The "Other World"

I'm reading A. W. Tozer's Pursuit of God, and just finished the chapter on Apprehending God   The chapter talks about understand God as a real personality, a reality, not just an ideal.  To begin to understand God in this manner, we have to accept the reality that there is another world out there, a spiritual world.   Tozer points out that the very root of Christianity lies in belief of a spiritual world, the invisible.  Yes, I know conservative, fundamentalist Christians tend to downplay the spiritual realm, but I don't understand why.  It was never really discussed when I was a child.  In fact, aside from talk about the Holy Spirit, I feel like I was actively discouraged from believing in another, spiritual, world.  I remember being told that while Satan exists, demons don't, or at least they don't affect us at all. They are unconcerned with Christians.  At least that is what I thought.  But now that I am older and wiser (?), I know that there is another world, a spiritual world.   It is very real.

 We live on two planes - one of them is this earthly world, the physical world that we are a part of; the world that we live, breath, eat, drink, work, play in.  But we also, as Christians, must be conscious of the "other world", the world where our souls are in touch with God.  That is the world where He speaks to us.  Yet at the same time, and this is what so many Christians want to deny, that world is also populated by evil. It's the same world where Satan and his host reside. Yes, I do believe that there is a spirit world out there that we cannot see, but certainly can know.  If our eyes were opened to that spiritual world, and we could really see what is going on, I do think that quite possibly it would be as the author Frank Peretti described - angels and demons

standing, watching. One waiting to jump on every opportunity to defeat and destroy, and one (Christ himself, in the form of the Holy Spirit) standing guard waiting to fight at our simple command.  That's the whole point of the armor of God. Why else are we instructed in Ephesians 6 to put on the armor of God, a spiritual armor, if we aren't in battle against spiritual forces? 

I thought of the hymn, Open My Eyes.  The author, Clara Scott, asks God to open her eyes to the truth that God has for her, to understand His will.  However, it's risky really asking God to open our eyes to the spiritual world.  I believe that when we do, we see the other things, the things that we don't want to see.  Yet Lord, I still pray that you will open my eyes.  If I am fully protected by His armor, then having my eyes opened to the spiritual realm is actually pretty exciting! 

Lord, help me put on your armor - the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, my feet covered with the gospel of peace, holding onto the shield of faith, with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.   Then, and only then, am I prepared to see the other world, and everything that it contains.  

Listen to a beautiful piano version of the hymn http://tinyurl.com/p6pke93

Interruptions - And God's Grace

We are creatures of habit. We all have habits that we preform automatically, without really even thinking about.  We get up about the same time, go about our business generally in the same order, drive to work using the same route, follow the same routine during our day, sit in the same pew at church, and get a little disoriented when our routine is interrupted by something. 

But life will often interrupt.  The little interruptions I can handle, it's the big interruptions - the bad news from a doctor, the phone call in the middle of the night, the computer network crashes (dealing with that at work for two weeks now!), the request for help from a daughter who is 2000 miles away and simply cannot write her paper alone - that force us to put our own agenda away and do what God has asked us to do.  I can't make it through them with out a bountiful amount of grace from Him, and He provides it in bushel baskets. 

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Words by Annie J. Flint

Pasted from <http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/g/hgmgrace.htm>

Taking things for Granted

This blog entry is not the most well-written one, but I want to post it anyhow because I feel it needs to be said.

I watched the I Stand Sunday  event yesterday, then saw this prompt in one of my books:  Think about the things that we take for granted that deserve our gratitude:

We have:  (in absolutely no particular order)

Clean air

Clean water

Abundant food available

Opportunities galore - to work, go to school, worship, come and go as we wish

Technology at our fingertips to explore the world

Our families

Electricity and running water

A roof over our heads

Schools for our children to attend and the right to educate them as we see fit

Freedom to travel across state lines without having to show "papers" at the whim of a government official

The freedom to worship God without fear that our doors are going to be rammed in and our pastor jailed

Many in other countries do not have these things that  Americans and we as Christians take for granted.   Think about those who live in refugee camps without even the most basic amenities.  Having worked with refugees and after attending the Refugee Roundtable this summer, the conditions they live in are severely lacking.  And we complain when our internet is slow?   There is a constant joke going around about "first world problems", I've even said it myself, but it does cause me to stop and think, and pray for those who are suffering.  We have medical care that is world renown.  Ebola may be a scare, but we can get treatment for it as soon as symptoms arise.  In other countries, they often have to wait until they are too far along, which contributes to the mortality rate.   We run to the doctor for the slightest sniffle.

I think of those who are in countries where the church is being persecuted on a daily basis. Those who have to meet huddled together, with someone watching out the window.  Those who cannot freely move about without fear of a bomb going off near them, or being kidnapped and killed because they are not the right faith.  Those moms who send their children off to school, not even knowing if they will see them again that night because of the on-going, constant war in their countries.  We have so much freedom, and have had it for so long that we assume it will always be this way. But we are in danger of losing some of those freedoms.  There are people here who would deprive us of the freedoms we possess.  With tomorrow being election day, if we want to preserve some of the freedoms, we must do our part.  

Freedom of speech.

Freedom to worship God how we want.

If you want to maintain those to, then you need to exercise the third:

Freedom to vote.

Please exercise that freedom tomorrow.

Crisis Management

Cry.

Momentarily immobilized.

Pray.

Brood. 

Fret. 

Worry. 

Talk, talk, talk ...........then talk some more.

Pray some more, crying out to God for help.   

 That's usually the pattern when I have a crisis to deal with. Eventually I get to the point where I can look at a crisis objectively, see exactly what the problem is and come up with a game plan to deal with it.  Usually after spending a lot of time praying for guidance, the steps become clear.  Sometimes the steps take  a very long time to complete, other times they can be completed quickly, with the crisis resolved; it all depends on the crisis. 

For example, I've dealt with some crises that did not lend themselves to quick resolutions.  They were big issues - a wayward child, a broken marriage.  Those kinds of crises require incremental steps.  Do this.  Now do this.  Then on to the next thing.  They often take years to resolve.  Those crises are taxing.  They take a toll on emotions, physical health, and can take a spiritual toll as well.   But it is in the middle of those crises that God reveals Himself and His character. Those are the times when the most spiritual growth occurs. 

I see God working the most when I am at my lowest. When the crises seem overwhelming, those are the times I cling to Him more than ever.  I think of Jeremiah, the weeping prophet.  He was dealing with a huge crisis,  the rejection of Yahweh by the nation of Israel, the fall of Jerusalem, captivity of the people.  The Jewish people were facing the consequences of their sin, which often is the reason most crises come.  This wasn't a crisis that was going to be resolved in a few short weeks/months/years. In fact, it has YET to be resolved.  But in the midst of his lament over God's judgment, he pens one of the most memorable passages in the Bible,  Lamentations 3:19-25 (NASB)

Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.

Surely my soul remembers

And is bowed down within me.

This I recall to my mind,

Therefore I have hope.

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,

To the person who seeks Him.

This is what I need to remember when dealing with a crisis.  The Lord is faithful, and his mercies are new every morning.  He will triumph over any crisis. 

Explain Love

My journal prompt today was a challenge.  How do you explain love to someone who has never experienced it?  Everyone has experienced love.  I would have once said that this is a true statement, but think immediately I think of children who have suffered abuse at the hands of those who should love them the most - their parents.  I'm not sure how I would describe love to them, it would have to be shown in real, tangible ways.  They need to know that they are cared for; spiritually, emotionally and physically.   They need to feel all three of those.  Emotional love  is shown by positive affirmation, even when they are doing something wrong.  They need to know they have worth even when they make mistakes or even intentionally disobey and sin.  Words of affirmation, along with a hug are so important. 

Physically they need to feel safe and have all their physical needs met - food, clothing and shelter.  Not exceeded, but basic needs met.  This doesn't mean they HAVE to have all the latest doo-dads; even the poorest child in the most poverty stricken nation feels love when their basic needs are met, combined emotional love.

Spiritually - they need to know that they have a heavenly Father who really, really does love them, so much that He sent His only son to die in his place.  Sometimes communicating this is difficult, especially if they are missing the other two.  And as long as I've been a Christian, I'm not sure I communicate this very well at all.  When they feel the Lord drawing them and the seed has been planted, they will understand this love. 


Wow, this part is a lot tougher.  How DO you explain the love of the Heavenly Father to someone who has never experienced it?  You can't use "christianese", they don't get it.  You can't just tell them God loves them, they don't see or understand it. You can't tell them all the stories in the Bible, they don't want to listen or have an argument for each and every one of them.  You have to live it.  It is through encounters with us, believers, that they experience the love of the Father.  A rather sobering thought to start today.  

Wow - three in one day - a new record for me :)  But I wanted to go ahead and put the recipe for chicken paprikash on here, since I mentioned it and several people have asked. So without further adieu:

Ingredients:

3 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt   1/4 cup butter 1 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces, with skin

1 medium onion, chopped 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup sour cream

Directions:

1.	Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups of flour to make a stiff batter. Using two spoons, scoop out some batter with one spoon and use the second to scrap off the spoonful of batter into the boiling water. Repeat until several dumplings are cooking. Cook dumplings for 10 minutes or until they float to the top; then lift from the water and drain in a colander or sieve. Rinse with warm water.
2.	In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add chicken; cook until lightly browned, turning once. Add onion to skillet and cook 5 to 8 minutes more. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper; cook 10 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
3.	Stir 2 tablespoons of flour into sour cream; then slowly stir into the onion mixture remaining in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened.
4.	To serve, add dumplings to the sour cream/onion mixture, then spoon onto dinner plates adding a piece of chicken.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2014 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 10/4/2014

My variation is to use boneless, skinless breasts and add chicken bullion to the broth for more flavor.  For the dumplings, make them pretty small and they will turn out much better. This is a great freezer meal, and it's even better the second time! Oh, and if you can get hot paprika, go for it, but be careful unless you really want it HOT! ;) 

An error :(

I realized while reading the blog over that I made it sound like the other people in my office do not care how they dress. That is absolutely not true. Without putting my foot even further into my mouth, suffice it to say I'm sorry, I did not intend for the statement to read like it does.  I enjoy finally having a job where I can dress in something nicer than shleppy clothes. So if you read my other blog, please read this one as well and know that blogging still has a learning curve for me!  I usually write, walk away and come back to re-read, then post. Today I didn't and I regret it.  So my apologies!

Random! Clothing, food, and the ministry of John the Baptist

Since this blog is about totally random stuff, today's blog will have three totally random, unrelated topics!

First, I'm posting the frivolous blogs. The more serious one will be last. :)

I'm using two different books as blog prompts,  365 Days of Writing Prompts, published by Word Press and 412 Journaling Exercises and Prompts, part of a bundle by Meredith Lane.  Some of them are quite silly, but a lot of them prompt some heavy thinking.  Both of the prompts today did inspire blogs :)

First one asked the question: How important are clothes to you? Describe your style, if you have one, and tell us how appearance impacts how you feel about yourself.

Interesting that this should be a blog prompt.  I've been thinking about my style lately, now that I'm working almost full time, in an office where I believe image counts and Dick does desire that I dress appropriately, even if others in the office don't.  What is my style?  I think it's developed into a more business casual, classic look.  I usually wear dress pants, a t-shirt, necklace and shrug or tunic length sweater.  While my current foot ware is still Birkenstocks, I'm looking at shoes that are a little dressier, but because of my foot issues, I want them to be comfortable as well, so I'm on the hunt for a pair that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

I have found since starting this job that I do feel much better about myself when I'm dressed up.  I have much more confidence than when I'm dressed like a shlub.  I have grown weary of jeans and a t-shirt, no makeup, sloppy hair.  Now that I'm working I have a reason to dress nicer, be better groomed all the time.  It does make a difference in how I feel. I'm more confident, and considering the extra weight I'm carrying around, looking nicer certainly helps me feel better about myself, and has given me some incentive to work harder at getting rid of the weight!

The second prompt was to describe your favorite home-cooked meal.

I'm having one of those today for Amanda's going away!  When we were kids, one of our favorite dishes was Chicken Paprikash.  Even today, if I post on Facebook that I'm making it, I'll have comments from my aunt, cousin, sister, nieces and nephew!  I finally found a recipe that I can make without goofing the dumplings and turning them into a mass of dough.  Since Amanda loves it, even though its too warm for it, I'll make it tonight to accommodate her :)   (You can find the version I like at allrecipes.com. It's the one by Erin Webster. The link is http://tinyurl.com/l6rw8n5) 

Finally, the serious one.  I'm reading through the Bible chronologically, and today's reading was chapter 3 of Matthew and Luke, and Mark, chapter 1.  All three of the chapters are chronicling the ministry of John the Baptist in the months before Jesus revealed himself.  He was preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in preparation for what they thought was the coming judgment.  He was preparing the people for the coming Savior, although they didn't necessarily understand it at that point.

Some of those who came were the Sadducees and Pharisees.  John asked them who had warned them of the coming wrath, who told them they needed to be baptized?  My suspicions (not based on any scripture, just my gut feeling) is that while a number of them were truly repentant and wanting to repent and walk in closer fellowship with God, some  were merely going through the motions, in an effort to show others how holy they were.    John pointed out that going through the motions would not save them from wrath - they had to show real repentance.

The same is true for us today. We can't just go through the motions of church membership, the motions of baptism and communion, but our lives need to reflect the heart change that has occurred. If our faith is not revealed in our actions, then there is legitimate reason to doubt our salvation. Not only for us to doubt it, but what about others?  No one, except God,  can judge the heart, but they certainly can see a changed life. What are others seeing when they look at me?

*The credits - because, you know, it's right to give credit where it's due:

 

The Editors, WordPress.com. 365 Days of Writing Prompts (Kindle Locations 698-699). 

Lane, Meredith (2014-04-05). The Personal Growth Bundle: Featuring Personal Growth and Healing through Journaling, 412 Journaling Exercises and Prompts, and Healing Your Inner Child through Affirmations (Kindle Locations 1225-1226). Kindle Edition.

Chapters 3 and 4 of Overcoming Sin

    Well, blogging is proving much more difficult now that I'm working 28 hours a week.  I have to guard my time much more, and two nights a week I'm not at home at all.  I have been reading the book by John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation,  as I explained in my first blog on this subject, and while I'm behind on writing, I am keeping up with the reading.  I am praying that I adjust soon and can get back to blogging more regularly. 
   
    Chapters 3 and 4 were about the role of the Holy Spirit in mortifying sin.  So often as believers we feel that we have to do everything under our own power, totally forgetting that we do nothing, especially with regard to escaping sin, without the empowering of the Holy Spirit.  Chapter 3 reminded me of that.  John Owen points out that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to resist sin.  As we mature as believers, growing in the Spirit, we exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit  - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - those character traits that are evidence to others that we belong to Christ.   This working of the Holy Spirit is what allows us to mortify sin.  The Spirit convicts us when we do sin, sometimes allowing real, physical pain to come.
   
    I've see this convicting power of the Holy Spirit in action in the life of my daughter. She was knowingly walking in complete disobedience, and suffering several medically unexplainable physical issues.  Visit after visit to the doctor provided no relief.  Finally, the day came when we talked about yet another doctor visit, and I pointed out that maybe there really wasn't anything physically wrong, but maybe, just maybe, God was trying to get her attention.  She pondered it for a few months, and when she finally repented, her symptoms all but disappeared.  Now this young woman is venturing out in obedience to God by leaving in a few short days for full time missions training.  Her faith and trust in God has increased and the turn around is nothing short of amazing.  God certainly is working in her life.  She learned the result of letting the Holy Spirit work in her life to mortify sin. 

Milestones.  We all have them - certain birthdays, graduations, marriage, childbirth, moves.  For most people, they arrive in a specific order.  The major birthdays (at least in our family) - 10, 13, 16, 18, 21 - are predictable and celebrated for what they are - a change from one phase of life to the next.  Generally, after high school would come college, graduation, marriage, career and/or children, retirement.  My life, however, has taken some interesting diversions from that path.

For starters, when I graduated from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I wasn't planning on college, since I had been discouraged from even exploring that option because my high school experience was, well, less than stellar.  So I started working at Fireman's Fund of America, an insurance company in Cleveland, Ohio.  I was a file clerk. Yippee. It was a job I quickly tired of, so I started looking at something different.  My brother was in the Air Force at the time, so I decided to explore that option.  Talks with recruiters, physicals, tests, taking the oath of office, and soon I was on my way to Lackland Air Force Base.  I trained as an administrative specialist (file clerk!) at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, then moved to Omaha, Nebraska.  I worked in a vault, in the basement of the Strategic Air Command Headquarters, doing administrative work for a team that gave classified briefings. 

Boredom set in, as we only worked when there was a briefing to present, about once every 10 days or so.  So, I looked for other opportunities.  I heard that I could cross train into the legal field, and put in my application.  Approval meant another trip to Biloxi, Mississippi for more training, and I returned to Omaha as a paralegal specialist. 

While I was in the military, there was another milestone - marriage.  I married my first husband within 4 months of meeting him.  I would say we rushed into it, with little to no marriage counseling, and had that been different, then things would likely have turned out differently. But that is another story for another time. 

Milestones continued - more children, health issues, an overseas move and back, getting out of the military, starting college, moving cross country, working, then not.  Then came a move to Washington DC, where a significant milestone, which I have written previously about, came - and that was divorce and having to find my way alone again.  But God provided in so many ways, leading to yet another milestone - a move to Arizona.

Life here was fairly normal, as normal as you can get in a blended family.  After all the kids graduated (a milestone for them!), and I puttered around for two years, I decided to finally reach the milestone I hadn't yet - college.  I graduated this year from Liberty University (also written about previously), and just this past week reached yet another milestone - I started a job as an administrative assistant to the worship pastor at our church.  This, to me, is a significant milestone. I've wanted to work in full time ministry for as long as I can remember.   It hasn't been a reality until now.  My prayer is that I will not disappoint the Lord, but do well to represent him and the church in everything I do. 

Milestones.  There are only a few remaining.  I have grand children, so that milestone is checked off.  Next comes retirement for Tom and only the Lord knows what that is going to bring. 

Challenges and Growth

Every year, every day is an opportunity for growth. If I can't look back a year and see growth, or a change, then what have I been doing this entire year?  Spinning my wheels?  I can read back through my journal entries and see where I have grown, and how that has made me a different person. 

To begin with, I have increased my reading. I was somewhat sporadic before, but I've been much more consistent in my daily Quiet Time with the Lord.  I'm not necessarily writing out all my prayers as I did earlier this year, which I do need to get back to.  Sometimes, I'll admit, that's difficult when I'm writing the exact same thing from day to day.  The prayers haven't changed much.  They are pretty much the same as always for my children:  additional support and spiritual growth for Amanda, wisdom in relationships, spiritual growth, and career guidance for Matt, a return to the Lord for Dianna and wisdom in finances and raising children for Chuck and Jodie.  Those have been my prayers for a long time for them, changing as a specific need arises.

I’m also reading other books a lot more. I’m sure some of that was prompted by the constant reading I was doing while taking classes, but I’ve kind of forced myself to continue reading. I really am trying to get to the point where I am constantly reading a good, edifying non-fiction, or a fiction book that serves the purpose of providing a comfortable escape.  I’m also reading to challenge myself, either academically, or challenge my thinking on certain topics.  My current reading list is pretty broad: Missions in the 21st Century, by Tom Telford – an assigned reading for the Missions Committee; Kate Megill’s book Silver Threads, Weaving Godly Wisdom Into the Lives of Younger Women;  Overcoming Sin and Temptation, an ancient text by John Owen, which I’m reading as part of a blog challenge; and finally, From Good to Great, by Chip Ingram. 

I’ve been interviewing for a job.  It’s a different job setting than I’ve ever been in before, since it’s in a church.  In all my other jobs, they highly valued being task-oriented, so I’ve been trained to think that way. That the job is #1, getting it finished is much more important than anything else.  People skills were important, but not as high (in the positions I held) as staying focused on completing assignments.  In this job, the opposite is true.  I hope I communicated well enough that I can relate to people, but for so long I’ve had to focus on the job at hand that it may take me a bit to get my mind re-set!  It’s rather scary being under the microscope of a job interview once again, and thinking of the BEST answer AFTER I leave, of course.   Getting this job will certainly offer more opportunities for growth, in so many ways. 

I found an interesting quote by Gary Busey, who I wouldn’t normally go to for quotes, but this one is so very true right now:  “You know what 'FAILING' stands for? It stands for 'Finding An Important Lesson, Inviting Needed Growth.'” * I’ve failed so many times, but I’ve seen lots and lots of growth.  

I’ll close with this quote from John Maxwell:  Success is due to our stretching to the challenges of life. Failure comes when we shrink from them.  **
Lord, help me face, not shrink from the challenges ahead of me.

*http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/growth.html#BWhMx5zvuJOyyVyR.99
**http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johncmaxw600864.html#D8DVafgUsyFhzraa.99

Overcoming Sin, Chapter 1

This blog series will be slightly different, and more academic, than my other blogs. I have joined with others reading the book, Overcoming Sin and Temptation, by John Owen.  Tim Challies, a pastor, author, and blogger at Challies.com, challenged his followers to read and comment on this classic volume.  It is a little intimidating, but I am up for the adventure.  I am looking forward to discover how it will challenge, encourage and inspire me. 

I am reading the free PDF version. (Available here:) It contains three parts, The Necessity of Mortification, The Nature of Mortification, and The Means of Mortification.  The PDF also includes two other works of Owen’s, Of Temptation, the Nature and Power of It, and Indwelling Sin. 

I read the introduction and all the preface material first. And I am glad I did.  It contained a wealth of information, frequently overlooked in a rush to get to the meat of the book.  Justin Taylor, one of the co-editors of the version that I am reading, wrote the overview.  His overview includes a synopsis of the work, including nine “directions for the soul”.  These directions alone are a very good tool to use in examining my life.  I am interested in reading further to see how they are developed in the second part of the book, so even if this particular exercise ends after the first part, I do intend to continue reading.  It may take some time to digest, but I suspect it will be well worth it.

The first chapter lays the foundation for the remainder of the book.  Owen describes five foundations on which he is going to build his thesis:

1. A duty prescribed: “Mortify the deeds of the body.”

2. The persons denoted to whom it is prescribed: “You”—“if you mortify.”

3. A promise annexed to that duty: “You shall live.”

4. The cause or means of the performance of this duty—the Spirit: “If you through the Spirit.”

5. The conditionality of the whole proposition, wherein duty, means, and promise are contained: “If you,” etc. [1]

Challies noted in his article about this first chapter the same things that I did, so I will not repeat them.  I have to agree that it is impossible to die to my sins without the help of the Holy Spirit.  I know I can’t do it on my own. I’ve tried, and failed far too often. 

I’m looking forward to the next chapter. 

---

[1]Owen, John. Overcoming Sin and Temptation: Three Classic works by John Owen. Edited by Kelly M. Kapic and Justin Taylor. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2006.

What's in a Name?

If you look at my profile, you may think that my name is Teri.  However, my given name is actually Teresia (and yes, that is spelled correctly.)  The story goes that my grandmother suggested my name in honor of St. Theresa, and my mother, who's name was Julia, thought since they sounded the same, they must be spelled the same.  So, instead of the common spellings of Teresa and Theresa, I became Teresia.  I thought I was the only one who spelled it that way, but I have met at least two others who spell it the same way, one of which pronounces it the same as I do, and one who pronounces it with an emphasis on the ia.  I have since discovered that my spelling isn't all that uncommon, in fact it is listed in www.behindthenames.com as a Swedish variation.  And no, my mom isn't Swedish - she's English/Scotch/Irish/Cherokee/Jewish/maybe a little German… (in other words, a Heinz 57.  I can't claim to be "Something-American", I'm just plain ole American.

I know the common meaning of my name, but I'm not sure exactly what it MEANS.  Does it mean that I bring summertime into people's lives?  Summertime, which generally means freedom, vacations, relaxation, respite?  Is it summer harvest?  Things that are harvested in the summer include primarily good things - yummy fruits and vegetables. I really have no idea! 

I researched a little bit about St. Theresa.  There are actually five figures known as St. Theresa.  Of course,

there is the most famous, Mother Teresa.  Her story is well known and she is held in high regard by nearly everyone.  She saw beyond classes, beyond color, beyond race, beyond status and simply saw people who needed help. 

The other prominent St. Theresa (and the one that I was told I was named after) is the saint that was sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in his Ecstasy of St. Theresa.  This St. Therese was a 16th century mystic, known for experiencing visions of Christ.  I'm not Catholic, but I did find the write up of her on the American Catholic website to be informative and interesting.  She wasn't a quiet, reserved, retiring nun, but was something of a reformer who was acquainted with suffering. I do like some of the character traits that are listed about her, and hope that I exhibit some of the same: 

Beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, affectionate, courageous, enthusiastic, she was totally human. Like Jesus, she was a mystery of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet much in tune with her experience; a mystic, yet an energetic reformer. A holy woman, a womanly woman. *

Even though I'm not a Roman Catholic, both of these women epitomize the fruit of the Spirit that I am praying is being developed in me -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  Does my life reflect the name that I claim - that of Christ?  That's more important than anything else.  

*http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1169

Am I Patriotic?

   "I  do solemnly swear  that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."*

I took this oath when I joined the Air Force and each time I reenlisted.  To me, joining the military was the epitome of patriotism.  I still get chills when I watch a military parade, hear the National Anthem, observe the military honor guard at Arlington or a military funeral, visit the monuments to the fallen in Washington DC.  I love songs such as God Bless America, America the Beautiful, This Land is Your Land, God Bless the USA, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

However recently I've been rethinking patriotism, at least how it seems to be understood and practiced, especially by Christians.  At the refugee conference this summer, one of the speakers challenged my thinking on this very subject.  To whom is our first loyalty? God? Or Country?  Too many in Evangelical Christianity  elevate country above God.  Right now, our country is straying very far from God.  We are embracing sin as normal, we are persecuting those in our country who hold to Biblical truth.  Our highest offices in the land are violating the Constitution at every turn, and not being held accountable.  

Do I love my country?  Absolutely.  I still think this is the best country on earth. We have been blessed beyond measure, but I feel that the days of blessing are rapidly drawing to a close.  Even though the prophesy I've been reading the past several weeks is specifically about Israel, Judah and Jerusalem, I cannot  help but see it as directed towards us as well.  It is at the same time scary and exciting.  Scary because unless our loved ones who are walking in outright rebellion to God repent, they will suffer tremendous consequences, and exciting because it means that the Lord's return is imminent.

So, am I patriotic?  Yes, but. My loyalty is to God first. 

 *<http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/oathofenlist.htm>

Music Box

One of the favorite movies from my childhood was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  I'm sure you are familiar with it, it was made in 1968 and tells the story of an inventor who's inventions have failed over and over again. He doesn't give up, he's only momentarily discouraged, until his children stumble upon this wonderful car.  After he restores it, they are transported to a horrible land where children are outlawed.   His children are taken captive, and Caracatus and Truly must rescue them.  In order to do so, they disguise themselves as life-size music boxes.  It is at this point that Caracatus discovers that he has fallen in love with Truly, and while she is singing as the music box, yearning for the time when she will be free, he's echoing her words by telling him how much he loves her already, and that she just needs to see that to be free. 

How may times am I like Truly, standing, turning, locked on a music box of my own making while the One who loves me is longing to set me free?  

Travels......

What’s your favorite part about visiting a new place — the food? The architecture? The people watching?

The Colosseum.

The Ancient Ruins.  The Roman Circus.  Trevi Fountain.  The Spanish Steps. The Vatican and all her museums. The people - oh the people! Masses and masses of them, on every street.   The variety of clothing that those in service to the Catholic church wear, depending on their Order.  The ceremonial clothing of the Swiss Guards.   The food!  Stopping every block and sampling gelato, wine, pizza.  Those are my impressions of Rome.   Those are the images that come to mind when I think of visiting that great city. 

Then on to another ancient city - Florence! 

David in all his glory, both in the square and in the museum.  All the Renaissance art - every where you turned.  Walking through the Uffuzi, and being impressed with the fact that, yes, I DID remember some art history.  I was impressed by the arrangement of the museum; you could see the development of art throughout the centuries.  If I could go back and soak it all in for a long time, I would. 

Paris - Oh Paris.  Beautiful city.

Instead of gelato shops, there were crepe shops on every corner.  Of course, there is the most famous structure - the Eiffel Tower.  Then there are the Boulangerie -the French bakeries with all the wonderful pastries!   And of course the  beautiful cathedrals of Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame

The Louvre, with its incredible art; the Pompedieu Museum with its modern art.  So very much to see and absorb that four short days were not nearly enough. 

So, my answer to the question - yes, all of the above!  

Fly on the Wall

I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the Upper Room when Jesus was with his disciples.  Just to be able to sit at his feet, learning and hearing all that he had to share, and seeing and hearing the reactions of the disciples.  The thing is, I don’t have to wish for this.  I am blessed to sit at His feet every day absorbing the truths of Scripture, and He is present with me, but to be able to sit at his physical feet, what would I do?  There are so many questions I would (and do) ask him. 

·         Why is Dianna still so far away?  She knows you and knows the truth, yet seems so—indifferent. That terrifies me. 

·         How do I reach out to the lost and hurting in my family who are so very angry that they are denying Your existence?   The reality is that they know who you are, yet refuse to acknowledge you because of the depth of pain at the hands of those who claimed to be Christians.  Lord, please heal their hurts and draw them back to you.

·         How do you want me to serve you?  Am I serving in the ministries you want me to?

·         What does the future hold for Amanda?  For Matthew?  For Abby and Ian?

·         When are you going to return?

o    Yes, I know the answer to this one: 

He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”   (Acts 1:7-8  The Message) 

Lord, I need that power now to be a witness to you.  Please fill me with your power and strength for today.  

Traveling

I'm working through a journal prompt book on my Kindle,  365 Days of Writing Prompts, published by WordPress.com. Today's prompt is Tell us about the farthest you’ve ever traveled from home.  It did start me thinking....

Home. Where is home? Is it where I live now? Is it where I grew up?  

Home is where I am.  Right now, home is Tucson, Arizona.  This house has actually been home longer than any other place.  I've lived in Tucson for almost 14 years, 13 years in this house.  I've never lived any where else quite as long.  True, I lived in the Dayton area for a total of 17 years, with an 18 month interruption for our time in California, but not in the same house.   There are good and not-so-good memories of that time.  So, at times Dayton and Fairborn, Ohio are home.

Home when I was a child was Cleveland.  That's where I grew up and lived until I was 18 and joined the military. However, we lived in several different locations in Cleveland as well.  The first I remember was our house on Hall Avenue in Lakewood.  

From there we moved to Cleveland Heights, 

which was the last place I lived in Cleveland.  

Mom and Dad moved to Beechwood, but that was never home for me.

In reality, the answer is essentially the same for both. I've traveled to Hawaii - farthest away from Cleveland, and I've traveled to Italy, the farthest away from Tucson.  But when I think of my travels, I realize how much more I want to travel before the ability to do so is gone. I've been to Portugal, where we lived when Chuck was born. We went to England for a week, but just stayed in London.  On that trip, we also went to Germany, but because we were in transit, we didn't see much.

Since marrying Tom, we've gone to Italy and Hawaii together.  I went to Paris with Becky.  There are still so many places I want to go.  I want to go to Africa, and that chance may still be coming. I do envy Amanda her amazing experience last year in Sierra Leone. I want to go to Greece.  After seeing all the history and culture in Italy, this is the next historical place I really want to explore.  I want to go back to Italy - there is so much to see there and we barely touched the surface.  I want to see Pompeii, the Cinque de Terre, the Almafi Coast.  I want to explore the mountain villages in Switzerland. I want to see the castles in Germany.  I want to spend a lot of time in Great Britain. 

There is so much world out there to explore. Will I ever be able to see any of it, other than vicariously?  That question will have to wait for an answer.  

(I wanted to post some more pictures, but I'm having technical issues. Ugh. Sometimes technology is a bugger!) 

Nature

I am always impressed exploring and spending time in nature.  I can't say I remember the first memorable time - likely it was hikes and picnics at Squire's Castle.

 I am in awe of nature, especially at night when we are camping in the White Mountains - there's no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way clearly. 

http://greercabinkeepersaz.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/
Stargazing-in-Greer-AZ-Dave-Stocketts-Family-vacation-300x199.jpg

It is then that I look up at the sky and marvel at God's creation and remember Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.    And Romans 1:20 comes to mind:  For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.  

Given the choice, I prefer to be in the forest, or the beach - in nature in other words, than in the midst of the city.  The city is nice, and has its points, but for refreshing and relaxing with the Lord; you need to be surrounded by His creation, where you have no other distractions and hear Him speak to you in a still, small voice.