31 Moments in Time :: the Sunday walk

An InLinkz Link-up

Sunday lays before us like an open book, it's pages waiting to be filled with our story. It's the day we get to be fully ourselves rather than full of ourselves. We come before the Lord with arms wide open and allow him to work in us, to create in us, to continue to shape us in to who he wants us to be... fully.

I saw this lived out today in church by those who gave their testimony for baptism. Beautiful lives... beautiful stories that are a part of the beautiful people that God is shaping them to be... fully themselves. Their stories are laden with pain and heartache... and then redemption. They begin the process of filling the blank pages. May they quickly realize their wounds, their scars are what make them beautiful.

I saw this yesterday as friends gathered around our dining room table for a meal and fellowship. Beautiful lives... beautiful stories that are a part of the beautiful people that God is shaping them to be... fully themselves. Their stories too are laden with pain and heartache, their wounds and scars making them beautiful.

Hovering in the shadows of the grand maples, feeling lost and unnoticed, you may believe that you have reached the end. That all your fluff is falling off and you are too broken and weak to have anything left to offer. You don't see yourself as God sees you, or even as we see you... beautiful and full of possibility. Remember that God's light is still shining on you and the process you are going through will cause you to bear much fruit.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies it produces many seeds. John 12:24

Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:6

I am a fan of the Sunday walk, especially in the fall. I slow down, I breathe in, deep into my soul, and smell the sweet fragrance of God's grace as I see him at work, beginning the process of making things new. I have learned over time that all things must die to become new. Some things are harder for us to let go of than others... the habits that are so familiar, the lies we've believed for far too long... the things we think define us and make us who we are. We have become so comfortable in them... 

But it's Sunday, the pages of your book are waiting to be filled with your true story. Come before the Lord as if every day were the Sunday walk and breathe in deep, with arms wide open, allowing him to shape you into who he wants you to be... fully.

This story was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge. To read more of my stories in the challenge click on my link. Thanks!

31 Moments in Time :: in your presence

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm not much of a morning person, my preference is to linger under the covers but I have had the great privilege of many beautiful sunrises as I have made my way to work in Traverse City over the past 6 years. They are something I would not have normally seen had it not been for working somewhere in an easterly direction. It has been fascinating to watch the sun dance across the horizon as the seasons changed -- the rhythm of creation. Amazing to think that God simply spoke and the sun came into existence, with the whoosh of his breath, a great ball of fire -- light and life. With the stroke of his hand he paints the sky the most amazing array of hues, each season having its' own shades. The fall sky is my favorite, its' colors are more vibrant than any other and linger the longest.

So many mornings as I headed off to work I was thrust into the presence of a holy God and I would live out what Pastor Adam wrote about when he penned these words...

In the still of a morning sunrise, I feel your beauty, I feel you near

In the peaceful, twilight hour, I hear your voice calling me

In the eyes of a little child I sense the wonder, your tender love

In this moment I sing to you, I call your name, I give you thanks

In this moment I lift my hands to you my God, to you my King

My days at work in Traverse City are coming to a close soon and there are many, many things I will miss about that but just as the seasons change in nature, so do the seasons of our lives and I have counted it all joy.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Often I attach a song to my writings with a link for you to listen if you choose. Today I encourage you to listen to this beautiful worship song written by Pastor Adam from East Bay Calvary Church. No matter how many times we sing it, it brings me to tears. In Your Presence

This post was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge. To read more of my stories in the challenge click on my link. Thanks!

31 Moments in Time :: kind

An InLinkz Link-up

These are my 'kind', or in it's origin, my kin, which according to the dictionary means nature or natural order, innate character, form or condition, hence 'a class or race distinguished by innate characteristics.' My kin who, by nature, share my characteristics. That statement makes me both happy and sad... oh to live a life where all your characteristics are worthy of passing on to your children... but that's another story.

When I looked up the definition of kind my search was after the adjective, kind, not the noun because my plan was to write a story on being kind.  The verse in Ephesians 4:32 has been rolling around in my head since I woke up this morning. "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

The first definition to pop up on my computer was the noun, kind. I had never once in my life given thought to the difference, they were two separate words to me with two different meanings, and they are... but are they really? To be kind means to show a friendly, generous and considerate nature. There's that word again, nature...

It is God's nature to be kind. He can not be anything but kind for that is who he is. Just like he can't be anything but Holy or righteous. It is his kindness that leads us to repentance. Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance. Romans 2:4

Think about the last time you were in an argument with someone. Even if you were wrong, did you ever feel like asking for forgiveness from the person screaming in your face? Probably not. How would you have felt if they had been kind and compassionate in the face of your mistake? Would your heart have been softer?

We are created in the image and likeness of God, therefore it should be our nature to be kind. So how come it isn't always that easy? The long and short of it is Satan and the fall of man way back in the Garden of Eden. That too is another story...

So why did my kiddos end up in my story about being kind? Because they made me think about all things kind and unkind. If your family is like mine, we aren't always kind to each other. Sometimes kin can be the most unkind. Often it is easier to be kind to a stranger than your own kin. We know too much about each other's character flaws but we should remember they know just as much about ours and that should lead us to kindness and grace. Their character flaws are my character flaws. And sometimes kin can be the kindest because they see your character flaws in the light of their own and are full of grace and understanding. My kids are not perfect but they love each other and they have each others back when push comes to shove even if they aren't always kind to each other, which for the most part they are.  

I think as parents we always want our kids to get along all the time and always be kind.  I remember feeling like a referee most days while they were growing up. "Be nice", "Don't treat your sister that way", "Share", "That wasn't very kind" were words often coming from my mouth. It was my feeble attempt at being their 'kinsmen redeemer' for each other.

I love the story of Ruth and Boaz found in the book of Ruth in the Bible. What a love story. It is near and dear to my heart as I look back over my own life in both its' physical and spiritual condition. God knows my nature and he knows I need hands on, eyes on, that I need a real life example. In his grace he honored that need when I met my husband. He let me experience in real life the actions of a kinsmen redeemer in David, so that I would one day be able to understand about Christ as the true Kinsmen Redeemer. When I met David, I was as needy as Ruth when she came to Boaz. Being unable to rescue herself, Ruth requested that Boaz, her kinsmen redeemer, cover her with his protection, redeem her and make her his wife. A very poignant picture when you realize your own helpless condition. A very real picture of what Christ, the true Kinsmen (Kind) Redeemer has done for us by his death on the cross. He bought us for himself, redeeming us from our unkindness and making us his kin.

Kind is kin in it's original form. Kin have similar characteristics. We are all kin because we are all human. We all have feeling that can be hurt, we all need help, we all need grace... we all need kindness. When we remember what we share, kindness flows from us naturally.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

If you are in Christ, being kind is in your nature, practice kindness until it is as natural as breathing. 

Today's story song is Kindness by Chris Tomlin, listen here.

This story was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge. To read more of my stores in teh challenge click on my link. Thanks!

31 Moments in Time :: no excuse

An InLinkz Link-up

For since the beginning of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--having been clearly seen, being understood from what he has made, so that people are without excuse.  Romans 1:20

He made the Earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.  Jeremiah 51:15

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. Psalm 19:1

I live in such a beautiful place. I know I've said that before but I can't get over just how beautiful it is and how blessed I am to be able to live amidst such wonderful creation. I am in constant awe of God and his imagination, and I never get tired of taking it all in.

I get it when people refuse to accept God as the Lord of their life, oh wait no, not really because I can't comprehend why someone would chose to spend eternity in hell.  What I mean is I get it that there are some people who just won't submit. They're going to run their life and that's that, their pride keeps them from it. But judgement day comes for everyone, eventually...

What I really don't get is when people believe that all of everything just happened from nothing, like a bunch of nothing came together in a big bang and created something as wonderful as Earth. Seriously? I mean, have you looked at the sky? Have you tried to count the stars at night? God named everyone one of them and he knows how many there are, just like he knows the number of hairs on your head. But, I guess if you deny his existence you can bury your head in the sand you think came from nothing... judgement day still comes for everyone, eventually.

I've been told I'm wrong, that's okay. If I'm wrong and they're right then when we die, we will just go back to nothing. No harm no foul. But if I'm right and they're wrong... when we die it's a whole different ball game. Nobody likes to talk about hell, and sin, and all that stuff that makes us squirm. They say if God is a loving God, why would he send people to hell? God never sends anyone to hell. That's a choice people make on their own. You know, that whole free will thing. We all love free will and the ability to make choices... yeah, that was God. Every choice has a consequence and judgement day still comes for everyone, eventually. It's the day when the consequence of your choice will come to pass.

Because of that obedience, God lifted him (Jesus) high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth--even those long ago dead and buried--will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-10

You can deny his existence, but I'm telliin' ya, if you deny him on earth, he will deny you in heaven. If you acknowledge him on earth, he will acknowledge you before his father in heaven. Don't take my word for it, look it up in the Bible--you know, that book that's been around for a few thousand years, best selling book of all time. It's in Matthew 10:32-33.  It's pretty much a book about a guy that came to save us all. It's a love story and guide book all in one. Take a peek, it just might change your life. I know it changed mine...

Hell is a harsh reality, even those who believe in the existence of God don't like to think about it but that doesn't change the fact that it is real. There are people I love and care about here on this earth and I want to spend eternity in heaven with them. Because I love you I tell you  to chose while you can. Those of us who believe, we're ready for heaven. We're ready for Jesus to split the skies and take us to paradise, but he's waiting for me to do my part and tell you about him... to tell you that he loves you, he died for you and he wants to reconcile you to God... he's waiting on you to decide you want to go too. 

Lisa Bevill sings about that very thing in her song called Ride, which you can check out here.

This story was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge. To read more of my stories in the challenge, click on my link. Thanks!

31 Moments in Time :: tree of righteousness

An InLinkz Link-up

Honor Hill, Honor, Michigan

Have you ever felt like the lone, scraggly tree on top of the hill, so close to the edge you might be blown in.  Yeah -- beaten and battered by the storms of life to the point you can hardly stand anymore. I've known that feeling. Do you remember when you first got to the top of the hill and how grand it felt? The view was fantastic, breathtaking at times. The breeze was constant but gentle and the sun was warm... riding high you felt invincible. Then out of no where the breeze turns to a ferociously wild and squally gale that comes roaring in like a freight train and you are pelted by the hail and rain. Thunder and lightening crash all around you in an unending assault, there is no where you can go to escape its' relentless battering and you are bowed down low.  

We've all been there. Sometimes we get there by the choices me make that have consequences we didn't anticipate, or in our pride we thought would not come near us. Sometimes we are there simply because we live in a fallen world and storms happen that we have no control over. Some storms are like a brief summer shower, racing in to dampen our day and spoil our plans.  Others surge in out of nowhere like a great flood and threaten to drown us.  We struggle just to get our bearings and then it's over as quickly as it came. Then there are those storms, you know -- the really hard ones that bring us to our knees -- that seem as if they will go on forever.  They push in from the north and you watch them consume all the blue sky, all the light... maybe they will go on forever...

I think about the times I have walked in what seemed to be great darkness.  When my dad died, when my mom was so sick for a number of years, when I became a single mom, when I was raped, when I was anorexic, the dark road of dementia...the list goes on... I hear people say, "God will never give you more than you can handle."  I say they don't know their Bible very well.  God can and does allow more into our lives than we can handle... if we could handle it, we wouldn't need him.  If we could handle it, Jesus died for nothing. Trials are proof of our great need of a savior.

In the last few years, I have watched as dear, dear friends, two separate families, have buried their sons.  I have never known darkness like they now know darkness. I dare say that I also have never known faith like they now know faith.  Their storm is great, their burden seemingly unbearable, and my sad, little umbrella... woefully inadequate to really offer any relief from their downpour.

As I have watched these two treasured moms struggle to go on under the weight of their storms, I have learned something about the strength of that tree... its' roots go deep... the roots of faith and the roots of family. God in his goodness, and family in their togetherness are the gentle breezes that continually blow and in that movement we are shaped and we are strengthened.  That tree did not become lopsided in 1 storm, or even in 100. It grew that way because of the constant flow of life around it. God is like the wind, we can not see him, we can only see his effects. At first glance those effects may look as if all is lost, without hope... but look closer and you will see beauty and strength. The tree, bent low, with it's leaves being stripped away by the days of Autumn, is exactly the way it needs to be to carry on and weather the storm... and spring eventually will come again.

Isaiah 61:3, To console those who mourn in Zion, to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Listen to Beauty for Ashes by Crystal Lewis

This story was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge.  To read more of my stories in the challenge click on this link.  Thanks!

31 Moments in Time :: seasons change

An InLinkz Link-up

This is the beautiful Jordan River Valley in Antrim County, Michigan.  It's 18,000 acres of state owned forest and it is amazing.  You can not capture the full scope of it in a photograph and I fear I have not done it justice.  Every fall I pick up a copy of Traverse Magazine and Dave and I set off on a few of their recommended adventures.  That's how we got hooked on the lavender cookies...  The Jordan River Valley was one of five color tour trips they had listed so we picked it as our week day date.

If you have spent any time in Northern Michigan then you know that all of the seasons are beautiful and all of the seasons are short... except winter which seems to last  6 months.  If we are lucky, summer will last for 3 and the other 3 months make up spring and fall. Fall is my favorite. God's handiwork is so evident at this time of year in the kaleidoscope of colors he uses to paint the trees and the sky.  Can you imagine?  God spoke and there it was... and he continues to sustain and control his creation.  It is standing fast because he tells it to.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

                               Psalm 33:6-9

This photograph calls me to quietness before the Lord, as if I am headed off to meet with him...

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save, 
he will rejoice over you with gladness, 
he will quiet you by his love, 
he will exult over you with loud singing.

                                    Zephaniah 3:17

Have you ever paused to ponder God singing? I imagine it to be like a gentle rain washing away the dirt from the weary. I don't know if that is true but I like to think that God's voice is in all that is good and precious.  I do know it represents his joy.  His song over us is born of great love, just as a mother sings over her child.  It's tender and delicate as he cradles us and wipes our tears. He is always there, we only need to step toward him.

Seasons will always change, in nature and in life but...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
                                                                  Hebrews 13:8

Check out this Verticle Church Band music video, their words are far better than mine.

This post was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge, to read more of my stories in the challenge click on my 31 days link. Thanks!