Is that a Pickle on My Burger?

There is nothing better than a grilled, juicy burger.  And since I don’t eat them often, I was really looking forward to burger night at this local grill. It was past 7 pm and we were starving; so, when our burgers arrived at the table, I sunk my teeth in quickly. Sadly, it took all of two seconds for me to realize something was off. Ugh…pickles! I recognized their bitter taste immediately.

I always request they be left off and was certain the waiter had heard me.  I don’t even want to see a pickle on my plate for fear the juice would seep into the fries or bun. I love when someone suggests, “Just pick it off.” Pickle lovers don’t realize that it’s too late. The acidic juices have already had time to soak into both burger and bun.  The vinegary residue ruins the whole thing.  I picked them off because I was famished, even though the bitter taste had already pierced my palate.

Isn’t it amazing how a tiny spec of vinegariness can pervade and spoil the entire meal? Following that thought, the smallest amount of bitterness or resentment can permeate our hearts and affect our inner peace.  So, as I pondered a weekly Bible study question, “What impedes your happiness?”  I remembered the pickles. While it was the sliced dills that ruined my dinner, the study asserts that happiness depends on a Who, rather than a what. And that happy people are at total peace with God. Consequently, whatever disrupts our peace, impacts our relationship with Him – our absolute source of happiness.

Hebrews 12:15 warns that “no bitter root spring up to cause trouble.”  Bitterness or anger is a sin, and sin always separates us from God.  So, what bitter root could be hiding within me? My life hasn’t turned out exactly the way I had planned. I’m not sure that anyone really does. I think we all have things we regret or wish for a do-over.  People will wrong you. They will make promises they can’t or won’t keep. They will lie and mislead you, and they will hurt you. This has happened to me, multiple times, as I’m sure it has with others.  Have you ever been told, “What goes around, comes around,” and then you honestly watch and wait to see it happen? You want to see them “get theirs” as some sort of consolation prize for your pain.  That, my friends, is bitterness. It’s the pickle to my heart.

The key to unlocking bitterness is forgiveness. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew, Chapter 5 contains the entire list of Beatitudes or Christ-like attitudes we should strive to emulate. Merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers to name a few. So, instead of keeping a list of “wrongs” running in the background, we are to focus on the list of “rights.” To believe and become more like Christ and leave the rest to God.  This does not mean to count on the “vengeance is mine, says the Lord” verse, but rather surrender your hurts to Him. Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. 

Picking the pickles off my burger seems melodramatic compared to the task of total forgiveness. To let go of all the wrongs, each and every one of them, and not worry what happens to the so-called offender.  To show mercy and wish them well. It will be like taking a big eraser to my heart. To wipe the pickle juice off my plate and move on. Peace will come as I learn to let go and focus solely on the truly good things in my life. I am blessed, for they are many.

Hebrews 12:15 – Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

Matthew 5: 3-10 – 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.  5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

What Cracks you Up?

Just about the time I think my foundational faith is rock solid, I am given a glimpse into the tiny cracks of uncertainly that surround its core.  While my commitment to Christ and who He is remains strong, some weaknesses remain within me.

The past hurts, disappointments, and failures create the sedimentary, or less solid, layers of my foundation. When these layers shift, it leaves me feeling unsettled. I grasp at the crumbling pieces, sliding off my rock, trying to keep it all together, wondering how my faith could be even slightly shaken.

A good friend of mine told me to spend some time in the Word. To pray about what God wants to reveal in me. That just maybe He desires to purge the hurts and heal the brokenness of my past to re-establish or reinforce my faith. This morning, I turned to Hebrews 11, which is the book of faith. The first scripture reads, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Sure & Certain=Faith.

I am sure that what I hope for is to breakthrough this phase in life where I feel stuck. Lately, it seems that no matter how hard I try my life’s gear is strongly stuck in neutral. Quite honestly, I’m done with this “wilderness phase” of my life, of this I am sure.  I began to prayerfully ponder the second half of this scripture – to be certain of what we do not see.  I do not and cannot see God, at least not in the physical sense. Although I have often seen God in the beauty He creates.

A couple of years ago, my son and I visited one of God’s most majestic creations on earth: The Grand Canyon. We arrived just in time to watch the sunset over the far rim. The views from our stone porch were breathtaking. No picture we took could do it justice. You must see it yourself.

Early the next morning, we ventured deeper into the canyon, despite my need for a knee brace. The hike down into the canyon was fairly easy while climbing back up the rim proved a bit more challenging. Yet, what made both treks difficult was stepping on the tiny rocks that had eroded over time and fallen on the path. I would grab hold of a branch or to the canyon side to regain my balance until I was onto the next sure-footed step. There were passages along the trail where you did not want to fall. At times, I could feel my son’s strong grasp on my arm to steady me, as he bemoaned about not wanting to watch me airlifted out of the canyon. (He’s a real card, that one.) This trip will always be one of my most cherished memories with my son.

I’ve begun to realize that those pieces of loose dirt that might cause me to stumble or create cracks in my bedrock are exactly what God is trying to release in me. Letting go of the hurt or debris of the past is His way of strengthening my footing and shoring my foundation.  While the shifting rock feels unsettling, I now know this is part of the plan. He alone is my Rock on which to hold while things are shifting.

This brings me back to my Hebrews certainty: It lies in the truth that God exists and that He hears my every prayer. There is no doubt in my mind. My life’s foundation has already been established in God’s promise. He alone knows the plans for my life and has declared so in His word: plans for prosperity, hope, and a future.  My foundational faith now equals Promise, Certainty, and Anticipation.

Hebrews 11:1 –  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

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.

The Dark Side

Yesterday, May the Fourth, was unofficially Star Wars Day.  Naturally, we watched an episode of Star Wars. The Empire Strikes Back: Episode V is ranked first in the hierarchy of the franchise. In this episode, Luke Skywalker travels to Dagobah to commence his Jedi training with Master Yoda and learn more about the power of the force.

As Yoda mentors young Skywalker, he strongly warns against the evil dark side of the force: “But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.”  Yoda is preparing him to survive an encounter with the dark side.  I’ve seen this movie countless times, however, this warning about being seduced into the darkness kept lingering in my mind. Today’s world is filled with news reports of some incredibly angry people, consumed by hatred.

What does it say about a society when a young teenage girl is viciously attacked for her choice of a prom dress?  This poor child (yes child) was out having fun with her friends, and I don’t believe meant anyone harm. She simply posted a picture of her and her prom date to social media and the haters began to brutally shower her with their venom. She was labeled “racist” by complete strangers who didn’t even know her. I doubt they cared to since the battle is what they seem to enjoy. As Yoda would say, “Anger, fear, aggression…quick to join a fight.”  This is merely one example of a societal trend that is puzzling, even worse, troubling, and frightening.  The response to judgment is swift, and the desire to obliterate the perceived opposition is fierce and cruel.

I remember going through a phase in high school when my friends and I began wearing farmer’s overalls. Actual men’s denim overalls picked off the shelves of my grandpa’s general store, right next to the seedbox. Did we offend any of the farmers around town by wearing them? I highly doubt it. If anything, they most likely shook their heads and said, “Those goofy girls.” Or rolled their eyes to the tune of “teenagers.” That was a vastly different time when people “let kids be kids,” as long as they weren’t breaking any laws.

As Christians, we are taught to love and encourage one another, to turn the other cheek, and are often warned about the power of the tongue. James writes in 3:5-6: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”  Sometimes I feel as if this world is on fire.  There is an intense rage within some people. A bitterness that reflects the very essence of the dark side. My prayers are constant for us, as a nation and a world, to have peace with one another.

In Episode V, Luke faces an internal struggle between the lure of the dark side and the light of the force.  After learning the true fate of his father, Luke is tempted multiple times and even enticed to join forces “to rule the universe as Father and Son.” Fortunately, Luke remains confident it is good in his father. Yes, I know it’s merely a story; yet, the spiritual battle we face, as believers, has become more evident. The conflicting sides are becoming more distinct.

I pray to see the Light alive in our world. I know Christ is moving to illuminate the darkness. To bring peace where there is aggression, love where there is hate, and a sense of calm when fear begins to creep into our hearts.  Remember, God is ultimately in control; the outcome has already been decided. Choose your side wisely. Pray for peace and restoration.

Romans 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Grounded & Rooted

The mantra for my yoga class this morning: Be grounded and rooted in love.  Throughout the class, my  instructor repeated, “Take a deep breath and say, I am grounded and rooted in love.” While yoga philosophy is not based on Christianity, it does have a spiritual and meditative core. I can easily adapt these yoga essentials to my Christian faith.

During my restorative and yoga flow classes, I am mindful of God and in constant communication with him.  This is a time to release whatever is weighing me down. To focus on my breathing, quiet my mind, and strengthen my body.  Time spent in my yoga practice is spiritual.  While I practice my Pranayama (yoga breath), I fixate on God.  So to me, this morning’s mantra was: Be grounded and rooted in LOVE. The 1 John 4:8 Bible version, God is Love. I am grounded and rooted in Christ.

This perfectly timed theme impacted me, as it’s been my most recent prayerful focus during my Bible time. So, I soaked it up this morning. I am grounded and rooted in Love…Christ…God.  (D) All of the above!

While my body was engaged in the restorative yoga techniques, my mind was reflecting and absorbing the vastness of God’s love. I envisioned his Spirit flowing through me, fulfilling my most heartfelt desire: My Christian roots are strong, my faith firmly grounded in Christ, God’s love cascading through me and out to others, with the Holy Spirit as my guide. Love them like Jesus, as the Casting Crown song says. I honestly can’t think of a better way to show Jesus how much I truly love him. I imagine this would make God smile.

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Monster Hugs

I experienced a different kind of worship this past weekend! My friend, Cindy, called and said she’d pick me up for church in fifteen minutes. Cindy had invited me before, but I’ve gone to the same church for the past twenty years.  I was comfortable.  Nonetheless, I went.

What I encountered was a Friday night praise and worship service that would make most of my fellow Sunday morning churchgoers cringe with anxiety. We Methodists stay put within the space of our own seat. But these people were hands-raised, dancing in the aisles, spinning around with scarves, blowing whistles and kazoos, proclaiming the name of God at the top of their lungs. It was electric! The praise band dynamic! I felt like I was at a Christian rock concert. You could feel the magnificent presence of the Holy Spirit. Wow!

The Psalmist speaks about praising God with harp and lyre, tambourine and dance, strings and pipes, and loud crashing symbols. This pastor distributed kazoos, whistles, and bells that night, and the crowd went wild with excitement! He urged us to let the Spirit take over and make beautiful(?) noise to the Lord.  Well, there was lots of noise. Big noise!

Pastor Nieto encouraged us to praise and worship with a child-like spirit. This made me think about my sister’s very young children. Those three would love to dance in the aisles to the music. They wouldn’t worry what someone thought. So, why was I hesitant? Having been raised Methodist, there is certain decorum to the church service.  We stand to sing the songs, recite the prayers, and sit still the rest of the time to listen to the sermon. There will be no bells or scarf dancing on Sunday mornings.

The last time I left my sister’s home. My six-year-old niece came to the door to give me a good-bye hug. “That’s not good enough!”  She exclaimed and requested I get down on her level to try again. This, she learned from her Aunt Janet, since we give each other the absolute best monster hugs! If you’re not ready for this type of embrace, it will knock you over. These are hug-with-all-of-your-might kind of hugs!

I want to let go and praise God with that same “monster hug” degree of intensity. To worship God with the faith of a child and not worry what anyone else thinks about my dancing. I want to master this knock-you-off-balance type of spiritual devotion and sing aloud with all my heart. Until now, my worship has not been good enough. I’m going back this Friday night and try it again. After all, isn’t God worthy of a great big monster hug in the form of praise?

I think we know that answer.

Psalm 150: 1-6  1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. 

Birthdays and Easter Blessings

Twenty-four years ago, my April 3rd birthday fell on Easter Sunday. Two days earlier, my son was born on a Good Friday.  I felt amazed that God would give me such a beautiful baby boy on the same, sacred day his son had given his life for mine.  Sure, there were plenty more babies born that Good Friday. As a matter of fact, I have a friend whose daughter arrived the same day, in the same hospital. However, on this Easter weekend, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by God’s love for me. This was the beginning of my awakening as a Christian.

Childbirth is a miracle-no doubt about it. It puzzles me that anyone could experience it and not be in awe of God’s deity and acknowledge him as the Creator of life.  I have thanked God every day for the blessing of my son’s life since the day I brought my new baby home.  It was 75 degrees and sunny that Easter Sunday. It was truly my best birthday. My son, now 24, rolls his eyes at the thought. (No pressure there.)

The beginning of each April is always busy, planning and celebrating the two birthdays.  And when Easter falls on, around or in-between, it’s kind of crazy.  It’s so easy to get distracted by events when, honestly, I only want to focus on the greatest gift God gave me his life for mine. I want to absorb what his sacrifice truly means for me. To comprehend the physical and mental cruelty he endured. The betrayal, the agony he felt. To understand how anyone could have cried out for the release of Barabbas over my Christ. Would have I? I would certainly like to think not.

This year my son’s April 1st birthday fell on Easter Sunday. Now, a Duke graduate, his wish was to return to Durham, North Carolina, and celebrate with friends. The campus was more lovely than I remembered.  This Easter Sunday, I finally got to experience worship in the exquisite Duke Chapel. The majesty of the chapel with its ornate woodwork and gorgeous stained-glass windows added to the Easter experience. The sounds of the choir echoed beautifully off the limestone. This celebration of Christ’s life and resurrection was heavenly. It reminded me of the infamous Mercy Me song. And I wondered, what will worship be like in heaven? I Can Only Imagine. What will it by like to thank him face-to-face? My life is a gift; given simply because he loves me. Until the day we meet, I intend to live my life as if Jesus were the one and only reason I have mine. What more could I offer him in return?

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

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.