I know. I know. It’s been awhile. I’ve been…busy. And lack of internet at home makes it harder to post. And, I’ve been busy. {Insert your own preferred excuse here.}
The truth is, I haven’t felt like I have anything to say. Not that things aren’t happening in my day-to-day life…I’ve moved to Midland, settled in at work, and increased my two favorite collections (books…and bowls). I’ve been all over the state to see friends and family, and out of the state to see AP. Christmas was wonderful, old friends are home, and the new year will start with a little “magic.” But I started this blog with the hope that it would be more than a daily journal of the mundane; that I would be able to chronicle the mighty works of God in one small girl’s life, and perhaps bring encouragement to you, Dear Reader. (Please note that I know God can be found in the mundane, and more regular journals can be highly diverting, as evidenced by those on the right.)
So, does my silence indicate a lack of mighty works from the hand of God? Am I empty of praises for the Lord, who has brought me out of Egypt? Has my throat become so dry and parched from the dusty road to Canaan that I can no longer raise my voice to sing out “Holy, Holy, Holy”?
How many times must He tell me about the springs in the desert…the living water that satisfies all thirst?
......
I was interrupted after writing the above and had to leave it be over the weekend. Interestingly, the sermon this Sunday was based on Deuteronomy 6:1-14.
"Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (De 6:12)
More on this later. I'm leaving today for a little road trip...and should have plenty of time to ponder this and other things on the drive.
May you remember the God of Israel, who brought His people out of Egypt, and is leading the way to a land of milk and honey.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
jesus wore sandals
Barefoot. I stand on the edge of a vast desert, atop a hill, surveying the land around me. It is quiet, but it is not peaceful. It’s the lonesome kind of silence, tainted with longing. Longing for comfort, for water, for a friend. Longing for the still, small whisper of guidance. But there is nothing. This nothingness yawns before me like an endless orange ocean, only this ocean has been drained of every last drop of life-giving water. Then – Something. Barely distinguishable, among the counterfeit ocean’s waves of heat that rise from its floor, there is Something. No, Someone. He beckons silently.
“Why did you leave me here?” my soul cries out as the tears course hot down my face. “I am so thirsty!” Even to my own ears, I sound plaintive, childish. Accusing. He beckons once again, this time with a word.
“Come.”
I sink to my knees. “No. I can’t. It’s far too hot out there, and dry. I’ll never make it. Why can’t you just come back for me?”
“Beloved, this is where I am. I have not moved, nor will I. The scenery may change, but always, I am here. Waiting for you. Come to me.”
Reluctant, I stand, but remain on the top of my hill, yet unwilling to descend to the low, barren wasteland. I wipe at the tears, but they have long disappeared, victims of the searing sun and blistering wind, leaving behind only faint trails of salt and aching.
“Look, Child. Don’t you see? The nothingness may overwhelm you if you stay there. But look again…that nothingness is all that lies between you and Me. No barriers, no locked gates. Nothing.”
I am silent, but He pierces my heart. “Yes, nothing but my enemies…the sun, the sand, and the endless miles. I don’t want to go.”
My toes are burnt.
Praise Him for His mighty works;
Praise Him for His marvelous grace…
For He has stretched forth His mighty hand
And has smitten the waters:
He has made me to pass through dry-shod. Hallelujah!
For there will be no more sea.
There will be no more separation!
He has removed every barrier; He has bridged the gulf…
He has led me through the way of the wilderness,
And His hand has been a shade from the burning heat.
Through the barren wasteland, He has filled my cup from living streams.
- Frances J. Roberts
The poor and needy seek water, but there is none,
Their tongues fail for thirst.
I, the LORD, will hear them;
I, the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers in the desolate heights,
And fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.
- Isaiah 41:17-18
At the hillside you will be delivered
At the foot of the cross justified
And your spirit restored by the river that pours
From our blessed Savior’s side
- Beautiful Scandalous Night
Saturday, April 14, 2007
russian rambles
I finished The Brothers Karamazov this week…it took me almost as long to read it as it took Dostoievsky to write it. Many, far more qualified than this humble author, have reviewed this epic novel, so I hesitate to even attempt an articulation of my thoughts. Is it enough to say that it’s a riot of guilt and forgiveness, truth and perception, violent passions and steadfast faith? And in the end…I’m not at all sure which came out the victor. It left me with a rather startled and hollow feeling, as if my mind was not quite ready to grasp that the story was finished. It wasn’t wholly satisfying. But perhaps that’s just one reason works like this endure…the author asks questions and doesn’t offer pat answers. He creates characters that, though exaggerated, can highlight one’s own character…both the saint and the sinner. And he leaves the reader to her musings without dictating a specific response. In all, it was a worthwhile read. Still, I am somewhat relieved to have finished it! It was a long haul…
I am also glad to put away Tainted Love: God, Sex, and Relationships for the Not-So-Pure-At-Heart by David Mark Brown. I read most of it with slightly raised eyebrows. The only other thing I can think of to say is this: Using one’s given name in its entirety does not automatically make one a poet.
I’ve added a couple more on deck, and The Problem of Pain snuck in there ahead of Humility (sorry Michelle! I’ll get to it soon, I promise!). I’m starting to feel like I may be getting a bit ambitious, especially in light of starting a new job on Monday. I’m very thankful to have been offered this opportunity, but as my last days as a slacker slip away, I can’t help but feel sorry. I will miss the total lack of concern for how late it is…I will miss the freedom to stay in my pajamas all day…but mostly, I will miss spending precious time with my niece. I can hardly believe that she’s seven months old already, and I know going back to work will only make Time fly by on swifter wings.
Despite the recent bizarre weather, summer is coming. I can feel it stirring up all around…my college friends preparing (or not) for exams…core team meetings about upcoming events…the endless racks of swimsuits on display at Target. There’s just a general bite of anticipation in the air…changes are coming on this summer wind. They always do.
May you stand fast in all seasons, whether the wind rages or whispers enchantingly…may it not distract you from the still, small voice.
I am also glad to put away Tainted Love: God, Sex, and Relationships for the Not-So-Pure-At-Heart by David Mark Brown. I read most of it with slightly raised eyebrows. The only other thing I can think of to say is this: Using one’s given name in its entirety does not automatically make one a poet.
I’ve added a couple more on deck, and The Problem of Pain snuck in there ahead of Humility (sorry Michelle! I’ll get to it soon, I promise!). I’m starting to feel like I may be getting a bit ambitious, especially in light of starting a new job on Monday. I’m very thankful to have been offered this opportunity, but as my last days as a slacker slip away, I can’t help but feel sorry. I will miss the total lack of concern for how late it is…I will miss the freedom to stay in my pajamas all day…but mostly, I will miss spending precious time with my niece. I can hardly believe that she’s seven months old already, and I know going back to work will only make Time fly by on swifter wings.
Despite the recent bizarre weather, summer is coming. I can feel it stirring up all around…my college friends preparing (or not) for exams…core team meetings about upcoming events…the endless racks of swimsuits on display at Target. There’s just a general bite of anticipation in the air…changes are coming on this summer wind. They always do.
May you stand fast in all seasons, whether the wind rages or whispers enchantingly…may it not distract you from the still, small voice.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
better than showbiz
Yes, I am old enough to have had a birthday party at ShowBiz Pizza Place. (“But you look so young!”) You young'uns may know it as Chuck E. Cheese’s, but whatever you call it, it’s always been the place where a kid can be a kid. Pizza, Whack-a-Mole, and freakish animatronic entertainment. What more could a girl ask for?
I was going to post something rather melancholy and beautiful about turning 27 years old today, but I have had too good of a birthday to be wistful. My celebration actually started last night when I checked my email and saw that my dear friend June had tagged me in a note entitled “Happy Birthday Shannon!” I couldn’t resist reading it a bit early. Dear June makes me cry. Today I had lunch with my mom, sister, and niece…I spent a few hours catching up with my friend Jeanna and her new son…I had dinner with my dad…I worshipped with my REAL brothers and sisters…and I ate a chocolate cupcake.
I also opened some really great gifts given in really great polka dot bags. Two books that made me squeal (not that charming of a sound!) when I saw them, a supremely appropriate book in its original language (that I don’t speak), a sketch by a young Miss Audrey, and an extra-special tee-shirt that reminds me to breathe. Oh, and some chocolate, of course.
What more could a girl ask for? To dam the wave of sentiment that threatens to flood us all, I will withhold any further details of how I feel about those who helped me celebrate this day…except to say “I love you. So much.” It is good to be 27.
May you feel the kisses of God today, and be completely swept off your feet.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
the knowledge of the holy....or, a second post?!
Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising and art acquainted with all my ways. I can inform Thee of nothing and it is vain to try to hide anything from Thee. In the light of Thy perfect knowledge I would be as artless as a little child. Help me to put away all care, for Thou knowest the way that I take and when Thou hast tried me I shall come forth as gold. Amen.
This is the prayer that opens chapter 10 (entitled The Divine Omniscience) of Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy. I’ve been reading this classic for awhile now, one divine attribute at a time. It has been immeasurably helpful to me in the past few weeks, encouraging more contemplation on the character of God and less contemplation on myself. And in the midst of my own swirling confusions and restless questions, how fortifying it is to be reminded of the absolute knowledge of my Lord.
“God knows instantly and effortlessly all matter and all matters, all mind and every mind, all spirit and all spirits, all being and every being, all creaturehood and all creatures, every plurality and all pluralities, all law and every law, all relations, all causes, all thoughts, all mysteries, all enigmas, all feeling, all desires, every unuttered secret, all thrones and dominions, all personalities, all things visible and invisible in heaven and in earth, motion, space, time, life, death, good, evil, heaven, and hell.” (pg.56)
Now read that again. Out loud.
“…how unutterably sweet is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows us completely…no unsuspected weakness in our characters can come to light to turn God away from us, since He knew us utterly before we knew Him and called us to Himself in the full knowledge of everything that was against us.” (pg.57)
It’s one of those bulldozing kinds of truths for me, something that can knock me right over. It can be overwhelming, terrifying, and most certainly humbling. But it is comforting as well, because I know His work doesn’t end with demolition…He is also an Architect, and He has plans to build me anew. And the foundation is formed with the very truths that devastated me. Truths like these…(Tozer’s list, kind of)… God is Self-existent… He is Self-sufficient… Eternal… Infinite… Immutable… Omniscient… Wise… Omnipotent… Transcendent… Omnipresent… Faithful… Good… Just… Merciful… Abounding in Grace… Loving… Holy… and Sovereign. If you’ve never done a study solely on the attributes of God, I urge you to do so. It will surely be profitable, to put it rather mildly. [I’m nearly positive that I’m preaching to the choir on this, Faithful Readers. But if not, I can recommend the Precepts study as well as Tozer. ;-)]
May you, too, be forged by the awesome truths of God, and come forth as gold.
This is the prayer that opens chapter 10 (entitled The Divine Omniscience) of Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy. I’ve been reading this classic for awhile now, one divine attribute at a time. It has been immeasurably helpful to me in the past few weeks, encouraging more contemplation on the character of God and less contemplation on myself. And in the midst of my own swirling confusions and restless questions, how fortifying it is to be reminded of the absolute knowledge of my Lord.
“God knows instantly and effortlessly all matter and all matters, all mind and every mind, all spirit and all spirits, all being and every being, all creaturehood and all creatures, every plurality and all pluralities, all law and every law, all relations, all causes, all thoughts, all mysteries, all enigmas, all feeling, all desires, every unuttered secret, all thrones and dominions, all personalities, all things visible and invisible in heaven and in earth, motion, space, time, life, death, good, evil, heaven, and hell.” (pg.56)
Now read that again. Out loud.
“…how unutterably sweet is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows us completely…no unsuspected weakness in our characters can come to light to turn God away from us, since He knew us utterly before we knew Him and called us to Himself in the full knowledge of everything that was against us.” (pg.57)
It’s one of those bulldozing kinds of truths for me, something that can knock me right over. It can be overwhelming, terrifying, and most certainly humbling. But it is comforting as well, because I know His work doesn’t end with demolition…He is also an Architect, and He has plans to build me anew. And the foundation is formed with the very truths that devastated me. Truths like these…(Tozer’s list, kind of)… God is Self-existent… He is Self-sufficient… Eternal… Infinite… Immutable… Omniscient… Wise… Omnipotent… Transcendent… Omnipresent… Faithful… Good… Just… Merciful… Abounding in Grace… Loving… Holy… and Sovereign. If you’ve never done a study solely on the attributes of God, I urge you to do so. It will surely be profitable, to put it rather mildly. [I’m nearly positive that I’m preaching to the choir on this, Faithful Readers. But if not, I can recommend the Precepts study as well as Tozer. ;-)]
May you, too, be forged by the awesome truths of God, and come forth as gold.
reading, writing, and 'rithmetic
Well, two out of three ain't bad...
After having been asked several times this past week what I am currently reading, I decided to try blogging about it. Then, just this morning in small church, it was suggested that we journal about what we read. So, here we are. The benefits of this should be at least threefold:
Benefit #1. It will hold me more accountable to actually finishing the books I start…and starting the books I’m holding. (Hence the riveting new sidebar selection “Off the Bookshelf.”) Dear Reader, you (and the other three girls that view this blog) are encouraged to ask me about any and all of these listed items.
Benefit #2. It will nudge me to be more reflective on what I’m taking in. Too often I’ll read something with the potential to inspire me beyond the moment, I’ll finish with a sigh of satisfaction and then move on to the next book…and the moment is lost.
Benefit #3. It will give me something to post about.
On a side-note, many thanks to those that have been my faithful friends, remembering me in your prayers these past weeks. I just re-read my last post and am praising the Lord for pulling me from off the floor. Surely your prayers have contributed to the lifting up.
After having been asked several times this past week what I am currently reading, I decided to try blogging about it. Then, just this morning in small church, it was suggested that we journal about what we read. So, here we are. The benefits of this should be at least threefold:
Benefit #1. It will hold me more accountable to actually finishing the books I start…and starting the books I’m holding. (Hence the riveting new sidebar selection “Off the Bookshelf.”) Dear Reader, you (and the other three girls that view this blog) are encouraged to ask me about any and all of these listed items.
Benefit #2. It will nudge me to be more reflective on what I’m taking in. Too often I’ll read something with the potential to inspire me beyond the moment, I’ll finish with a sigh of satisfaction and then move on to the next book…and the moment is lost.
Benefit #3. It will give me something to post about.
On a side-note, many thanks to those that have been my faithful friends, remembering me in your prayers these past weeks. I just re-read my last post and am praising the Lord for pulling me from off the floor. Surely your prayers have contributed to the lifting up.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
divine discourse
(aka...The Excessively Long Post)
Many of you know that I love my daily Bible reading plan. It’s pretty straight forward…I read about three chapters of a particular book a day as well as a psalm. God has used this plan (written by a person unknown to me, who simply divided the Word into 365 easily digestible parts) countless times to speak directly into my life. Sometimes, He whispers a discreet word of encouragement…and sometimes, He skips the embellishments and communicates His point quite plainly. Last night was one of those latter times.
The past few weeks have been difficult…as hard as it is for me to admit. In earlier posts, I’ve referred to them as turbulent, contemplative, interesting. But difficult is most likely the more accurate description. I’ve been struggling to find direction and purpose and answers to all those typical post-college questions. “What is my vision for my life? What is God’s vision for my life? Are they the same?” I had thought I was beyond that stage when suddenly…whoops…there goes the rug out from under me. A couple circumstances changed and I found myself on the floor, with a few new bruises. And sometimes it hard to get back up again, for fear of not finding the strength to stand, and falling down once more.
Anyway…this is basically where I was when I opened my Bible last night...willing to stand…wanting to stand…but not quite sure how to go about it. My reading for the day was the three chapters of Habakkuk. Chapter 2 starts with the prophet declaring “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart, and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved.” Matthew Henry (yes, I consulted a commentary!) elaborates on this verse:
“The prophet’s standing upon his tower, or high place, intimates his prudence, in making use of the helps and means he had within his reach to know the mind of God, and to be instructed concerning it. Those that expect to hear from God must withdraw from the world, and get above it, must raise their attention, fix their thought, study the scriptures, consult experiences and the experienced, continue instant in prayer, and thus set themselves upon the tower.”
Sounds like good instruction for me, no? But then the Lord answers the prophet in verse 3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Now, I know the vision He’s talking about isn’t exactly the same as the vision I’m searching for, but the idea’s the same, I think. How do I ready myself to receive God’s vision? Stand guard. Get myself to the high place and pay attention. And wait. It will certainly come.
But God doesn’t stop there. Habakkuk ends with a couple of verses I find especially encouraging and pertinent.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hind’s feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab 3:17-19)
Sounds a lot like being unemployed and broke…but still finding joy and strength in the Lord. And I just finished reading Hinds’ Feet on High Places. The book of Habakkuk was placed in my daily reading plan at just the right time. Amazing, right? But it gets better…
My psalm for the day was #104. It explains how God cares for all of His creation.
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth. (v.14) And wine which makes man’s heart glad, so that he may make his face glisten with oil, and food which sustains man’s heart. (v.15) The trees of the Lord drink their fill (v.16)…They all wait for You to give them their food in due season. (v. 27) You give to them, they gather it up, You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good. (v. 28)”
Cattle, trees, fruit of the vine, olive oil, food…it’s the same list as Habakkuk. God is my provider of all these things…everything that sustains me. He gives, and takes away…in due time. And I will exult in the Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation.
May the Lord God open His hand to you, and may you be satisfied with good.
Many of you know that I love my daily Bible reading plan. It’s pretty straight forward…I read about three chapters of a particular book a day as well as a psalm. God has used this plan (written by a person unknown to me, who simply divided the Word into 365 easily digestible parts) countless times to speak directly into my life. Sometimes, He whispers a discreet word of encouragement…and sometimes, He skips the embellishments and communicates His point quite plainly. Last night was one of those latter times.
The past few weeks have been difficult…as hard as it is for me to admit. In earlier posts, I’ve referred to them as turbulent, contemplative, interesting. But difficult is most likely the more accurate description. I’ve been struggling to find direction and purpose and answers to all those typical post-college questions. “What is my vision for my life? What is God’s vision for my life? Are they the same?” I had thought I was beyond that stage when suddenly…whoops…there goes the rug out from under me. A couple circumstances changed and I found myself on the floor, with a few new bruises. And sometimes it hard to get back up again, for fear of not finding the strength to stand, and falling down once more.
Anyway…this is basically where I was when I opened my Bible last night...willing to stand…wanting to stand…but not quite sure how to go about it. My reading for the day was the three chapters of Habakkuk. Chapter 2 starts with the prophet declaring “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart, and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved.” Matthew Henry (yes, I consulted a commentary!) elaborates on this verse:
“The prophet’s standing upon his tower, or high place, intimates his prudence, in making use of the helps and means he had within his reach to know the mind of God, and to be instructed concerning it. Those that expect to hear from God must withdraw from the world, and get above it, must raise their attention, fix their thought, study the scriptures, consult experiences and the experienced, continue instant in prayer, and thus set themselves upon the tower.”
Sounds like good instruction for me, no? But then the Lord answers the prophet in verse 3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Now, I know the vision He’s talking about isn’t exactly the same as the vision I’m searching for, but the idea’s the same, I think. How do I ready myself to receive God’s vision? Stand guard. Get myself to the high place and pay attention. And wait. It will certainly come.
But God doesn’t stop there. Habakkuk ends with a couple of verses I find especially encouraging and pertinent.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hind’s feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab 3:17-19)
Sounds a lot like being unemployed and broke…but still finding joy and strength in the Lord. And I just finished reading Hinds’ Feet on High Places. The book of Habakkuk was placed in my daily reading plan at just the right time. Amazing, right? But it gets better…
My psalm for the day was #104. It explains how God cares for all of His creation.
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth. (v.14) And wine which makes man’s heart glad, so that he may make his face glisten with oil, and food which sustains man’s heart. (v.15) The trees of the Lord drink their fill (v.16)…They all wait for You to give them their food in due season. (v. 27) You give to them, they gather it up, You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good. (v. 28)”
Cattle, trees, fruit of the vine, olive oil, food…it’s the same list as Habakkuk. God is my provider of all these things…everything that sustains me. He gives, and takes away…in due time. And I will exult in the Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation.
May the Lord God open His hand to you, and may you be satisfied with good.
Monday, January 29, 2007
a post about various baked goods
I posted this picture for several reasons…
1. My observant readers may notice the photograph was taken at my favorite childhood (and adulthood) haunt: The Flats.
2. Not having a job causes one to have an excess amount of free time.
3. This picture seems to represent how I’ve been feeling lately: Small, apart from the crowd, and somewhat bewildered (but still satisfied from the chocolate cupcake I had so obviously recently had my hands on).
The past few weeks have been interesting. I’m sorry if I’ve acted distant or bored or totally apathetic (Hey, maybe Neutral Grounds is hiring?). But I’ve probably covered all that in the pensive post…so let’s move on to the chocolate cupcake.
On top of the job loss (we're counting that as a blessing, right?), God continues to bless me abundantly. I’ve especially been thankful for the number of dear friends He has brought into my life the past year or so. My small group girls are amazing and I look forward to each time we meet with great anticipation to hear all the latest God-stories. We have received so much from the studies of meditation and prayer…I can’t wait to see how the chapter on fasting goes. This evening, we’re going to switch it up though, and merge with the other women’s small group for a night of games, giggling, and general girly-ness. Sounds like all kinds of fabulous, right?
My friends The Grieses had a little boy last Thursday. Yay! They make cute babies. And speaking of cute babies, my niece Kaci Nicole was blessed at her great-grandmother’s church yesterday. Then we had the Craig family Christmas and she got to play with Christy’s little boy…he’s 22 days older than Kaci. Camden immediately discovered that Kaci’s fist is just as much fun to chew on as his own. He commandeered her arm for the rest of the day.
Question: Why, oh why do people find it necessary to put walnuts in caramel apple pie??
May you find joy in your day, and rest in your night. (And pie with three ingredients in your afternoon!)
Monday, January 15, 2007
pensive
Though rumors to the contrary abound, I am, indeed, quite alive. Perhaps I have been more contemplative (not mopey) than usual. Perhaps I just haven’t had much to say. I’m not really sure of the cause…but I will endeavor to be my typical, more chatty self. :-)
There have been lots of happenings to ponder over lately, though. Thoughts on Urbana are still quietly rolling around, waiting to boil over into articulation. (Hold your breath.)
God has given me some new insight on a couple of specific things, and that’s helping to change the way I look at things in general.
He is definitely working to soften my attitudes, especially when it comes to my expectations of others (and how I react when they don’t happen to meet them).
And like a certain friend of ours, He is continually tapping me on the shoulder to remind me of His presence…only when I turn to look, He doesn't duck out of sight.
He's there.
I’m having dinner with my mentor tonight (unless I get snowed in). It’s been so long since we’ve met…with Urbana and the holidays…I’m really looking forward to our sure-to-be-interesting-and-edifying conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever walked out her door without having been encouraged, challenged, and supplied with fresh reading material. Good stuff.
May you find joy in the weather you’ve been given…but be careful out there!
There have been lots of happenings to ponder over lately, though. Thoughts on Urbana are still quietly rolling around, waiting to boil over into articulation. (Hold your breath.)
God has given me some new insight on a couple of specific things, and that’s helping to change the way I look at things in general.
He is definitely working to soften my attitudes, especially when it comes to my expectations of others (and how I react when they don’t happen to meet them).
And like a certain friend of ours, He is continually tapping me on the shoulder to remind me of His presence…only when I turn to look, He doesn't duck out of sight.
He's there.
I’m having dinner with my mentor tonight (unless I get snowed in). It’s been so long since we’ve met…with Urbana and the holidays…I’m really looking forward to our sure-to-be-interesting-and-edifying conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever walked out her door without having been encouraged, challenged, and supplied with fresh reading material. Good stuff.
May you find joy in the weather you’ve been given…but be careful out there!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!
If the past nine days are any indication of what this year is going to be like, we are all in for some serious turbulence. 2007 has come in like a lion…and not a tame lion. I’ve already been nearly suffocated with despair and then swept up to dizzying heights…and that was just this weekend. (Dramatic, I know…but true.)
God is so good.
Last night, our small group met for the first time in weeks. To say it was good to get together again would be a vast understatement. Our discipline of study was Meditation and I had been looking forward to discussing this one since we started meeting. Can you say “Exceeds Expectations?” I am continually amazed at how God blesses us through genuine, open, and vulnerable fellowship with each other. I was humbled, challenged, encouraged, amused, and moved to tears (!). Can you say “Abundant Life?”
May God pour out His extravagant love on each of you this day, and may you soak up every last ounce…
**This post has included gratuitous references to film, literature, and AP. Bonus points if you can spot them all.**
God is so good.
Last night, our small group met for the first time in weeks. To say it was good to get together again would be a vast understatement. Our discipline of study was Meditation and I had been looking forward to discussing this one since we started meeting. Can you say “Exceeds Expectations?” I am continually amazed at how God blesses us through genuine, open, and vulnerable fellowship with each other. I was humbled, challenged, encouraged, amused, and moved to tears (!). Can you say “Abundant Life?”
May God pour out His extravagant love on each of you this day, and may you soak up every last ounce…
**This post has included gratuitous references to film, literature, and AP. Bonus points if you can spot them all.**
Monday, January 8, 2007
of cabbages and kings
2006 -
There were upheavals and plateaus, broken relationships…restored relationships, incredible retreats and even more incredible charges forward.
I’ve experienced piercing heartache and heart wrenching joy.
Some dreams were mourned for and buried while a new dream had me diving into the depths of the sea to discover a wonderful world of promises and beauty...a world in which every breath I take is a precious reminder of God’s faithfulness.
I’ve seen the blessings that come with obedience and the corrections that follow defiance.
I’ve found sweet rest on the Sabbath.
But most importantly, I’ve been bid to follow my Christ, Who is ever-beckoning me closer to Him. I’ve stumbled, I’ve crawled, and I’ve run head-long…but each day, He patiently holds out His hand…"Come to Canaan, come."
(What? You expected specifics?)
There were upheavals and plateaus, broken relationships…restored relationships, incredible retreats and even more incredible charges forward.
I’ve experienced piercing heartache and heart wrenching joy.
Some dreams were mourned for and buried while a new dream had me diving into the depths of the sea to discover a wonderful world of promises and beauty...a world in which every breath I take is a precious reminder of God’s faithfulness.
I’ve seen the blessings that come with obedience and the corrections that follow defiance.
I’ve found sweet rest on the Sabbath.
But most importantly, I’ve been bid to follow my Christ, Who is ever-beckoning me closer to Him. I’ve stumbled, I’ve crawled, and I’ve run head-long…but each day, He patiently holds out His hand…"Come to Canaan, come."
(What? You expected specifics?)
Friday, January 5, 2007
accountability
I post this evening solely to declare that I will post more later. The following is a list of topics that I will elaborate on in the near future:
Item 1. Urbana06
Item 2. What Shannon Has Learned in the Past Year
Item 3. What Shannon Needs to Learn in the Coming Year
Item 4. Ritualistic Llama Sacrifices and More
These are, of course, subject to change with the tide. I have every intention, however, of addressing at least one of these topics in the coming days. If I fail to do so, Dear Reader, you have my permission to reprimand me in the comment section. As it stands, I must bid you goodnight.
May God bless you with sweet friendships, and may those friends have hot tubs.
Item 1. Urbana06
Item 2. What Shannon Has Learned in the Past Year
Item 3. What Shannon Needs to Learn in the Coming Year
Item 4. Ritualistic Llama Sacrifices and More
These are, of course, subject to change with the tide. I have every intention, however, of addressing at least one of these topics in the coming days. If I fail to do so, Dear Reader, you have my permission to reprimand me in the comment section. As it stands, I must bid you goodnight.
May God bless you with sweet friendships, and may those friends have hot tubs.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
admitting defeat
*sigh*
I give...
It is with much trepidation that I enter into the mania of the blogosphere. Humbly, (and finally) I submit myself to the scrutiny of you, Dear Reader. Be gentle... as I have no idea what I'm doing. But I read something tonight that compelled me to draw out the white flag of surrender and click on "Create Blog." I will share that something with you, but don't expect to make a connection between the thought and the click. In fact, don't even expect elaboration on the thought.....I spent so much time playing with the template that I haven't enough left for actual content. Therefore, my first post (which may be representative of every post hereafter) will be short and nearly pointless.
The Thought:
(from Tainted Love by David Mark Brown)
"We allow ourselves to be convinced that God is holding out on us, and our needs and desires can be better fulfilled under our own management. We suspect that satisfaction lurks out there and God would withhold it from us."
And that, Gentle Reader, is what I leave you with. But I will return, and we can continue to stumble along together....Canaan-bound.
I give...
It is with much trepidation that I enter into the mania of the blogosphere. Humbly, (and finally) I submit myself to the scrutiny of you, Dear Reader. Be gentle... as I have no idea what I'm doing. But I read something tonight that compelled me to draw out the white flag of surrender and click on "Create Blog." I will share that something with you, but don't expect to make a connection between the thought and the click. In fact, don't even expect elaboration on the thought.....I spent so much time playing with the template that I haven't enough left for actual content. Therefore, my first post (which may be representative of every post hereafter) will be short and nearly pointless.
The Thought:
(from Tainted Love by David Mark Brown)
"We allow ourselves to be convinced that God is holding out on us, and our needs and desires can be better fulfilled under our own management. We suspect that satisfaction lurks out there and God would withhold it from us."
And that, Gentle Reader, is what I leave you with. But I will return, and we can continue to stumble along together....Canaan-bound.
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