people are quietly talking.

And then…

Peter Pan flies in.

He lands in front of the group and promptly does two completely annoying things:

He asks one of the men to give him a high-five, and as soon as the man reaches up, Peter slugs him in the stomach.

Then he acts surprised as he glances at a woman – "Joanne, is it you?" – and then proceeds to tell her, "You don't look a day over 70."  (Which is sooo insulting, because if you calculate her age, she's only 68!!)

The commercial ends with Peter singing, "You Make Me Feel So Young," while flying around the room and hitting people in the head with his feet.

It's a funny commercial, but by the time it's over, I want to slap young Peter silly!

Honestly, though, don't we all know someone who refuses to grow up?

I have seen full-grown adults acting like obnoxious children.

(And I have observed that this tendency is especially true when there's alcohol involved.  No wonder we are cautioned against drunkenness – it makes us look like fools).

Then there are other people who dress too young for their age.  In my humble opinion, I think that instead of making them look younger, they just end up looking tasteless.

Still others accumulate "toys" – fancy and expensive things.  Have you ever seen that bumper sticker that says: "He who dies with the most toys wins"?

Yeah, that's maturity speaking.


So, what's at the root of immaturity?

I think it's three main things – insecurity, pride, and fear.

Insecurity can arise when we compare ourselves to others.  

And in a culture that celebrates (idolizes?!) youth, it's tough to feel healthy self-esteem.  Plastic surgery is so prevalent these days.  Many people seem addicted to it, and pursue endless methods of staving off appearing old.

It's the modern-day fountain of youth.

Now let me say this, if you've had plastic surgery, I'm not going to judge.  I've been tempted a few times myself.  But if you're seeking it for all the wrong reasons, it will never alter the actual years on the calendar.

Pride can arise when we think we are in control of our lives.  

And when we start to get older, a fact we cannot control, it's tempting to get caught up in doing all sorts of other things that give us the illusion of control. New clothes, new jewelry, new "toys", new people – all of these things can be pursued in a prideful effort to "cheat" growing older.

The enemy can exploit this – infidelity, greed, discontentment – all of these things stem from a prideful desire to "get what I want" – to make life (or re-make it) in our own image.

And so often, what we do NOT want is to grow older.

Fear can arise when we face those candles on the birthday cake.  

Because the older we get, the more we have to face our own mortality.  And that, my friends, is a daunting and sobering reality.

Now I'm not gonna lie.

Getting older can be pretty scary.  

Changes that occur in our bodies and our minds can be terribly unsettling.

Aching joints, wrinkles, hair loss, weight gain, hearing impairment – not fun.

Not to mention the increasing frequency of *senior moments* – those times when you forget stuff – like what you were talking about in the middle of a sentence!!

It's disturbing.

I'm going to be 62 pretty soon, and I am so NOT looking forward to it.

But, though I'm growing older, I don't want to grow old.

I'm talking about a mindset.

A mindset where I don't give in to the oh-woe-is-me outlook that life is over, that I am useless, and I might as well just grab a shawl and a rocking chair and give up.

No sir.

However, as I grow older, I do want to start wearing some of the good things that come with age – dignity, wisdom, grace.

Because just as refusing to grow up as people is annoying, refusing to grow up spiritually can be disastrous.


God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

We are admonished in the Word of God to not be childish.  But we are also encouraged to be childlike.

Hmmm…

A contradiction?

I think not.

So let's ponder that.

I've come up with eight characteristics – four that are signs of childishness, and four that are signs of childlikeness.


Let's see if any resonate with you:


1) Children have tantrums

Oh boy.

Haven't we all seen the "beauty" of a child having a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store, or a restaurant, or even church?  (I have also been the parent dealing with that…ahem).

Children have tantrums because they get easily frustrated when they don't get what they want when they want it.

And they let everyone know about it!

A childish spiritual outlook demands that God act according to our ways, our wants, our timing.

Spiritual maturity learns the patient way of waiting.


2) Children are greedy

In infancy, a certain amount of "greediness" makes a lot of sense.  Babies are nothing but little blobs of "need."  They are driven by those needs, and squawk when they don't get them met.  It's a matter of survival.

But as babies grow older, this tendency remains.

Their natural tendency is to want everything for themselves.  All of the stuff, all of the time.  I have seen small children surrounded by toys, but still wanting the one thing that someone else has.

A childish spiritual outlook is greedy, coveting recognition, approval, money, possessions, power – whatever it is that this life tempts us to crave.

Spiritual maturity learns that earthly treasures are not treasure at all – they’re just worthless trinkets not worth grasping.


3) Children are selfish

The gift of sharing doesn't come naturally to a child.

However, it is completely natural for them to go through the "It's mine!" stage. In fact, it's a good sign of behavioral development.  It signals the fact that they are experiencing a greater sense of self, and learning how to attach complex feelings to inanimate objects.

They are asserting ownership to maintain a sense of order and control.

But if you ever try to take something away from them, look out!

That phrase: "It's like taking candy from a baby."

Oh yeah.

A childish spiritual outlook does not share easily, and insists on personal ownership, order, and control.

Spiritual maturity recognizes that all things come from God, and holds lightly to things, always willing to let go.


4) Children consider themselves the center of their own world

We celebrate the growing sense of independence as a baby grows up.

But we also harbor an expectation that they will continue to develop beyond a self-centered focus on themselves – their thoughts, feelings, desires, wants – to a place where they consider the needs of others.

Narcissism – defined as an inflated sense of one's own importance – doesn't look good on anyone over the age of 3!

A childish spiritual outlook focuses only on the self, and selfishly pursues the satisfaction of the self, often to the ignorance of the needs of others.

Spiritual maturity learns to feel empathy, and to reach beyond the self to sacrifice and surrender.


If those are some characteristics of being childish, what about being childlike?

Let's ponder some of those:


1) Children have a sense of wonder

Have you ever looked at the world through the eyes of a young child?

Everything is wonder-full!

They are endlessly curious, continually fascinated by the wonder of the world that surrounds them.  A sense of awe is a familiar companion.

Every day begins with wide-eyed marvel at the beauty and complexity of life.

There is no room for complacency, apathy, lethargy, or indifference.

Childlike faith greets each day with wonder, insisting on seeing the beauty of God's world with awe and astonishment.


2) Children are affectionate

Don't you just love the image of children crawling up into the lap of Jesus?!

I can see a bundle of them surrounding Him – some of them sitting on His lap, some stroking His hair, some touching His face, some playing with His sandals, some snuggling into His robe.

Unmitigated, unhindered, unreserved affection.

Children know how to love Jesus!

Childlike faith holds great affection for the Lord, and is willing and eager to pour out love at His feet like an offering.


3) Children are curious for knowledge

Little children are like sponges – soaking up every piece of information they can get.

Children are not easily satisfied with pat answers.  They do not desire trite or cliché or routine.  They are constantly curious, always looking for new insight, new revelation, new wisdom.

They want to learn new things, and they are willing to pursue knowledge in single-minded focus.

Childlike faith isn't satisfied with one-dimensional knowledge, but rather, pursues spiritual insight, revelation, and wisdom with single-minded focus on the Author of Truth.


4) Children find joy in simple things

Children love to giggle and laugh – mostly at the simple things in life.

They are happy creatures who live as if life is profoundly simple, and simply profound.

Blowing dandelions in the wind, flying a kite, building a sandcastle, holding a butterfly, licking a lollipop, skipping rope…children enjoy simple things with great delight.

They haven't yet become distracted by the weight and worry of the world.

Childlike faith bears in mind that circumstances don't dictate the condition of the heart, and remembers that simple joy can be found by delighting in the Lord.


So, to sum up, I have to assert that personal maturity does not necessarily correlate with longevity.  Just because we have a greater number of years on this planet, it doesn't mean that we've grown into maturity.

Maturity must be mindful.

And it's the same in our walk of faith.

Being a believer for a certain number of years doesn't automatically guarantee spiritual maturity.

Spiritual maturity must also be mindful.

Spiritual maturity takes intentional work – prayer, study, discipline, application of truth. 

It takes purposefully pursuing Jesus, emulating His ways, and letting the Holy Spirit continually renew and redirect us into the path of spiritual growth.

It requires discerning between what's childish and what's childlike.


No, God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

He wants His children to grow up into maturity, reflecting accurately His Truth – while at the same time exhibiting a total surrender of self to the joys of pursuing and obeying Him.

A tall order sometimes?

Yes, but we can do it with His help.

He can teach us how to carry ourselves with dignity, wisdom, and grace – while still maintaining a childlike faith.


Yup, that's what I want – to grow up…

…while still being a Kid of the King!!

Though growing older
may show in my face,
I'll do it with dignity, wisdom,
and grace. 

"'My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding.'" (Jeremiah 4:22, NIV)

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…" (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)

"Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people.  I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger.  And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature." 
(1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT)

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14, NASB)

"When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child.  But when I grew up, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your understanding…Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind." (1 Corinthians 14:20, NLT)

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…" (Hebrews 6:1, NIV)

"…when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten.  No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God…" (1 Corinthians 2:6-7, NLT)

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-15, NIV)

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." 
(Colossians 1:28, NIV)

"So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 3:10, AMP)

"Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.'" (Matthew 18:2, NLT)

"'I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'" (Luke 18:17, NLT)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)



Do you struggle in an area where you're lacking spiritual maturity?




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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY WILD WEST VACATION

"The Hub" and I just got back from a few days' vacation in southern Utah.

There is some beautiful scenery in this area.

Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are all within driving distance.

Beautiful red rock vistas, crystal-clear rivers, secret canyons and waterfalls, towering mountains, and wide-open spaces – a feast for the eyes!  We've visited them all, and reveled in the beauty of God's creation.

But, this trip we were on a different sort of adventure.

We *journeyed* to the Old West instead!!

Once a year, "The Hub" and I make the trek to Kanab, Utah, to attend a Western Festival.

It's such a great time!  

Four days of music, movies, shopping, food, and fun!

And, just to make our time more "authentic," we dress up!  "The Hub" – who many think bears a striking resemblance to Sam Elliott – puts on his Virgil Earp garb.  And I wear my city-girl lavender satin dress.

What a pair!!  (Check out the photos of us at the end of this post!)

One of our favorite things to do at this event is visit with the *stars.*

Many of you will probably remember such movie and TV stars as Bruce Boxleitner, Don Collier, Barry Corbin, Cheryl Rogers Barnett (daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Wyatt McCrea (grandson of Joel McCrea), and Clint Walker.

Well, we got to visit with them all!

And the one thing that always impresses us is how very kind, polite, and respectful these people are.  They are genuinely interested in what you have to say, and they are very generous with their time.

These people portrayed characters from a different time who truly embodied something called, "The Code of the West."


A little background on the "Code":

It was first chronicled by the famous western writer, Zane Grey, in his 1934 novel "The Code of the West."  Although no actual, written code ever existed, the tough and hardy pioneers who lived in the West abided by a set of "rules" – rules that centered on hospitality, fair play, loyalty, and respect for the land.

Ramon Adams, a Western historian, explained it best in his 1969 book, "The Cowman and His Code of Ethics," saying:

"Back in the days when the cowman with his herds made a new frontier, there was no law on the range.  Lack of written law made it necessary for him to frame some of his own, thus developing a rule of behavior, which became known as the "Code of the West."  These homespun laws, being merely a gentleman's agreement to certain rules of conduct for survival, were never written into statutes, but were respected everywhere on the range."

There are many versions of the "Code" – but they all have one thing in common.

They closely parallel Biblical principles.


So, without further ado, here's a short version of "The Code of the West" – and some spiritual *rules* I think we can all follow:


1. Live Each Day with Courage

We are called to be courageous, and exhorted often to "Fear not."  I find it so difficult to be fear-less, but I think it's crucial as believers not to be fear-ruled. The enemy's kingdom is dominated by fear.  But God's Kingdom is ruled by love.

As children of the King, we should live like it!

"…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)


2. Take Pride in Your Work

My dad always said, "If it it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."  A great work ethic, but an even better spiritual principle to live by.  We speak volumes to others when we take our duties, our jobs, our responsibilities seriously. Displaying a thoughtful attitude about everything we do is crucial to our witness.

For in fact, we work for the Lord, and for His Kingdom.

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord…" (Colossians 3:23)


3. Always Finish What you Start

Lazy, irresponsible people do not make good Christian witnesses.  We are called to integrity and excellence in all we do.  God does not want tepid, half-hearted workers for the great harvest He is preparing.  He calls us to persevere and endure, to complete the tasks He assigns.

So, let's be strong to the finish of the race of faith.

"Now you should finish what you started.  Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now…" (2 Corinthians 8:11)


4. Do What Has to Be Done

The walk of faith is not easy.  It can be full of hardship and suffering. Following the Lord takes dedication and devotion.  And sometimes we are called to do difficult things.  In all of this, God calls us to do what has to be done – always giving of our time, our resources, ourselves.

Let's strive to be good and faithful servants.

"Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." 
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)


5. Be Tough, But Fair

Tough love.  Every parent knows that it is sometimes required.  And in the Body of Christ, we are also called to confront sin.  We are not to be conformed to this world, and that means we are to stand firm on issues of Truth.  Let us do everything in the name of love, but let's never slide down the slippery slope of compromise.

Pray for wisdom and discernment, and when called to do so, stand tall!

"This is what the LORD says: Be fair-minded and just.  Do what is right!" (Jeremiah 22:3)


6. When You Make a Promise, Keep It

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that fewer and fewer people value the virtues of honesty, honor, and sincerity.  Never is this more apparent than when this country approaches election year.  Do you believe anything anyone says anymore?!  God calls us to something greater.  He calls us to Truth.

Therefore, we should be people of our word, because we are People of His Word!

"The godly are directed by honesty…" (Proverbs 11:5)


7. Ride for the Brand

When I look around me, when I look within me, I sometimes question God's plan to make us His representatives.  What was He thinking?!  We are all too often very poor reflections of his Son.  We must realize that being a Christian is much more than just a title.  It is a responsibility to the Lord to let Him do His work through us.

Pray for the will and the power to represent Him well.

"So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.  We speak for Christ…" (2 Corinthians 5:20)


8. Talk Less and Say More

Can anyone tame the tongue?!  (Correct answer = NO!)  In fact, we must constantly be aware of our tendency to speak too much.  We must be aware of our power to hurt and wound with careless words.  Rather, we must allow the Holy Spirit to direct this mighty weapon.

May we allow the Lord to speak through us, and to silence us when we should not speak.

"…I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say.  I will hold my tongue…" (Psalm 39:1)


9. Remember That Some Things Are Not For Sale

We must never forget that we are a redeemed people, purchased and bought with the blood of Christ.  Therefore, we must be oh-so-careful to remember that we are living temples of the Holy Spirit – and we are admonished to behave accordingly.

Guard your heart, protect your reputation, shield your mind, respect your body.

"You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)


10. Know Where to Draw the Line

The very best *roadmap* in life is The Word of God.  Full of wise counsel, its words will guide us.  No, we are no longer living under the tyranny of the Law – the Lord has set us free from slavery to sin.  However, He has not given us a license to exercise bad behavior!

Know His rules, obey His regulations, and freedom will reign.

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation." 
(Matthew 26:41)


Yup, we would do well to follow the "Code of the West" – but it's much better to follow the "Code of the Word."

Which just might be summed up by Paul's words in Philippians:

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing.  Then the God of peace will be with you." 
(Philippians 4:8-9, AMP)


Happy Trails, pardners…

See you on down the road!

If it's not yours,
don't take it.
If it's not true,
don't say it.
If it's not right,
don't do it. 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

"This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior..." (1 Timothy 4:10, NLT)

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." (Acts 20:24, NIV)

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.'" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)

"...we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church...So stop telling lies.  Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body." 
(Ephesians 4:15, 24, NASB)

"A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it.  He must do exactly what he said he would do." 
(Numbers 30:2, NLT)

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6, ESV)

"In the same way, the tongue is a small thing...the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.  It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself...If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:5-6, 13, NLT)

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." (Romans 12:4-5, NLT)

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)




Are you living by "The Code of the Word"?



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