Last night I said, "I'm out of cheeks." Allen thought I had lost my mind because it was in the middle of a hard discussion with our son. But it was what I felt at the moment, that I just didn't have any more cheeks to turn. You know the biblical mandate, "Turn the other cheek." Well, I just didn't know if I could do this anymore.
But, of course, I can. And I will. My trial (persecution, inconvenience, whatever you want to call it) is so temporary, and nothing--I repeat--nothing in comparison to what Jesus endured on the cross.
I listened as Angela Franklin sang the song "He's always been faithful to me" twice this morning, and this line grabbed me:
I can't remember a trial or a pain he did not recycle to bring me gain. I can't remember one single regret in serving God only and trusting his hand.
God recycles my pain. How cool is that! How green of Him! :)
I treasure the promise that God is in the recycling business. My "pain" is temporary; I hope in a Savior who promises to work all things together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Granted, I could choose to let my pain build up like the cans in my recycle bin. While the cans remain at my house in a stinky old garbarge can, they're nothing but the promise of recycled aluminum. It's up to me to get those cans to the recycler, so he can do his "magic."
Every day, many times each day, I take my "cans" of pain to the Master Recycler. Right now, it feels like the return is small, so very small. But I cling to the promise that one day, "those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting" (Ps. 126:5 NASB).
Maybe there's another cheek to turn after all!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Out in the Open
How does time get away so quickly? Has it really been almost six months since I last sat down to post? I'm a pretty easy blogger to follow . . . if you're 'snailing' into the 21st century, you should have no trouble staying up with my writing.
I sit today to try and capture some thoughts and conversations as of late that I found striking and even a bit disturbing.
For example, yesterday I was speaking with a young adult who assured me he is a Christian but wondered if it would bother me if he told me that he didn't think the traditional 'words' of becoming a Christian were really valid. I think what he was getting at is what maturing believers know: a rote prayer doesn't ensure salvation; a heart change does. I replied that perhaps this is why Jesus felt the need to say that some people will be surprised when they're turned away from heaven, that Jesus said some will hear him say, "I never knew you." It's quite a take-a-look-in-the-mirror moment when you repeat scripture that points to bearing fruit as a sign of true conversion. I don't want to be one who knows the scripture. I want to be one who knows the Word (as in John 1:1 'In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.') And I want him to know the Word as well!
More later . . .
I sit today to try and capture some thoughts and conversations as of late that I found striking and even a bit disturbing.
For example, yesterday I was speaking with a young adult who assured me he is a Christian but wondered if it would bother me if he told me that he didn't think the traditional 'words' of becoming a Christian were really valid. I think what he was getting at is what maturing believers know: a rote prayer doesn't ensure salvation; a heart change does. I replied that perhaps this is why Jesus felt the need to say that some people will be surprised when they're turned away from heaven, that Jesus said some will hear him say, "I never knew you." It's quite a take-a-look-in-the-mirror moment when you repeat scripture that points to bearing fruit as a sign of true conversion. I don't want to be one who knows the scripture. I want to be one who knows the Word (as in John 1:1 'In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.') And I want him to know the Word as well!
More later . . .
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time Flies
This week is getting away from me. I have been thinking of how I wanted to reflect on last weekend but just haven't taken the time to sit and write it. Now it's Thursday and I'm leaving for Greece tomorrow! If I don't write something, I may actually forget the emotion of that moment.
It was an ordinary Sunday. Not Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day or Father's Day. Just March 7. Nothing special to a lot of people but a bit of a ground-rumbling for me. (I was going to say 'earthquake' but I think that is still to come!).
Aaron came to church.
Sure, we told him we'd buy him a tank of gas for doing so, but we've told him that a million times before and he didn't come. This Sunday was important in so many ways. The night before, he decided to 'man-up' to some things going on in his life, and we had a heart-to-heart that could have broken our hearts if not for the direction he so desperately wants to head toward. He wants to walk away from choices that have pulled him down to places he never dreamed he would go. And he's started taking steps -- on his own as well as with the help of friends -- toward a freedom he hasn't known in a long time.
So, Aaron coming to church was, in a sense, a gesture ... a willingness to show respect for something we value ... a willingness to join us as a family (Sarah was in town for spring break) ... a willingness to be in God's house and be with God's people.
It's hard to explain how important this simple gesture is to me. Perhaps if you knew how many times it's been slapped down, mocked, and ignored, you'd understand better. But I don't think you can understand until you've been there. And honestly, I am a bit scarred from that particular part of the journey. So now, I turn my head to stop looking back through the scars, and ahead to what God can do with the one simple gesture.
I'm thinking that ordinary days are a perfect setting for God's extraordinary work. Looking forward to another day like March 7.
It was an ordinary Sunday. Not Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day or Father's Day. Just March 7. Nothing special to a lot of people but a bit of a ground-rumbling for me. (I was going to say 'earthquake' but I think that is still to come!).
Aaron came to church.
Sure, we told him we'd buy him a tank of gas for doing so, but we've told him that a million times before and he didn't come. This Sunday was important in so many ways. The night before, he decided to 'man-up' to some things going on in his life, and we had a heart-to-heart that could have broken our hearts if not for the direction he so desperately wants to head toward. He wants to walk away from choices that have pulled him down to places he never dreamed he would go. And he's started taking steps -- on his own as well as with the help of friends -- toward a freedom he hasn't known in a long time.
So, Aaron coming to church was, in a sense, a gesture ... a willingness to show respect for something we value ... a willingness to join us as a family (Sarah was in town for spring break) ... a willingness to be in God's house and be with God's people.
It's hard to explain how important this simple gesture is to me. Perhaps if you knew how many times it's been slapped down, mocked, and ignored, you'd understand better. But I don't think you can understand until you've been there. And honestly, I am a bit scarred from that particular part of the journey. So now, I turn my head to stop looking back through the scars, and ahead to what God can do with the one simple gesture.
I'm thinking that ordinary days are a perfect setting for God's extraordinary work. Looking forward to another day like March 7.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Commercial of Sorts
Since its earliest seasons, I have been a fan of the reality show The Biggest Loser. Last year I was especially intrigued by one of the contestants’ stories. In 2006, Abby Rike lost her husband, 5-year-old daughter, and two-week-old in a car accident, an unfathomable tragedy by anyone’s standards. Watching Abby process her grief in the context of The Biggest Loser, I just knew she was Christian.
And now, she’s coming to First Baptist New Orleans, along with Bible teacher Jennifer Rothschild, worship leader Alicia Williamson Garcia, and special guests Sally Ann Roberts, Lisa Welchel, and Michael O’Brien, for the Fresh Grounded Faith regional women’s conference to held here on Friday and Saturday, April 9-10, 2010.
Tickets are now available for the two-day conference on Sundays at the Women’s Ministry table in the church lobby and weekdays in the church office (third floor). Between now and March 8, early-bird tickets are only $29 (while they last). After that, ticket prices will rise to $39 until the day of the event when the at-door price is $59. Obviously, to get the best price for this incredible conference, tickets should be purchased as soon as possible.
Abby’s story is inspiring. Not only did she lose 100 pounds as a result of her Biggest Loser experience, but she gained a healthy lifestyle and vigor for life, and is a living example that even in one’s darkest hour, there is always hope.
Let me know if I can answer any questions about the conference, line you up to volunteer as a greeter or coffee server, or sell you a ticket. I’d really like you to hear Abby’s story in person as well as Jennifer’s and the others. Contact me at judijackson@mindspring.com or 504-722-8261 (cell).
And now, she’s coming to First Baptist New Orleans, along with Bible teacher Jennifer Rothschild, worship leader Alicia Williamson Garcia, and special guests Sally Ann Roberts, Lisa Welchel, and Michael O’Brien, for the Fresh Grounded Faith regional women’s conference to held here on Friday and Saturday, April 9-10, 2010.
Tickets are now available for the two-day conference on Sundays at the Women’s Ministry table in the church lobby and weekdays in the church office (third floor). Between now and March 8, early-bird tickets are only $29 (while they last). After that, ticket prices will rise to $39 until the day of the event when the at-door price is $59. Obviously, to get the best price for this incredible conference, tickets should be purchased as soon as possible.
Abby’s story is inspiring. Not only did she lose 100 pounds as a result of her Biggest Loser experience, but she gained a healthy lifestyle and vigor for life, and is a living example that even in one’s darkest hour, there is always hope.
Let me know if I can answer any questions about the conference, line you up to volunteer as a greeter or coffee server, or sell you a ticket. I’d really like you to hear Abby’s story in person as well as Jennifer’s and the others. Contact me at judijackson@mindspring.com or 504-722-8261 (cell).
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Even after this . . .
I Kings 13:33 "Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways . . ."
No doubt, God sends 'wake-up calls' to our lives -- I think of all the ones Aaron got last year and yet, "even after this" . . .
Sarah had some strong ones of her own . . . she seemed to respond a little differently -- verdict is still out in more ways than one.
Were these "wake-up calls" more for Allen and me? Are we missing something in there for us? God, don't let me miss the opportunity to be directed, disciplined, and ultimately, saved by You!
No doubt, God sends 'wake-up calls' to our lives -- I think of all the ones Aaron got last year and yet, "even after this" . . .
Sarah had some strong ones of her own . . . she seemed to respond a little differently -- verdict is still out in more ways than one.
Were these "wake-up calls" more for Allen and me? Are we missing something in there for us? God, don't let me miss the opportunity to be directed, disciplined, and ultimately, saved by You!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Mountain Trails and Airport Terminals
I spent this weekend with an amazing group of ladies from Dunwoody Baptist, wrestling in the Word among the North Carolina mountains. The ride up was on a winding road (do they call those 'switchbacks'?) while the route back was a little straighter but slowed by heavy rain and high winds.
We studied HOPE. Couched in the words of Psalm 27:13, I shared life markers where God has taught me (and is teaching me) significant things. I celebrated that God is more than worthy of my trust, more than capable to take the horrific and turn it to His greater good. We danced around in Isaiah 40 -- the middle, the end, and then got back around to the beginning.
I ended with a reminder to be an Ebenezer collector . . . to mark times and experiences that God reminds you, "Thus far I have helped you" (see story in I Samuel 7).
What made the time even more amazing was the ladies! I met lots of new friends, but was blown away by the 'old' ones who made the effort to be there. It was SO affirming (and a little intimidating). I don't know why I didn't anticipate that I'd be speaking in front of some of my mentors from way back when but, know what? Once I 'got over it,' I truly felt the power of the Holy Spirit to speak His truth with His boldness. Whew!
The adventure didn't end at the Hinton Center. Spending seven-plus hours in the Atlanta airport waiting to get home was something else as well! I hopped between three different terminals and the Crown Room, trying to find someone who would send this Saints fan home (yep, even wore my #26 jersey to show my affection for My Boys!). The weather held up planes all over the eastern coast, making it impossible to leave before 10:50 p.m. C-R-A-Z-Y! But that craziness included watching the first half of the game in the concourse . . . watching a part of the third quarter in the Crown Room ("ma'am, I know I'm not a member but my husband is and I've been waiting over five hours . . . .) and then finishing up the game with a passenger play-by-play as we waiting on the plane for over an hour and she got phone reports from her daughter watching the game at home.
Who knows what God will use to pump you up? A weekend of power in the Word . . . an evening of nail-biter football . . . or the New Orleans Saints going to the Super Bowl for the first time in its franchise history? I'm glad it all happened because it ALL pumps me up!
We studied HOPE. Couched in the words of Psalm 27:13, I shared life markers where God has taught me (and is teaching me) significant things. I celebrated that God is more than worthy of my trust, more than capable to take the horrific and turn it to His greater good. We danced around in Isaiah 40 -- the middle, the end, and then got back around to the beginning.
I ended with a reminder to be an Ebenezer collector . . . to mark times and experiences that God reminds you, "Thus far I have helped you" (see story in I Samuel 7).
What made the time even more amazing was the ladies! I met lots of new friends, but was blown away by the 'old' ones who made the effort to be there. It was SO affirming (and a little intimidating). I don't know why I didn't anticipate that I'd be speaking in front of some of my mentors from way back when but, know what? Once I 'got over it,' I truly felt the power of the Holy Spirit to speak His truth with His boldness. Whew!
The adventure didn't end at the Hinton Center. Spending seven-plus hours in the Atlanta airport waiting to get home was something else as well! I hopped between three different terminals and the Crown Room, trying to find someone who would send this Saints fan home (yep, even wore my #26 jersey to show my affection for My Boys!). The weather held up planes all over the eastern coast, making it impossible to leave before 10:50 p.m. C-R-A-Z-Y! But that craziness included watching the first half of the game in the concourse . . . watching a part of the third quarter in the Crown Room ("ma'am, I know I'm not a member but my husband is and I've been waiting over five hours . . . .) and then finishing up the game with a passenger play-by-play as we waiting on the plane for over an hour and she got phone reports from her daughter watching the game at home.
Who knows what God will use to pump you up? A weekend of power in the Word . . . an evening of nail-biter football . . . or the New Orleans Saints going to the Super Bowl for the first time in its franchise history? I'm glad it all happened because it ALL pumps me up!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Are they really gone?
As of mid-morning today, both kids are officially back to college. Sarah left two weeks ago, but surprised us with a quick visit yesterday to take advantage of the MLK holiday. Aaron packed up his things last night in the biggest hurry I've seen him in in over a month, and is looking ahead to his fourth semester at LSU.
Quiet. No TV on in the background. No random phone ringing somewhere in the house. It's quiet, and I'm loving it.
Don't get me wrong. I really do like having my kids around, at least when they are choosing to be around and not just using us for a pit stop between things. But most of the time we're the pit stop. And that's something that's hard to get used to. Still.
Don't ask me what I'll do to fill the time now that they're gone. I've got more than enough on my plate for the next two weeks. So, for now, I'll enjoy the quiet, try to check something off my to-do list, and get ready for my own semester.
They'll be back before I know it!
Quiet. No TV on in the background. No random phone ringing somewhere in the house. It's quiet, and I'm loving it.
Don't get me wrong. I really do like having my kids around, at least when they are choosing to be around and not just using us for a pit stop between things. But most of the time we're the pit stop. And that's something that's hard to get used to. Still.
Don't ask me what I'll do to fill the time now that they're gone. I've got more than enough on my plate for the next two weeks. So, for now, I'll enjoy the quiet, try to check something off my to-do list, and get ready for my own semester.
They'll be back before I know it!
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