"Someday, My Prince will come ...."

The image of a sweet, innocent, trusting, yearning little girl inside each one of us is close to the surface of my heart this week. We may see her in a picture or in children around us, but maybe even stronger, we feel her deep down inside.

She is very real, isn’t she? Memory is an amazing thing. In remembering, we can conjure up images of events that have happened to us, joys or sorrows or hurts, as well as dreams that have faded. Our past affects our present; we can’t help it, it just does.

And in the brokenness and grief deep down inside most of us, our little girl hearts cry out, “Someday my prince will come …“ and we hope and so desperately want to believe that our knight in shining armor will rescue us and brings us security and joy.

And the good news is – He has.

Jesus came to rescue you from your sin and heartache in your life. When He looks at you, He thinks you are beautiful – because you are. He thinks that you have value– because you do. He thinks that you are worth fighting for – and He did. And He loves you very much.

He loves you whether you are:

· Young or old

· Tall or short

· Gray haired, brown haired, blonde haired or red haired.

He loves you regardless of:

· The color of your eyes

· The size of your dress

· Your shoe size

· What you do for a living or how many “talents” you possess

· How many children you have or the fact that you do not have any

He loves you if:

· You are married, divorced, single or widowed

· You live in a house, an apartment or a car

· You have failed and made bad choices in big ways and in little

· You have scars on your face – or scars on your heart

I need to remember this more days than not. Maybe you do, too.

Loved, Special, Made for a Purpose

Yes, that is me. Hair parted down the middle and pulled back with white plastic clip barrettes. I remember that dress with the white Peter Pan collar. It was very sweet. Can I say, I was sweet? I’ve been thinking a lot about this little girl – me as a little girl.

I attended a women’s retreat this past weekend. My friend Bridget did a presentation on how to relax and refresh yourself in simple ways – paint your nails, take a bath, exercise, read a book. However, I was caught off guard by what was at the top of her list and it brought up a well of emotion inside of me. She pulled out a picture of herself as a nine your old little girl, and she said, “Stop the negative talk about yourself. Talk positively to yourself about yourself. Speak kindly to yourself like you are a nine year old little girl.” I wept.

I came home and found this picture of me when I was nine, and wept some more. As I reflect back on what my friend went on to say, I would never tell this little girl (or any other little girl for that matter) that she was ugly or boring or useless. I would not tell her that she was not worthy of love or that she did not have any gifts. I would not tell her that no one cared about her.

So, why do I say otherwise to myself? Do you experience this, dear friend? I spend a lot of time listening to women and hearing their hearts, and I hear insecurities ooze out all over the place. Insecurities like mine and insecurities different than mine. They are all lies, and yet we hear them and repeat them to ourselves. What’ with that?

I don’t know. Something inside of us got contaminated along the way. Maybe cruel statements were heard, either through the words or actions of others, and somehow, someway a poison seeped in and began to destroy. We began to feel like damaged goods. Cracks in our hearts did not heal completely when we were hurt, and insecurities and lies began to distort reality and rot away at the truth that we are created by God, in His image, for a purpose, and that we are beautiful to Him.

So, what do we do?

Well, I am not entirely sure, but I am working on it. I liked what Bridget had to say – talk to yourself as if you are a nine year old little girl. Talk gently. Don’t belittle yourself. Talk to yourself as if you are special – because you are.

And tell yourself the truths of God, not the lies that you may have heard or felt somewhere along the way --lies that stick like leaches. God’s truth is bigger and stronger than the lies. You are His child (John 1:12). You are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Your are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God has a plan and a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11); you are not a waste. You are a treasured possession, (Deuteronomy 7:6) not junk. You are a friend of Jesus (John 15:15). You are chosen of God, dearly loved (Colossians 3:12), not worthless and rejected. You are never alone (Deuteronomy 31:6). You are loved with an unfailing love (Isaiah 54:10).

Your homework for today (if you should choose to accept the challenge), dear reader, is to find a picture of yourself when you were nine. Look in to that darling face and tell her that she is loved, special and made for a purpose. And then look at yourself in the mirror, and say the same thing. Say it because it was and is true; God says that about you.

(P.S. – I must share with you that I am feeling terribly vulnerable in sharing this story with you today; maybe it’s part of the lie that I sometimes believe that people are going to think I am ridiculous and that I have nothing of value to share, but I feel that God has called me to write this. I am willing to step out and live authentically for the sake of hope. I have prayed for you, dear reader, if you struggle in this area, that God will fill you with the truth and that you will begin to see more of Him and more of the truth about you.)

Five, Four, Three, Two, One ...

My fingers curled over the end of the arm rest of the chair in the dentist’s office. I held on for dear life, gripping until my knuckles looked like small snow capped mountains.

“Five, four, three, two, one – done,” the dentist’s calm voice repeatedly kept me focused and relieved. Getting a cavity filled is not on my list of top one hundred (or one thousand) favorite things to do. It stresses me out -- the burring and whirring sound of the drill, the pushing and pulling, and the rinsing and sucking. Yuck!

I know that I sound like a chicken. I am. I really am scared in the dentist chair, but the key for me was the “five, four, three, two, one.” As long as the dentist, the one in control of what is happening, finishes each drilling episode with the countdown, I do much better.

As I recovered from the trip to the dentist and my numb face thawed out, I began to think, “Oh! How I wish that I could hear a countdown from time to time in life. A “five, four, three, two, one – done!” and I would be out of the hot seat and on my way.”

The problem is that we usually don’t know the duration of any difficult, of any sort. It’s more like, “five, four, three, two, one …. Wait.”

We try to hold on to dear life (like I did in the dentist chair) hoping that we can handle the next minute, hour or day. We tighten and brace ourselves with fear and worry. We hear and feel the burring and whirring and it is overwhelming.

Truth is, life can be difficult and painful, but we need to white knuckle our way through it. As we walk close to God, we can then be aware of His presence and His provision. We can grip on to His loving hand and hold fast to Him, rather than our circumstances. We don't need a countdown, we just need to remember that He is the One who is ever-present, ever-loving and helps us in all things.

And I don’t know how He does it, but He does – He brings us peace. Our circumstances may not change, but in the midst of them, we can rest with Him. We can begin to experience a calm, as we hear His calm voice, reassuring us not so much that it is almost over, but more so of His promises and that we have Him, and He is truly all we need.

All said, I'm a total "work in progress" on this issue. I fear things big and little time and time again. I try not to worry, but I do. I try to look to God and trust, but I struggle with what does that look like and guilt over not doing it very well. I desire to be calm, but sometimes I am a mess. I want to believe that He is all I need, but I fall short and find holes in my faith. One day at a time ... I trust that He is at work in me and in you.

A Gathering Place for Grace

For months during this past winter as I drove back and forth in my car, I peered down into an area near the highway. Large earth moving vehicles lumbered back and forth, some digging, some pushing, some loading and some carting away the rock and soil that filled the spot. Deeper and deeper they dug. Some days it just looked as if they were shuffling the dirt from place to place, other days it looked as if they were at a standstill, doing nothing. It did not make sense.

“What is happening down there?” I repeatedly asked myself and the children. “What in the world are they doing?”

Over time, the hole got bigger and bigger and deeper and deeper. One day, trucks began to disappear. Sheets of grass were planted along the rim of the big hole in the ground and a small island was created in the middle.

I watched and wondered.

And then gradually, as the spring weather warmed, the ground began to thaw, snow began to melt and rain began to fall. Slowly, the great big hole gathered water. Every day it seemed to fill up more and more; the more the snow melted and the more it rained, the more water collected. The sky reflected off the water and the wind rippled across it, giving the water an appearance of fine corduroy. It was beautiful.

Gradually, I noticed ducks and geese visiting the giant watering hole. I saw them landing, resting and then taking off again, like airplanes on landing strips. Some sat on the shore; others swam in the water. Where there once was no place of refuge, now there was. The water brought life. It provided food, refreshment and rest. It was a sanctuary.

Are there not places, dear reader, in our hearts that feel as if they are being excavated?

We may ask, “What is happening? What in the world is going on?” It is hard to make sense of it and too incomprehensible to believe that there is anything good that will come out of it.

And, yet, it is as if God is digging deep in order to make a special place. It is here in the places that God chooses to hollow out, that we are then filled with the grace of God, for the benefit of our faith and for the faith of others. The thawing of the winter times and the rain like tears of our sorrows and joys are gathered together by Him. Here the winds of the Holy Spirit ripple across the surface, revealing His presence, and the light of Jesus is reflected. Here in this special place of His grace, others may come for hope, to be refreshed, to rest and to be fed.

Take heart, dear reader, be patient with the work that God is doing in your life. The excavation process can be difficult and painful, but it takes time for the excavation and it takes time to be filled. Trust Him in the process (He is right there with you!) , and believe that He will use your life in a beautiful way, for He has a plan and a purpose just for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Laundry of Life

I woke this morning with a mass of thoughts and emotions turning over and over in my mind, like laundry in a dryer -- round and round, mixing together, touching one another, flopping and plopping.

It must be on my mind a lot (I wrote about “dirty laundry” in the previous post) -- maybe because laundry is before my eyes every day. I can’t seem to get it done, always more resurfacing from beneath a bed or stuffed in a back-pack. There is no such thing as “laundry day” around this house. Every day has it’s more than fair share of laundry to be dealt with. Loads and loads of it. Piled high in disarray. All shapes, colors and sizes.

Time and time again, I unload items from the dryer. One piece at a time, I shake them out and smooth them down. Some pieces need inside outing (I guess, because the outside is in? It’s confusing …) I fold them up and place them in a pile where they belong. Piece after piece, each different than the last and the next, I work through the load.

Life is like laundry in the dryer sometimes, I think. On good days or difficult days, we can find ourselves in a state of feelings and thoughts being tossed about. Mixed together, they flop and they plop, round and round they go -- loads and loads of them.

The reality is, we need help and we need truth; the Lord is faithful to provide both.

Imagine this, the Lord standing by you as you unload your dryer of “stuff.” You take out a piece and show it to Him. He helps you shake it out. Smooth it out. Inside (outside?) out it. He guides you as you fold it and place it in just the right place. He knows the perfect pile, and He knows if it is something that you need to wear (deal with) today, or if it can be put up on the shelf for tomorrow.

You see, we cannot take care of all this crazy laundry without Him. It’s too much to make sense of and cope with, and let’s face it, it is never all done and neatly put away. Every day has new laundry, some from the previous day, and some pulled out from some hidden place of the past. We can attempt to make sense of it and make wise choices with this mess, but without Him, we can’t do it.

So, how do we do all this shaking out, smoothing down, inside outing and folding? Call out to the Lord. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). Ask for His help; He is the all-capable helper. He’ll help you handle what is going on. It may take time, and it always takes faith. We must believe that He is helping while we look at each thing – our feelings, our thoughts, our worries -- and then trust that He will help place it in the perfect pile to either be dealt with today or some other day.

Loads and loads in life, we all have them. I can do my laundry at home on my own (although, I’d rather not) but I cannot do the laundry of life on my own. I need the Lord to help me, and I am thankful that He cares enough to do so. Next time you are doing your laundry, ask Him to help you sort through the laundry of your life. Bring the Lord in to the process and trust Him to help you today.

A Fashion Faux Pas

Yuck! I hate being human sometimes. It is the “making mistakes” part that gets old, wouldn’t you say?

I mean, try as we will to do what is right, we just can’t help ourselves. Time and time again, we mess up. Sometimes, it’s just a bit more public than others. That’s what happened to me the other day. So, at the expense of being authentic – I’m hanging out some dirty laundry.

I put on the piece of clothing without even realizing it was within my reach. It didn’t fit nor was it my color, but I wore it anyway and its name was “unkindness with a hint of gossip.” I knew it right away, but I tried to minimize it, rationalize it and even deny it. However, as the hours went by and I increasingly regretted my doing what I did, the clothing began to feel like shrink wrap on my skin, suffocating me of my joy.

I couldn’t shake it off; I needed help. I asked the Lord to forgive me, which I believe He did, but I woke up the next morning with the sense that there was more that needed to be done. Now, I could have stuffed the unwanted piece of clothing in the closet, but I know from years of dirty laundry experience, it would just begin to rot and smell over time. Dirty laundry does not get clean on its own (unfortunately, as I am working through eight loads in this household, today). In addition, I did not want my friends to remember me wearing this unsightly piece of clothing, but the beautiful dress of humility.

I called them up, explained and apologized. They were gracious, of course, and forgave me, just as I anticipated. They said that it was not a big deal and we all make mistakes; I appreciate that, but I needed them to know that I was wrong and I cared enough to say, “I’m sorry.”

Gossip and unkind words (no matter how big or small) are very destructive. They hurt others. They hurt God. They hurt us, as individuals. They distort our ability to love each other and be sensitive to each other’s needs. They are filthy, ugly rags.

What about you? Are you tempted to wear the garment of gossip? If so, STOP. Don’t do it, it is definitely “what not to wear” -- a fashion faux pas. Rather, slip on a garment of grace. Encourage one another, be sensitive to where people have been and are now. In grace, build up rather than tear down. Be assured, a garment of grace is more attractive to wear, fits well and always comes in your perfect color.

A Little Note of Love from My Daughter

I can't resist sharing this sweet poem my dear nine year old daughter wrote for my birthday. Hope it brings a smile to you heart!

Dear Mom,

You are great,

the best in the state.

Since today is your birthday,

I don't need to think about earth day.

I'm glad your my mom,

and that you didn't name me Tom.

Thanks for all the things you do,

and that you love me very much, too!

I love you,

and God does, too.

You are very special,

Happy Birthday!

She's so sweet. I'm glad she favors her name over Tom, and that I could get her mind off of earth day. The best in the state? I don't know -- but everyone needs a fan. And as always, it never hurts to be reminded that we are loved.

Sing Songs

My friend handed me a small package wrapped in white tissue paper and tied with a light purple satin ribbon. The envelope read, “A little sumphin’.” Something about small things that are so special. I carefully unwrapped the sweetest little gift – a small two inch by two inch tile of a little blue bird next to the word “sing.”

Written in the card were these words:

“Dear Andrea,

Sing loud, sing strong the song you were always meant to sing, placed in your heart by God.

Love, Sara”

Sara has walked through much of my recent journey. I chuckled to myself, thinking back to the times when my singing was more like wailing, or sobbing, or any other sounds of deep sorrow that would escape past my lips. She had heard me sing these songs, but also songs of strength and joy.

Sing. Simple and yet profound. It is what God calls us to do – sing. We are to sing songs of our heart to Him at all times – in every circumstance. Songs of grief. Songs of joy. Songs of weariness. Songs of peace. Songs of loneliness. Songs of hope. Songs of life. We can sing the cries of our hearts.

We can sing loudly, strongly, weakly, weepingly and thankfully. We can sing His Word or sing no words at all, but only tears. We are to sing in the morning, when all seems crisp and clean and new and sing at night time when all is dark and fears encroach.

Psalm 64:7 says, “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” He is our ever present helper and protector. He covers us with His wing, and we are safe, no matter what rages around or within us. He is trustworthy and more than able to care for us.

So, dear reader, sing today, the song you are meant to sing, placed in your heart by God, for you are loved and you are His. Your voice of your heart, sung to Him, is a sweet melody in His ear.

Tattooed Truth

The young woman’s long brown hair, twisted in to a braid, rested on her shoulders. The sun reflected off her skin, as she sat on the bow of the boat, dressed in a white t-shirt and khaki shorts. A camera hung from a black strap around her neck. She joined the sailing adventure in order to photograph the trip for a travel agency and intermittently would engage with her surroundings through the lens of the camera. Her feet were bare, with the simple words, “Learn and Live” tattooed on the inner side of her tan left foot.

I watched her go about her day, capturing the beauty of the sea and the shore through the lens of her camera, wondering about who she was and the meaning of her tattoo. “Learn and live.” Why these words? What did her story hold that made this phrase important in her life? Was it a reminder of something from her past or a goal for her future?

And what about me? If I was to pick a few words as my life, what would they be? What message reflects my experiences, my passion or my faith?

Trust God?

Forgiven and Free?

Be Strong and Courageous?

Have Faith?

Wait and Believe?

God is Faithful?

Work in Progress?

Maybe my “life words” change from day to day, week to week, year to year, or (humbly) mood to mood. But for today, and maybe for every tomorrow, if I was to permanently display a tattooed truth it would be “Loved.” As I would look at my feet walking the path that God set before me, I would desire to remember that, no matter what terrain, in any weather, I have been and forever will be loved by Him. And as others cross my path, I would want these same words to encourage and strengthen them, reminding them (you!) that they are loved with an unfailingly, abundant, extravagant love.

What about you? What would you choose?

Journeying with God

We planned our vacation to Mexico a short time ago. It was what they call a “square deal.” You pay a set price for airfare and lodging, with the condition that you do not find out where you are staying until you get to the airport. It was a risk, I suppose, but it was what we could afford. We packed our bags, prepared as we could be, and stepped out in to our adventure. It was well worth it. Our trip turned out well, and I am very thankful to the Lord. However, I am acutely aware that it could have been different, and God still would be in it, teaching us things about Himself. Such is life, the ebb and flow of joys and trials, on our journey with God.

Life is much like a journey with God , isn’t it? When we step out and trust the Lord with our lives, we commit to traveling through life with Him, even when we do not know where we may go. He plans the itinerary from the beginning of time. There are no surprises to Him. We wait on Him, to see where He will take us. We pack our bags of faith (aided by Him), and set out in to the adventure. It may feel risky, but God always has everything in control. He is the perfect, all-knowing tour guide. Sometimes it is a peaceful time of travel. Other times, it is more uncertain, maybe even turbulent and challenging. He may choose to bring us to a familiar place or into foreign territory. He knows what is best.

Dear reader, perhaps you find yourself on your journey with God, traveling in to a foreign country, or maybe you’ve been there so long, you are wondering if it is your new home. Uncertainties loom around every corner. Everything is different – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people, the pain. Remember – God is with you. He will not forsake you. He planned your trip and He is present each step along the way. You are safe with Him. You will grow closer to Him, as you trust Him and see Him faithful.

(P.S. Journeying with God is not a “square deal,” it’s the real deal, and trust me, it is "well worth it!")

Back from a Break

Phew! It’s been a busy week – a beautiful week. Not in the usual way, but in different and adventurous way. I spent the past week with my family in Mexico. It was a gift from God that strengthened and refreshed us.

The time was restful. Inspiring. Embraced. Being out of the country, I shut off my Blackberry, left my computer at home, and did not even turn on a TV. I brought a notebook, but did not write a word until I was on the plane coming home. Usually, ideas are streaming through my brain like kayaks on a turbulent river, but not on this vacation. Over the past week, I just (which in fact was not just at all) spent time in relationship, present with my family and present with my God. I watched for God. I waited for God. God’s grace and truths of Him blew around me like flower petals blowing around in a spring breeze, not resting in any spot then, but now coming together in clear view.

In the days to come, I am eager and desiring to continue to share with you these truths of His unfailing love, dear reader. For now, remember that God has us each on a journey, always revealing to us who He is and how much we are loved by Him – in season and out of season, on vacation and at home, in times of peace and in times of trial.

A Large Stone in the Way

It was early in morning when the women made their way to the tomb. As they wiped sleep from their eyes, they shuffled through the garden, whispering to one another in hushed tones. So much had transpired over the past days; it felt like a bad dream. Oh! How they missed their Jesus, but now was their last chance to show Him honor. But an obstacle stood in the way. A large stone.

“… and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away” (Mark 16:3-4).

The women had a choice as they went out to serve their crucified Lord. They could have slept in. They could have decided that the task to roll away the stone would be too overwhelming, and just given up. They could have stayed back in fear of what they would have to contend with, perhaps confrontational Roman soldiers. But they went out. They knew that there was an obstacle in the way of their ministering to Jesus, but that did not stop their love for Him.

As we set out to seek and honor Jesus, do you ever feel like there is a “large stone” in the way? An obstacle -- something big in your life that seems to be standing in the way of you moving forward in your relationship or service to the King. Perhaps you can’t imagine that you will ever be able to serve and love Him, in view of what is standing in the way. It is too big. Too hard to move on your own. Impossible. Maybe it is a health issue. Maybe a marriage that is under duress or has ended. Maybe it is a wayward child, an abusive spouse, lies about you or difficult relationships. Maybe it is the loss of a ministry, the loss of a dream, or the loss of a job.

And we think to ourselves, “How in the world are we going to get past this large stone?” I’ve had a number of large stones in my life, and I’ll be honest with you, some have moved, and others have not. I’ve turned the corner, with sleep in my eyes, on more than one occasion, and there it is – still trying to obscure my view of the Savior. The thing with “large stones” is that we have no control over them. Only God is in control. We are called to get up, step out and trust that He will provide us with what we need, when we need it. He may move the large stone right away (although I rarely find this to be true). He may move it in a different way than we expect, or He may not move it at all, but rather move our heart (which can be like a rather large stone, at times).

Regardless, nothing can hold us back from our Jesus. There is no obstacle too large to keep us from Him. He rose from the dead, conquered the grave, and He lives for you and for me. As you celebrate this Easter and reflect on the power and beauty of the resurrection in its every detail, remember that there is nothing too large for God in your life. He is in control of all things and loves you with an unfailing love.

Blessed Easter, dear readers!

Valued by God

Today’s post is dedicated to all the women that I know (and don’t know) who feel “less than.” For all of you who have been told that you do not matter, that you are not as important, that you have no to little value or that what you do is a waste of time, I have good news for you. It is a lie. You are valued and you are loved.

Hanging on the cross, Jesus breathed His last breath – by choice, out of love – for you and for me. The sky darkened like a bruise and the veil of the temple tore in two. Jesus did what needed to be done so that all who believe in Him could enter the presence of God. There was no other way. Jesus made the way. He is the only way.

After we read of his dying in the book of Mark, then God chose to share this detail. “Some women were watching from a distance … these women had followed Him and cared for His needs … many other women who had come up with Him were also there” (Mark 15:40-41).

Some women. These women. Many women. Why does God point out the women here? Why does He, for just a moment at this time of sadness and darkness, bring our attention on them? Why does He mention them, some by name and others in general? I wish I knew for sure, but I don’t. However, I find it interesting and it does encourage me in this -- God cares about women, and sees and believes that women are important, too.

These women followed Him and cared for His needs. They followed Him, even in to hardest of times. They made their way through crowds of people who were shouting and jeering for Jesus to die. They took risks to love their Savior. They were steadfast and loyal. God noticed that. They cared for His needs and they loved Him in the days when He ministered with healing and truth. In those days, women were not looked upon as equals in the culture – but God saw them as such, and in this instant, at the darkest time of history, He mentions women.

Dear reader, you may feel unseen by others, but you are clearly seen by God. He sees all. You may feel worthless but that is not true. You have great value in the heart of God. You may feel that you are not important, just part of the background of life and unnoticed, but you are not. You are in the foreground of God’s plan and of His purposes. You may feel that all that you do for Him is unimportant and doesn’t matter, but it is important and it matters -- alot.

Do not give up in following Jesus. Follow Him wherever He goes, even in to the darkest of times. Sometimes, it requires a risk to love Him. Others may be shouting (or whispering) around you to doubt who He is; remain steadfast and loyal to Him. Care for His precious name by serving in His name, sharing the power of His name, and loving Him by pursuing the truth and loving others boldly and well. Keep your eyes focused on Him, even when you are crowded in by the details and hurts of life.

And remember, wherever you are, God is with you. He loves you. He notices you. He honors your dignity as a woman. You are not less in His eyes – you are lovely.

A Resurrection Basket

The Resurrection Basket is a special tradition in our family. We learned about it from my dear friend Anne’s son, Andrew. He makes one for his mother every year.

Each year our basket has a little bit of a different personality. Sometimes it is large and sometimes it is small. I vary the container – a bowl, a box, a basket, a crate -- depending on whether I can find what I used the year before or what I discover in the basement or garage. Sometimes I splurge and buy a new one.

I always use potted fresh flower to signify life – sometimes I use spring bulbs. We gather the other items from around the house. This year my daughter made a cross out of two sticks and some vine. The girls found fresh moss from the yard and we spread it around the base of the flowers. We added a stone, a nail, a branch with thorns from a rose bush and, new this year -- a small piece of towel. A purple ribbon is woven between the blossoms. Each item represents a different part of the Easter story.

This is a fun activity to do as a group, alone, or in the classroom. Make it for yourself or make it for a friend or a neighbor and share with them the true beauty of Easter – the truth that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. He is alive!

In addition to the one we made for our family, the girls decided to make smaller ones for each of their teachers.

If you create a Resurrection Basket, let us know! We’d love to hear about it, and any ideas about what you placed in your basket.

Enjoy!

The Garden of Gethsemane

The “Last Supper” was over. The disciples did not understand it as the “Last Supper,” but Jesus knew. Nothing is a surprise to Him. Not even this evening. What happened in the hours that lied before Him was part of God’s plan right from the beginning. Jesus was on a mission to rescue the people that He loved.

As the disciples (minus Judas) walked along the dusty road in the cool of the night, their feet, recently washed by the Servant, became coated again with dirt. And as they travelled, Jesus spoke to His disciples about many truths – truths like Jesus being the only way to the Father and about abiding in Jesus, like branches on a vine, and – oh, so much more. (See John 14 – 17). He comforted them with the words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me” (John 14:1). And Jesus prayed. He prayed for the disciples. He prayed for Himself. And He prayed for you and for me. Remarkable.

Shortly after they set out, they arrived at the gate of the Garden of Gethsemane, at the base of the Mount of Olives. The garden was a favorite place of refuge for Jesus. Again, Jesus went in to spend time with His Father in Heaven. This time, though, He would intensely begin the journey of coming face-to-face with the suffering that He would endure on the cross.

The biblical account of what transpired in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-41; Luke 22:39-46) is intense. My heart is heavy as I imagine (if that is even possible) what my Savior had to endure for me and for all. I am humbled by His willingness to submit to the difficult will of God. I am amazed by His love. And I am strengthened by His example of how I can live, being obedient to the Father in the daily struggles of life. Jesus had to carry the weight of all the sin of the world. God does not ask us to do that, but He may ask us to carry something.

Dear reader, it is hard to know and follow the will of God, isn’t it? It’s scary and confusing, at times. It is difficult to do -- well, actually, it is impossible without the grace of God.

Believe that God is Who He says He is. He is loving, kind, faithful and just. Pray for His will to be done, and pray that He will give you the grace to be obedient to whatever He may be asking you to do. Trust that His way is best, even when it seems very, very hard. Stand firm. Be strong and courageous. Walk humbly.

Turn to Him and call out to Him, “Abba! Father! PaPa! Daddy!” (just like Jesus did – Mark 14:36) and believe that His will is good and perfect, and that He loves you very much, with an unfailing love. Jesus knew that, and we can know that, too.

The Garden of Gethsemane is a difficult place to enter with Jesus, for here we see His pain, unlike we’ve seen it before. I think that we often would much rather stand outside of the gate. Some may not care to enter. Others may be too frightened to face what happened there. And even others fear their own guilt and shame. But as we are willing to step in to the garden, trusting the Lord to hold our hand and show us what He desires for us to see about Himself, we can begin to understand the depth of His sorrow and sacrifice as He faced all the brokenness and sin of the world. Here we are more amazed at the breadth of His love. And here He grows in us an incredible joy, lush in beauty and color, in this season of celebration. It is here, in the garden of Jesus’ willingness, sacrifice and pain where our faith is strengthened and our hope enlarged. Remarkable, indeed.

(If you would like to listen to more about Jesus and His coming face-to-face with His own suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, click here, and then click on the link for February 10, 2010 - Gethsemane: Mark 14:32-42 . The above is just a sample of what I shared this winter at our Women’s Bible Study. You will also find more links to listen to the other lessons I taught in the series that I titled, “Remarkable Moments with the Savior,” when we stepped into the stories of Jesus and the people that He came face-to-face with – people like you and me who were hurting, hungry, hopeless, fearful, loving, critical and more).

Angel Food Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

By popular request (following my last post titled The Ultimate Comfort Food), I present to you my mom’s famous recipe for Angel Food Cake with Butter Cream Frosting. WARNING: Eat at your own risk. A ridiculously excessive amount of internal exposure to this food may cause gastrointestinal upset – AKA nausea.

Angel Food Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

1 Angel Food Cake – baked. A box version is great. Who knows what to do with all of those extra egg yolks, anyway. This is the vehicle for getting the frosting in to your mouth and a bit more socially appropriate than a spatula.

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup superfine or regular white sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

½ cup butter

½ cup margarine

Scald the milk and let cool. Add vanilla to cooled milk. Whip the cold butter and margarine in mixer for 3 – 4 minutes until it is like heavy cream (but not soft and runny). Add salt and then add sugar ¼ of a cup at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each ¼ cup. Once all the sugar is added, beat for 2 minutes. Then, add 2 Tablespoons of milk at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Once all the milk is added, beat for another 2 minutes.

Spread the frosting over the cooled Angel Food cake. If time allows, cool the cake for an hour to firm up the frosting. This is not necessary, but preferred. Either way, trust me, it is delicious (but my no means low-caloric).

Enjoy, dear readers … and have a piece for me, while I allow myself time to forget the feeling following too much cake (I mean, frosting).

P.S. My mom just informed me that the recipe originally was obtained from the "New Antoinette Pope School Cookbook" printed in 1961 and was given to them for their first wedding anniversary by my mom's parents. The recipe was called, "Mrs. Miller's Quick French Butter Cream Icing." My mom used to make the angel food cake from scratch every 13 days, with leftover egg whites, having fed me (awwww...) a yolk a day, when I was a baby.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Angel food cake with butter cream frosting. Homemade, fresh, and slightly chilled, it is my all time favorite cake. It must be made with my mother’s recipe for butter cream frosting, though. No other will do.

Between you and me (and the World Wide Web, I suppose), I massively craved it yesterday. Yes, not just craved, but massively craved. Cravings are unusual to me, and so seeming harmless enough, I indulged myself in the process of making this cake. Well, I didn’t really make the cake. I didn’t have time for that, so I cheated and bought a pre-made angel food cake, but I did make the frosting. Like I said, there is no comparison to my mom’s recipe. To me, it is the (almost) ultimate in comfort food.

I whipped up the frosting while throwing together dinner for the family. A sample here. A sample there. Many samples every where. The texture, the flavor, the taste – did I tell you it was my favorite? I frosted the small cake, which I determined was more of a single-serving size, and therefore, had plenty of frosting to spare (which equates to sampling). Truth be told, it wasn’t really the cake I was after. It was the frosting. The angel food cake was just a vehicle to get the frosting in to my mouth -- something a bit more appropriate than a spatula.

After dinner and being that the cake was rather small, I ate a third of it. I then cleaned up, and went to bed. At 10:44 PM I woke up with a stomach ache.

“Why did I eat all that cake – I mean – frosting?” I swooned.

Thankfully, I'm better this morning. It was a quick turn around, but believe it or not, I am not craving butter cream frosting today.

Now you may be asking, what spiritual truth lies woven in this silly story? To me, it is a guttural reminder that we can eat too much of a good thing, but we can never eat too much of God’s Word -- and His Word will never make us sick.

I don’t want to diminish the fact that my cake (I mean frosting) was delicious. It was. But I am reminded that while food is good for the body and enjoyable, God’s Word is a delight, bringing comfort and strength to the soul. It really is the ultimate comfort food.

Jeremiah 15:16 says, “When your words came I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.”

It is a satisfying truth, dear reader. God’s Word is a delicious, healthy, life-giving, nurturing, comfort food. I want to encourage you today to pull up a seat and dig in to it. Indulge yourself. God is faithful to take your heart and needs for today, and feed them with His truths and with His love. Taste and see that the Lord is good; none other than His Word will do.

Bit by Bit

My friend reported the first sighting of the Merganser ducks on the lake by her home, and I saw the Red-winged Blackbird today. Faint patches of green grass sweep across the landscape. Snow piles, once 6 feet tall, are now only inches away from being gone. Small buds are barely bursting from the ends of the branches. Fresh smells of life permeate the air. Spring is springing forth – I hope. It has opened the latch on the gate at the end of the long path of winter, and is making its way in to our days. Evidence of its arrival is slow, but none-the-less I see it creeping in.

Spring is a living sign of hope. Out of the cold of winter, life emerges. As a reflection of hope, it reminds us of the hope of healing for the broken-hearted, a hope that is only found in Jesus.

Did you ever notice that not all the migrating birds show up on one day? Not all the grass turns green in one instant. We do not wake up to all the leaves being full grown one morning, nor is all the snow melted in one day.

Bit by bit spring arrives, and bit by bit the healing of the hurting heart occurs. It is patchy at first, and perhaps even sparse, but it will come. When we trust our hearts to the healing hand of the Creator, Who created the motion of the seasons, we can rest assured that He will bring healing to our times of cold darkness, as well. And bit by bit, we will witness the changes. It is a process – sometimes a very long process. Chilly days may reappear, maybe even a snow storm … but winter does give way to spring and He who manages those days, is caring for you in your days, as well. God is faithful to heal the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3). Wait upon Him, trusting Him to bring about life and beauty in His perfect timing.

Lugging Unneccessary Luggage

“Remember the time when …” my six year old said to me with a playful twinkle in her eye. She is a teaser and she loves to remind me of silly things. I’m not sure why, but she loves this story.

Almost 20 years ago, my husband and I were newly married and heading out to Telluride, Colorado to go skiing with my husband’s father. It was a long drive from Milwaukee in our 1990 red Camry. With the AAA flip map in hand, we stuffed the little car full with all that we would need and then some ....

I remember the trip, but I forgot one comical detail -- the "then some." Apparently (and I was just recently reminded of this), I was concerned that once we arrived in Colorado that I would not be able to keep up with the skiing skills of my husband and his father, and that I may get bored. I wanted to make sure I had something to fall back on.

I thought I needed a “back pocket -- just in case” provisional plan and (are you ready for this?) it was my circa 1980’s portable White sewing machine. For 2800 miles round trip, we carted that heavy machine in the back of the car. I have no idea what I was thinking. Some sort of safety net, I guess. I never used it. We just lugged it there and lugged it back.

As I’ve been giggling about the story with the kids, I’ve been thinking about other less material luggage that I lug along in life.

Sometimes, on long and uncertain journeys in life, we carry things with us that we really don’t need. We fear the “what if’s,” and may either intentionally or unintentionally cart along some unnecessary items. These things weigh us down. They are burdensome. They take up space and make the journey more difficult. Defense mechanisms. Old ways of life. Coping mechanisms. Self-sufficiency.

We take things in to our own hands, lugging them around, instead of allowing God to direct our paths. We can’t imagine that there is something for us on the end of the journey, that is different and good, and so we bring along with us that which we do not need, to fall back on when we are in a pinch.

A sewing machine. It was harmless enough, but I know better for the journeys in life. Just for today – that is how we should live -- trusting God for what He has for us and not worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25). We can trust Him that He will provide just what we need, staying open to what He may have for us in new and different ways. We can choose a willingness to sit in the uncertainty of time unfilled, trusting Him to fill it with His presence or service to others or blessings that we could never imagine.

Dear reader, I don’t know about you but I need to take stock of what I may be carrying in to today, that I really do not need, choosing to leave it behind, trusting God for all things, and looking to see what opportunities are in today. Just for today.

The Fragrance of Life

Exhausted physically and emotionally, I settled in to my overstuffed chair to spend time with the Lord. Brushing up against a small pillow, a suddenly smelled the most pleasing aroma of lavender. I forgot that it was there, but its scent was unmistakable and unavoidable. The small decorated pillow is filled with small petals of dried lavender. They are withered, stripped from their stalk some time ago, but they continue to emit a lovely fragrance that delights.

And just as suddenly, God pressed in to my heart a reminder of His truth -- God uses areas in our lives that are dried out and withered – times of loneliness, pain, betrayal and loss -- to create a sweet aroma in the lives of those He places in our path. We may wonder, “Is there is anything good coming out of our pain? Is there any purpose in all of this?” Yet, when covered in the love of Jesus, these circumstances are used to bring hope to others. As others brush past us, God takes what we are enduring for Him, trusting Him in, and produces a sweet scent of hope.

2 Corinthians 2:15, 16 says “For we are to God the aroma of Christ … the fragrance of life.” What withered and dry time is God using in your life to produce the fragrance of life? Depression? Betrayal? Loss of a job? The death of a loved one? Loss of a dream? Living with a difficult person? Struggling with a disobedient or wayward child? An illness? Life is difficult. It can be hard to imagine or believe that there anything good will come out of so much pain and loss, but there is hope.

Like the pillow is covered in a lovely fabric, when we allow the most beautiful covering of Jesus' love to surround all areas of our lives, we will be used for His glory and His purpose. In His timing, He will bring about a pleasing aroma. Dear reader, perhaps you are fainthearted and downcast today. Take heart that God is using your circumstances to bring the fragrance of life to others around you, when you chose to be covered in the beautiful fabric of His love.

Taking Hold and Holding Close

The airport was crowded. People toting heavy bags stood in long lines, inching slowly forward towards the ticket counter. A little girl of about 3 years old in lime green pajamas and tennis shoes stood next to me. Her straight, blond hair was pulled back in to a loose pony tail. Green eyes peered out from behind wisps of hair that covered a portion of her fair face. She did not smile. She clutched a faded pink blanket that reflected much use and laundering.

Standing next to her was her father. He was muscular and of medium build and wore military fatigues. Strapped to his back was a large, bulging back pack. He toted a duffel bag with one arm. His hair was cut short. He appeared quiet, yet, confident as He stood close to the little girl.

Despite the heavy load that he carried on his back and handled in his left hand, he reached down and scooped up the little girl with his strong right arm. He kissed her cheek and talked gently and kindly to her. She smiled from time to time, but mostly she just stared at him, looking confused and sad.

Perhaps like me, dear one, you are not fond of good-byes -- living them or watching them. They make me cry. Tears pooled in my eyes as I looked at this father, who I surmised was leaving for the Middle East on deployment, and his daughter who clung to him. Good-byes stir up cauldrons of grief, mixed in with loss and loneliness, inside of me. I can feel the depth, the movement and the intensity.

As I’ve replayed this image in my mind the last few days, the Lord continually has brought me to Himself. At times, we can be like a little child. Confused and scared, we try to stand close to Him. We peer out from behind our circumstances, and wonder, “What is happening? Will I be alright? Need I fear or will I be safe?”

Psalm 18:16 says, “He reached down from high and took hold of me …” Our Father reaches down and lifts us up in His strong arms. He holds us close. He lavishes us with love. We may be uncertain and fearful, but God reassures us with His Word and with His presence. As He carries the weight of the world, He embraces us with a confidence that He is in control. He is not going to leave us -- ever. He always has an arm and place of safety and comfort for us; He is trustworthy and faithful to be present and all we need.

The Vast Expanse of Uncertainty

I clicked one boot in to the cross country ski and then the other. Slipping my hands in to the straps, I grabbed my poles and lunged forward, starting on my journey across the vast expanse of the frozen lake that was before me.

Swish. Swish. Swish. The skis glided across the snow packed ice.

“I’m not sure about this,” I thought to myself, as I hesitated about 100 yards out from the shore. “What if the ice cracks and I fall in to the lake? Hmmmm. This feels too risky. Maybe I should turn back. What if I don’t make it?”

The deep groans of the ice shifting and aching, like the voices of hump backed whales, echoed across the lake. Intermittent, unpredictable and haunting in their tone, they underlined my doubt, and accented my fears.

But as I looked and listened ever so closely, I learned and began to believe that it was safe and I would make it. Imprints of fresh car tracks traversed back and forth in front of me. A pick-up truck sat parked in the middle of the lake, marking the spot of a devoted ice fisherman. The ruddy sounds of snow mobile engines grumbled through the air, as they zoomed back and forth across the lake in the distance. There were others on the lake -- others who were, quite frankly, a lot heavier than me, and they were not falling through the ice. Their presence reassured me that I would most likely make it across the ice, too, and I did.

Dear reader, there are times when the Lord asks us to step out and travel across the vast expanse of uncertainty. We look ahead and we wonder. Will we survive? Will we fall through? The groans of doubt and fear beckon to us, “Are you sure you’re going to make it? Isn’t it a bit risky?”

But, if we look and listen, we will see that God sends across our paths the lives of others who have gone before us, trusting God, and living full lives in Him.

We may witness people around us who walked through difficult times, or are walking through times of trial, and who live faith filled, dramatically different lives. They took a chance to step out and into the will of God, and they are evidence of His faithfulness. They are people with fresh tracks who do not give up, but wait on the Lord, seek the Lord and walk in obedience to His ways, not the ways of the world. Through their words and actions we learn of and remember God’s truths and of His great love for us, and we are encouraged and strengthened.

God’s Word also reminds us of those who have gone before us many, many years ago, sure of what they hope for and certain of what they did not see (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith.” Here, we read of great heroes of the faith – Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab -- who chose to trust God and who were commended for their faith. He used their lives in powerful ways then and He is still using them today to spur us on in difficult times.

In the vast expanse of the uncertainty of life, God is always asking us to trust Him. As part of His grace, He gives us the examples of others (either modern day, or from days of old) who went before us, and who chose to walk with Him -- people who experienced the Lord’s love and mercy, and were strengthened by Him, despite unfathomable odds. They are people who did not give up. They were all the more rich because of what God asked them to do and because of their choice to stay close to Him on the journey. They shine as a light in the darkness to help us see that it is safe to follow God, for only He is faithful.

Radically Radiant

Radiant. When I hear or see the word an image of a small portly pig sitting humbly yet confidently under a web, pops into my head. The word "radiant" shimmers in the threads of the web, woven there by a the pig's spider friend. I am talking about the story of Charlotte’s Web, of course, a classic tale written by E.B. White about friendship, loyalty and love.

Charlotte, the gentle and kind spider, believes in Wilbur, the pig. Her belief in Him gives him strength, hope, a purpose and because of her, he also radiates joy.

I don’t know about you, but some days I would not describe myself as radiant. Dull? Weary? Worn down? Doubting? Fearing? Yes. Radiant? From the inside looking out, I’m not so sure. But …

God tells us in Psalm 34:5, “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” When we seek Him, abide with Him, look to Him, we reflect His radiance. We can’t help it. His radiance shimmers off of us, regardless of what we think or how we feel.

I’ve known some pretty – like, really beautiful -- radically, radiant people. They are not radiant because of what they accomplish, how popular or witty or smart they are, or because of what they do for themselves. No, they are radiant because they live a life that is dependent on loving the Lord and seeking Him first in all things. I bet if I asked them, they would most humbly say that they do not notice their radiance. But, the truth is they are beautiful and they reflect the glory of God in their strength and in their joy – both of which He gives them.

Dear reader, look to the One – at the One -- Who loves you more than you can ever imagine. Believe in Him, for He made you and He believes in you. The Lord will use His love and grace that dances off of you, to encourage others in their faith and draw them closer to Himself. When we live a life depending on Him, we are radically, radiant! And as we grow in an understanding of Who the Lord is and live lives seeking and loving Him, we will grow in strength, hope, purpose and joy.

A Champion for Dignity

“Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you.” I don’t know who said this ludicrous statement. Apparently, someone who never was hurt by words. In my opinion, their opinion could not be further from the truth. Words can hurt – a lot.

Our son has Cerebral Palsy. I am often amazed at what people say, either to me or in ear shot of my son and me. “What’s wrong with him?” “Was he born like that?” “Why does he walk that way? ” “Is he ok?”

I understand that people just don’t always think about what they say, but regardless, their words can be hurtful and lack an awareness of the dignity of others. Sometimes I am tempted to retort back with “Nothing is wrong with him, but there is something wrong with you – you’re rude,” but up until today, I have resisted and just let it go. It probably wouldn’t do any good, anyway. But, in an attempt to increase awareness of how words can hurt and vandalize the value of others, today I refer you over to my friend Jennie’s blog.

One of Jennie’s three sons has Down Syndrome. She wrote a challenging post today on her blog A Little Something Extra for Us, so I am stepping out from my normal “devotional” style and recommending that you read her thoughts – they are strong and passionate, as she makes a plea for “Spread the Word to End the Word.” (She is not referring to God’s Word, but the word “retard” ). Thank you, Jennie, for being a champion for the dignity of people with special needs and for those who love them.

Perfect Peace

She finally fell asleep, holding my hand, snuggled up in a blanket, with an ice pack resting on her forehead – perfectly peaceful. When you are a little person (and a not-so-little person) falling can be traumatic. My daughter trying her hand (errrrr – feet) at ice skating, took a tumble and hit the ice face first. Poor little dear. She is better this morning, but not lacking a “purple eye.”

As I sat with her last night, looking at her as she rested quietly, my heart turned to thoughts of the Lord and how He tenderly cares for us when we are struggling. We fall down (either on our own or from the impact of others) and are hurt. We ache and we cry and we call out for help.

He picks us up with His strong and loving arms, and comforts us with His love. He holds our hand. He cares for us with His Word. He may bring others along side of us to help us, but often, I find that He meets our every need, personally and intimately. And when we fall asleep, we can be confident that He never does. He does not slumber nor sleep. He never takes a break. He never gets tired or worn out. He is always perfectly, loving and in control.

As I held her hand and rubbed her little forehead with my other hand, brushing her hair out of the way, as she dozed off, I whispered, “You’re going to be alright, Honey. Just relax. I am right here. Momma loves you and I will take care of you."

And I heard the words of the Lord whisper in to my heart at the same time, “I have everything under control, dear one. I know you are hurt. Rest here, in My love. I am right here. All day, all night -- even when you sleep. I am watching over you and taking care of you.”

My daughter rested soundly. She knew I was nearby and would take care of everything. Even though she was so tired and needed to sleep, she rested sweetly and confidently in my arms. God’s arms are everlasting arms, and in these arms we can find ultimate rest.

Dear one, keep your mind and heart focused on Him. When you are striving and tired, place your weary head on your bed and trust that He will cover you with His feathers (Psalm 91), watch over you while you sleep and give you perfect peace. Like the Psalmist let us confidently say, even when we are hurting, “At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together,” (Psalm 4:8 MSG) and then commit to believing that it is true.