The Wonders of Paint

My sister has accumulated “antique” furniture in her dining room. They are pieces of different types of wood and different colors of wood. They are pieces that have been used, scratched, and abused. And she inherited some of the pieces.  But she liked the sizes and shapes of the pieces. If you looked at her dining room now, though, you’d never know the past of this furniture. She painted all of the pieces that new popular green color. Her dining room is beautiful.

This is the picture I thought of two weeks ago when my pastor Wade was explaining 1 Peter 4:8.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Above all = before you do anything else, go here first

Love =* the love given to us by Jesus Himself to give to others

Each other = consciously prefer others

                                

Deeply = to the maximum potential, *stretched beyond what you think you can do

Because = this will produce this result

Love =* the love given to us by Jesus Himself to give to others

Covers = (*not absolves) hides, kept secret and not shouted out, veiled, *covered over

A multitude = a crowd, a big bunch, a great number

Of sin = Yes, that means *sins, failures,*stuff that people do that gets on your nerves

*This is what my pastor Wade explained (not exactly his words but how I understood it.)

If I go to love first when people do the things I don’t like, or hurt me, or hurt God, then my love for them will be stretched to deal with them or the incident the way God would want me to. Sometimes I’ll have to let it go and forgive. Sometimes I’ll have to confront. Sometimes I’ll  have to help with their learning curve. But always cover my responses with love.

Just paint over it with love.

Paint over their past sin.

Paint over your hurt feelings.

Then you will see their beauty.

The wonders of love

Choose Your Layers Carefully

I just spent a little time in North Carolina for Christmas. And I was cold the whole time. Now even though it is the northernmost Carolina it is still considered a part of the south and has fairly mild winters. But after living so long in the southern south I was not used to it. I would get dressed in the morning and keep adding clothes as I went through the day.

One day my sister said, “Let’s go shopping!” So I grabbed my thick hooded sweat jacket, a scarf, and my purse and off we went.  While at a store I happened to pass a mirror. The sight of myself made me laugh. I had on: jeans, socks and boots, and …a tank top, two t-shirts, a hooded sweatshirt, the thick hooded sweat jacket and a scarf. That’s quite a lot of layers. I don’t know why my sister let me go out in public like that. It was not attractive. Yes, she was silently laughing at me the whole time.

Even though it’s not quite fashionable to wear as many clothing layers as I was sporting that day, the Bible does tell us to wear layers of Godly character.

Colossians 3:12  says, “Since you have been specially selected by God for a special reason and because He loves you so much, put on these things like layers of clothes:

1.         deep compassion for those who need mercy

2.         gracious kindness that meets urgent needs

3.          putting others above yourself with humility

4.         gentle strength given to those around you

5.         and keeping your temper under control so that you don’t hurt others”

That’s five layers to put on and sink into and cinch around us permanently. These layers are a choice we need make for every situation daily. These layers will be noticed by those around us but they won’t be laughing at us. They will be attracted to us. Because we will be reflecting the Savior Jesus Christ who embodied all of these character qualities.

1.       He has deep compassion and mercy for us when we do not deserve it

2.       He graciously answers our prayers and meets our daily needs

3.       He humbly put us before Himself by submitting to a death on a cross for our sin

4.       He is all powerful yet gentle with His children giving us His strength

5.       He holds back His anger with patience as we struggle with living the Christian life and forgives us

Now we can put on a lot of things throughout the day; love or hate, kindness or rudeness, me first or others,

timidity or strength, anger or patience. It’s our choice what layers we put on.

I want to choose my layers carefully.

I want to clothe myself with care.

I want to put on a reflection of Christ.

New Year’s “Better than Botox” Resolution

I guess it’s time to think about the New Year. Every year I try to join the crowd and make a resolution because, hey, who doesn't want to be a better version of themselves? Sometimes it’s a spiritual improvement and sometimes it’s random.  I try to make my New Year’s resolution something I can actually do. Like one year’s resolution was, “Learn to like jello.”  I never want to turn down a sugar free dessert just because I don't like it, This year I decided to go to Proverbs for some resolution inspiration.

 I was thinking about a goal and noticed that I was frowning as I was thinking. I looked in the mirror and saw that the frown lines between my eyebrows were getting deeper and permanent. No, no, not good. So I’m going to try not to frown so much (2013 resolution.) The easy way (and most expensive way) is Botox treatments. No, no, not paying for it. So I happened accidentally upon a solution… (a cheap one)…invisible cellophane tape.

I don’t know how I stumbled on this. One Saturday that I wasn't going anywhere I put a piece of tape between my eyebrows as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I had the tape in my hand and, Bingo, I had the idea. The tape on my forehead caused enough tension that every time I frowned I felt the tug of the tape.  I never realized I frowned that much. Frowning has become a habit. OK, so it was a little weird but it got the point across to me.

Most psychologists will agree that facial expressions indicate what is going on in the emotions. But studies also show that changing your expression will help to change your emotion too. Botox patients who cannot frown have expressed that they are happier. There are all sorts of “break the frown habit and feel happier” web sites. None that involve tape however. I guess it is a vicious cycle that can be broken (maybe) with a smile.

Anyway, breaking the frown habit is going to be my resolution. I think it’s going to be harder than learning to like jello.

Even though I thought of the tape idea, I didn't stumble on anything new in the change the heart change the face area,

 Proverbs 15:13 “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face …” (no frowny lines)

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine…” (no Botox)

Yep, The Bible says that I can break the frown cycle with a joyful heart.

So here goes. I plan to make a habit of putting the tape between my eyebrows (in the privacy of my home, of course.) Maybe not frowning will become such a habit that I forget I have the tape on. If that happens, just whisper to me, “Psst, tape.”

Hopefully I’ll say, “Oops, sorry” with a smile on my face.

No Botox

No frown

Happy face

Joyful heart

Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

We Have Come to Worship Him

I have seen prisoners or war or military soldiers when returning to American soil kiss the ground. I know this is an unspoken symbol. It means they are glad to have arrived safely at a longed for destination. It means love for all that they hold dear. This was an image that popped into my head as I studied the Christmas story in the Bible. I am at the place in my study where the wise men come to see the Christ child. OK, you might not see the correlation yet but I hope I’ll be able to clarify. But you know how my mind hops around, so here goes…

Matthew 2:1-11

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
  ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
  FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
  WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (I underlined the parts I like.)

The word “worship” in this passage is “proskyneo.” It sounds kind of funny if you try to say it. And, of course, it meant nothing to me until I researched the word. In Greek this word is a combination of “bow down on the ground” and “kissing in adoration.”  Now you can see where I got the picture of kissing the ground.

These wise men saw a new star and discerned that it meant a king of Jewish people was born. They decided that though they did not worship the Jewish God they should worship this king. That’s amazing to me. They came and took every measure to diligently find this baby and when they did they bowed down and kissed the ground in adoration. They arrived safely at their longed for destination and rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They loved that time and that place and that King as all they held dear.

I wonder if I worship my Jesus with that much fervor.  I know I want too. Everything seems to compete at this time of year to distract me from this. So this year I’m going to take a little quiet time away from crowded malls, parties, and family to worship. Really worship.

Will you come with me?

Come let us worship Him.

The Prince of My Peace

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.

At Christmas time we hear the names that have been given to our Messiah Jesus Christ on cards, with carols, and in Christmas productions. One of His attributes, Prince of Peace, has really been a focus for me this year. When I researched this name (you know me and my penchant for looking up stuff,) I found that this word “peace” is the Hebrew word “Shalom.” This word is still used today BTW.

 “Shalom” means:

1.       to make complete

2.        to secure

3.        to bring peace between enemies

4.        to give a joyous greeting of wellness and safety

Isaiah proclaimed that the Messiah, the Son of God (our Prince,) would bring “shalom.”

It is Jesus Christ who completed the plan of God for the redemption of man.

It is Jesus Christ who makes our salvation secure and eternal.

It is Jesus Christ who brings peace between God and man, and man and man.

It is Jesus Christ who gives us that sense of wellness, joy, and safety in the midst of a tumultuous world.

Jesus, our Prince of Peace, said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This word “peace,” though in Greek, was used interchangeably with “Shalom.”

The author of peace gave us His peace. We can trust the source so we can be assured of the peace. This is such a relief to me. Not only is my relationship with my Father God at peace, complete, and secure for eternity but I have the same peace for now.

As I listen to the news and watch what is going around me I realize that the world is crying out for peace; for an end to all kinds of conflicts. If I dwell too much on these circumstances I lose my peace too. But when I go to my Jesus and dwell in His presence then that peace that  passes understanding will invade my heart and mind as Philippians 4:7 encourages.  

And so, my dear friends, I say to you:

“Shalom!”

May the God of peace be with you all.  Amen. (Romans 15:33)

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)

Got Joy?

This is the "Joy to the World" time of year but not everyone feels the joy all of the time. Even though we get all festive sometimes we have stuff that happens during this season that dampens our happiness. Do you know the children's chorus, "If you're happy and you know it say, "Amen?'" Sometimes I say, "Ummennn" without gusto.

I keep a list of “joy” verses handy because, let’s face it, I’m not always happy. The Declaration of Independence says we have the right to pursue happiness. I guess that means happiness is not always a given. So I pursue happiness or the joy of the Lord. When I’m down I go to the list. I keep this list on my bedside table so I can meditate on these thoughts from God’s Word as needed:

Ps. 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in You rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them: let them also that love Your name be joyful in You.

Ps. 16:11 You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Ps. 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation.

Ps. 40:16 Let all that seek You rejoice and be glad in You: let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

Is. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robes of righteousness.

Jn. 15:11 These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.

Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, “Rejoice.”

1 Thes. 5:16 Rejoice always.

When I’m not happy I say these verses over and over until I've got heavenly Joy. I don’t chant them, well; maybe it is a chant or cheer. Sometimes my pursuit of happiness takes longer than other times but the joy of the Lord always comes through. These are my “go to” verses when the world’s got me down. I can’t help but come away from the “joy” verses with a renewed happiness.

Joy to the world the Lord has come.

Let earth receive her King. 

Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.

Got joy?

Got it?

Get it.

Good!

Is the “Happiest Place on Earth”?

I just spent a little time at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” And I must admit it was fun. There were a lot of sensory stimuli. There was pretty stuff to look at all around. There were great tastes and smells with food from around the world. There was an abundance of exciting (touchy/feely) experiences available. There were sounds that were enhanced by all the technology in existence. Talk about sensory overload!

I met some wonderful people from around the country and some Tuscaloosa girls too. Special shout out to Bob and Sarah (even though you are yankees y'all are a lot of fun.

Yes, I enjoyed it all but there were still crying babies, pouty children, grouchy dads, and frustrated moms. The happiest place on earth is and was not perfect. And this is supposed to be the superlative of happiness. This is the best the earth can offer.

But I’m thinking of another place (not on earth) that is better.

For since the beginning of the world no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen, O God besides You, what He has prepared for them who wait on Him. Isaiah 64:4

It is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

We can’t even imagine what heaven will be like. It is beyond human understanding. But I think God has given us indications that it’s gonna be goooood. Aside from the human limitations of describing heaven in the Bible, we know there are animals that can see things that human eyes can’t register. There are animals that can hear sounds higher and lower than human ears can perceive. There are plants that respond to the slightest touch. There are animals that can separate smells that we don’t necessarily notice.(Yep, saw all of those things too.) Well, if God gave some of these enhanced abilities to plants and animals, how much more does He have waiting for us?

When Jesus said to the disciples, “I am going to prepare a place for you” He had in His mind so much more than His followers could even anticipate.

I had a friend who said a long time ago to me, “I think heaven will be kind of boring. There won’t be that much to do.” I hope she has changed her mind since then. I think we’ll have eternity to experience the extent of God’s sensory creativity. And that won’t even be the main attraction!

Sight,

Sound,

Taste,

Touch,

and Smell

to the extreme.

The Happiest Place Not On Earth

I have a reservation.

Do you?