Okay - jumping the gun a bit, but I figured this was a good "thank you" for the New Year. I wrote this about ten years ago and sent it to my mom after she'd had a particularly bad year. It was found when we were cleaning out her house.
January, 2001
It's that time of year again, a time to ponder all of the wonderful miraculous blessings that we have received for yet another year. Sometimes it's difficult to separate one year from another. Time flies so swiftly, and we forget that what was so troublesome to us last year has now become a distant memory at best. That's how quickly God can and does change things in our lives.
Sometimes I find myself neglecting to remember just how much God has answered my prayers. At these moments I truly realize how ungrateful I am. So God, please forgive me, and help me to remember:
Help me to remember the sore throat that went away, the toothache that never came, the car bill that wasn't mine to pay, the accident that never happened, the roommates and apartment that were mine to share, the extra money that helped me go on that trip, the doctor's visit that proved everything was A-OK.
The extra long smile from my brand new niece, the surprise week off from school, the long visit with my mom, a hug from a friend that changed my whole day, the Word of Life teaching my soul, the extra soft pillow on my bed at night, the stars shining brightly in the sky, the electricity we never lost, the rainbow reminding us that You keep your promises.
The newborn babies I got to hold, the Saturday nights we spent with friends, the Sunday morning trips to church, the cows in the meadow and the grass in the field, and every other single blessing I've received so ungratefully from such a gracious hand as yours.
Amen.
P.S. Help me to have a better memory next year.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Love is as Strong as Death
Wow! Stare at a blank page and wonder if any words will come to explain what’s happening. As the verse in scripture goes the Spirit intercedes for us when we know not how or what to pray. So here I am wordlessly praying that something good, even beautiful, will come out of all the pain that’s stored up in my heart.
Having her so close to death during the Holiday season is certainly no fun. It makes me wonder if this time of year will ever be celebratory again for my family and me.
Lately, I have wondered in my heart why God would allow my mother’s last days to happen during a season that is supposed to be filled with hope, joy, and peace. Is this some cruel twist of irony? I have to say that as I watch her walk through this final struggle I almost feel angry with God. What kind of God would do this to us? Why should the holiday season be forever tainted by this loss?
But the other day as I drove up to be with her, I played Christmas music. Don’t’ ask me why. It just seemed to be the right thing to do at the time. And though my stony heart rebelled against the joy, the hope, the peace of the music, in time it became perfectly clear to me why losing mom during this Christmas Season is a beautiful thing. God has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)
I know it sounds crazy and that losing her now means that the holiday season will always be bittersweet. But it is the season we are in now that gives me hope. There is a passage in the bible that reminds me of something. It reminds me that while my mom will be leaving her earthly body soon there is something that is even stronger than death. The verse comes from Song of Songs:
6 Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
its jealousy[c] as enduring as the grave.[d]
Love flashes like fire,
the brightest kind of flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
nor can rivers drown it.
If a man tried to buy love
with all his wealth,
his offer would be utterly scorned. (NLT)
like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
its jealousy[c] as enduring as the grave.[d]
Love flashes like fire,
the brightest kind of flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
nor can rivers drown it.
If a man tried to buy love
with all his wealth,
his offer would be utterly scorned. (NLT)
The phrase that caught my attention? “Love is as strong as death.” I’ve been thinking about it and reflecting on it. It all ties together with a moment when everything clicked for me.
A few weeks ago, I called Mom to check in on her. At that point she was still feeling relatively well - more like her “old self”. At the end of every phone conversation we always express our love to one another, but at the end of this phone call mom uttered an addendum to the normal “I love you.” Her three simple words, “Never forget that,” were a benediction of sorts - a memory that will burn in my heart for years to come
Since that conversation her health has continued to deteriorate, and, while I know that when she passes life will go on for the rest us, there is a part of me that will never be the same. But even in the midst of this loss, there is hope. Though the grave may take her from us, for now, – the love more powerful than death will hold us in an inseparable bond – mother, daughter now and always. And no death is going to rob me of that joy – not ever. 1 Corinthians 13:12, 13 Now we see but a poor refection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Is God a republican?
I've been thinking a little bit lately about how much we judge a book by its cover in many areas of life - especially when it comes to judging people. We try to stuff a person into a box as if they are only one dimensional in their personality, character, looks, beliefs. Oh he's a conservative that must mean that he has no appreciation for preserving nature, no inclination to reach out to the poor and needy assisting in any way possible. Or that liberal must not be a Christian based on their beliefs.
I remember in 2008 when Obama was running against McCain I watched a debate that was mediated by Rick Warren. One of the points of hosting the event, Warren explained, was to engage people in a civilized debate - a debate that would pave the way for understanding rather then "demonizing" the other side. And aren't we really good at that - demonizing the "other side".
But you know what when I think about it I really don't fit every stereotype that one might label me as a Conservative Republican. I do care about the environment. I don't believe the rich should get richer while the poor get poorer. I think it's important to be socially responsible to all people regardless of creed, color, or beliefs.
Some might say that if God were on earth he would be a republican. But really, really do we think that God takes sides when it comes to politics? Personally, I don't think he does. Rather, I believe that He's above the fray, the debates, the indignation that some feel towards the other party.
You might wonder why I came to that conclusion. Well, part of it stems from how Jesus responded to "politics" when he walked on the earth. Over and over again he told the people that his kingdom is not of this world. Rather it is an eternal one. It is a kingdom of people not of politics. It's about individuals - individuals he loves and would die to save - people he would sacrifice anything for to bring back home.
There's a story in the old testament that intrigues me when it comes to this idea of taking sides. It's the story of when the Israelites were getting ready to march into the promised land. They know that to inherit the land they will have to defeat many of the peoples who have established civilizations there. Joshua is to be the leader of the armies of God. So before they enter one such city - Jericho, Joshua scouts out the land and the city itself to make a battle plan. On his way to do this he comes across a "man" who is brandishing a sword. Here's what happenes:
Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," [the angel] replied "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." (NIV)
What?! He's not going to take sides? The Israelites are God's chosen people. The ones he led out of Egypt and guided through the wilderness to bring them to the land he promised to their ancestors. He's made a covenant with them; He is their God, they are his people. When I read this verse out of the book of Joshua, I was stunned by the angel's response. If he was sent by God wouldn't you expect him to say something like, "I'm all for ya brother, cmon on lets go kick some Jericho butt." But he didn't answer that way. So the question is if God doesn't pick sides then who are we really fighting against in this battle of life?
Ephesions 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Who are we really fighting against when we take sides, snub our noses at, or put others in boxes? It's Satan, the liar, the one who loves to create division among people, particularly God's people. So maybe the next time you feel tempted to put someone in a box, or look at them in a one dimensional way you should remember who the real enemy is. Reach out and try to understand the person you despise, disgust, loathe - the one you consider your enemy. Rather than creating more division maybe we can learn to civilly disagree, and in that understanding live without demonizing the other person or side.
I remember in 2008 when Obama was running against McCain I watched a debate that was mediated by Rick Warren. One of the points of hosting the event, Warren explained, was to engage people in a civilized debate - a debate that would pave the way for understanding rather then "demonizing" the other side. And aren't we really good at that - demonizing the "other side".
But you know what when I think about it I really don't fit every stereotype that one might label me as a Conservative Republican. I do care about the environment. I don't believe the rich should get richer while the poor get poorer. I think it's important to be socially responsible to all people regardless of creed, color, or beliefs.
Some might say that if God were on earth he would be a republican. But really, really do we think that God takes sides when it comes to politics? Personally, I don't think he does. Rather, I believe that He's above the fray, the debates, the indignation that some feel towards the other party.
You might wonder why I came to that conclusion. Well, part of it stems from how Jesus responded to "politics" when he walked on the earth. Over and over again he told the people that his kingdom is not of this world. Rather it is an eternal one. It is a kingdom of people not of politics. It's about individuals - individuals he loves and would die to save - people he would sacrifice anything for to bring back home.
There's a story in the old testament that intrigues me when it comes to this idea of taking sides. It's the story of when the Israelites were getting ready to march into the promised land. They know that to inherit the land they will have to defeat many of the peoples who have established civilizations there. Joshua is to be the leader of the armies of God. So before they enter one such city - Jericho, Joshua scouts out the land and the city itself to make a battle plan. On his way to do this he comes across a "man" who is brandishing a sword. Here's what happenes:
Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," [the angel] replied "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." (NIV)
What?! He's not going to take sides? The Israelites are God's chosen people. The ones he led out of Egypt and guided through the wilderness to bring them to the land he promised to their ancestors. He's made a covenant with them; He is their God, they are his people. When I read this verse out of the book of Joshua, I was stunned by the angel's response. If he was sent by God wouldn't you expect him to say something like, "I'm all for ya brother, cmon on lets go kick some Jericho butt." But he didn't answer that way. So the question is if God doesn't pick sides then who are we really fighting against in this battle of life?
Ephesions 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Who are we really fighting against when we take sides, snub our noses at, or put others in boxes? It's Satan, the liar, the one who loves to create division among people, particularly God's people. So maybe the next time you feel tempted to put someone in a box, or look at them in a one dimensional way you should remember who the real enemy is. Reach out and try to understand the person you despise, disgust, loathe - the one you consider your enemy. Rather than creating more division maybe we can learn to civilly disagree, and in that understanding live without demonizing the other person or side.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Last weekend my family and I went up to South Dakota for Thanksgiving. We were there to celebrate, of course, but we also had some work to do. Mom's house has been sold, and we were there to clean out the storage room. A few boxes of mine were in that room, and as I sifted through them, all of these memories came flooding back.
One item that particularly interested me was a box filled with letters from my grade school years up to high school. It was so fun to read about the good old days. I was amazed at the friends I had back then - how good they were to me, how much we cared about each other, the fun times we experienced together. Looking back to those days made me remember something very important; life is precious.
It's easy to trudge through our days taking them for granted, thinking that nothing ever changes, nothing ever will. But that is so untrue. Life does change. We change. Our circumstances change. The problem is that in the midst of the monotony of everyday life we forget that.
So how do we stop taking our days for granted? How do we live each day to the fullest making each day count? I think one way we can do this is by realizing that whatever a day brings to us, whether it's craziness, sadness, loneliness, satisfaction, peace, or joy; it will be a day that we can never reclaim. I don't know about you, but I want to live my life without regrets; no looking back, no wishing to revisit the past. Who knows but that tomorrow will bring an unexpected curve in the road, or even a dead end. Who knows what's waiting just around the corner? Only God does.
As the saying goes, "Time marches on and waits for no man." May we all march in a way that brings glory to God - a way that we can look back and say, "Yes we lived each day as if it were our last."
All of this reminds me of a quote I once came across. It's a quote that helps me to remember to find the miracle in the monotony of everyday life.
God works out his own high purposes, slowly as it seems oftentimes, but surely and with unerring wisdom, until all things being done, the end is sudden, dramatic, complete. ~Cynthia Heald
Our lives are strung together day by day. Each one has meaning. Each one has purpose. All of the little days of life are leading us to an end that will be sudden, dramatic, complete. So as we go along day by day, may we march joyfully to the beat of the drum of time looking back with no regrets.
One item that particularly interested me was a box filled with letters from my grade school years up to high school. It was so fun to read about the good old days. I was amazed at the friends I had back then - how good they were to me, how much we cared about each other, the fun times we experienced together. Looking back to those days made me remember something very important; life is precious.
It's easy to trudge through our days taking them for granted, thinking that nothing ever changes, nothing ever will. But that is so untrue. Life does change. We change. Our circumstances change. The problem is that in the midst of the monotony of everyday life we forget that.
So how do we stop taking our days for granted? How do we live each day to the fullest making each day count? I think one way we can do this is by realizing that whatever a day brings to us, whether it's craziness, sadness, loneliness, satisfaction, peace, or joy; it will be a day that we can never reclaim. I don't know about you, but I want to live my life without regrets; no looking back, no wishing to revisit the past. Who knows but that tomorrow will bring an unexpected curve in the road, or even a dead end. Who knows what's waiting just around the corner? Only God does.
As the saying goes, "Time marches on and waits for no man." May we all march in a way that brings glory to God - a way that we can look back and say, "Yes we lived each day as if it were our last."
All of this reminds me of a quote I once came across. It's a quote that helps me to remember to find the miracle in the monotony of everyday life.
God works out his own high purposes, slowly as it seems oftentimes, but surely and with unerring wisdom, until all things being done, the end is sudden, dramatic, complete. ~Cynthia Heald
Our lives are strung together day by day. Each one has meaning. Each one has purpose. All of the little days of life are leading us to an end that will be sudden, dramatic, complete. So as we go along day by day, may we march joyfully to the beat of the drum of time looking back with no regrets.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Loving the Giver more than the Gifts
So, with Thanksgiving fast approaching I thought it would be appropriate to write about what being thankful means to me. I have to admit that there have been many times in my life when I have not been thankful. Whether in plenty or in want- sometimes it's too easy to keep my focus on things; what I have, what I don't have. In fact, sometimes I become so obsessed with my "things" that I forget about the One who gave them to me.
I will always remember a prayer that my aunt prayed one Thanksgiving; "Dear Lord, help us to love you the Giver more than we love the gifts you give." That powerful petition has stuck with me to this day. So, here's a list of just some of the things I am so thankful for:
the sweet scent of spring
the smell of a newly mowed lawn
a bright, blue sky on a warm, sunshiney day
my kids' laughter
my husband's love
family and friends who are there through good times and bad
my bed (Oh, how I love to sleep)
my dog (Well, unless he's barking which, when I think about it, takes up a good portion of the day.)
happy and healthy kids
Jesus
the many posessions I have - most of which are wants more than needs
A Creator
A beautiful crystal clear lake just right for dipping toes in
Breathtaking sunsets
And the list goes on and on and on . . .
I remember before I was diagnosed bipolar coming across a verse that reminded me about what is truly important - the Giver, not the gifts. It struck me as such a powerful verse that I journaled about it that day. Here's an excerpt of what I wrote:
Psalm 62:10b Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.(NIV)
When I underlined this verse, I felt as though God was sending me a message: 'When things get better, when you enter your own "Promised Land", don't forget about me'. But, I must admit, in the midst of prosperity it's so easy to forget about God . . . '
Since being diagnosed, my riches have increased. The first and most important way has been in my well- being - both of body and mind. I feel really good most days. I'm not bogged down by the despair that comes with depression, and, with the right meds, my mania is very manageable. On top of all that I have a wonderful family who supports and encourages me. So yea, life is really, REALLY good for me. So much so, that I guess you could say I've entered my own 'Promised Land'. All of this reminds me of a strict warning that God gave to the Israelites before they came into their Promised Land -a land flowing with milk and honey.
Deutoronomy 6:10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Issac and Jacob, to give you - a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant - then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (NIV)
So, if you are living in your own 'promised land' and, in the midst of your prosperity, you're tempted to forget about God, I have a little encouragement for you. On this sacred week of thanks -make your own list of gifts. Keep the list handy, and each day whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has given us so much. Most important of all, keep your heart close to Him; the One who showers us with blessings too numerous to count.
I will always remember a prayer that my aunt prayed one Thanksgiving; "Dear Lord, help us to love you the Giver more than we love the gifts you give." That powerful petition has stuck with me to this day. So, here's a list of just some of the things I am so thankful for:
the sweet scent of spring
the smell of a newly mowed lawn
a bright, blue sky on a warm, sunshiney day
my kids' laughter
my husband's love
family and friends who are there through good times and bad
my bed (Oh, how I love to sleep)
my dog (Well, unless he's barking which, when I think about it, takes up a good portion of the day.)
happy and healthy kids
Jesus
the many posessions I have - most of which are wants more than needs
A Creator
A beautiful crystal clear lake just right for dipping toes in
Breathtaking sunsets
And the list goes on and on and on . . .
I remember before I was diagnosed bipolar coming across a verse that reminded me about what is truly important - the Giver, not the gifts. It struck me as such a powerful verse that I journaled about it that day. Here's an excerpt of what I wrote:
Psalm 62:10b Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.(NIV)
When I underlined this verse, I felt as though God was sending me a message: 'When things get better, when you enter your own "Promised Land", don't forget about me'. But, I must admit, in the midst of prosperity it's so easy to forget about God . . . '
Since being diagnosed, my riches have increased. The first and most important way has been in my well- being - both of body and mind. I feel really good most days. I'm not bogged down by the despair that comes with depression, and, with the right meds, my mania is very manageable. On top of all that I have a wonderful family who supports and encourages me. So yea, life is really, REALLY good for me. So much so, that I guess you could say I've entered my own 'Promised Land'. All of this reminds me of a strict warning that God gave to the Israelites before they came into their Promised Land -a land flowing with milk and honey.
Deutoronomy 6:10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Issac and Jacob, to give you - a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant - then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (NIV)
So, if you are living in your own 'promised land' and, in the midst of your prosperity, you're tempted to forget about God, I have a little encouragement for you. On this sacred week of thanks -make your own list of gifts. Keep the list handy, and each day whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has given us so much. Most important of all, keep your heart close to Him; the One who showers us with blessings too numerous to count.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A Rock Star
So I was running today, and I was thinking about rock stars. You know the ones we idolize, adore, would- give-anything-to meet kind of rock stars. I have to admit that I'm starting to get out of the loop when it comes to knowing who's popular these days. Take, for instance, Justin Bieber. When I first heard about him, I thought his last name was Beaver. And I thought to myself 'that is a really strange name for a rock star'.
All this thinking about rock stars made me think about something else. Something that may sound silly, but I wondered about it nonetheless. Why don't we as believers love Jesus and treat him as our rock star? Yea, yea I know - Jesus as a rock star - how crazy can you get? But think about it for a second. Why do we love celebrities? It 's not like they do anything for us, they only know us as one of the masses who love and adore them. And I seriously doubt that any one of them would be willing to give up their life for me.
But Jesus did. He gave up his life for me. I'm not just one of the masses to him. He knows me intimately and personally. He is, in every sense of the word, a true rock star. So why don't I jump up and down when I think about him? Why am I embarassed to even mention his name in cetain crowds? My rock star, Jesus.
Nope, I sure don't treat him like one.
And for now, maybe that's all right. He knows my weaknesses. He understands that I'm just dust and bones. And, most importantly, he's not ashamed of me. So I figure I shouldn't be ashamed of him either. In the church I grew up in we used to sing a hymn about this - about being ashamed of Jesus. Wish you could hear the tune- it's quite catchy. But, for now, take note of the lyrics, and try not to forget who the ultimate rock star is.
"Jesus! And Shall It Ever Be"by Joseph Grigg, c. 1722-1768
Altered by Benjamin Francis, 1734-1799
1. Jesus! and shall it ever be
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine through endless days?
2. Ashamed of Jesus? Sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star.
He sheds the beams of light divine
O'er this benighted soul of mine.
3. Ashamed of Jesus? Just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon.
'Tis midnight with my soul till He,
Bright Morning Star, bids darkness flee.
4. Ashamed of Jesus, that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend?
No; when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His name.
5. Ashamed of Jesus? Yes, I may
When I've no guilt to wash away,
No tear to wipe, no joy to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.
6. Till then--nor is the boasting vain--
Till then I boast a Savior slain.
And oh, may this my portion be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!
All this thinking about rock stars made me think about something else. Something that may sound silly, but I wondered about it nonetheless. Why don't we as believers love Jesus and treat him as our rock star? Yea, yea I know - Jesus as a rock star - how crazy can you get? But think about it for a second. Why do we love celebrities? It 's not like they do anything for us, they only know us as one of the masses who love and adore them. And I seriously doubt that any one of them would be willing to give up their life for me.
But Jesus did. He gave up his life for me. I'm not just one of the masses to him. He knows me intimately and personally. He is, in every sense of the word, a true rock star. So why don't I jump up and down when I think about him? Why am I embarassed to even mention his name in cetain crowds? My rock star, Jesus.
Nope, I sure don't treat him like one.
And for now, maybe that's all right. He knows my weaknesses. He understands that I'm just dust and bones. And, most importantly, he's not ashamed of me. So I figure I shouldn't be ashamed of him either. In the church I grew up in we used to sing a hymn about this - about being ashamed of Jesus. Wish you could hear the tune- it's quite catchy. But, for now, take note of the lyrics, and try not to forget who the ultimate rock star is.
"Jesus! And Shall It Ever Be"by Joseph Grigg, c. 1722-1768
Altered by Benjamin Francis, 1734-1799
1. Jesus! and shall it ever be
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine through endless days?
2. Ashamed of Jesus? Sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star.
He sheds the beams of light divine
O'er this benighted soul of mine.
3. Ashamed of Jesus? Just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon.
'Tis midnight with my soul till He,
Bright Morning Star, bids darkness flee.
4. Ashamed of Jesus, that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend?
No; when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His name.
5. Ashamed of Jesus? Yes, I may
When I've no guilt to wash away,
No tear to wipe, no joy to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.
6. Till then--nor is the boasting vain--
Till then I boast a Savior slain.
And oh, may this my portion be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
trees, tree, and more trees.
Thank you so much for all the prayers, love, and support. I am a lot more at peace with what's happening to mom. I know that is a direct result of prayers sent up on my family's behalf - so thanks again. Keep up the good work.:) Another reason I feel much more at peace comes from a verse I found in Isaiah.
Isaiah 61:3 . . . and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (NIV)
Love that analogy - God's people as oaks; big, strong, difficult-to-bring-down oaks. There are a couple of psalms that I've noticed compare believers to trees. And while we're on the topic of trees, have you ever noticed how often a reference to trees is made in the bible? Okay, well it's not a lot. But it's significant enough that I thought I'd use it for today's entry.
Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.(NIV)
My husband is really into a show called The Living Dead. Basically, it's about zombies, but it's much more complex than that. Anyway, after he'd explained the plot to me I thought about what it would be like to live like that forever. All of us the "walking dead", which, when you think about it, that's what we are apart from Christ. All of us moaning, groaning, and walking around with no end in sight. And all I can say is - not me. No way would I want to live like that forever - in my imperfect body, with my imperfect bipolar brain. No, when I really think about it, I get why God wouldn't allow us to live forever in this state - the walking dead. Which leads me to the next verse about trees, or specifically about a tree - the one that changed everything.
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead - whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. (NIV)
Interesting that it all started with a tree - the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - the one no one was supposed to eat from. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all, God has a way of taking something that's cursed and turning it into a thing of beauty - just like that tree that Jesus hung on. The tree that kept us from becoming the eternal "walking dead".
Fortunately for us, that's not the end of all this talk about trees. You see, there is a tree of life waiting for us. One that we will be able to eat from. (Revelation 2:7) One that will heal not only our bodies but also our souls. And the best part of eating from this tree of life? We'll be spending eternity in a perfect place, our paradise; no more dying, no more crying, no more pain, no more walking dead. What's more, this tree of life's leaves will be used to heal us like no one and nothing else can.
Rev 22:2-3 . . . On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any
curse . . . (NIV)
Yup, it all started with a tree, and, I guess you might say it all ended with one too. God has a way of using evil and turning it for good. So when I think about my mom, I feel a sense of peace. Yes, she's really suffering, yes, she has pain. But it will be temporary. And, because of Jesus she will spend her eternity not in a place of suffering, but in the beauty of paradise. So ends the story of the three trees, the tree that condemned us, the tree that redeemed us, and the tree that will give us eternal life - not the walking dead kind, but the joyful living kind. No more zombies. No more moaning and groaning. Which makes me happy, because, quite frankly, zombies have always given me the creeps.
Isaiah 61:3 . . . and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (NIV)
Love that analogy - God's people as oaks; big, strong, difficult-to-bring-down oaks. There are a couple of psalms that I've noticed compare believers to trees. And while we're on the topic of trees, have you ever noticed how often a reference to trees is made in the bible? Okay, well it's not a lot. But it's significant enough that I thought I'd use it for today's entry.
Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.(NIV)
My husband is really into a show called The Living Dead. Basically, it's about zombies, but it's much more complex than that. Anyway, after he'd explained the plot to me I thought about what it would be like to live like that forever. All of us the "walking dead", which, when you think about it, that's what we are apart from Christ. All of us moaning, groaning, and walking around with no end in sight. And all I can say is - not me. No way would I want to live like that forever - in my imperfect body, with my imperfect bipolar brain. No, when I really think about it, I get why God wouldn't allow us to live forever in this state - the walking dead. Which leads me to the next verse about trees, or specifically about a tree - the one that changed everything.
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead - whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. (NIV)
Interesting that it all started with a tree - the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - the one no one was supposed to eat from. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all, God has a way of taking something that's cursed and turning it into a thing of beauty - just like that tree that Jesus hung on. The tree that kept us from becoming the eternal "walking dead".
Fortunately for us, that's not the end of all this talk about trees. You see, there is a tree of life waiting for us. One that we will be able to eat from. (Revelation 2:7) One that will heal not only our bodies but also our souls. And the best part of eating from this tree of life? We'll be spending eternity in a perfect place, our paradise; no more dying, no more crying, no more pain, no more walking dead. What's more, this tree of life's leaves will be used to heal us like no one and nothing else can.
Rev 22:2-3 . . . On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any
curse . . . (NIV)
Yup, it all started with a tree, and, I guess you might say it all ended with one too. God has a way of using evil and turning it for good. So when I think about my mom, I feel a sense of peace. Yes, she's really suffering, yes, she has pain. But it will be temporary. And, because of Jesus she will spend her eternity not in a place of suffering, but in the beauty of paradise. So ends the story of the three trees, the tree that condemned us, the tree that redeemed us, and the tree that will give us eternal life - not the walking dead kind, but the joyful living kind. No more zombies. No more moaning and groaning. Which makes me happy, because, quite frankly, zombies have always given me the creeps.
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