5 things about pleasure (12/31)
5 things I learned about fear and worry (12/30)
Is your life a warm-up act? (12/28)
My 11 favorite books of 2011 (12/27)
‘Twas the Day after Christmas (12/26)
Artist in action—“The Birth of the King” (12/24)
What will you unwrap on Christmas? (12/23)
What I read in Fall 2011 (12/22)
Why your man might hate church (12/21)
He sees you when you’re sleeping (12/20)
“All In”—Book review (12/19)
What’s better than better? (12/18)
The Christmas Story (12/17)
Stack the stones—12 spiritual markers (12/16)
He comes, and I must sing (12/15)
Are you prepared? (12/14)
A give-away “The Faith of Leap” (and a review) (12/13)
Arrogance strikes again (12/12)
Go away or go deep? (12/11)
“Christmas Offering” (12/10)
“Unveiling the Kings of Israel”—Book review (12/9)
5 reasons to not give up (12/9)
Believe better, worry less (12/8)
Is it okay to be needy? (12/7)
A day in December (12/6)
Fear is bossy (12/5)
“Speak O Lord” (12/3)
Friday’s Fave Five # 122 (12/2)
Every year needs a story (12/1)
DECEMBER 2011 Posts
5 things about pleasure
The true dimensions of a soul are seen in its delights.
~ John Piper
...And do not be grieved,
for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
While I spent 2011 learning to depend more on God, I also was learning to delight more in Him.
Why?
Because if Christians—the very ones who’ve been granted abundant life already—can’t live in true joy, why would anyone want to become one?
That doesn’t mean we won’t have sorrows and pains. But underneath it all, we’ve been gifted to live life with a depth of pleasure unknown to those without the Spirit.
Here are five things I learned about delight:
1. Delight in Jesus
God’s first and highest pleasure is in his Son, so mine should be, too. I looked hard at scriptures that show where God finds delight, and decided I should find delight in the same places. God was most pleased with Jesus, so my delight should center there as well.
By my deepest pleasure being in him, I always have my greatest delight with me, regardless of what is going on around me.
2. He wants me to enjoy
When I take pleasure in what God gives me, it brings him pleasure, too. I honor the giver when I enjoy the gift.
Don’t we want our kids to enjoy the presents we give them? Of course; we take after our Father. So enjoy what he gives you.
3. Make pleasure work for you
God’s gifts are protection, refreshing you to keep you strong. Enjoy them responsibly within his boundaries. Let them lead you to God, not away from him.
We’re too weak to live without pleasures. God knows this; ask him for the right pleasures that will keep you satisfied in him. To borrow from Lewis’s Screwtape, God created pleasure, not Satan. Satan has to twist it before it’s useful to him.
4. Find pleasure in others
Don’t wait for others to be perfect before you enjoy being with them. Let your family know they’re a source of your joy—even with their faults.
And strive to become a source of joy to them—even with your faults.
5. Go for the best
Because we’re surrounded by multiple opportunities for pleasures, be picky to delight yourself in the best, godly ones.
Don’t fill up on junk pleasures with little value or godliness. Cultivate a strong appetite to enjoy what God designed you to enjoy.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
* * *
Related:
Books I used to study delight in 2011:
- The Pleasures of God by John Piper
- Pure Pleasure by Gary Thomas
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
5 things I learned about fear and worry
For God gave us a spirit not of fear
but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
I know I worry too much. So I prayed and studied extra hard in 2011. And asked for transformation.
I named it my “Year of Depend and Delight”, a year to intentionally experience more dependence on God.
Did it work?
I’m still prone to worry, but I worry less.
I’m still sensitive to fear, but I’m learning to step out more anyway.
So while I’m still on the journey with Him, I’m making progress in the right direction.
Here are five lessons that I learned this year about Depending on God (tomorrow, five lessons on Delighting):
1. It’s what you fear
Fear isn’t wrong. It’s what you fear that matters.
Not fearing God is the root of all sin. Sinful fear originates with too high a view of man and too small a view of God. Fearing man more than fearing God is an insult to Him and distracts you from your real purpose: glorifying God.
2. Trade worry for faith
The most valuable thing you can ever lose is your belief in God. Fight to keep faith—seeking God above all—and let everything else fall second.
Develop satisfaction in God above satisfaction in anything else, including your physical safety, your lifestyle, even your family.
3. To be brave, know God
It’s okay to doubt yourself; just don’t doubt God. You don’t need more power; you need to believe more in the power you already have—the Spirit in you.
The right response to worries and fear? Think less about who you are in the flesh; remember more who God is in your spirit.
4. Humility is a grace magnet
The more you depend on God, the more you see his grace in your past. And the more you see his grace in your past, the more you’ll trust his grace for your future.
Kill pride; birth humility. Open yourself to grace.
5. Pray more
Strong Christians pray a lot. Not because they’re extra self-disciplined (though they may be gifted with that), but because they’re poor in spirit, knowing that nothing is more valuable than living in awe of the King.
Pray for more faith in God’s promises; pray for more purpose in God’s kingdom; pray for more love for God Himself. Each will lead to less fear and worry, and more hope and love.
In the end, I discovered it’s about love. Isn’t it always? Who would I risk the most for, go out on a limb for, give my life in exchange for? The ones I love the most.
May we each depend more and more on the Lord.
And may we grow more and more to love Him the most.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15
* * *
Books I used to study dependence in 2011:
- Future Grace by John Piper
- A Praying Life by Paul Miller
- The Fear Factor by Wayne Mack and Joshua Mack
- Humility by Andrew Murray
- Humility by C. J. Mahaney
- Anxious for Nothing by John MacArthur
How have you learned to worry less and depend more?
Is your life a warm-up act?
Sometimes the warm-up bands are hot.
When we saw Shane and Shane this October, their opening act was a band called Freely. Its lead singer Sam was as good as any singer I’ve heard.
The opening act for Toby Mac in December was Jamie Grace. She was so good that Jenna asked for her CD for a Christmas gift instead of Toby Mac’s CD. (I’m glad she did; we’re all enjoying it.)
But is my life now just a warm-up act for heaven?
Are the things I do now just getting me in the habit for what I’ll be doing later? Prepping me for the real show yet to come?
I think not.
My eternal life has already begun.
My worship of God matters. Now.
While I know heaven will be even grander, my worship of Jesus now isn’t merely to warm me up for later. It’s the real deal here, too.
The habits I establish now—praising, talking to God, being awestruck at his holiness—aren’t simply shadows of things to come. They are solid.
I want worship of God engrained in me.
Not as a supporting act before the real concert begins.
But as the headliner now.
* * *
My 11 Favorite Books of 2011
Looking for something good to read?
Here are 11 favorite books I recommend from my 2011 readings. (Well, actually 22 altogether, but who’s counting?)
And the reasons why.
11. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand (2010)
To inspire you to not give up when things get tough.
Also, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
by Eric Metaxas (2011)
Same reasons.
10. The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion
by Tim Challies (2011)
To weigh your digital media choices faithfully and responsibly.
9. One Thing
by Sam Storms (2004)
To love living the Christian life.
8. Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure
by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1965)
To show that Christians are to be joyful, not miserable.
7. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp (2011)
To delight in the Giver by seeing His gifts.
Also, God in the Yard: Spiritual Practice for the Rest of Us
by L. L. Barkat (2010)
To try a new spiritual discipline that takes you outside.
6. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
by Jerry Bridges (1988, 2008)
To glorify God even in adversity.
5. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
by Paul Miller (2009)
To tell God everything.
Also, Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman
by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt (2011)
To get you started praying with your spouse. (The book isn’t that great, but what you do with it can be. It worked for Jeff and me.)
4. The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence
by Stephen Altrogge (2011)
To be content in Jesus where you are, with what you have.
3. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God
by John Piper (2000)
To see what pleases God. And let that please you, too.
2. Enemies of the Heart: Breaking Free from the Four Emotions that Control You
by Andy Stanley (2011)
To strategize against four hard sins (guilt, anger, greed, jealousy).
1. The Faith of Leap: Embracing a Theology of Risk, Adventure & Courage
by Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost (2011)
To quit worshiping the idol of security and live more courageously for Christ.
~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ +
Want more? I also recommend these:
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (2010)
To think differently about your choices.
Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives
by Richard Swenson (2004)
To slow down.
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
by Brian Wansink (2010)
To notice what you eat.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story
by Donald Miller (2009)
To know you’re part of a story.
A Place for Weakness: Preparing Yourself for Suffering
by Michael Horton (2006)
To know your suffering matters.
Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good?
by Gary Thomas (2009)
To learn to enjoy God-given pleasures.
Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God
by John Piper (2010)
To use your mind for higher purposes.
Why Men Hate Going to Church
by David Murrow (2005, 2011)
To strengthen men and the church.
~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ +
And finally: 
What’s on my nightstand—Dec ‘11?
Just started:
- Red Like Blood
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Practicing Affirmation
- Why It’s Hard to Love Jesus
Still reading:
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
- Preparing for Jesus: Meditations on the Coming of Christ
Finished from November’s nightstand:
- The Faith of Leap
- A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
- The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
- Why Men Hate Going to Church
- Tortured for Christ
- All In
- Finding Noel
- Promise Me
* * *
What book would make your favorites list?
RELATED:
‘Twas the Day After Christmas
‘Twas the day after Christmas when all through our house
All were relaxing, even my spouse.
The gifts were all strewn on the floor everywhere,
With no signs of cleaning, not here or not there.
The children on laptops with games and new tunes
Were sprawled on the couches for all afternoon.
Hubby with TV and I with my book
Were happy and lazy, no cares how it looked.
When out of our blessings arose up a cry,
“You’ve been given so much; do you not wonder why?
Your presents are many, far more than deserved,
Enjoy them, but use them to love and to serve.
“Stay focused on Jesus to spread His good news;
You’ll stay fully blessed if His will you will choose.
Now glory to God in His heavenly heights,
And peace to you all and to all a good night!”
~ Lisa
~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~
Counting at Christmas even more gifts of grace:
# 470—473
• first Christmas with a son-in-law
• girls who give and give and give what I like
• having all my family at home together
• a husband who meets and exceeds my needs
# 474—479
• fun with my family, both in-laws and original
• nieces with impressive skills and personalities
• nephew with guitar gifts to anchor our singing, any key
• nephew and wife sharing their sweet Alexander
• two dirty Santa wins (a heater and a twist pillow!)
• Uncle Bobby and Aunt LoNella among us
# 480—482
• peaceful Christmas day
• rip-roaring real fire in the fireplace
• a clean kitchen again (ahhh)
# 483—486
• a crack in the universe at just the right time
• the Baby who birthed a whole new family
• peace He brings to my world
• glory of the Father through His Spirit in the Son
* * *
Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?
I got the Lowe’s gift card! Among many other things....
Artist in action–“The Birth of the King”
These artists always fascinate me. I couldn’t stop watching this one.
Listen with your heart as the Christmas story is painted before your eyes...
May God always fascinate us, too, as He creates paintings out of our lives.
And may He bless you as you celebrate the life of His Son this Christmas!
* * *
What will you unwrap on Christmas?
What do you expect to unwrap on Christmas?
I’ve been told I’ll be surprised. I’m sure I will be.
I like anticipating good gifts. I like looking forward to an expected treasure.
But I like remembering past gifts, too. The best ones follow me into the present.
The gift of Jesus is one of those forever gifts.
Look forward to receiving more of Him to come.
Look backward in gratitude of what He’s already given.
Then delight in the moment for the very gift He is—right now.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
LYRICS
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s Strength and Consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear Desire of every nation
Joy of every longing heart
Born Thy people to deliver
Born a child and yet a King
Born to reign in us forever
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne
* * *
What’s a gift you think you’ll get this Christmas?
I’m hoping for a Lowe’s gift card. :-)
What I read in Fall 2011
How do you measure success?
If it’s reaching a pre-determined destination, I’ve failed miserably.
However, if success is measured by the value of the journey, I’m logging a victory.
I suspected my Fall Reading goals were too high.
I didn’t meet them.
But oh, the joy I had with the books along the way. I left 3½ books on my original list unfinished, but I did insert an unplanned 12 books (oops!), finishing 9 of those and still in the middle of 3.
Top 5 favorites
- The Faith of Leap: Embracing a Theology of Risk, Adventure & Courage by Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch (2011)
- Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1965)
- A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story by Donald Miller (2009)
- Enemies of the Heart: Breaking Free from the Four Emotions that Control You by Andy Stanley (2011)
- The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (1691)
Very good
- Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow (2005, 2011)
- The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven J. Lawson 2008)
- The Last Sin-Eater by Francine Rivers (1999)
- What Women Fear: Walking in Faith that Transforms by Angie Smith (2011)
Hard but worth it
- The Cross of Christ by John Stott (1986)
Good
- Mindfulness by Ellen Langer (1989)
- Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand (1967)
- Going Deep: Becoming a Person of Influence by Gordon MacDonald (2011)
- Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down (2011)
Just for fun
- All In: What It Takes to Be the Best by Gene Chizik (2011)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J. K. Rowling (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J. K. Rowling (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J. K. Rowling (2000)
- Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans (2006)
- Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans (2010)
In the middle of
- Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God by Sam Crabtree (2011)
- Red Like Blood: Confrontations with Grace by Joe Coffey & Bob Bevington (2011)
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (2012)
- Why It’s Hard to Love Jesus by Joseph M. Stowell (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J. K. Rowling (2003)
Still ahead
- Doing Life Differently: The Art of Living with Imagination by Luci Swindoll (2002)
- Stumbling into Grace: Discover God’s Story in the Middle of Your Own by Lisa Harper (2011)
- The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh (2011)
What I learned
It’s good for me to make a list.
It forces me to prioritize what books I really want to read. I even put them in an order this time, and that helped too.
But it’s also good for me to read unplanned books as they come.
Sometimes it’s a recommended read that just can’t wait, or a book that grabs me at the library, or a review book that becomes available.
So even though I didn’t finish the books on my list (yet), they’re still in the queue. And they will be read along the journey still to come.
* * *
Oh, the places I’ve been this fall!
Where has a book taken you lately?
See more book recommendations from others.
Why your man might hate church
Male and female participation are roughly equal in Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
In the Islamic world men are publicly and unashamedly religious—often more so than women.
Of the planet’s great religions, only Christianity has a consistent, worldwide shortage of male practitioners.
DAVID MURROW, Why Men Hate Going to Church
We’re coming up on one of the three days of male church obligation: Christmas Eve, Easter, and Mother’s Day.
I hope your man doesn’t hate church or feel obligated to go. Let’s get that out of the way.
Why do they hate going?
But just in case he does, here are a few reasons why, according to David Murrow in Why Men Hate Going to Church:
- I don’t have time.
- Church doesn’t work for me.
- It’s boring.
- It’s irrelevant to my life.
- I don’t like the pastor.
- It’s too long.
- They ask for money too much.
- It’s for wimps.
- There are too many hypocrites there. (most popular)
I wasn’t sure this would apply to my church. We appear highly male-oriented to me. Most of our committees are headed by men, filled with men, and executed by men. Almost all our teen and adult classes are taught by men (exceptions are the all-ladies classes). All the major decisions are made solely by men. Only men are allowed to speak up front.
But when I took the Guy Friendly Test, my church ended up ranking much lower than I expected. Why? If I often feel oppressed as a woman, how could we not be guy friendly?
Men don’t like this
Well, we do hold hands across the aisle periodically. We often have a “hug your neighbor” time. We don’t strongly state our mission or use the language of risk or danger or death like Jesus did. We use a “family” metaphor more than a “kingdom” one. Some might say we don’t focus on quality or innovation in our services. We don’t regularly provide “men projects” (compared to opportunities to cook meals for the sick or attend baby showers). Our services often go long. Our classes are typically geared to the academia-type who delight in exegesis and lectures.
Hmmm.... Have we overly-feminized the church?
Murrow says,
Women are just better at “doing church” than men are, because the rules of church favor women. The natural abilities that help a person become a star in church can be summed up in three words: verbal, studious, and sensitive.
But research proves that churches lacking in strong male leadership are typically not strong churches at all.
Once a church’s adult attendance is 70 percent female, you can write its obituary. …
Men have been less interested in the Christian faith for centuries. Men have had the pulpit; women have had the pews.
What to do
Murrow suggests women do masculine, but men don’t do feminine.
So help your church become more welcoming to men; it will benefit the men and the women. But how, and especially how without hurting the women?
- Consider men’s needs when planning.
- Let men gather without women around.
- Step back and let men lead.
- Do not belittle men or act spiritually superior.
- Stop sending signals that church is just for women.
- Encourage leaders to dream big enough to tap into God’s power.
He also suggests valuing what he labels the “the most important valuable spiritual discipline for today’s men: the discipline of friendship. … The men who stay faithful to God are those who walk closely with other Christian men.”
What do you think?
I’m not finished processing this yet; I’m not sure what I think.
I’d love to hear from you about your church experiences.
What do the men in your life think about going to church?
Good things, bad things?
* * *
RELATED:
- 7 reasons why I still go to church
- 5 things that make a good church day
- 3 pieces of advice to a new Christian
Thanks to Book Sneeze for the review copy of this book.
He sees you when you’re sleeping
Are your kids sleeping with one eye open this week?
Watching for Santa watching them?
It’s no different for some adults.
Do you know this song?
All along on the road to the soul’s true abode,
There’s an Eye watching you;
Every step that you take this great eye is awake,
There’s an Eye watching you.Watching you, watching you,
Ev’ry day mind the course you pursue;
Watching you, watching you,
There’s an all-seeing Eye watching you.
When I was growing up, Mrs. M would sit on the pew behind us at church. We sometimes wondered if she was the all-seeing eye. We felt her glare. It made us nervous.
I had to shake that.
I’ve grown up now to discover that while yes, God is watching me, it’s not to wag a finger at me if I giggle with my girlfriends during the sermon. Or get grouchy with Jeff. Or lie awake at night wondering about tomorrow.
He’s watching me so he can help me. Protect me. Love me.
And save me.
Jesus came, with his two sweet baby eyes, to watch over us and save us and lead us to praise.
And because he’s watching, we can calmly close both our eyes each silent night and sleep in heavenly peace.
I like this song much better:
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
* * *
How does it makes you feel knowing that God is watching you?
REVISED FROM THE ARCHIVES
“All In”—Book review
Auburn’s head football coach Gene Chizik surprises me.
I’ve heard him give credit to God several times after football games—“it was a God thing.”
But does that mean anything? You can’t believe faith is genuine every time a player or coach tosses in God’s name to punctuate a victory speech.
But what about Chizik?
For real or imposter?
After reading his book All In, I’ll bank on for real.
I expect a lot of football stats in a book by a football coach—and there are—but frankly, the faith stands out more than the football. Over and over Chizik refers to his belief in Jesus as his driving force, higher than his desire to win (and that’s high).
Winning or losing, he wants to please God.
While he doesn’t force his beliefs on his players, he encourages them to learn the character traits that come with Christianity: loyalty, respect, work ethic, family. Greatness not just as football players, but greatness as fathers, sons, brothers, workers. Real life stuff.
He chronicles his two years at Iowa State, a 5-19 record. Even though there were difficult times, he values the faith lessons he learned there about trusting God, regardless of what the numbers say. He and his wife Jonna both speak about being in the Word, praying, and valuing a faith family.
Jonna writes in the Afterword:
Though the outside world might not have viewed it this way, the first real championship game was won in Ames, Iowa, because it was there that God redefined the meaning of success for the Chizik family.
It was there that God showed us that as long as you are in the center of his will, you have already succeeded.
Chizik’s first season as head coach of the Auburn Tigers in 2009 goes well (8-5), but his “good to great” 2010 season (14-0) ends with winning the BCS National Championship game 22-19 on January 10, 2011.
He tells impressive stories about his players on that team: Zac Etheridge, Wes Byrum, Neil Caudle, Ontario McCalebb, Kodi Burns, Cameron Newton, and others.
He has taken some flak for his opening postgame statement after defeating Oregon Ducks for the championship: “First of all, I can’t be more blessed to be part of a whole team like this. Man, God was with us.”
So I like how he responds in the book with this:
When I say it was a God thing, I’m not really talking about the game.
I watched our players grow through the year as a team and as a family, as well as spiritually.
God blessed our team, and I would have said it was a God thing even if we had lost to Oregon or if we had finished the season with a 4-8 record.
He ends the book with four steps to follow on “Overcoming Your Own 5-19”:
1. Go by God’s definition of success, not the world’s.
2. Make a copy of Psalm 33:9-12 and display it to read every day. Remember that God’s intentions can never be shaken.
3. Choose carefully the people you listen to and who will be in your circle.
4. Borrow a page from the Auburn Tigers’ playbook and be “all in.”
Be all in for God.
At all times. In all circumstances. Be all in for him in great times, in bad times, in mediocre times.
That means not letting circumstances change who you are, what you do, and what you believe in.
I still can’t say for sure what’s in Gene Chizik’s heart—only God sees that. But his value of God’s Word definitely inspires. I want to be “all in” too.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:11-12
* * *
What’s better than better?
You know how you work to improve on something, you get better, and then you feel good about yourself?
Don’t go there.
Not without God.
Pride will follow you.
And negate all evidence of your supposed success.
If you haven’t experienced that yet, I praise God for the work God He’s done in you.
But as for me, I’m still a learner. I still get tripped up. I still forget that all good things come from God and never from me.
So this passage by Joseph Stowell stands out to me.
I hope you can’t relate.
The infamous prayer of the Pharisees, “Lord, I thank you that I am not like…,” reflects the proud distance they maintained from the less righteous among them.
It never occurred to them that we are all beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.
Regardless of how we try to cover ourselves, most of us feel that we really are better than those who “live in sin.”
But we are not better—not at all. We are forgiven but not better.
JOSEPH M. STOWELL, Why It’s Hard to Love Jesus
What’s better than better?
Forgiven.
* * *
Stack the stones - 12 Spiritual Markers
The stones will serve as a reminder to you. In days to come, your children will ask you, “What do these stones mean?”
Joshua 4:6
How has the Lord worked in your life this year? Which events stand out as special times of growth? When were you keenly aware of his presence?
Looking back through the year helps us remember great things the Lord has done.
I’m stacking twelve stones today, twelve spiritual markers to remind me of God’s faithfulness in 2011:
1. My baby turns 16
In January, I stand at the door and wave good-bye to my daughter as she drives away in a car. I’m thrown harder onto the Lord for mercy. 
A deeper realization of how little control I have reminds me of my pressing need to rely on God’s power and goodness, for whatever is to come, even when her car breaks down.
2. 12 weeks with God in the yard
When I commit to carving out an hour here and there for twelve weeks, just to “waste” time being outside with God, I don’t think my über-efficient self will stand for it. 
But as winter turns to spring, I learn that God is teaching me more in that down time than any other time of my day. I hope a few of the lessons I learn will follow me into 2012.
3. 4 days with the 4 Corners
I know already the value of spiritual friendships, but I get to live out its benefits spending four days with three of my longest-standing friends. 
God’s goodness is all over the trip, and he gives us memories that we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.
4. Tornadoes of April 27
We Alabamians will not forget this day. Loss of life, loss of property, loss of innocence—occurs over and over too close to home as the winds keep coming all day. 
I don’t know why some were left and some were taken. But I know to thank God for the lives of my family and friends. And for giving us a simple life again for seven days with no electricity.
5. My oldest graduates from college
Watching her dress in a black cap and gown and walk across a platform in May to receive a diploma marks one job complete. 
While I pray we’ll always be available for our daughters, seeing this one take a huge leap toward independence feels good. I thank the Lord for letting me see her make it this far.
6. Book club with my sisters/nieces
My nieces come up with the idea—let’s start a book club over the summer! So we all buy our book and meet almost weekly throughout the summer as nieces, aunts, daughters, mothers, sisters. 
What a huge blessing to have dedicated time for spiritual conversation with my family of sisters. It is a first for us; I hope it won’t be a last.
7. A trip to El Salvador
God outdoes himself. He takes me way, way, way out of my comfort zone. I’m forced to stretch into new levels of faith or I won’t make it. 
But the blessings don’t stop. I can’t put into words what he’s done and continues to do so I simply set down this marker.
8. Morgan and Fuller marry
Three months after watching Morgan graduate, we watch her marry. Seeing how God weaved together Morgan’s life and Fuller’s life has brought me to tears numerous times. 
Now my daughter is a wife and I have a son and I am a mother-in-law. I foresee God helping me stumble through these new relationships for years to come.
9. A woman’s weekend with Jenna
The weekend after Morgan gets married, Jenna and I attend a Women of Faith event as sisters. The Lord is seriously changing my mothering role from walking ahead of my daughters to instead walking alongside them. 
I’m thankful the Lord allows us this spiritual weekend before Jenna goes away to Auburn next fall.
10. Joy Jam with spiritual family
Sometimes I wait for my church to do for me. Then sometimes I remember the Spirit may be waiting for me to do something for/with them instead. 
On this September afternoon, we invite friends into our home for a special time of sharing songs and sharing markers of how God brings us joy.
11. Reunion with Mississippi family
I used to depend on my parents to explain the extended family tree and represent all of us at the reunions.
But since losing them both in 2010, I now need to to maintain these relationships myself. I regret I haven’t done better in the past. Jeff and I ride with my brother Lane and Bonnie to Toccopola on November 5 to reconnect with the Coleman/Lauderdale family. Many in my family now will also be my family for eternity; it’s my pleasure to get better acquainted here.
12. Grace in the details
My year of Depend and Delight is drawing to a close. I still have a few books to finish up that I’ve been reading all year on worrying less and depending more, and I still have a few experiences left to live out.
The gifts of grace I’ve seen God place before me strengthens my faith for what God may do next year.
The LORD has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3
I’m moved as I remember through this year. Difficult times. Exciting times. But in all times, God is faithful.
I’m marking these times.
I’m building my altar.
And I’m worshiping my Rock.
He was, he is, and he will be—a truth worth marking every year.
Abram built an altar there and worshiped the LORD.
Genesis 12:8
There I will build an altar to the God who has always helped me during times of trouble. He has been with me wherever I have gone.
Genesis 35:3 (ERV)
* * *
What is one of your spiritual markers for 2011?
He comes, and I must sing
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46-47
How often do you break out in song?
While I do occasionally, it’s usually just repeating a song I already know.
But when Mary’s heart was overflowing with praise after her cousin Elizabeth blessed her as the mother of her Lord, Mary expressed herself with inspired words (Luke 1:46-55).
Words that breathe.
Words that move.
We sing her words with my church, “Magnificat.” And even in the repetition, I feel the Spirit breathe through us in Mary’s phrases.
My soul magnifies the Lord.
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
He has been mindful of His servant.
I will be blessed forever.
I want to sing these words often. Mean these words. Deeply. In every month of the year.
But I long to express worship in my own words, too. To let the Lord know from my mouth that His coming to me stirs my soul.
I read these words yesterday by Walter Wangerin, Jr. for December Fourteen in Preparing for Jesus:
O Lord, you are the musician, and we are all your instruments. You breathe, and we come to life. You breathe, and we are horns for your glory. You blow through the world the winds of the spirit, and we like chimes cannot keep silent. You pluck the strings of our hearts, and we become a psalm.
You come, and we must sing.
He comes, and I must sing.
You may never hear my song, but he will.
* * *
Read or listen to Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55 today.
Do they prompt praise in your heart, too?
Are you prepared?
He prepared for me.
Have I prepared for him?
“Are you ready for Christmas?”
It’s December small talk.
And technically, no, I’m not ready.
I still have gifts to wrap. More to buy. Cards to write.
Sometimes I prepare well.
I set a nice table. I light the candles. I choose mood music.
It makes a difference.
John prepared for Jesus (Matthew 3:2-3).
He set hearts on edge.
“Wake up! Get ready! He’s coming!”
Jesus prepared for the cross (John 17:11).
He made disciples. He loved thoroughly.
He met his mission.
God prepared for me (Ephesians 2:10).
I am his fabric, designed for beautiful creations.
Knowing the path I’ll walk, He’s laid out provisions for my journey.
Am I prepared to use them?
Not just for Christmas, although there is a mission there, too.
Am I prepared for a new year? Am I prepared for new works?
Some are shaping before my eyes. Some I can’t even imagine yet.
But He has imagined them.
He’s prepared them for me.
He’s lined up perfect gifts of grace for each footstep,
each ready for hand-delivery as I walk in range.
Will my heart be ready?
Am I preparing now for what’s to come later?
Am I studying? Am I praying?
Am I loving higher and wider and deeper?
He’s prepared a gift for me to use.
Will I be prepared to give it?
It could make a difference.
For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
* * *
Are you ready for Christmas? For 2012?
Book review: “The Faith of Leap”
By taking our eyes off the ball, or anxiously focusing on technique, orderly worship, political correctness, or whatever, we not only lose focus, we also miss the point of what it is all about.
~ MICHAEL FROST & ALAN HIRSCH, The Faith of Leap
I really like this book.
There is no doubt that to walk with Jesus means to walk on the wilder side of life. Spirituality and discipleship in the Way of Jesus is demanding, but it is also God’s blueprint for an authentic life of wholesome (holy) humanity.
And because I’ve marked so many pages and paragraphs, I can’t adequately summarize it for you.
So I’ll whet your appetite with a short review and a few quotes below, and then invite you to read it yourself.
The subtitle of The Faith of Leap is “Embracing a theology of risk, adventure & courage.” The authors encourage us to let go of our idol of security and live more courageously for the mission God is calling us to. They don’t go into details on what those missions are—it will vary with each of us—but they do dare us to take the plunge and become who we were made to be.
And to do so in community, or as they refer to it, communitas.
The Bible is written to communities, be it Israel or the church, and it is written to foster community, whether it be the national identity of Israel or the faith community of the church.
Just as there is no such thing as an Israel-less Jew, there is no such things as a churchless Christian (1 Cor. 12:13).…We are never going to be the church that Jesus built if we do not take community seriously.
Have you been a part of a short-term trip or a mission-specific group that transformed into a real community? Didn’t it call you to be more bold for Christ than you ordinarily would? We know that kind of togetherness that restructures relationships into a camaraderie—it comes when we’re living for purposes greater than our own.
But can the church really maintain such a rich sense of do-or-die mission?
Mission is more and different from recruitment to our brand of religion; it is the alerting people to the universal reign of God through Christ.
Mission is the practical demonstration, whether by speech or by action, of the glorious lordship of Jesus.
We better get this right. And get it right together.
We cannot shake the impression that the church Jesus built was meant to experience this form of togetherness…and lots of it. And not just for the sake of love and fellowship, but because we have a mission that requires it!
Mission propels us out of self-concern to other-concern, from holy huddle to venturing out into God’s world. And mission, encapsulating as it does the purpose of the church, has always been vital to the equation of ecclesia that Jesus intended in the first place.
Our adventure in following Christ is an open-ended journey. There’s no way we can predict where He will take us (and I’m not talking about locations).
Will we view this unknown as a threat or as an opportunity?
Will we stay so preoccupied with safety that we miss our mission?
May it never be so.
On leadership:
Followers want comfort, stability, and solutions from their leaders, but that’s babysitting.
Real leaders ask hard questions and knock people out of their comfort zones and then manage the resulting distress.
On risk aversion:
We remind loss-averse church leaders of what could ultimately be lost if the call to missional adventure is finally rejected or ameliorated....Only love can empower us to overcome our loss aversion.
Jesus tackles our [loss aversion] head-on from the very outset: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matt. 16:25). In fact, he repeats this proverbial statement over and over. If we could be freed from our aversion to loss, our whole outlook on risk would change. We would be free indeed.
On replacing fear:
Church plays a critical role in the liminal process of cultivating an adventurous faith to replace our fears.
But, so often it is otherwise; Robert Capon wittily observes that the church, by and large, has had a poor record of encouraging freedom.
She has spent so much time inculcating in us the fear of making mistakes that she has made us like ill-taught piano students: we play our songs, but we never hear them because our main concern is not to make music but to avoid some mistake that will get us into trouble.
On purpose:
There are movements that have emphasized the importance of community. Many of the monastic orders fit into this category.…[But] when the most important thing that matters is being together—when community organizes the other functions—then there is likely to be a very rich sense of relationships between brothers and sisters, but such love would always live in the shadow of the ever-present threat of its becoming the cloying, controlling community-for-its-own-sake.
The Christian community is meant to exist for more than itself.
As William Temple once observed, the church is the only society in the world that exists for the benefit of the nonmembers. We forget this to our peril.
On adventure:
The church, the redeemed people who follow Jesus the great Adventurer, archetypal Hero, apocalyptic Rider, and courageous Savior, ought to be a place where there is great adventure and the risk of faith and mission—for to love God is to become like him.
If this is not the case, we have good cause to question whether we have truly encountered Jesus and are worshiping the right God.
Christianity is an adventure of the spirit or it is not Christianity. We must repent of our obsession with safety and security and do the task that only we as Jesus’s people can do.
* * *
“tinuviel” is the winner of the book give-away!
Congratulations!
My thanks to Baker Books for the free copy.
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