It's foggy out

God's Escorts into Glory

2012-02-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

I recently heard a speaker call stressors "God's escorts into glory." If you're like me, you might be imagining quite a company of escorts because you've got a lot of stressors in your life.

Well, here's the good news and the bad news: your escorts are here to stay, at least on this side of heaven. If you're living and breathing, you're going to have stressors. Question is, how are you handling them?

Christian counselor and pastor Steve Pettit presented a list of stressor categories that summarized many of the situations on our lives. A couple that grabbed my attention included "uninvited angels" and "chains."

Pettit described "uninvited angels" as those life-changing interruptions that alter the plans we've so carefully laid for ourselves. What if, instead of allowing these interruptions to frazzle our faith, we embrace them as opportunities to join God in His work and, in turn, to get a glimpse of His glory? What if we surrender?

Then, in explaining his "chains" category, Pettit used the following fill-in-the-blank: if it weren't for ___________, referring to any confining or restraining circumstance we feel holds us back. We get to thinking that we're chained by situations, prisoners of our fate. But what about Paul? He could tell us a thing or two about chains! But he didn't let this dictate his destiny. He claimed to be a prisoner of the Lord, and used His circumstances to share Christ boldly.

So, how are you treating your 'escorts'? As Pettit says, never see these as coming from any hand but the Father's . . . and hasn't the Father shown Himself faithful to you before? I know He has to me!

How are you praying?

2012-02-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

How are you praying these days? No, not who are you praying for, but how are you praying for those God has put on your heart and in your life?

I am intrigued by Paul’s directive in Colossians 1, a challenge to get beyond “God bless so-and-so” to praying for specific knowledge and specific evidence of His presence in each life.

So what does this look like? Check out verses 9-13. How about we pray for our friend to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will? And, with this knowledge, that she will live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way?

We then can pray that this will be evidenced by her bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.

I join Paul in challenging you to pray this over at least one friend for the next week. I expect that you, like me, will be anxious to see how God will impact this person’s life because you have regularly lifted her name up in prayer. And, if you can’t think of anyone specific, then feel free to pray these verses for me … I welcome the coverage.

Let me know if you would like me to pray these verses over you (judiajackson@gmail.com).

2011-10-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was reading in Ephesians 5 today about putting on the armor of God (as part of Day 79 in Beth Moore's Paul: 90 Days on His Journey of Faith) and I got tickled with the word picture that came to mind with verse 14 "Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist...." OK, so I know Paul couldn't have had any foreknowledge about our culture's saggy pants epidemic but doesn't it fit? You don't tighten your belt (or heaven's forbid, don't wear one), then you end up showing a little bit more than the rest of us want or need to see. As we put on the belt of truth, others see of us what is wholesome and good and uplifting. When we don't and our lies are revealed, it's like we're standing there with our pants down.

I did a quick google search of 'sagging pants' images and, trust me, there are a lot out there. But I chose this one because of the statement: We are better than this. Yes, we have been saved from eternal death and, in response, we can live better than this. Honestly, I prefer to not see anybody's underwear when they're walking down the street but what upsets me and disappoints me more is a lack of moral integrity that compromises truth for convenience or self-promotion.

I'd like to think I'm a truth-teller because of my relationship with Jesus Christ -- who is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life -- but I realize that I still need to put on the belt of Truth so that I can "live free of secreat areas of hypocrisy" because "Satan loves to blackmail believers who have a secret they want to keep" (BM, p. 375).

Thinking Out Loud

2011-10-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I want to think out loud for a few moments. I'm teaching Sunday School (ok, sorry, new terminology: Bible Study Ministry) tomorrow, and I'm processing the take-aways from a familiar story.

We'll be in Luke 5 where Jesus is teaching in a home with Pharisees and other teachers present. Apparently it's so crowded that some folks who want to get their friend in to see Jesus come up with a rather innovative way to break through the crowd: from the roof! Jesus is impressed and points out that, because of their collective faith, the paralytic's sins are forgiven.

Wait a minute, Jesus, that wasn't the point of their over-the-top effort. Plus it highly offended the religious leaders in the house. Jesus, of course, knew that and used it as an opportunity to challenge them to a heart check and, for good measure, offered Mr. Paralytic physical healing as well. Whoop! Whoop! Lots of praising and happy dances all around!

Then, instead of heading to the Jerusalem Starbucks for a coffee break, he moves into town where he encounters Levi, a tax collector, and invites him on the ride of a lifetime. Levi signs on, leaves the money business, and follows Jesus. In celebration, he throws a party, invites all his friends, and includes Jesus as the guest of honor. Jesus comes and, as a result, gets the Pharisee guys even more frustrated with Him. What's a Savior to do? Just what Jesus did . . . focus on His purpose for being around and doing what He was sent to earth to do!

OK, so that's the synopsis . . . but what will make it come alive for college students? For starters, the Holy Spirit! It's up to You to bring Your Word to life so that all who read it, including and especially young adults, can find direction and purpose for their lives.

What else? How about the friends' "Whatever it takes" attitude? How many times do I rethink what God might have been directing me to do because the situation is a little too hard? I pray for a passion so great that I will move ahead in such a way that I don't see obstacles, just opportunities.

What about the order of Jesus' healing: first, his sins; then, his body? Jesus knew the point of the paralytic's greatest need and started there. Sometimes I get distracted by the "obvious" when God's up to something so much deeper. Oh, that I can be that attuned to His ways!

I can't forget His disregard for the Pharisees' criticisms. He certainly heard their questions. He couldn't miss their displeasure. Shouldn't their use of the word "blasphemy" (an accusation that could result in death) have toned Him down just a bit? Nope. It didn't. Jesus was on a roll with heavenly consequences so He kept right on doing His thing, not theirs . . . whether it was forgiving sin, receiving the praise of grateful people, or dining with sinners.

Speaking of the bit about dining with sinners, how cool is it that Levi left behind a very lucrative (though unpopular-with-the-people occupation) to follow Jesus! And then he threw a party to celebrate, inviting a bunch of other tax collectors and 'sinners' so they could have a chance at following Jesus too. Interesting that the story doesn't tell us whether they did or not, which is okay with me because sometimes I just need to know that someone tried something for Jesus, not that it had huge success.

Lord, Your Word speaks for itself. I hope I don't get in the way tomorrow. I pray those students get a good night's sleep and will be ready to dig deeper into a familiar story with some challenging sidebars. Who knows? Maybe we'll be celebrating a new Jesus follower after the story is explored! Now, that's worth whooping over!

Re-facing Your Giants

2011-09-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Remember the movie "Facing the Giants"? Football team and coach had some personal and corporate issues to work through. Great inspirational flick. Watched it several times way back when; revisited it again yesterday during a student presentation in class "Intentional Sports Ministry."

What I didn't expect during yesterday's "re-visit" was a completely different filter during the 'death crawl' scene. [See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHPhVTw3YgM&feature=related if you need a refresher.] Basically, Brock -- a rowdy team leader -- expresses a lack of confidence in his team's ability to overcome an upcoming opponent: "They're stronger than we are." The coach decides to use one of the least liked drills as an object lesson.

Brock is chosen to do the death crawl again (the team had just finished doing it together), and this time coach says "I want to see your absolute best." Brock questions what coach is asking regarding distance: "the 30?" "I can do the 50 with no one on my back." Coach responds that he thinks Brock can do the 50 WITH Jeremy on his back but, even if he can't, he challenges him to his very best . . . and then he blindfolds him. Fast forward to Brock digging in and doing what he can, coach beside him all the way, encouraging him.

Brock: "Am I at the 20 yet?" Coach: "Forget the 20. You give me your best. Your very best. Your very best. Keep moving, Brock." The harder it gets, the closer the coach gets down, the louder he yells. "Don't quit. Keep thriving. Your very best."

Brock: "It hurts. It hurts." Coach: "Give me more. You're Brock Kelly. You don't quit. Don't quit. Don't quit." Finally, Brock collapses: "Am I at the 50? It must be the 50." Coach: "Look up, Brock. You're in the end zone. [pause] You're the most influential player on this team; if you walk around defeated, so will they. Don't tell me you can't give me more than what I've been seeing...."

I thought back to being in the throes of Aaron's addiction last year. Praying but seeing nothing change. Searching the Word, clinging to promises, but seeing nothing change. It was so hard to keep going, to not give up. But, instead of hiding under the covers, I kept getting up each day, doing the things God had equipped me to do, going to the places He had invited me to go, speaking the words He had woven together for me to say. Did I feel like it? No! Was I compelled? Yes!

As I watched that video, I realized in retrospect WHY I didn't give up, WHY I kept getting up each day, doing things, going places, speaking words . . . because the Coach was in my face, in my ear, telling me to keep going, to give Him my best. "Don't quit. Don't quit. Give me more. You're my daughter. You don't quit."

Thankful for the darkness of the classroom, I teared up in that holy moment, thankful for a quick glimpse at that time of spiritual warfare that had ended in God's glory.

This weekend marks SEVEN months that Aaron has been in a recovery situation. I choose to celebrate the distance from where we have come and what God has accomplished in Aaron. Am I fearful at times of the future? Sure, I'm human but I also try to learn from the past and am confident that He who began a good work in me -- and in Aaron -- will 'perfect' it in the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6)

I don't look forward to any future 'death crawl' experiences. But I'm sure they'll come so I'm trying to work out my spiritual muscles regularly. I want to be prepared: strong in the Lord, confident in His ways and plans, humble in my spirit, giving my best. And not quitting.

Six years

2011-08-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today marks six years since our Katrina experience.

During the storm, we hunkered down with new friends in Prairieville, playing Scrabble and snacking the time away. How incredulous that, when we found out we couldn't go home, these friends opened their doors to us for five more weeks until we could secure our own housing!

Even 'our own housing' came as a miracle. We looked at apartments, house rentals, house sales, even double-wide trailers. How amazed we were when we got a call from a friend of a friend who knew of a house that had been under contract before the storm but the sale had fallen through. Were we interested in taking a look? Um, YES! Having a home base during the craziness of those times was definitely a gift from God.

Oh, I could go on and on, and I wish I could make time to detail a few more examples but, suffice it to say for now, that the longest year of my life, displaced from normalcy, reaped a deeper trust in my God as provider, sustainer, and strong foundation.

He knew I would need to know Him in this way as I headed into parenting headstrong teenagers. But that's the subject of another blog.

Changing Lives

2011-05-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

I had two glimpses into changing lives today, and I don't want to forget.

I spent the afternoon at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, celebrating with 20 women who finished their first semester in the new Christian Ministry certificate program that NOBTS is offering there. From the surface, it could have looked like the end of any semester with any group of women. But considering the setting, the surface doesn't begin to tell the story.

The smiles were broader. The encouragement more sincere. The sense of accomplishment brightened the room. These ladies are all offenders with sentences of 15 years or more. Let that sink in. For the next 15 years and beyond, they will live, breathe, and age behind the walls of LCIW. No paroles. No pardons. Incarceration. In 15 years, I have no idea of what turns my life will have taken. But these ladies have one certainty: they will be imprisoned.

But despite what seems like such a hopeless situation and setting, they smiled broadly, encouraged deeply, and celebrated proudly that they had finished FOUR seminary classes (six hours) on their way to this 18-hour certificate . . . which is merely the first step to the Associates degree . . . and then on to the Bachelors.

To close the celebration, we stood in a circle -- 20 students, 3 teachers, Rhonda, and me -- to pray. We started with Debi Sharkey and went around the entire circle with all but one lady praying. Two prayers stood out to me. The one that thanked God for the people who laid the groundwork for this program to happen. And the one that asked God to continue renewing their minds as they studied and learned. Changing lives. Not the end result, but an adventure in progress.

Second thing was a phone call from Aaron tonight, telling us that he shared his testimony with the youth group at South Parkway tonight. We asked him what he shared. He told them he came from the most church-y background you could come from, but he still took the easy way out. He said taking drugs and selling drugs is the easy way, but that it's hard to live out the Bible. He challenged them to not take the easy way. Yes, THIS is a life that is changing.

On Sunday he repeated what he had told me before . . . that when he seeks after God and keeps this relationship the main thing, life comes together in a good way. But when he leaves God out of things, he messes up . . . in school, with drugs, etc. He called what he is learning at Teen Challenge "a cure." He pointed out that he is learning how to live . . . more than just learning how to fight the temptations of drugs and alcohol (which he said AA does) . . . he is learning how to really live.

11 weeks last Saturday. I will celebrate this changing life as well!

'Down' doesn't mean 'out'

2011-05-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

I want to write this down before I forget it . . . before I forget how encouraged I was on Tuesday when Shaun and Ken were among the ten or so honored during the NOBTS Celebration of Excellence. Two men who have publicly shared of previous drug addictions that passionately defined their pasts but, once behind them, drove them to a different type of excellence. Both of these men desire to serve God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. And God honored them in return.

God, thanks for this real life object lesson of the way you make all things new. Sometimes I get scared that this time in TC is just a 'time out' for SAJ, and not a real life change. I get scared because so many just can't leave their addictions behind despite the best intentions. I get scared because it's so difficult for him to submit to the authority of the place and the program. I get scared because I've been disappointed so many times before.

I imagine that Shaun's family was scared he wouldn't succeed at recovery. Or maybe that Ken would fall back into his old ways. But they haven't. Instead, they've turned their eyes toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

SAJ can too. Because 'down' doesn't mean 'out.'

I started Lent before Lent

2011-03-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Something needed to change. We couldn't keep going the way we were, and yet we felt powerless to force a change because it wasn't us that was causing the problems.

The change came suddenly. Unexpectedly. And not because we did anything. He made the wrong choice at the wrong time, and change had to happen. We moved quickly, offered the opportunity for the path for a new start, and drove away.

In my heart, I knew that he would miss his old lifestyle. Not just miss it, he would crave it. He would have desires so deep that it might tempt him to walk away from the positive outcomes that lay ahead. Change is never easy.

So I've decided to make a change as well. I wanted to feel what it was like to want something that, in moderation, isn't such a bad thing but, to be honest, it's really never a good thing. It just is. Plus I'm not all that good with moderation. I'm one of those folks who really enjoys what I enjoy.

But that night I told God I would give Him this thing in my life. I'm choosing to abstain. And when I'm tempted -- and boy, have I been tempted -- I pray. I pray for strength to be satisfied with an alternative or with nothing. I pray for my son who must be struggling with his own version of abstinence. I pray that God would fill my empty places that reach for comfort in things besides Him. I pray.

Sure, I miss it. At times, I crave it. But, Lord, help me to learn what it means to fill those cravings with You . . . Your word . . . Your truth.

When is it hardest? I don't know. Today at the wedding reception when it's socially acceptable. But other times it's when I'm home alone. It was tough during king cake season. And now during Girl Scout cookie season. But there's always a season, always an excuse. And the question I'm faced with most fiercely is what matters more? instant gratification vs. delayed, or better yet, a more fulfilling satisfaction?

So, it's Lent. This process started a couple of weeks before Lent, and may go a ways after. But for now, I 'fast.' I understand the desire for something that has no lasting benefit for my soul or body; I want to know the desire for that which changes me for the better, for eternity.

I'll keep you posted.

I'm out of cheeks!

2010-10-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

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!

Out in the Open

2010-09-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

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 . . .

Time Flies

2010-03-11T06:50:00.001-08:00

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.

A Commercial of Sorts

2010-02-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

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).

Even after this . . .

2010-02-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

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!

Mountain Trails and Airport Terminals

2010-01-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

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!

Are they really gone?

2010-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Christmas Eve Rainbow

2009-12-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

What a rainstorm we had today! Sideways, straight down, sprinkles, puddles, flooding, lots of rain.

And just when it seemed that it might go into the night -- and maybe even hinder the Christmas Eve service -- the sun began to break through, even as it was time for it to set.

As we exited the Pontchartrain Expressway, I was amazed to look in the sky and see a beautiful rainbow. I was startled. I don't remember EVER seeing a rainbow in New Orleans in December . . . EVER. But today, what a beautiful reminder of God's love and promises and presence . . . a beautiful almost-double rainbow.

Thank you, even in the midst of some hard stuff at home, that you are amazing. You are the promise-keeper!

I want to be a blogger

2009-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

I want to be a blogger. I really do. I have all sorts of thoughts that swirl around my brain and, sometimes, I think 'I should blog about this.' But then life happens, and I move on, and before I know, I've encountered another big thought or experience, and still haven't blogged.

So I'm going to try (TRY) to be intentional about blogging. Not waiting until I have monumental, life-altering inspirations but, instead, writing about life-living small stuff kinds of things that seem to make the way for the monumental, life-altering inspirations.

For instance, when I was driving to the airport to pick up Allen last Saturday, I was anxious about how and when I would share a bit of hard news that I couldn't tell him through Skype or phone calls while he was in the Philippines. I was trying out my newly acquired Pandora radio station on my i-Phone when the song "Blessed Be Your Name" came on.

Now that song has been quite meaningful to me for years . . . we sang it during our 2005 mission trip to Florianopolis, Brazil . . . we sang it in our first service back in the FBNO sanctuary after Katrina . . . and we have sung it numerous times in between and since. It always reminds me that I have a choice in how I will respond to any and every circumstance.

So, while I had endured a week of 'how will I tell Allen?' 'when will I tell Allen?,' the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that I had been acting like my issue of concern was a terrible thing to find out. But what if I looked at it from the other side? What if I saw that it was a good thing to KNOW what was going on and that we could now act accordingly.

This changed my anticipation completely. It was another experience of God challenging me to leave behind my 'woe is me' attitude, and focus instead on His MANY blessings. T. W. Hunt wrote in DISCIPLES PRAYER LIFE: "If we praise God on the mountaintop but refuse to praise Him in the valley, we are praising NOT God but our feelings." Ouch! That's not my intent!

So, today, I praise Him for what I know, what I don't know, and most of all, for what HE knows. He is in control, and already giving us glimpses of His amazing work. More to come.

A New Day

2009-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Sarah leaves for college tomorrow. Aaron left today. Wow. The day I thought would never come is almost here. Empty nest. I wanted to write a few words tonight so I could compare what my actual emotions end up being.

I'm sure I'll be teary. It's a passing of an era. How could I NOT be teary? I was teary when I took Aaron to Mississippi College for the first time, and it was definitely time for him to leave home. He had been shredding those apron strings for years.

So my experience with Sarah is probably going to be no different . . . maybe even a little more so. She's my girl and, even though she's been jumping out of the nest for a while herself, she still flutters close to my heart often enough to make me know we'll miss each other . . . on some level . . . some of the time.

I can't describe the emotions. It's almost as though I'm afraid to feel but then I think, how can I help but feel? It's how I'm wired. I'll miss my kids. I may even miss their mess . . . eventually (not right away, though). But I'm also looking forward to reconnecting with myself, my sweet husband, my God, my purpose, my future.

I just need to give myself passage. This is a part of the journey. I don't want to rush the trip . . . literally or figuratively. Allen's got class on Thursday so our turn-around will be relatively quick. That's okay . . . as long as I don't have to be emotionally 'fine' when we drive back on campus and into our new life.

Sarah, I pray wonderful things for you at this new beginning. I pray true friendships, meaningful study experiences, and enlightened glimpses into who you are becoming in Christ. I pray that the pieces of your life come together in a peace-filled way so that you will not see your new-found freedom as a time of reckless abandon but instead as a precious opportunity to be all that God is creating you to be. He is not just your Savior but the ultimate Director and Producer of your life. Respect Him as such, and I believe you will be amazed at the doors that will open for your talents and giftedness. You are my princess . . . from the first September 26 (actually from nine months earlier when your brother prophesied, 'I have a little sister') . . . and on across this amazing threshold to many more birthdays and new beginnings. Know that I am always your mom, no matter where you are, no matter where I am. Distance doesn't determine relationship. Heart connection does. May we grow in connectedness. May we grow in love.

Is it new view or more of the same?

2009-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's schedule included a visit with Aaron and Allen to see Dr. Duffourc. Aaron's been connected with him since our Katrina year to manage his ADHD. We wanted to understand how our 20-year-old was supposed to be progressing with this and what we could expect out of his medication and such.

What we got was a fuzzy picture of how Aaron's values differ greatly from ours, and how we need to let him deal with the consequences of his choices. Funny but I think I knew all that before the 4:00 appointment. However, coming out of the mouth of this "professional" and into the ears of our selective-hearing child made it somehow more real. Two mandates: we stop snooping; he stops lying. We'll see where that goes.

While "snooping" had become an everyday occurrence (born out of finding 'contraband' during times when it really wouldn't have been considered 'snooping'), I was never really comfortable with it. I found myself in regular conflict over invading Aaron's stuff, almost fixating on what I might find and what I would do with it once I found it. However, the verse "Set your mind on things above, not on things of this world" kept coming back loud and clear.

So what now? I pray. I set my mind on things above. I live a life consistent with the things that I know God has called me to. I pray some more. Actually, I live a life fueled by prayer and the Word. Enough distractions!

Learning lessons the hard way

2009-06-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago, I had a root canal.

Three months ago, I bit down on something and felt excrutiating pain in that tooth’s area. Dentist sent me to endodontist who retreated the root canal. Told me I could expect discomfort for a while. Didn’t know how much was normal so I mentioned when I sent in my final payment that it still bothered me. She asked me to come back and said it must be fractured because there was infection and that shouldn’t be if it was healing.

I have never had a dental procedure that I can remember hurting after the anesthesia was administered.

Until yesterday.

I received what would be considered a normal amount of shots but expressed concern that I could still feel the area around the tooth that needed to be extracted. Dentist gave me more shots. Still numbing was not complete. She then did some intra-tooth-nerve drillings that sent me out of my chair, but enabled her to shoot anesthesia more directly into the area. She did this three times. I was sweating. Literally and figuratively. Said the infection was sucking up the anesthesia and that’s why it wasn’t working like normal and why I needed so much. Called it a ‘hot tooth.’

And then she started the pulling process. Oh my, oh my, oh my. If I could put words to the pain, I would. The assistant was holding my hand, rubbing my shoulder, but mostly allowing me to squeeze bruises into her forearm. The dentist repeated over and over, “keep breathing, keep breathing.” What, do people stop breathing during all this? Finally, she took a break. Said something about letting my blood pressure come down. I think she was tired of looking at the tears streaming down my face and hearing my shrieks of pain.

When she came back, she worked a little longer on trying to get “one more piece” out. But when I still struggled to relax, she gave up. Said we’d have to wait til next week. That perhaps a week on another antibiotic would allow for the infection to heal and me to be more ready.

28 hours later, I am feeling better. Actually, I’ve felt pretty good all afternoon. This morning, I slept. I thought I would read but, instead, I slept. Guess when that medicine says it might make you sleepy, I should have believed it.

I’m thinking there’s probably all sorts of life lessons in this experience, especially as related to how painful it can be to get a spiritual infection out of one’s life. How we think that once we say we want it gone that, with anesthesia of some divine sort, it will go away painfree. But it doesn’t. Infection fights back. It’s been in charge and wants to stay in charge. I know relief is ahead, even without pain meds, but I will have a hard time forgetting yesterday. And maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe I’ll do whatever it takes on my part not to be in that chair for that reason again. Maybe I’ll learn one of the lessons I was intended to learn through all this. We’ll see . . . when it shows up on a test in the future!

Adventures of the Crystal Bracelet

2008-09-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Friday a week ago I received a silver-and-crystal bracelet from the coordinators for LifeWay's Women events (including the one I am helping with: Living Proof Live New Orleans). However, my bracelet's engraved heart wasn't for N.O. It names Portland, Oregon. The intent is that I will wear it between now and the Portland event (April 17-18), praying for what God will do in Portland and all the planning that will go on to make the event happen. My prayer partner is Beth Cunningham, a beautiful new friend from the Portland area who has also just accepted a job at Western Seminary. She's got her hands full! After our events, we're supposed to return the bracelets to their rightful owner.

I'm not sure Beth is going to want this bracelet seven months from now. My goal is to wear the bracelet as much as possible so that I don't risk losing it OR risk forgetting the privilege I have to pray for Beth, the ladies of Portland, and Beth Moore's ministry there. Plus it's really hard to get back on by myself! So I'll wear it as much as I can get away with!

The bracelet's first week in New Orleans has been pretty tame. It feels a little funny to wear it while I'm exercising, but it cleans up well. It dresses up my run-around-town look, and that's probably a good thing. One highlight for the bracelet this week was participating in a "Women@Prayer" time with four other ladies. My friend Christi has a strong desire to draw the ladies of our church together in prayer, so she organized this once-a-month time for us to meet and pray about matters pressing on our hearts. We prayed for Christi's preparation for her Greek exam, Karen's mother-in-law's cancer treatment, Beth's mom's colonoscopy, Juliette's son's new diagnosis of food allergies, and my local coordination of Living Proof Live N.O. It was the first time I've asked a group of ladies at church to pray with me about this, and I'm excited to draw friends into the loop. April 3-4 is just over six months away. Wow!

Coordinating this event is bigger than me. Christi thanked God for that during our W@P time. We can't wait to see who God pulls together for the Steering Committee and Ministry Partner Churches and Event Volunteers. It's going to be all God! And the bracelet will be around to witness both Women@Prayer and God@Work!

Thrive, Not Just Survive

2008-03-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

If I told you I knew the secret to thriving in life, would you be interested? Or are you okay with just getting by? With mediocrity? With feeling like you just can't seem to move ahead?

I doubt you're okay with any of that. Sure, on any given day, you might give in to the temptation to settle, but in the big picture, most of us are looking for more out of life. Not more as in more stuff to do, but more as in "please let this life be about more than changing diapers, wiping snotty noses, and picking up after the kids."

Psalm 1:3 contains the secret to thriving, not just surviving:

"And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."

Last word: PROSPERS is defined as "to be successful or fortunate...; thrive; flourish." Another source adds "make steady progress."

So, how do we get to the place where we are making steady progress, where we are thriving and flourishing?

The writer of this Psalm says it's about where we're planted. He says we need to be firmly planted by streams of water. Last week Stephenie and her family were planted by the Gulf of Mexico for Spring Break. Not a bad idea for a vacation getaway, but not what this verse means!

Instead, the Psalmist is instructing us to plant ourselves firmly by streams of water. I don't know much about trees and root systems, but I do know that the roots are what keep them in the ground, particularly in windstorms and such.

I had heard that the great big Redwood trees out west didn't have much in the way of roots, but read this:

The roots of a coast redwood are very shallow, growing only four to six feet deep, but spread out from the tree as far as 125 feet. This isn’t much support for a tall, heavy tree—floodwaters can erode top layers of soil, exposing the roots and weakening a tree’s support system. Heavy rains and strong winds can bring even the biggest giant crashing to the ground. But the roots of individual redwoods frequently grow intertwined with those of their neighbors. By "holding hands" underground, the roots form a network that allows the trees to withstand even great storms.

How cool is that? It's like a huge game of Red Rover!

How is your root system? Are you "holding hands" underground with those who can strengthen you and keep you rooted? Are you planted by streams of water, so that you can get nourishment and yield fruit and not wither?

You make the choice where you're planted every day. Where will it be, and how will you respond? It's time to thrive, not just survive!

By the water

2008-03-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Psalm 1:3

"And he shall be like a tree, firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."

Water. My friend. My foe. My nourishment. My nemesis. Can't live with it. Can't live without it.

Too much, and the streets flood. Too little, and the plants die.

Water makes its mark. Water leaves its mark.

Before August 2005, I only knew a watermark as a symbol on a fancy piece of paper. Post-Katrina, it has a whole new meaning. It's the line on houses, street signs, trees, and more to show how high the water got. Even more, it indicates that the water stayed. It left its mark.

They say that water is the magic potion for weight loss. You drink it instead of soft drinks and other sugary beverages, and you are on your way to a healthy weight.

Water freezes, and people pay lots to ski on it. Water heats up, and people head to the beach.

Jesus called himself "the living water." What does this have to do with me?

More thots to come . . . .

Six Miles, No Stopping

2008-03-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I ran the Crescent City Classic again today. 6.2 miles, or 10K in running jargon. It was great weather, and for the most part, I really felt good about it. I've been training at around 5 miles or so for several weeks, adding the sixth mile a couple of times just to make sure I could do it. I admit I was a little nervous because last Saturday I really struggled, but I think the fact that it was one of the first hot, humid days in a long time, made that day rougher.

My running partner, Emily, made today's race go by a little faster as well. I didn't feel like I was holding her back; instead, I felt like I was encouraging her since this was her first time to run a 10K. But I confess I would have really liked to have walked some in that last mile, but there was no way I was going to give into that after having made it so far without walking. She told me later that she was struggling at mile 3. I'm glad she didn't say anything about it during the race; I typically give into the power of suggestion and may have found it hard to keep running.

I've been doing the CCC since we moved back to New Orleans. My first one was 1995, and I've run almost everyone since then. I can't remember which ones I missed, but I do know I missed a couple because of holiday travel (like the year Allen was doing the interim at Dunwoody). However, since getting he and Sarah on board, it's become a family affair . . . actually, more than that because we share the experience with the Gibsons. And this year we added Emily and James and Jeff and Maria. The more the merrier, or something like that!

I'm glad I'm running again. I like the way it feels to finish a run. Sometimes it's hard to get started but, when it's done, yahoo! I don't know if I'm up for any more marathons but you never know what the future holds. Guess I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other and look for opportunities to inspire others to run farther, faster, and funner!

Faith Struggles

2008-03-08T17:58:00.001-08:00

I was asked to contact someone who visited my church recently. I couldn't reach her by phone so I tried email. This was her reply:

"I am actually not sure about going to church at all at the moment. I'm having some struggles with faith and I really don't believe that baptist church is the best place for me. Thank you for trying to get in touch with me at least."

Oh, how honest is this! She doesn't know me, so maybe it was just safe. "Some struggles with faith" . . . what does she mean by this? Who doesn't struggle with faith? Who doesn't wonder at times why God is silent or why God is directing in a way that isn't our own plan or why He doesn't seem to take away our pain?

I appreciate this young lady's honesty. I'm just sad that she's choosing to put aside church for the time being. While some churches may not be the best places for clarifying faith struggles, they're certainly better than some of the alternatives (bars, malls, gyms, etc.). I'd rather have her struggling with faith in a faith-centered environment. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she'll see God more clearly somewhere else. I just pray she doesn't find a listening ear in someone who won't point her to the One who loves her most.

I say, go ahead and struggle with faith. Daily. Don't take it for granted. Don't let it become mundane or unappreciated. Allow God to show Himself faithful every day in His way, not according to your expectations but according to His word. It's not the easy way, but it is the better way.

Expect Delays

2008-02-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

There's a sign on the interstate near my exit that reads something like, "Road Work ahead, evenings 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., expect delays." Almost every time I see the sign, I'm tempted to look at my watch to make sure I'm not approaching during the time of these expected delays. Then I realize that they really shouldn't affect me since I exit before the area of the expected delays. Whew.

After all of our years in youth ministry and youth education, you would have thought that we, of all people, would have been ready for the angst promised to parents of teenagers. How many times did we tell other parents (especially before we had kids!) to expect the teenage years to be rocky? How many times did we watch other parents (even after we had ours) struggle with their children's rebellious choices and 'valueless' lifestyles? The road sign couldn't have blinked any brighter: "Teenage years ahead, 12 to 18, expect conflict, heart ache, and constant testing."

Maybe we thought it would be different for us. Didn't we do it all right? Sunday school, Bible drill, summer camp, Disciple Now, family devotions, family meals, family outings? Aren't those the guaranteed ingredients to raising a godly young person?

Somehow, despite the head knowledge of what to expect of typical teenagers and even watching -- and sometimes experiencing -- the pain of other wonderful, good-intentioned parents, we missed the road sign and so we were shocked, annoyed, and sometimes even angry at the "delay." Since we forgot to expect it, we let it get the better of us a lot of the time.

Now my word to the ones coming up: Don't. Don't let it get the better of you. God has taught me two unforgettable truths during these past parenting years. Well, honestly, He's taught me a lot more than just two truths but that's where I'll go right now:

First, while children need direction and boundaries, parenting is really more about God molding us than us molding them. It's a constant reminder that we're not perfect, and that there's a whole lot more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control to be grabbed on to and shared. Parenting is a major breeding ground for the Holy Spirit to work out these qualities in our lives, and personally, I'd rather be yielding His fruit than the snappy, irritating, blood-sucking mosquitoes of discontentment and frustration that find their home in stagnant water of unfocused lives.

Second, our children are not our trophies. Let that sink in, especially those of you who have spent most of your life accumulating ribbons, trophies, awards, degrees, and what-nots. While we like to hold up their accomplishments and lay claim to their success, it's not really ours to do. Remember whose children they are, really? Right, God's. He's lent them to us for "safe-keeping," so taking credit (or blame) is a slap in His righteous face. Speaking of blame, the danger with claiming our kids as trophies is that we don't know quite what to do with them when they give us no bragging rights. Then we find ourselves making excuses for their mediocrity or, worse, for their poor choices. Stop right there. If they're not our trophies, then they're not our ballast either. They are our gifts, pure and simple. Nurture them, support them, encourage them. But don't use them for building yourself up or tearing yourself down.

"Construction ahead. Expect delays." The placement of the sign doesn't ensure that it will be read or heeded. But it does do its part; be forewarned and maybe even forearmed.

It's foggy out

2008-02-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

Actually, it was foggy out this morning, not tonight. I didn't expect it to be foggy, though. I hadn't heard that the fog was coming so I was a little surprised when I turned the corner while jogging to see fog covering the old Berry field. I didn't think much about it my first time around, but as I came up on it the second time, I started analogizing (is that a word? it is now!).

I feel like I've been living in a fog for a while now. I'm seeking clarity on what I should be doing, focusing on whether there's a job out there I'm supposed to be earning money doing, or if it's okay to keep volunteering at stuff I love and feel purpose-filled doing.

At first sight, Berry Field was covered with fog but, as I continued jogging, I saw that in the far left corner, the fog was lifting and I could see through to the other side. I couldn't see through the entire field, just in that far left corner.

And then it hit me. That's just like God, isn't it? He gives you glimpses of what you should be doing so that you'll keep on doing something but He doesn't usually show you the whole picture. Apparently that's unnecessary, and maybe even a bit scary. The fog lifts just enough, but not completely.

I don't know if there's a job out there calling my name. I suppose if there is, I'd best be faithful at the stuff I'm committed to at this point, so I can get a good recommendation from the folks I'm volunteering for and with. Sure, I'd like some financial appreciation every now and then, but then again, I do get some financial appreciation every now and then, so I suppose I really am more content than I sometimes acknowledge.

The fog may not be completely gone, but I'm glad that it's at least lifted in the corner for today.