THE HUG
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
Things are tense.
Our infant son had been up all night. My wife's eyes (along with the rest of her) were weary. My oldest son, the five-year-old, wasn't feeling his best either. He was slow getting ready for school.He understandably didn't feel like going. It was just one of those mornings.
You know the type.
As I drove him to school, he was quiet. When parents are tense and tired, the children feel it.They know by word and gesture when their acts and attitudes are less tolerated. After being fussed at, he was sullen. It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
I walked him to his classroom as usual.He walked in, removed his coat and hung it up. I usually give my son a hug before I leave him in class.I knew today he really needed a big hug, and maybe so did I. He came forward with his arms outstretched. I bowed down,clasped my arms around him, closed my eyes and hugged him tight. Normally, I would only hug him for two or three seconds but on this morning, I held him tight as the seconds ticked by like dashed lines on the highway. All of a sudden, I felt him get heavier. Still clinging to my son, I opened my eyes. I understood why he had gotten heavier. His feet were off the ground. He had curled his legs up and his heels were only inches away from his backside.
He clung. I clung.
Sometimes in life no words are needed. As he folded his legs up and trusted his father to carry all of his weight, he didn't get heavier to my spirit. I actually felt lighter. It was a ritual repeated countless times through countless years from countless parents to countless children. The touch and embrace between a parent and a child, make them both feel more secure. It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
This is just a little story I read that makes us all realize how important a hug is to us....no matter the age of our children.
Hug your children....especially on 'those' days....you know the type!
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Just Call Me Martha...
REST, NOT RUSH By J. Grant Swank, Jr.
May 27, 2007
☼
Much of the so-called Christian endeavor is spent in movement. Ask Martha, she was one of the first movers--tea cups, sugar, creamer and cookies on the tray for Jesus and Mary. Don't forget the guest napkins. It all had to be "so."
Much of the so-called Christian endeavor is spent in movement. Ask Martha, she was one of the first movers--tea cups, sugar, creamer and cookies on the tray for Jesus and Mary. Don't forget the guest napkins. It all had to be "so."
☼
Yet much of what God would want from His children of grace is not movement. It is resting, listening, waiting--all of which is warred against by the so-called "Protestant ethic"--also by our own obsessive-compulsive natures.
Yet much of what God would want from His children of grace is not movement. It is resting, listening, waiting--all of which is warred against by the so-called "Protestant ethic"--also by our own obsessive-compulsive natures.
☼
The Christian community usually defines the most notable laypersons within each congregation as those who are up-and-doing: Marthas aplenty. We give them plaques. We engrave their names into metal. We recite their pedigrees in public forums.
The Christian community usually defines the most notable laypersons within each congregation as those who are up-and-doing: Marthas aplenty. We give them plaques. We engrave their names into metal. We recite their pedigrees in public forums.
☼
Yet what is it that God is desiring from those within His family? Is not God standing by for those who are resting and nesting in Him?
Yet what is it that God is desiring from those within His family? Is not God standing by for those who are resting and nesting in Him?
☼
Today, why don't you try resting nesting for a needed change to your spiritual pace and excellence?
Today, why don't you try resting nesting for a needed change to your spiritual pace and excellence?
☼
Start by resting in this very moment. Ask God what He wants to say to you right now. He may say nothing. That is fine, for silence is communication, too.
Start by resting in this very moment. Ask God what He wants to say to you right now. He may say nothing. That is fine, for silence is communication, too.
☼
Yet as you proceed throughout this day--resting nesting--you will find the Spirit nudging, whispering, taking your life's arm to move you to the right, then to the left. Sometimes He will simply instruct you kindly to stop, halt, do nothing but heed.
Yet as you proceed throughout this day--resting nesting--you will find the Spirit nudging, whispering, taking your life's arm to move you to the right, then to the left. Sometimes He will simply instruct you kindly to stop, halt, do nothing but heed.
☼
As you approach noontime, you will discover that you are not as frazzled as usual. The tray of tea cups, creamer and sugar with cookies will not be as cumbersome as it usually is.
As you approach noontime, you will discover that you are not as frazzled as usual. The tray of tea cups, creamer and sugar with cookies will not be as cumbersome as it usually is.
☼
When you have a very close friend, what do you really need from that individual? Yes, you do thank that one for helping you lug the picnic table and benches to the side of the house. You do appreciate his shoveling the snow last December, especially when you were ill and could not do the chore yourself.
When you have a very close friend, what do you really need from that individual? Yes, you do thank that one for helping you lug the picnic table and benches to the side of the house. You do appreciate his shoveling the snow last December, especially when you were ill and could not do the chore yourself.
☼
But what you really need from that one is his willingness to wait with you through the tough times, listening to your irrational spoutings and not lecturing you when you are not your best.
You also need her to double over in laughter at some harmless prank, to share a dream or psyche out your unreasonable exploits in plotting a job change.
But what you really need from that one is his willingness to wait with you through the tough times, listening to your irrational spoutings and not lecturing you when you are not your best.
You also need her to double over in laughter at some harmless prank, to share a dream or psyche out your unreasonable exploits in plotting a job change.
☼
You need your close friend for his friendship. You need her simply because she is there.
So it is with God and you.
You need your close friend for his friendship. You need her simply because she is there.
So it is with God and you.
☼
You need God for His companionship, not simply to save your soul from hell or give you some intellectual insight from the Psalms.
You need God for His companionship, not simply to save your soul from hell or give you some intellectual insight from the Psalms.
☼
God also needs you for your companionship, not simply to serve as usher on Sundays or chaperone the teens to church summer camp.
God also needs you for your companionship, not simply to serve as usher on Sundays or chaperone the teens to church summer camp.
☼
Then the best way to learn companionship is resting nesting--settling into the moment with God. It is not at all easy at first for most of us are used to professing "Christian" while still maneuvering our own ways, especially in the name of "religion" or "church work".
Then the best way to learn companionship is resting nesting--settling into the moment with God. It is not at all easy at first for most of us are used to professing "Christian" while still maneuvering our own ways, especially in the name of "religion" or "church work".
☼
However, when we determine to focus on the resting nesting, then we will that perspective to become The Lifestyle. Such indeed is possible. In fact, scores of unobtrusive soul-liberated believers have discovered it to be the secret to victorious Christian living.
However, when we determine to focus on the resting nesting, then we will that perspective to become The Lifestyle. Such indeed is possible. In fact, scores of unobtrusive soul-liberated believers have discovered it to be the secret to victorious Christian living.
☼
In The Letter to the Hebrews, the Spirit offers us a "rest for the people of God."
How many in your church experience that rest? Do you?
In The Letter to the Hebrews, the Spirit offers us a "rest for the people of God."
How many in your church experience that rest? Do you?
☼
Time is moving on, and you with it. It is time then to get hold of that gift--resting nesting in God. It is time to sit at the feet of Jesus while keeping your eyes open in congested traffic. It is time to learn how to hear that still, small voice even when typing the computer keyboard.
It is time to unwind, to put away the scoreboard on how many hours you have clocked in church work, to be done with "doing your own thing" in the name of "being notable Christian."
It is time. It is time to get into His time.
Time is moving on, and you with it. It is time then to get hold of that gift--resting nesting in God. It is time to sit at the feet of Jesus while keeping your eyes open in congested traffic. It is time to learn how to hear that still, small voice even when typing the computer keyboard.
It is time to unwind, to put away the scoreboard on how many hours you have clocked in church work, to be done with "doing your own thing" in the name of "being notable Christian."
It is time. It is time to get into His time.
☼
He is waiting there by your door. Let Him in. Then sit by His side. He is calling you to rest awhile, to nest awhile.
He is waiting there by your door. Let Him in. Then sit by His side. He is calling you to rest awhile, to nest awhile.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Keep On Keeping On!
I found this article the other day and thought about the many people who work diligently in their towns to make them better places to live. I want to dedicate Rev. Wicker's article to all volunteers who persevere in their efforts to improve their community.
Do good anyway!
By: Rev. Les Wicker
02/28/2007
Some years ago I came across The Ten Paradoxical Commandments for Leadership. Over the years I have tucked these commandments away for safe-keeping, but , from time-to-time, bring them out and reread them, as they always are a source of strength and focus. Anyone who has ever devoted himself/herself to a good cause, or sought to make things better for the people in his/her sphere of influence, understands the need to rise above the criticism of small minds and destructive people.
♫
The progress of humankind was never accomplished by naysayers. Most every great effort of whatever nature was thwarted by those who said it could not be done and threw their stones.
♫
The good in the world has often been accomplished in the face of horrific opposition, and indeed, history has recorded its martyrs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sometimes even a kind word or compassionate gesture is met with resistance and suspicion.
♫
The challenge is always to rise above negativity, disapproval, and cynicism. It is not easy to go against the current, or to be shot down when one's motive is worthy or noble. The temptation is to throw in the towel and adopt an attitude of "What's the use?" But true leaders never allow negativity to get the upper hand. The good never wins by surrendering heart, soul or purpose.
♫
That is why one must always push on for truth, push on for a good cause and push on for what is right. In the eyes of the world, such a one may or may not wear a laurel, but in one's heart of hearts, s/he knows what integrity and truth are all about. May you anchor your life in these paradoxical commandments of leadership:
1 People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2 If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3 If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4 The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5 Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6 The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7 People favor the underdogs but follow only the top dogs. Fight for the underdogs anyway.
8 What you spend years building maybe destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9 People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.
10 Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
Do good anyway!
By: Rev. Les Wicker
02/28/2007
Some years ago I came across The Ten Paradoxical Commandments for Leadership. Over the years I have tucked these commandments away for safe-keeping, but , from time-to-time, bring them out and reread them, as they always are a source of strength and focus. Anyone who has ever devoted himself/herself to a good cause, or sought to make things better for the people in his/her sphere of influence, understands the need to rise above the criticism of small minds and destructive people.
♫
The progress of humankind was never accomplished by naysayers. Most every great effort of whatever nature was thwarted by those who said it could not be done and threw their stones.
♫
The good in the world has often been accomplished in the face of horrific opposition, and indeed, history has recorded its martyrs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sometimes even a kind word or compassionate gesture is met with resistance and suspicion.
♫
The challenge is always to rise above negativity, disapproval, and cynicism. It is not easy to go against the current, or to be shot down when one's motive is worthy or noble. The temptation is to throw in the towel and adopt an attitude of "What's the use?" But true leaders never allow negativity to get the upper hand. The good never wins by surrendering heart, soul or purpose.
♫
That is why one must always push on for truth, push on for a good cause and push on for what is right. In the eyes of the world, such a one may or may not wear a laurel, but in one's heart of hearts, s/he knows what integrity and truth are all about. May you anchor your life in these paradoxical commandments of leadership:
1 People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2 If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3 If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4 The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5 Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6 The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7 People favor the underdogs but follow only the top dogs. Fight for the underdogs anyway.
8 What you spend years building maybe destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9 People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.
10 Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Going To The Garden
This week is going to be incredibly busy…. not having much time for ye olde computre. I decided that my previous ’woe is me’ post should be moved on down the line. If I have to leave my blog for an extended period of time, I at least want to have the current post to be something worthwhile for someone who may be ‘dropping by for a visit.’
The very best thing I could ever post is another poem by my favorite Christian poet, Sheila Gosney.
Have a good week. Let's all form a habit of going to the garden!
How often do we lay out a request before the Father
in desperation, to declare what we need.
In passion we pray for the first several days
like a gardener out planting seeds.
But we easily become discouraged when God doesn't move
and respond at the speed we desire.
So we give up & stop praying...stop seeking His answers
and stop believing in His wisdom and fire.
But no gardener would ever lay seeds in his garden
without returning to the garden each day.
Such is the pattern we must follow in faith
to move forward and constantly pray.
We must keep coming back to pray in the garden
where by faith we believe He is there.
And we weep in surrender to create the very water
that nourishes the seeds of our prayers.
And just as the gardener believes something will grow
and push up from the dark soil of earth.
So we also believe God is working unseen
and hears our prayers for all they are worth.
Great faith is built in the process of waiting
where the heart melts in communion each day.
For the patience of the gardener is rewarded in time
...and so are we when we press through & pray.
© Sheila Gosney
Prayer was an integral part of Jesus' life on earth,
in the passage below Jesus is praying for all believers.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The very best thing I could ever post is another poem by my favorite Christian poet, Sheila Gosney.
Have a good week. Let's all form a habit of going to the garden!
Come Back To The Garden Of Prayer
How often do we lay out a request before the Father
in desperation, to declare what we need.
In passion we pray for the first several days
like a gardener out planting seeds.
But we easily become discouraged when God doesn't move
and respond at the speed we desire.
So we give up & stop praying...stop seeking His answers
and stop believing in His wisdom and fire.
But no gardener would ever lay seeds in his garden
without returning to the garden each day.
Such is the pattern we must follow in faith
to move forward and constantly pray.
We must keep coming back to pray in the garden
where by faith we believe He is there.
And we weep in surrender to create the very water
that nourishes the seeds of our prayers.
And just as the gardener believes something will grow
and push up from the dark soil of earth.
So we also believe God is working unseen
and hears our prayers for all they are worth.
Great faith is built in the process of waiting
where the heart melts in communion each day.
For the patience of the gardener is rewarded in time
...and so are we when we press through & pray.
© Sheila Gosney
Prayer was an integral part of Jesus' life on earth,
in the passage below Jesus is praying for all believers.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I'm Inspired...All Over Again!
In October of 2005, soon after beginning my blog “For Love of Home”, a friend directed me to another blog he had stumbled upon….Matthew’s Blog,
http://whomagoo.blogspot.com/
Both of us were so touched by this blog and the ‘daddy’ that was posting the entries that we continued following the long journey of the baby boy, Matthew.
We have watched Matthew go through numerous surgeries and bounce back with such beautiful smiles. We’ve seen the beautiful mother, Terri, comforting, caring for, and playing with Matthew….all through the wonderful photography of daddy. We’ve seen daddy Mike reading to and rocking little Matthew through the photography of Matthew’s mommy, Terri. We’ve read the encouraging comments from family members who have been so faithful and loyal.
Through the months, I would occasionally get an e-mail from friend Dewayne reminding me of a beautiful smile he had just seen on the blog…. “How can that baby go through what he has and still come out with a smile like that?”
We’ve both marveled at the strength and endurance of this baby, and also his parents, Mike and Terri.
Well….now to the point of all this background information about Matthew.
I will never be convinced that God does not intervene in the simplest of ways in the lives of people. He is so good, it is over-whelming.
Early this morning, I stumbled out of bed, started the coffee, and turned on the computer. I poured a cup of coffee, made my way back to the computer to see who had been thinking of us during the night. Much to my surprise, I had e-mail notices of comments made to a couple of my postings on my blog from….TERRI! At 5:00 in the morning, I’m not really all that ‘sharp’ and I wondered…..”I wonder who Terri is?”
You guessed it! Terri King, the mother of Matthew. I’m still not for sure how she found herself on my blog but it has been so inspiring just to ‘touch’ the lives of these people even through the wonder of computers.
Please, Readers, take the time to read their story!
KVBC story w/ Beth Fisher/The Kings/Senator Heck
LV Sun article
I’m Inspired….all over again!!
http://whomagoo.blogspot.com/
Both of us were so touched by this blog and the ‘daddy’ that was posting the entries that we continued following the long journey of the baby boy, Matthew.
We have watched Matthew go through numerous surgeries and bounce back with such beautiful smiles. We’ve seen the beautiful mother, Terri, comforting, caring for, and playing with Matthew….all through the wonderful photography of daddy. We’ve seen daddy Mike reading to and rocking little Matthew through the photography of Matthew’s mommy, Terri. We’ve read the encouraging comments from family members who have been so faithful and loyal.
Through the months, I would occasionally get an e-mail from friend Dewayne reminding me of a beautiful smile he had just seen on the blog…. “How can that baby go through what he has and still come out with a smile like that?”
We’ve both marveled at the strength and endurance of this baby, and also his parents, Mike and Terri.
Well….now to the point of all this background information about Matthew.
I will never be convinced that God does not intervene in the simplest of ways in the lives of people. He is so good, it is over-whelming.
Early this morning, I stumbled out of bed, started the coffee, and turned on the computer. I poured a cup of coffee, made my way back to the computer to see who had been thinking of us during the night. Much to my surprise, I had e-mail notices of comments made to a couple of my postings on my blog from….TERRI! At 5:00 in the morning, I’m not really all that ‘sharp’ and I wondered…..”I wonder who Terri is?”
You guessed it! Terri King, the mother of Matthew. I’m still not for sure how she found herself on my blog but it has been so inspiring just to ‘touch’ the lives of these people even through the wonder of computers.
Please, Readers, take the time to read their story!
KVBC story w/ Beth Fisher/The Kings/Senator Heck
LV Sun article
I’m Inspired….all over again!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
What If?
To Give Unbridled Worship
I wonder what would happen in our churches today
if our knowledge of God was increased.
I wonder what would happen in our churches today
if our knowledge of God was increased.
Oh, I believe the Holy Spirit would cause an explosion
where the power of God is released.
What if our time in the Word wasn't merely contained
to what was offered in church every week.
Then, I know we'd be changed...and never be the same
by the words of the God that we seek.
What if at our church meetings, we placed highest regard
on God's will...as our most Honored Guest.
Then I believe all our ministries, missions and outreach
would bear His name to prove they are blessed.
What if we re-trained our minds, till we come to see prayer
as the preface for all that we do.
Oh, I believe we'd be humbled...then God could speak to us
and His glory would come shining through.
What if our pre-conceived notions of how church services should go
were somehow moved to the side or erased.
Then the Spirit of God would know the service is His
and there wouldn't be dry eyes in the place.
And if we'd come to realize we're not just "going to church"
but meeting God where He says He will be,
Then we'd flock in the doors to give unbridled worship
to the King that our hearts fully see.
© Sheila Gosney
LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house,
And the place where Your glory dwells.
Psalm 26:8
Psalm 26:8
But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Place Of Crying Out
The Place Of Crying Out
There is a difference between simply praying
and crying out in prayer to the Lord.
The first one builds faith & daily intimacy with God
while the second makes the broken restored.
And true crying out is what the soul needs
to see the pure will of God set in motion.
For it satisfies the spirit to weep in His presence
and realigns us with upward devotion.
The sheer desperation of life's complications
will drive us deeper to "the place of crying out."
Where the Lord will cleanse us of our own hidden issues
and sweep us clean of ill-motive and doubt.
Crying out to God will remove our misconceptions
of the way we think our prayers should sound.
For we'll find ourselves weeping alone with the Holy One
right in the midst of our tears on the ground.
Outsiders might believe our God is somehow cold
to allow such anguish that drives us to tears.
But those who've walked through it...know it strengthens the soul
and helps us let go of our fears.
It's a solitary experience to cry out before the Master
but it yields communion & faith while you're there.
For we posture ourselves as needy children before Him
and we're changed through the process of prayer.
© Sheila Gosney
Hear my cry, O God;
There is a difference between simply praying
and crying out in prayer to the Lord.
The first one builds faith & daily intimacy with God
while the second makes the broken restored.
And true crying out is what the soul needs
to see the pure will of God set in motion.
For it satisfies the spirit to weep in His presence
and realigns us with upward devotion.
The sheer desperation of life's complications
will drive us deeper to "the place of crying out."
Where the Lord will cleanse us of our own hidden issues
and sweep us clean of ill-motive and doubt.
Crying out to God will remove our misconceptions
of the way we think our prayers should sound.
For we'll find ourselves weeping alone with the Holy One
right in the midst of our tears on the ground.
Outsiders might believe our God is somehow cold
to allow such anguish that drives us to tears.
But those who've walked through it...know it strengthens the soul
and helps us let go of our fears.
It's a solitary experience to cry out before the Master
but it yields communion & faith while you're there.
For we posture ourselves as needy children before Him
and we're changed through the process of prayer.
© Sheila Gosney
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
PSALM 61:1-5
PSALM 61:1-5
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