What is it? A persistently elusive word, an unattainable state of the heart, a pure heavenly mindset?
My insightful friend Webster left me a little note, saying that humility consists in "lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will."
So then, it's as simple as that. Being lowly in my mind. Truthfully? I'm not sure how...there are moments, to be sure, when Christ IS all in my life. Glorious moments when I see His glory so unobstructed that for a space of time I truly am nothing. Yet, my mind, that logical, analytical, constantly whirring mind palace comes to life, and clouds my view.
See, that deep sense of my own unworthiness in the sight of God is a radically terrifying sense; if it could be simplified to something so small as that. Honest recognition of His majesty, truth, and righteousness can do nothing but crush the root of pride in my heart. Yet, that root is deep, and constant recognition of my unworthiness is painful. Admission of my sin? Agonizing. Grasping my inability to pay with anything other than my life? Harrowing.
Where to turn in this terrifying, agonizing and harrowing state? To myself perhaps. To self-abasement. The act of bringing myself low, of humbling myself. I find however, that in the mind palace, I possess the throne. It isn't a low one at all, rather an elevated resplendent place. Of my own power, I choose to remain. I don't humble myself.
For all it's resplendence, the throne within that palace is my demise. For encircling it are the annals of my life; it will take but the first sentence of the first page to reveal the truth, that sin, fleshly delights, lust, arrogance, selfishness, anger, pride, have stained those pages. Try as I might to mask them with the brilliance of jewels, and rapturous colors that surround and fill that place, I find it all in vain. For there comes another, a righteous one, whose glory is so great that if I looked upon the face of it, it would cost me my last breath. That light penetrates the feeble walls of my palace, and before my eyes His perfection is a standard which by it's very nature, will never equate itself with my actions. What then? I didn't ask for His presence, this glory, this conviction He brings.
Yet, He came. The blazing luminescence turns the palace to ash; the throne alongside; and annals perhaps last of all, for why would I let go of the shred of evidence for what DID measure up? I know, really, it won't. It will fall short, and then because this glory has shown His face, it will cost me my life. My sin, will cost me my life.
Or a life. He'll take another, but it has to be perfect if I am to live. It already happened. That God-man who walked this earth facing temptation yet remaining righteous. He already died. And that last shred of evidence? Drenched in his blood now...but the purest white you ever saw. It was His will. The Divine will. I couldn't resist His draw, not when I found out it was His own SON he killed with the weight of His perfect glory.
Elusive may be a word to describe humility, for God seems sometimes to be just that, undefinable to be sure. The ashes of the palace that stir to cloud my vision will always lay in my heart, this side of heaven. But the mindset, that I am free from sin; that the palace is now a temple built by another? That the throne of my own power will never be enough? Those truths my friend, reveal the answer. That true humility is Christ; alone. A status that I have been given, yet will not bear in full until I breath my last.
...It snowed, beautiful white sparkly snow, the kind that sends a shiver of delight down your spine and chill of anticipation through your soul. And here I am. In the city. In a house with a dear old lady. On a street full of houses and cars. In a neighborhood full of busy people. In a town full of slushy brown slippery streets, and mountains of salty brown grime piled every way you look. There is something about that snow that loses its glory here, that bit of creation I long for and cannot find, ruined here in man's manufactured “bliss”, and they don't even know what they are missing out on. I want so badly to go out to the farm, the land I know as my home. I want to step out of life for a moment, take a walk in the trees, and listen to them whisper deep secrets to one another, secrets that float above the glistening whiteness far and near. Secrets so soft, so quiet, and so precious they entirely drown out he drone of life and stress around. God made those trees, and they speak of His glory. He crafted the shine and glass of a snowflake, intricately designed, with no two alike...then in a moment, the abyss above our ignorant heads is filled with His handiwork, so fine no one of us could ever come near to imitating it. In the silence, the snow floats and twirls its way down to the quiet earth, where it lays. And hour upon hour go by, as layer upon layer build up to a blanket of down so soft and comforting that you can't help but be at peace, yet with a chilling invitation to come and play and be stirred. I love snow! Out in that bliss, with the world on hold, God is near. In His creation, amidst the whispers of His trees, above that blanket of perfect craftsmanship, His presence is strong...and I am with Him. Oh, how I long for that again!!!
The title of this blog post pretty well sums up my life as of now =D We, that is myself and a few siblings and friends, are hard at work on our next lego brick stop-motion film. Take a look at the website if you are interested, we would love you have you pay a visit! Film-making certainly is not as easy as I imagined...and we are only learning enough to know that we really know nothing about how this all works! Talk about an excellent chance to practice growing in grace and patience!! The various aspects of the project certainly keep it from getting boring in ANY sense of the word.
Ah...and a fun little note, I will be starting nursing school in August this year!!! Praise God for His provision, and opening the doors for me to pursue this.
http://monitogostudios.com/
Ah...and a fun little note, I will be starting nursing school in August this year!!! Praise God for His provision, and opening the doors for me to pursue this.
http://monitogostudios.com/
When God says He is taking care of you...He really means it.
When God says He will never leave your side...He never does.
When God says that He will give us peace...We really get it.
When God says that when we seek Him, we will find Him...he's not kidding.
When God says no...I'm pretty sure that means NO.
When He says to trust Him...He's right, we have no reason to fear.
And when He says, everything is taken care of...Don't doubt Him.
When God says to love Him...please do...we are so unworthy to have a love like this.
When God says we are safe in His arms...Don't worry.
When God says He loves us...never hesitate to think otherwise...He does.
When He says to obey Him...just do it.
When He says to go forth and make disciples of all nations...by all means Run and do it!
When God says the end is near...our time is short, dont waste it.
When God says life will be hard at times, and we will be broken, shaken, and scared...Dont run away...He still gonna carry you through it all...He WILL catch you when you fall.
When God says He's working...watch for it...look around.
When God says we are to work together...He's right...we are the Body of Christ.
When He said we are forgiven...it true. We are forever clean and pure!
When God speaks...we listen.
When He said He would make a way...He did, He died...and now we are given LIFE.
So when He says it...He really means it.
When GOD says "It is finished"...It Is.
From a dear friend on FB.
When God says He will never leave your side...He never does.
When God says that He will give us peace...We really get it.
When God says that when we seek Him, we will find Him...he's not kidding.
When God says no...I'm pretty sure that means NO.
When He says to trust Him...He's right, we have no reason to fear.
And when He says, everything is taken care of...Don't doubt Him.
When God says to love Him...please do...we are so unworthy to have a love like this.
When God says we are safe in His arms...Don't worry.
When God says He loves us...never hesitate to think otherwise...He does.
When He says to obey Him...just do it.
When He says to go forth and make disciples of all nations...by all means Run and do it!
When God says the end is near...our time is short, dont waste it.
When God says life will be hard at times, and we will be broken, shaken, and scared...Dont run away...He still gonna carry you through it all...He WILL catch you when you fall.
When God says He's working...watch for it...look around.
When God says we are to work together...He's right...we are the Body of Christ.
When He said we are forgiven...it true. We are forever clean and pure!
When God speaks...we listen.
When He said He would make a way...He did, He died...and now we are given LIFE.
So when He says it...He really means it.
When GOD says "It is finished"...It Is.
From a dear friend on FB.
I am reading a wonderful titled "Captured By Grace"...if you ever pick it up, be prepared for brain work and heart exercise. In this chapter, the author writes about the difference between mercy and grace. Mercy is "God witholding the punishment we rightfully deserve" while grace is "God not only witholding that punishment but offering the most precious gifts instead."
Think for just a moment...Mercy kept the knife from the heart of Isaac, while grace provided the ram in the thicket...mercy hears the cry of the brokenhearted thief on cross but grace promised him paradise that very day...mercy closes the door to hell while grace opens the door to heaven.
That my dear friends, is a beautiful thought. That I, as a child of God, have not only received mercy, which I do NOT deserve, but further still the Lord God has promised me heaven and His presence!!! I am blessed, truly beyond measure.
"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 5:10-11
Think for just a moment...Mercy kept the knife from the heart of Isaac, while grace provided the ram in the thicket...mercy hears the cry of the brokenhearted thief on cross but grace promised him paradise that very day...mercy closes the door to hell while grace opens the door to heaven.
That my dear friends, is a beautiful thought. That I, as a child of God, have not only received mercy, which I do NOT deserve, but further still the Lord God has promised me heaven and His presence!!! I am blessed, truly beyond measure.
"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 5:10-11
This is was written by a young man who is the son of Missionaries in Haiti. This poem is his depiction of the earthquake that happened this past week, and the effects it has/is having/will have.
Hello sandman
A visit paid by the grains of time
Erases past present and future
Blink of eyes becomes mayhem
Sand man nods his head
These walls are coming down
These ceilings caving in
This world is sinking down
As we realize what were in
Death zone
And the cries of the trapped saturate the skies
As we wonder who we really are
Survivor’s guilt
Or mere thankfulness
Yet scarring images fill our minds
Our world collapses
Ground gives way like quick sand
A man from the blacker land
The sandman
Reeking havoc midst the tears and fears
Grimly grins at the helpless
Who ponder nonexistent lives
Of the crumbling
And tumbling
Lives and homes
Shaking ground
Like jell legs
Destroys all balance
Sandman fills the ground
Waves of death
Waves of pain
Waves of insecurity
Sent by the unknown and unheard
Whether natural or not
It matters none
For the remains smolder with sand
Starvation leads to innovation
New breeds of anarchy are unleashed
Sandman smiles
Lack of unity brings hate and fear
In the wake of tragedy
In the face of jeopardy
Can lives be rebuilt?
Can souls be reformed?
Can homes be rebuilt?
And families reformed
Or shall the after be a new
Is there a lesson here?
Midst all that’s ravenously askew
As these arms reach the skies
Ignoring the sandman’s shrieks
Will the heavens descend?
Or will we return to the old
And kill the spark of dependency
Lit on a God who gives and takes
Oh the hellish tragedy
Loves ripped asunder
Yet mend able
Through the grace of a father with tears
For a bruised child with fears
In the crumbling night
Is there a lesson here?
Will we recognize?
Or make like a corpse
And simply lay down to die
Through return to the past
Dancing by the light of the burning pyres
Flames of doubt and confusion
And no hope that will last
But this warning is true
Ignore the sandman
He will not last
Let go the pain
It will not last
In Christ is there new life
Remaining to be found
In the shattered remains
Of you...
Hello sandman
A visit paid by the grains of time
Erases past present and future
Blink of eyes becomes mayhem
Sand man nods his head
These walls are coming down
These ceilings caving in
This world is sinking down
As we realize what were in
Death zone
And the cries of the trapped saturate the skies
As we wonder who we really are
Survivor’s guilt
Or mere thankfulness
Yet scarring images fill our minds
Our world collapses
Ground gives way like quick sand
A man from the blacker land
The sandman
Reeking havoc midst the tears and fears
Grimly grins at the helpless
Who ponder nonexistent lives
Of the crumbling
And tumbling
Lives and homes
Shaking ground
Like jell legs
Destroys all balance
Sandman fills the ground
Waves of death
Waves of pain
Waves of insecurity
Sent by the unknown and unheard
Whether natural or not
It matters none
For the remains smolder with sand
Starvation leads to innovation
New breeds of anarchy are unleashed
Sandman smiles
Lack of unity brings hate and fear
In the wake of tragedy
In the face of jeopardy
Can lives be rebuilt?
Can souls be reformed?
Can homes be rebuilt?
And families reformed
Or shall the after be a new
Is there a lesson here?
Midst all that’s ravenously askew
As these arms reach the skies
Ignoring the sandman’s shrieks
Will the heavens descend?
Or will we return to the old
And kill the spark of dependency
Lit on a God who gives and takes
Oh the hellish tragedy
Loves ripped asunder
Yet mend able
Through the grace of a father with tears
For a bruised child with fears
In the crumbling night
Is there a lesson here?
Will we recognize?
Or make like a corpse
And simply lay down to die
Through return to the past
Dancing by the light of the burning pyres
Flames of doubt and confusion
And no hope that will last
But this warning is true
Ignore the sandman
He will not last
Let go the pain
It will not last
In Christ is there new life
Remaining to be found
In the shattered remains
Of you...
...but have good reason for being as such :)
God has blessed me with many things to be filling my time, following His direction for my life. It's quite exciting really. For anyone who is interested, here is a bit of what has occupied my time:
College - beginning nursing school to fulfill God's call to medical missions
Family - general things at home, and working on the next lego stop-motion film with my family
Church - helped with a church retreat, and working with Dad to organize a group of young adults up here to spend time fellowshipping, challenging each other, and doing ministry together
So, what to write about...I could write about any of the above, but that's not the most important thing happening in my life. The most important thing would have to be the focus that God has begun to give me. For a long time, I have filled my life with things I wanted to pursue, things I wanted to get, my own pursuits almost entirely. But lately, I have been reading about how God wants us to spend our lives: following Him in EVERYTHING, not just on Sunday, not just for a few hours a week. It's not enough to serve Him when it's convenient. It's not enough to serve Him when I feel like it. He has called me to abandon my life to Him. And I have begun to understand that in a whole new way. I have begun to understand that following His calling and abandoning my own is fulfilling, and because it is His vision, it is successful and He gets all the glory.
I'm not there, I'm not all the way in His will because my flesh fights it again and again, but I am so joyful at the work that He is doing. I am very excited to see how He will continue to work through me in the days to come!!
Ah, and another little thing He's been working on...rather BIG thing? Tearing off another layer of my pride. It hurts, wow it hurts. But I know it's worth it.
And with that, my dear friends, I will have to take my leave...but I will do my best to write again soon :)
God has blessed me with many things to be filling my time, following His direction for my life. It's quite exciting really. For anyone who is interested, here is a bit of what has occupied my time:
College - beginning nursing school to fulfill God's call to medical missions
Family - general things at home, and working on the next lego stop-motion film with my family
Church - helped with a church retreat, and working with Dad to organize a group of young adults up here to spend time fellowshipping, challenging each other, and doing ministry together
So, what to write about...I could write about any of the above, but that's not the most important thing happening in my life. The most important thing would have to be the focus that God has begun to give me. For a long time, I have filled my life with things I wanted to pursue, things I wanted to get, my own pursuits almost entirely. But lately, I have been reading about how God wants us to spend our lives: following Him in EVERYTHING, not just on Sunday, not just for a few hours a week. It's not enough to serve Him when it's convenient. It's not enough to serve Him when I feel like it. He has called me to abandon my life to Him. And I have begun to understand that in a whole new way. I have begun to understand that following His calling and abandoning my own is fulfilling, and because it is His vision, it is successful and He gets all the glory.
I'm not there, I'm not all the way in His will because my flesh fights it again and again, but I am so joyful at the work that He is doing. I am very excited to see how He will continue to work through me in the days to come!!
Ah, and another little thing He's been working on...rather BIG thing? Tearing off another layer of my pride. It hurts, wow it hurts. But I know it's worth it.
And with that, my dear friends, I will have to take my leave...but I will do my best to write again soon :)
I was flipping through my old Bible Study notebook this last week, and found some wonderful topical studies. One that stood out was a study on gratefulness. The very beginning of the study began with a comparison of pride and gratefulness, which seemed a little odd, until I read the definitions:
Gratefulness: communicating to others the precise way in which they have benefited my life, and looking for ways to honor them.
Pride: Believing that I have achieved what God and others have done for me and through me.
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The key to gratefulness being a realization our how indebted we are to God...how deserving of nothing but eternal judgment...how we can only be grateful for the ways in which God and others benefit us. Redirecting praise is something that we often fail to do, but is key to gratefulness and keeping the pride of self-accomplishment at bay.
Following that initial comparison, was a list of specific recipients of our gratefulness: God, parents, family, your conscience, church elders, civil authorities, employer, true friends. After each recipient was a list of specific ways to give thanks and be grateful for them. Some of the challenging ones really stood out to me though.
~ Give thanks for the hardships in life.
~ When you feel as though you have nothing to be thankful for, give thanks anyway.
~ When others give you praise, redirect it to whom it is due.
~ Be grateful for correction from others.
I find it easy to give thanks when I am blessed with good health, good food, a peaceful family, sufficient finances, extra blessings, etc. But when those things start to dissappear, I find myself turning inward to focus on my "suffering." I'd like to challenge you to join me in taking some extra time to just be grateful. To turn to the One to whom all credit is due. And the next time hardship comes, when you don't feel like giving thanks, join me in searching out God's blessings and learning to have a true heart of gratefulness and thanksgiving!!
Psalm 69:30 "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with Thanksgiving."
Gratefulness: communicating to others the precise way in which they have benefited my life, and looking for ways to honor them.
Pride: Believing that I have achieved what God and others have done for me and through me.
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The key to gratefulness being a realization our how indebted we are to God...how deserving of nothing but eternal judgment...how we can only be grateful for the ways in which God and others benefit us. Redirecting praise is something that we often fail to do, but is key to gratefulness and keeping the pride of self-accomplishment at bay.
Following that initial comparison, was a list of specific recipients of our gratefulness: God, parents, family, your conscience, church elders, civil authorities, employer, true friends. After each recipient was a list of specific ways to give thanks and be grateful for them. Some of the challenging ones really stood out to me though.
~ Give thanks for the hardships in life.
~ When you feel as though you have nothing to be thankful for, give thanks anyway.
~ When others give you praise, redirect it to whom it is due.
~ Be grateful for correction from others.
I find it easy to give thanks when I am blessed with good health, good food, a peaceful family, sufficient finances, extra blessings, etc. But when those things start to dissappear, I find myself turning inward to focus on my "suffering." I'd like to challenge you to join me in taking some extra time to just be grateful. To turn to the One to whom all credit is due. And the next time hardship comes, when you don't feel like giving thanks, join me in searching out God's blessings and learning to have a true heart of gratefulness and thanksgiving!!
Psalm 69:30 "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with Thanksgiving."
is too much of a blessing, encouragement, role model, mentor, friend, protector, etc. for me to be able to accurately put into words what he means to me. But I would like to list some scripture verses that accurately portray this man of God, whom I am honored to call my Father!!
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
My Dad does love the Lord, with ALL his heart, soul, and might. A clear evidence of that is his passion to teach the word of God, and his diligence in doing so. For many years he has had a heart to teach, and does an excellent job doing so!!! He has the opportunity to teach in his work, his church, and most important to me, a part of his family. As long as I can remember, Daddy has taught the Scripture in our home. In formal Bible studies, through history, at dinner table conversations, while working together outside, even while trudging through deep woods full of mosquitoes on an orienteering course. His love for scripture, as evidenced by his actions, has left a deep impression on my heart about the value of God's Word!!
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
Another thing that my Daddy does is exhort, encourage and implore me to walk worthy of my King, of my God!! He has never been one to nag or hang it over my head as a guilt trip, but he is ever diligent to teach me the character of God, His attributes, and standards for a Christian walk. He is not afraid to sit me down and share concerns about character flaws in my life. As a good father should, when I have heard a warning or concern but have taken no action, he is humble yet firm enough to come alongside and say "I am going to set some tighter parameters now, and help you conquer this character flaw." He provides the guidance, discipline and encouragement to help mold my character and life into a vessel that will glorify God to a greater degree.
John 12:26
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
My Daddy does serves God. As his daughter, living in the same home, I have seen many sides of Daddy's character. The good as well as the bad. But one thing that has never changed is that at the end of every trial, and in the face of every struggle, he goes back to His life's source: God. He turns to Him for answers to questions, for comfort in times of need, for standards to guide his life, and ultimately in humble submission and acceptance of His gift of salvation. He is a walking testimony of a man whose life honors the Lord.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:24
"He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
My Daddy loves me. He delights in me. And as a responsible and loving Father should, he disciplines me. Over the years the form of discipline has changed, I have outgrown the oak paddle, picking up rocks and scrubbing the bathtub mat. But I have not outgrown a stern look, a looooong lecture, a canceled fun event, voicing his disappointment at my failure to follow and obey, and a gentle hug to show his concern when I am broken and humbled. He has been faithful, yes even vigilant, to see that I have learned Biblical standards for right and wrong. Not only seen, but enforced when necessary. I would lie to say that his discipline has been my favorite part of our relationship, but I am honest to say that I appreciate his doing so. He has instilled truth in me. He has instilled godliness in me. He has loved me. For that, I am ever grateful!
Proverbs 20:7
"A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him."
I love the part about a man of understanding drawing out the plan of a deep heart. I, like my Daddy, think and feel very deeply. In many ways, I am like him. I am, truly, My Father's Daughter. But he is a man of understanding. Beyond just how my little head ticks, he has a wealth of understanding about God, truth, life, feelings, etc. Because he is a man of understanding, he is capable of gently and patiently drawing the plans, hopes, dreams, and emotions out of my deep heart. He helps me see things about myself that I otherwise never would, and understand how God is working in my life in ways to which I have been blind. As a father, and as a friend, he is loyal to me, and trustworthy. He walks a life of integrity, and I AM blessed to walk after him!
1 Corinthians 11:3
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a women, and God is the head of Christ."
There are a couple things that Daddy lives out from this verse. Christ is indeed the head of my Daddy. And He willingly admits to and lives the fact. Not only this, but he is the head of a woman: my Mom. He has accepted and now faithfully carries the responsibility of being a husband and father. Before the Lord, he will be accountable for all of us! (I'm glad I'm not a man!) But he has taken it, and is faithful to do as he understands is the Lord's will to lead, teach, nurture, and love us. He is the head of one woman, only one woman. The woman he has loved, and has always been faithful to. What an example of a godly man!!
A few other things that I just wanted to mention...he has laid down a a worldly prominent, financially successful career to follow the Lord's path for his life and family...he has invested COUNTLESS hours in my life to show support of my many and varied interests and talents...he has gone far outside his comfort zone to accompany my siblings and I on varied grand adventures to ensure we were safe...he has been willing to be a broken tool to serve, lift up, encourage, and hold accountable other people in his life, then to see God take his efforts and multiply them to a spouse, a family, now adopted family members, a jail ministry, a city, and now an entire state...he has spent many more countless hours up at late hours of the night, and early hours of the morning to listen as I poured out every crisis in life...he has taken the effort to send me e-mails, letters and phone calls just to say he thinking of me, and loves me...he has guarded my life and purity jealously, before I was old enough to understand the value of his actions...I could fill a book about my Daddy.
His life is casting a shadow, long and stark, that has touched the lives of many. I am honored to walk behind him in the shade and protection he gives, learning to shape my shadow to look like his.
Happy Father's Day to my Daddy, a Man of God!!
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
My Dad does love the Lord, with ALL his heart, soul, and might. A clear evidence of that is his passion to teach the word of God, and his diligence in doing so. For many years he has had a heart to teach, and does an excellent job doing so!!! He has the opportunity to teach in his work, his church, and most important to me, a part of his family. As long as I can remember, Daddy has taught the Scripture in our home. In formal Bible studies, through history, at dinner table conversations, while working together outside, even while trudging through deep woods full of mosquitoes on an orienteering course. His love for scripture, as evidenced by his actions, has left a deep impression on my heart about the value of God's Word!!
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
Another thing that my Daddy does is exhort, encourage and implore me to walk worthy of my King, of my God!! He has never been one to nag or hang it over my head as a guilt trip, but he is ever diligent to teach me the character of God, His attributes, and standards for a Christian walk. He is not afraid to sit me down and share concerns about character flaws in my life. As a good father should, when I have heard a warning or concern but have taken no action, he is humble yet firm enough to come alongside and say "I am going to set some tighter parameters now, and help you conquer this character flaw." He provides the guidance, discipline and encouragement to help mold my character and life into a vessel that will glorify God to a greater degree.
John 12:26
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
My Daddy does serves God. As his daughter, living in the same home, I have seen many sides of Daddy's character. The good as well as the bad. But one thing that has never changed is that at the end of every trial, and in the face of every struggle, he goes back to His life's source: God. He turns to Him for answers to questions, for comfort in times of need, for standards to guide his life, and ultimately in humble submission and acceptance of His gift of salvation. He is a walking testimony of a man whose life honors the Lord.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:24
"He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
My Daddy loves me. He delights in me. And as a responsible and loving Father should, he disciplines me. Over the years the form of discipline has changed, I have outgrown the oak paddle, picking up rocks and scrubbing the bathtub mat. But I have not outgrown a stern look, a looooong lecture, a canceled fun event, voicing his disappointment at my failure to follow and obey, and a gentle hug to show his concern when I am broken and humbled. He has been faithful, yes even vigilant, to see that I have learned Biblical standards for right and wrong. Not only seen, but enforced when necessary. I would lie to say that his discipline has been my favorite part of our relationship, but I am honest to say that I appreciate his doing so. He has instilled truth in me. He has instilled godliness in me. He has loved me. For that, I am ever grateful!
Proverbs 20:7
"A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him."
I love the part about a man of understanding drawing out the plan of a deep heart. I, like my Daddy, think and feel very deeply. In many ways, I am like him. I am, truly, My Father's Daughter. But he is a man of understanding. Beyond just how my little head ticks, he has a wealth of understanding about God, truth, life, feelings, etc. Because he is a man of understanding, he is capable of gently and patiently drawing the plans, hopes, dreams, and emotions out of my deep heart. He helps me see things about myself that I otherwise never would, and understand how God is working in my life in ways to which I have been blind. As a father, and as a friend, he is loyal to me, and trustworthy. He walks a life of integrity, and I AM blessed to walk after him!
1 Corinthians 11:3
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a women, and God is the head of Christ."
There are a couple things that Daddy lives out from this verse. Christ is indeed the head of my Daddy. And He willingly admits to and lives the fact. Not only this, but he is the head of a woman: my Mom. He has accepted and now faithfully carries the responsibility of being a husband and father. Before the Lord, he will be accountable for all of us! (I'm glad I'm not a man!) But he has taken it, and is faithful to do as he understands is the Lord's will to lead, teach, nurture, and love us. He is the head of one woman, only one woman. The woman he has loved, and has always been faithful to. What an example of a godly man!!
A few other things that I just wanted to mention...he has laid down a a worldly prominent, financially successful career to follow the Lord's path for his life and family...he has invested COUNTLESS hours in my life to show support of my many and varied interests and talents...he has gone far outside his comfort zone to accompany my siblings and I on varied grand adventures to ensure we were safe...he has been willing to be a broken tool to serve, lift up, encourage, and hold accountable other people in his life, then to see God take his efforts and multiply them to a spouse, a family, now adopted family members, a jail ministry, a city, and now an entire state...he has spent many more countless hours up at late hours of the night, and early hours of the morning to listen as I poured out every crisis in life...he has taken the effort to send me e-mails, letters and phone calls just to say he thinking of me, and loves me...he has guarded my life and purity jealously, before I was old enough to understand the value of his actions...I could fill a book about my Daddy.
His life is casting a shadow, long and stark, that has touched the lives of many. I am honored to walk behind him in the shade and protection he gives, learning to shape my shadow to look like his.
Happy Father's Day to my Daddy, a Man of God!!
It amazes me how quickly time seems to pass. I remember the long past days of childhood (adults, you can laugh if you want to...it was only half my life ago :D) The days that dragged on forever...in which my biggest concern was to wake up and do my school and chores without getting a spanking...and the life's biggest choice involved determining how I would spend those many empty hours in my afternoon. But some things happen with time, in particular, people grow up. My siblings grow much to fast! Just this past weekend we graduated my next younger sister from High School, my next younger brother had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor, and my second younger brother had his 13 year right of passage. They are not little children any more, and I am honored to say they are growing into some of the most delightful young adults you will ever meet!!
My next younger sister is a delightful young lady! I have had the honor of being her second home school teacher for the past two years, and it has been a joy and an honor. She is an easy student, and a joy to work with. Unlike some of her siblings, she has had to work very hard to learn well and I am SO proud to say that she graduated high school with a high A average. She applied herself to her studies, and did excellent work. What a tribute to her character! Her studies were much broader than a traditional education entails, and her mind has been sharped by careful application to her school. She is bright and talented in so many ways. My sister is a beautiful young lady. Not only of face, but of heart. The beauty of her heart radiates from within, and can be seen by everyone around her. It gives her face a delicate glow that no one can ignore. Her gentleness and kindness wins hearts of adults and children alike, and continues to multiply itself as she lets God work in her life. I can hardly believe how time has flown, she is no longer a little girl. Having passed a tremendous milestone in her life there is the rest of her yet ahead...and I am anxious to see how the Lord will guide her steps as she goes forward.
Ah...my next younger brother...who is now taller than I. Despite being several years younger, he is several inches taller. The fascinating thing about his height, is that it is not just physical. For a 15 year old young man, his character and maturity far surpass his age. And in some ways, I feel as though he surpasses me as well. His work ethic, diligence, perseverance, integrity and leadership are tremendous. At 15, it has been many months since he concluded his work to gain the rank of Eagle Scout. The paperwork was slow in being processed, but finally came back. At 15, he is certainly not the oldest scout in his troop, but is currently in his second term as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth leadership position in the troop. He has been in leadership positions since 13, and is one the most well liked and definitely most admired young men in the troop. As his sister, I am blessed to have him as my brother. Despite the gap in years, he and I are very good friends. It is so encouraging to be able to try and copy him in the character that he has that surpasses me. God will do great things with this young man, my brother!!
My second younger brother...growing like a weed. And learning like one too. He is sharp and learns incredibly fast, well above his age and grade level. As he is just beginning his walk into adulthood, there is much that lies before him to be learned, conquered, treasured. As his older sister, I am honored to be able to watch him as he goes forward. It will be exciting to see how the Lord will continue to shape and mold him in the years to come.
There will be pictures here
My next younger sister is a delightful young lady! I have had the honor of being her second home school teacher for the past two years, and it has been a joy and an honor. She is an easy student, and a joy to work with. Unlike some of her siblings, she has had to work very hard to learn well and I am SO proud to say that she graduated high school with a high A average. She applied herself to her studies, and did excellent work. What a tribute to her character! Her studies were much broader than a traditional education entails, and her mind has been sharped by careful application to her school. She is bright and talented in so many ways. My sister is a beautiful young lady. Not only of face, but of heart. The beauty of her heart radiates from within, and can be seen by everyone around her. It gives her face a delicate glow that no one can ignore. Her gentleness and kindness wins hearts of adults and children alike, and continues to multiply itself as she lets God work in her life. I can hardly believe how time has flown, she is no longer a little girl. Having passed a tremendous milestone in her life there is the rest of her yet ahead...and I am anxious to see how the Lord will guide her steps as she goes forward.
Ah...my next younger brother...who is now taller than I. Despite being several years younger, he is several inches taller. The fascinating thing about his height, is that it is not just physical. For a 15 year old young man, his character and maturity far surpass his age. And in some ways, I feel as though he surpasses me as well. His work ethic, diligence, perseverance, integrity and leadership are tremendous. At 15, it has been many months since he concluded his work to gain the rank of Eagle Scout. The paperwork was slow in being processed, but finally came back. At 15, he is certainly not the oldest scout in his troop, but is currently in his second term as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth leadership position in the troop. He has been in leadership positions since 13, and is one the most well liked and definitely most admired young men in the troop. As his sister, I am blessed to have him as my brother. Despite the gap in years, he and I are very good friends. It is so encouraging to be able to try and copy him in the character that he has that surpasses me. God will do great things with this young man, my brother!!
My second younger brother...growing like a weed. And learning like one too. He is sharp and learns incredibly fast, well above his age and grade level. As he is just beginning his walk into adulthood, there is much that lies before him to be learned, conquered, treasured. As his older sister, I am honored to be able to watch him as he goes forward. It will be exciting to see how the Lord will continue to shape and mold him in the years to come.
There will be pictures here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
- Follow Us on Twitter!
- "Join Us on Facebook!
- RSS
Contact