I just finished reading the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible. What an incredible account of what happened after Jesus left Earth. His followers became bold, well-spoken, miracle-working, both despised and followed men and women. Their message was urgent, "Repent and believe in Jesus today! He is IT!!!!" They were beaten bloody and it made them whine and complain? Nope. They were singing praise songs in prison at midnight. Strangely amazing! How can this be? The Ultimate Fulfiller was filling them with an attitude able to offer love songs when it didn't make a lick of sense.
They finally realized that no person except God can fulfill. The apostle Paul says many times, "It is because of my hope in what God has promised" (Acts 27:6), the fulfillment of the promises since the beginning of creation, that Paul and the other followers of "the Way" teach and endure so much "to open [non-Jew's] eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in [Jesus]" (Acts 26:18). Yippee!!! It doesn't matter what happens in life--whether things always go well or, as some (including me) stumble over, when things go wrong for a "good" person. What matters is God--and loving Him wholeheartedly. No holds bared. At midnight, beaten up, whatever.
I read a great quote today that suggests that just as we want to be loved the way we are without too much inspection and criticism, perhaps God longs for us to love Him the same way. Not questioning but just loving. He is God. And, after all, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?....Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:32, 35, 37-39, written by Paul after lots of trials and torture). Who is the perfect Lover? God through Jesus. Does He make sense in His love? Not to us, but I am free by His grace to love Him completely in the middle of the crazy, chaos that this life tosses my way!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Waiting
A dear sister in Christ and I were talking recently...about waiting. God sure makes us wait a lot. It's all through the Bible too. Noah waited for rain as he built the ark in faith, Abraham and Sarah waited for a child a really long time, the Israelites wandered and waited for someone to become the permanent scapegoat for sin and for the curse of it to go away forever. We wait too.
Lately I've been waiting for things to go smoothly, but they don't always. I wait in traffic, for resolution of conflict, for my feelings to change from gray to sunny, for my loneliness to go away and never come back, for my children to grow up, for my art to sell or for direction with getting children's books published (a dream of mine), for my comfort, to lose weight, and for my speech to be edifying. I am always hopeful that things would PERMANENTLY change.
As I read in Luke 5 today, Jesus tells Simon to put down his nets. Simon has been waiting and working ALL NIGHT without catching a single thing. I definitely feel like that sometimes. Nothing is changing. Nothing is working. Nothing makes sense. Why isn't this working out? Why do I need to keep waiting, Lord?
Jesus had to wait. He grew up, he traveled, he taught, he loved ceaselessly, he served constantly, he HAD to be frustrated as so many heard but didn't really hear. He knew thoughts and intentions of hearts. He had to wait to do His Father's will in His Father's time. He had to wait to die, knowing it was coming. But Jesus had His eyes fixed on His Father at all times. "Not my will, but thine." He challenges Simon to keep going after no results and Simon says, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). They caught so many fish that their nets began to break! In the same way Noah watched the torrent of water and was saved, Abraham and Sarah had a baby boy and laughed a lot, and the Israelites have Jesus and lots of exciting promises yet to come.
Waiting. It really goes hand in hand with faith. Trusting Him who you do not see. Trusting His timing is really right. Trusting He controls it perfectly. Trusting Him changing my heart. Trusting His sufficiency in my struggles. Trusting Him to work in those around me. And as the struggle to not abide in Him and wait rages...remaining faithful. I want to say, "Because You say so, Jesus!"
Lately I've been waiting for things to go smoothly, but they don't always. I wait in traffic, for resolution of conflict, for my feelings to change from gray to sunny, for my loneliness to go away and never come back, for my children to grow up, for my art to sell or for direction with getting children's books published (a dream of mine), for my comfort, to lose weight, and for my speech to be edifying. I am always hopeful that things would PERMANENTLY change.
As I read in Luke 5 today, Jesus tells Simon to put down his nets. Simon has been waiting and working ALL NIGHT without catching a single thing. I definitely feel like that sometimes. Nothing is changing. Nothing is working. Nothing makes sense. Why isn't this working out? Why do I need to keep waiting, Lord?
Jesus had to wait. He grew up, he traveled, he taught, he loved ceaselessly, he served constantly, he HAD to be frustrated as so many heard but didn't really hear. He knew thoughts and intentions of hearts. He had to wait to do His Father's will in His Father's time. He had to wait to die, knowing it was coming. But Jesus had His eyes fixed on His Father at all times. "Not my will, but thine." He challenges Simon to keep going after no results and Simon says, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). They caught so many fish that their nets began to break! In the same way Noah watched the torrent of water and was saved, Abraham and Sarah had a baby boy and laughed a lot, and the Israelites have Jesus and lots of exciting promises yet to come.
Waiting. It really goes hand in hand with faith. Trusting Him who you do not see. Trusting His timing is really right. Trusting He controls it perfectly. Trusting Him changing my heart. Trusting His sufficiency in my struggles. Trusting Him to work in those around me. And as the struggle to not abide in Him and wait rages...remaining faithful. I want to say, "Because You say so, Jesus!"
Monday, August 20, 2007
THE GOSPEL
As I hung out with a dear friend recently, she fervently talked about the Gospel (Good News about Jesus Christ) being a part of her every day. It is. Or it should be.
What is the Gospel?
The eternal God, Creator of everything including people, is holy and righteous. In the Bible, 1 Chronicles 17:20 and lots of other places says--“There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you." The problem is that we don't believe it, can never talk to Him, or really have any access to Him because of our sin problem, or our willful disobedience. As the Bible puts it--"for there is no one who does not sin." (2 Chronicles 6:36) I always go the wrong way, basically believing that I'm pretty good on my own.
But God, in His great mercy, sent His Son to Earth-- Jesus. He was born, grew up, taught, healed, did lots of miracles, showed what God is really like, and was beaten and crucified to pay for our sin problem. THIS IS THE GOSPEL!!! Jesus died, was raised, and lives so that I can be dead to sin and alive in Him. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”(Acts 16:31) Romans 10:9 says: "That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." I am saved!!! I am alive!!! I don't have to be envious, overcome by anger, controlled by my appetites...I don't have to fear death anymore. I know that He has promised me eternal life, that even starts now with amazing friendship with GOD! I talk to Him, He talks with me as I read the Bible, He gives me amazing relationships with other believers, He makes me new moment by moment. More like Jesus. The joy and peace truly surpasses all understanding.
Our deepest need is spiritual life, and that new life can only come by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus.
I guess this leads me to the question I wonder about everyone I meet:
DO YOU BELIEVE?
I would love to hear about it!
What God has been teaching me today:
Today I was reading in Luke 2 what a righteous, and devout man, Simeon, told Jesus' mom and dad when Jesus was 8 days old. He had been promised to see the Lord's Christ before he died, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised...My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles [non-Jews] and for glory to your people Israel." Wow. I just finished reading the Old Testament yesterday (started in January) and have seen God long for people to love Him whole-heartedly and it doesn't happen. Over and over again. Here God offers His salvation, a "light for revelation"--He is revealing Himself in the form of this baby. Amazing.
Then Simeon goes on to tell Mary, Jesus' mom: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35) Jesus has caused the falling and rising of many in Israel, and is definitely a sign that has been and continues to be spoken against. The next part convicted me the most: so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. He reveals the thoughts of my heart. It reminds me immediately of the prayer at the end of Psalm 19, verse 14: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
What is the Gospel?
The eternal God, Creator of everything including people, is holy and righteous. In the Bible, 1 Chronicles 17:20 and lots of other places says--“There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you." The problem is that we don't believe it, can never talk to Him, or really have any access to Him because of our sin problem, or our willful disobedience. As the Bible puts it--"for there is no one who does not sin." (2 Chronicles 6:36) I always go the wrong way, basically believing that I'm pretty good on my own.
But God, in His great mercy, sent His Son to Earth-- Jesus. He was born, grew up, taught, healed, did lots of miracles, showed what God is really like, and was beaten and crucified to pay for our sin problem. THIS IS THE GOSPEL!!! Jesus died, was raised, and lives so that I can be dead to sin and alive in Him. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”(Acts 16:31) Romans 10:9 says: "That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." I am saved!!! I am alive!!! I don't have to be envious, overcome by anger, controlled by my appetites...I don't have to fear death anymore. I know that He has promised me eternal life, that even starts now with amazing friendship with GOD! I talk to Him, He talks with me as I read the Bible, He gives me amazing relationships with other believers, He makes me new moment by moment. More like Jesus. The joy and peace truly surpasses all understanding.
Our deepest need is spiritual life, and that new life can only come by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus.
I guess this leads me to the question I wonder about everyone I meet:
DO YOU BELIEVE?
I would love to hear about it!
What God has been teaching me today:
Today I was reading in Luke 2 what a righteous, and devout man, Simeon, told Jesus' mom and dad when Jesus was 8 days old. He had been promised to see the Lord's Christ before he died, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised...My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles [non-Jews] and for glory to your people Israel." Wow. I just finished reading the Old Testament yesterday (started in January) and have seen God long for people to love Him whole-heartedly and it doesn't happen. Over and over again. Here God offers His salvation, a "light for revelation"--He is revealing Himself in the form of this baby. Amazing.
Then Simeon goes on to tell Mary, Jesus' mom: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35) Jesus has caused the falling and rising of many in Israel, and is definitely a sign that has been and continues to be spoken against. The next part convicted me the most: so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. He reveals the thoughts of my heart. It reminds me immediately of the prayer at the end of Psalm 19, verse 14: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Family Trip To Santa Barbara
We were glad to be able to see my brother Georg, his wife Jacqueline, and their 4 children in Santa Barbara for a few days. They are always super hospitable and gracious! This visit also enabled us to see my dad again (he lives close by) and my other brother John, his wife Marcy, and their 4 children, who I haven't seen in 5 years. The 12 cousins had a blast playing together.
The 12 cousins: Fletchers and Naumanns (only 2 Copelands missing)
Playing at the beach was a blast! So much can be done with some sand, water, kelp, and rocks!
Chatting with my sisters-in-law, Marcy and Jacqueline.
Here they are in order from oldest to youngest! Kurtis, Johanna, Allison, Philip, Magdeline, Louise, Christine, Kari, C.J., Sophia, Lilyana, and Carl.
It was neat to see Marcy, John, and my dad.
We also went to the Santa Barbara Zoo and Ty Warner Sea Center.
This is a lot of people to feed! Thanks Georg and Jacqueline!
My brother Georg, Vati, me, and my brother John.
And now some bonus Carl and Lily pics:
I took these photos of Carl and Lily a week ago--super cute!!!
There is a family tree I worked some more on and completed--of the Naumann/Berg family going back to the 1600s. It's in German, but I can send you a pdf if you're interested!
The 12 cousins: Fletchers and Naumanns (only 2 Copelands missing)
Playing at the beach was a blast! So much can be done with some sand, water, kelp, and rocks!
Chatting with my sisters-in-law, Marcy and Jacqueline.
Here they are in order from oldest to youngest! Kurtis, Johanna, Allison, Philip, Magdeline, Louise, Christine, Kari, C.J., Sophia, Lilyana, and Carl.
It was neat to see Marcy, John, and my dad.
We also went to the Santa Barbara Zoo and Ty Warner Sea Center.
This is a lot of people to feed! Thanks Georg and Jacqueline!
My brother Georg, Vati, me, and my brother John.And now some bonus Carl and Lily pics:
I took these photos of Carl and Lily a week ago--super cute!!!
There is a family tree I worked some more on and completed--of the Naumann/Berg family going back to the 1600s. It's in German, but I can send you a pdf if you're interested!Friday, July 13, 2007
Camping at Gerle Creek in El Dorado National Forest
What a wonderful time we had together and with the Wilsons the last days camping. I was once again amazed at the vastness of God's creation. I enjoyed the wild flowers, a stream where we could wade in little waterfalls and search for interesting rocks, all the wild critters, a lake where we swam to an island, and a thunderstorm. Lily thought, "Someone knocking" (thunder) and "Somebody taking my picture" (lightning). Trey liked digging in the dirt, ashes, rocks, sand, and getting so dirty I can't get the stains out of his clothing. Hanna and Maggie enjoyed helping train Blossom, the Wilsons Portugese Water Dog, wading/swimming/jumping in the water, cranking old fashioned ice cream, and attempting to make biscuits on a stick. We are so thankful to God for the provision of this time.
Notice: Trey is in the ash pit! His sisters are lounging, while Carl unpacks and sets us up.
Little Lil'
Cuddling in the tent trailor--Trey is trying out Hanna's new toothbrush.
Some swam and some rowed out to the island. See us on top?
Trey says, "Dirt, dirt, I love dirt!!!!"
Hanna and Maggie had a terrific time climbing on rocks. One boulder became a favorite spot to sit together and sip hot chocolate in the morning.
Notice: Trey is in the ash pit! His sisters are lounging, while Carl unpacks and sets us up.
Little Lil'
Cuddling in the tent trailor--Trey is trying out Hanna's new toothbrush.
Some swam and some rowed out to the island. See us on top?
Trey says, "Dirt, dirt, I love dirt!!!!"
Hanna and Maggie had a terrific time climbing on rocks. One boulder became a favorite spot to sit together and sip hot chocolate in the morning.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Encouragement Via Media and the Church
I added some stuff in my profile today. I've been thinking of who I would like to meet, casually, just to chat about God and things that matter most. There are some writers that craft words which, when I read them, give me a real "YES" moment. Andree Seu, writing editorials for "World Magazine" http://www.worldmag.com/andreeseu is one of these, Jenefer Igarashi from "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/ is another. A dear friend gave me several homeschool encouragement websites too, if anyone is interested. I love when I read, hear, or see something that encourages me or challenges me.
I guess a good "media watch" verse would be Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things."
By the way--the church is also a MAJOR encouragement!!!! Here are some photos of our church hanging out at the beach in the end of May...
Julia caught a fish or a Carl...or is it the other way around?
Brent and his crab!!! He pinched Brent repeatedly, and now the crab's going to get eaten!
I guess a good "media watch" verse would be Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things."
By the way--the church is also a MAJOR encouragement!!!! Here are some photos of our church hanging out at the beach in the end of May...
Julia caught a fish or a Carl...or is it the other way around?
Brent and his crab!!! He pinched Brent repeatedly, and now the crab's going to get eaten!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Opa and Oma Heidi come to visit
We had a few days with my dad and stepmother. I finally found out just what my dad's occupation is! Crazy how I know so little about people I've spent so much time with. It was special for grandkids and grandparents to spend time together also!We went rollerblading/biking to Sebastopol, where (of course) we needed to stop at Screamin' Mimi's for some ice cream. I got Lavender and Hazelnut!
Trey fell asleep on the way home...
We also went to the Spring Lake Lagoon for a picnicdinner. Maggie swam and swam. Trey dug in the dirt/sand and was lying in the water blowing bubbles. Lily loved paddling around, and Hanna floated and tried to relax after her long rollerblade in the morning.
Lots of fun!
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