March 2018 – A Walk in the Garden

The Power of the Force

Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released today on DVD and blue ray. While it is by no means a filmmaking masterpiece, Star Wars geeks like me will gladly add Episode VIII to our media libraries and watch it countless times. I enjoy everything Star Wars. It’s entertaining; and, yes, I can quote lines from the movies.

I can’t pinpoint the real appeal this movie saga has for me; however, I do love the similarities between Christianity and The Force. Now for the disclaimer: I am in no way suggesting these movies are Christian. That’s too New Age for me, and not even possible. The Star Wars “force”lacks a crucial element of Christianity-Jesus Christ, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our salvation. He is the cornerstone of our faith, and no fabricated brand of spirituality can compete. The Star Wars “force,” according to its creator, is an energy field that surrounds us, made up of all living things. My Force: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

One of my favorite Star Wars scenes is near the end of Episode IV: A New Hope. Luke Skywalker is engaged in the final battle with imperial TIE fighters and the evil Empire on their Death Star space station, armed with a planet-destroying superweapon. After Luke fires once and misses, a post-life Obi-Wan Kenobi telepathically encourages him to use the power of the force, rather than rely on the navigation system in his X-wing fighter jet. Luke holds his breath, closes his eyes, and turns the switch off. He then blindly hits the target and victoriously destroys the Death Star! It is at this moment that Luke first realizes the power of “the force.” As this episode ends, he sets out to find Master Yoda and learn more about this mysterious power (cue the sequel).

Now, I am not such a huge Star Wars fanatic that would I rely on the movie franchise to replace or even supplement my belief system. When life becomes difficult for me and I feel embroiled in battle, I look to God as my sole source of strength. I engage him with the power of his force: Prayer. I trust God to work on my behalf. My Bible – the one with Christ’s words in red – is more valuable than any Jedi Master. It is my wellspring for spiritual encouragement and my guide to learn more about the love and power of Jesus Christ. Star Wars, on the contrary, is merely a story by George Lucas, scripted for fun. If it helps people ponder the force of Christianity, I think that would be an incredibly good thing.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

II Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

Who’s Your Spotter?

I like going to the gym-mostly to use the elliptical machine, free weights, and some of the other muscle-toning equipment. That’s it for me; yet, the place is always filled with those bodybuilders, testing the boundaries of their own muscular strength. And when they really push the limits, they rely on a “spotter,” a support person that allows them to lift more weight.

Christians speak about “building their faith muscles.” Honestly, about the time I think I’m strong enough, more “weight” gets added to my “bar” (gym reference). Yesterday, I was speaking to one of my very good friends, Marjorie. We are going through some of the same life-trials at the moment, lifting up the other at times when we are just plain exhausted. I told Marjorie she was my spotter. (And I am hers.) As we encourage one another, we grow stronger. It is empowering.

I am incredibly grateful to her and my many other amazing Christian friends, who have been my rock. They support me when I feel completely overwhelmed and worn out. As Christians, God calls on us to lift each other up and over the mountains, and then to celebrate in the hill-top victories. We remind each other of the times when we’ve seen God’s miraculous power, working on our behalf. Our own victories become the means of encouragement to lift or “spot” others. However, keep in mind that correct spotting means knowing when to assist with the “lift” and when to simply stand by and offer encouragement.

Are you battling a problem that is wearing you down? Do you need a spotter or a friend to help? Call your church. Don’t have one? Any church would be happy to take your call and help. My church’s motto: Connecting People to Jesus Christ. Together, we are all much stronger.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

It’s a Spiritual Thing

In September 2013, I began working for a small start-up in the real estate investment industry. I discovered business skills I never knew were in me, including the fact that I could make real money-for my company and myself.

For the past five years, I’ve traveled across the country, attending one industry event after another, meeting hundreds of new people – all networking and dealmaking. There is so much money in this industry, which also means these conferences offer perks of a job I’d never experienced. We stay in the best hotels, eat fabulous food, and the networking parties are very grand- sometimes over the top. Traveling to these “shows,” as we call them, is a whirlwind of activity and it would be easy for someone to get lost in it all, which is why I stick close to my fellow believers.

I am spiritually drawn to other Christians and can sense the Holy Spirit inside. It makes sense when you think about it since this is where Christ dwells. No one has to announce, “I’m a Christian.” We have this underlying ability to just know; Christ’s words and thoughts naturally become our own and help us to connect.

Paul writes in Romans about the Spirit dwelling in us, and that if it does not, then we don’t belong to Christ. I am in awe that God has designed us to have this sense of discernment. The Spirit of Christ is so great and so vast, and I am grateful for his infinite ability to connect me with fellow believers, from coast-to-coast.

Romans 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

It’s About Time

In this morning’s worship, my pastor asked, “How many of you came to church this morning, thinking you were attending the earlier service?”

I chuckled. This reminded me of a story my sister told me years ago; before we could depend on our cell phones to automatically switch to the new hour and wake us up on time.

It was the eve of Daylight Savings Time, and my sister was busy getting her two young children settled for bed. In the midst of their nighttime routine, she decided to go ahead and move all the clocks in the house ahead one hour, even setting the alarm clock on the nightstand.

The following morning, her family was up early and off to church; however, they arrived to discover the parking lot was empty and no one was there. Come to find out, while she was tucking in the children, her husband had also gone throughout the house and set the clocks ahead one hour. (Remember, there were no cell phones or internet-based clocks at this time.) Their clear lack of communication had caused them to show up to church an hour early! Can you imagine, waiting an hour for the church, to begin with two small, tired children, who had lost two hours of sleep? It’s one of those moments you laugh about…later.

This got me thinking about time. The hour lost as we spring forward, how we fill the twenty-four hours in our day, and how much of it we spend communicating with God. I admit, when I don’t give God enough of my time, I have a tendency to forge ahead with my own plans – in my timing. I get too busy and leave God out of the picture. Quite honestly, life doesn’t tend to go as well when I leave him out of details. It is clear: My time spent in prayer with God, helps direct and shapes my future. I now start each morning with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

2 Timothy 2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

The Trash Man Cometh

It was one of those mornings, during my daily communion time with God, that I did not feel joyful; rather, my burden felt too great and my heart too enormously heavy. It was that elephant-on-your-chest, feels-to-hard-to-breath heavy. Stress. “What am I doing wrong? Am I not praying the right way? When will this trial end? God, you know I’m done with this storm and I’ve got nothing left in my tank.” Tears fell from my cheeks to my Bible. I am at a loss as to what to do. All prayed out – but, God already knows.

Unexpectedly, my time of “prayerful” silence was broken. I am acutely aware of the roar of the trash truck outside – the clanking of the plastic containers, the rumble of the hopper loading, and the crushing sounds of the compactor. Through the tears, I smiled. It’s Wednesday. Trash day. I found it amusing that my neighbors and I depend on the disposal services to take away our garbage on this very day of the week. We habitually prepare by gathering the trash throughout the house, taking it to the curb, knowing it will be picked up on Wednesdays. I smiled because, at that moment, I knew in some strange way, God was answering me.

It seemed silly that I could routinely count on the trash collectors; yet, was struggling to instinctively trust God. A slight sense of embarrassment, combined with a touch of humility, washed over me. “Of course, I trust You. Forgive me for my weak moment. My faintness of heart. I trust You to show up on time. Geez! If I can count on the garbage collector to show up, I can certainly count on You!” What had I been thinking?

Suddenly, I felt it: His strength was gently filling my spirit. My part was to let go of the junk building inside me, weighing me down. To let go of the anxiety, the past disappointments, and failures, to release any and all anger, and even forgive those who’ve hurt me, whether they know it or not.

Yes, God is strengthening me, preparing me for what He has planned for my future. He alone knows the plans He has for me. “I do trust you, Lord, with all my heart.” He will not fail me. There it is – even more strength. Confirming my trust, my faith, makes me strong. I can feel the change inside me.

I decide, although they may be few at the moment, to count my blessings, which also brings peace. “Thank you, Lord, for using the simple sounds of a trash truck to remind me of Your Sovereignty in my life.”

“I know You love me. You are my heart.” There, it is back – joy! 🙂

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 91:2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Take My Hand

I had accepted a new job with a company on beautiful Hilton Head Island and was thrilled to live where there were warm beaches in October. The view from my office overlooked the marina. My new life was looking good, up until the second day at work when I was greeted with, “Do you have somewhere to go?” Apparently, we all were in need of refuge, due to the impending danger of Hurricane Matthew. It was October 2016, and the governor of South Carolina was about to issue a mandatory evacuation.

A mere forty-two hours later (exactly 6 a.m.) I was among the thousands of evacuees being funneled toward the one bridge that led on and, more importantly, off the island. With my SUV tightly packed, I drove about 130 miles inland to the safety of a friend’s home, wondering what would be left after the storm hit.

The following morning, my host burst into the pre-dawn blackness of my guest room and asked, “Do you think you can drag yourself out of bed and go for a walk?” I groggily responded, “What time is it? Did he not realize that I was incredibly exhausted? “Oh, around 5:30,” he cheerfully replied. Ugh! I am not a morning person.

Despite the insanely early hour, I realized a brisk morning walk would help my nervous energy. This Missouri girl had never been evacuated from anywhere, and I found the entire experience unsettling. Half-awake, I rummaged through my suitcase, pulled out my running shoes, put on my athletic wear, and into the pre-dawn hour we went.

As we stepped off the lit street, onto the park path, there was no visible light – only total darkness. I wished for a flashlight. Beneath my feet, I could feel the concrete path, my sight now limited to what was directly in front of me. In the pitch black, I struggled to find direction on the uneven trail. My friend, now several steps ahead, begged me to step it up. I was stumbling. Finally, he reached back and said, “Take my hand.” The tightness of his grasp, tugging me in the right direction, came as a relief. With his help, I ventured along with ease as we finished our morning hike.

Later that night, the hurricane hit the coast. Safely inland, we could hear the heavy flood of rain as the storm passed. I would soon discover that Hurricane Matthew had devastated Hilton Head Island. The 87 mph winds, combined with tornados and severe flooding, had destroyed many homes and businesses, leaving no permanent place for me to live. My new company took a financial hit. These and other circumstances had made it impossible for me to stay in South Carolina. The winds had literally shifted my direction, and a week later, I was driving back to Missouri. My friends would later joke that it took a hurricane to bring me home.

During the two-day drive through the southeast, I wondered what would become of me. What was I going to do? Where was I going to live? How would I provide for myself? My future was uncertain and frightening. As anxiety began to well up inside, I remembered how it felt when my friend gripped my hand, walking along that uncertain, dark path – me, clueless of the direction. His grasp felt so secure. I wondered, is this is the feeling of security that God wants for me? My circumstances were no surprise to God. He knew exactly what my future held, even if I didn’t. Thinking of my friend’s confident, reassuring grip made me realize that my life, left in God’s capable hands, was much more secure – all I had to do was reach out, grab hold, and trust.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Welcome to My Journey

As a young girl, I remember having this desire within me to write. It was always a part of me – like breathing. I’d write silly little plays or stories that my mother would read, smile, and say, “That’s nice.” I’m not too sure that I ever cared what my family thought about my so-called hobby. I was having fun!

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve experienced many different styles of writing and various roles. To name a few: junior high newspaper, high school editor, the college newspaper, radio and television news, non-profit appeal letters, success stories, newsletters, executive communications, online and print marketing. I even blogged about wood-look vinyl for one job. While these were all good experiences, what feels best is sharing my faith through words – like when I wrote children’s sermons for worship.

I will never forget, while in college, one of my professors said something to me that I didn’t give much weight to at that time. He told me that I had the rare gift of bringing emotions out of black and white. He added that not every writer could do this and encouraged me to explore this path. I didn’t get it. The writing was not hard. I even enjoyed the essay test questions that everyone else dreaded.

As I was searching for a place to start, I spoke to one of my best friends, also a writer. Her advice: just start writing. She added, “Sometimes the process of writing is as therapeutic to you, as it may be a blessing to others. You should start a blog.” I agree – journaling has many times helped me heal…from a loss, a heartache, or some other unfortunate tragedy.

I can no longer ignore God’s gentle hand, strongly nudging me to share the words he places on my heart. I have prayed for direction, and the tug, the push or pull inside me stops only when I sit still and write. In the silence, God gives me the words.

Today, I am thankful. I acknowledge the gift God has placed within. If somehow my words do become a blessing to even one person, the credit will not be mine; rather, it will be His.

So now the journey begins…one word, one thought, one story at a time.

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.