It was a few posts back that I focused on listening. Do we really listen or just hear noise? A recent teaching from Shane Hipps of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan stirred up these thoughts again as he talked about hearing our calling of who we were meant to be amongst the white noise of the world. He likened it to listening to music while driving with the car windows down and how hard it was to hear the music. No matter how much he turned up the music, it still didn't come through with all of the white noise from the road and the wind. Finally, he rolled up the windows, shutting out the distracting outside noise and could now truly hear the music.
In order to hear the true calling of what we were meant to be requires that we cut out the white noise of the world and especially those voices in our head that keep distracting us. God's voice is like a pool of water, that in its most natural state is totally still. It is only outside forces like the wind or a pebble that disturbs the surface or muddies the water. If I want to see the image that God has planned for me in the surface of the pool, I must learn to be quiet and still. My meditation practices allow me to be better at finding that image, but it is often illusive. Even the slightest disturbance causes it to vanish, like a skittish bird flitting swiftly away.
Shane's teaching also focused on why we need to hear God's voice. It is not that we need to hear it to be obedient to God or that God really needs us to do anything, but that it is to find that Spirit that truly makes us happy. So often, we do things that we think we should because of the outside forces of the world. Those things that we were told were the right thing to do. He likened it to a guitar, which makes a perfect bat for wiffle balls. Easy to swing, broad surface for contact and the guitar really doesn't care that it is being used to bat a wiffle ball. However, when someone uses the guitar for what it was truly made; sweet and beautiful music can be made.
That is the result of finally hearing our calling. Sweet music is made and the noise of the world can't drown it out.
How do we know? Listen for the music!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Loon Dance
A loon glides across the still water as the sun starts to set and reminds me of a time a few years back. I was kayaking on the lake at midday in the middle of the week. There were no other boats on the lake. The water was calm and the sun brilliant. A most beautiful day.
I spotted a number of loons through the channel and paddled silently toward them to get a closer look. They were doing the typical loon dance of circling, bobbing their heads and then stretching out their necks and wings. As I neared them they started to dive, so I just let the momentum of my paddling carry the kayak silently forward. They soon started to pop up in pairs. Eight in all, they surrounded the kayak on all four sides. Reminding me of the native medicine wheel and the four directions. I was breathless as I watched them continue to dance all around me; including me in their sacred ceremony as if I were a part of them.
Times like these keep me grounded and remind me of how connected we are to the earth and to the creatures that inhabit it. Something sacred in something so simple. That is what I receive when I am mindful of what is going on around me. Not questioning why. Not worrying about what was or planning for what will be, but being present in a current place and time.
Most times are not as spectacular as the occurrence of the loon dance. I was truly blessed to be able to experience this treasure. It comes back to reaffirm me of how we were made to exist with our God and the creation of his hands.
Live with God today, and like the loons; enjoy the dance!
I spotted a number of loons through the channel and paddled silently toward them to get a closer look. They were doing the typical loon dance of circling, bobbing their heads and then stretching out their necks and wings. As I neared them they started to dive, so I just let the momentum of my paddling carry the kayak silently forward. They soon started to pop up in pairs. Eight in all, they surrounded the kayak on all four sides. Reminding me of the native medicine wheel and the four directions. I was breathless as I watched them continue to dance all around me; including me in their sacred ceremony as if I were a part of them.
Times like these keep me grounded and remind me of how connected we are to the earth and to the creatures that inhabit it. Something sacred in something so simple. That is what I receive when I am mindful of what is going on around me. Not questioning why. Not worrying about what was or planning for what will be, but being present in a current place and time.
Most times are not as spectacular as the occurrence of the loon dance. I was truly blessed to be able to experience this treasure. It comes back to reaffirm me of how we were made to exist with our God and the creation of his hands.
Live with God today, and like the loons; enjoy the dance!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bridges
I lie on my back on the mat with my knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then gently raise my midsection toward the sky, keeping my feet and shoulders touching the mat. A slight resistance of aging muscles and tendons, but a feeling of openness and stretching. A Yogi's soothing voice echos across time saying breathe and envision your bridge carrying you across rivers of fear, streams of resentment, chasms of guilt; anything that blocks your journey. This bridge is the way across.
I have found Yoga and meditation as a way of opening my mind and stretching my body to help me on my journey of life. I have found it to be a way of serenity and peace. Allowing me to envision things that I need to do or change to keep me on my journey without having to run all the way around, and then be cut off again from my goal.
For me, I have found that I need two basic tools for building bridges. One is forgiveness and the other is grace. Forgiveness is a tool that I need to use to see past the valleys and chasms blocking me from my current relationships; helping to lay the foundation for those who can help me on my path. Grace is not a tool that I wield, but one that is wielded for me. It is the constant gratitude for the blessings that I have been given and the hope of each new day. When used together, they form a strong bridge over any chasm and even span oceans of feelings.
I do have to keep in mind that I only need to build a bridge when I have approached a place that I cannot get across without one. So many times I have built bridges in my head for situations that don't even require them. In the meantime, I am so busy building that I have forgotten to approach the situation with confidence only to find that it is a solid road that has been paved by grace.
We all face these troubled valleys at times in our lives. I hope your bridges are strong and sturdy!
I have found Yoga and meditation as a way of opening my mind and stretching my body to help me on my journey of life. I have found it to be a way of serenity and peace. Allowing me to envision things that I need to do or change to keep me on my journey without having to run all the way around, and then be cut off again from my goal.
For me, I have found that I need two basic tools for building bridges. One is forgiveness and the other is grace. Forgiveness is a tool that I need to use to see past the valleys and chasms blocking me from my current relationships; helping to lay the foundation for those who can help me on my path. Grace is not a tool that I wield, but one that is wielded for me. It is the constant gratitude for the blessings that I have been given and the hope of each new day. When used together, they form a strong bridge over any chasm and even span oceans of feelings.
I do have to keep in mind that I only need to build a bridge when I have approached a place that I cannot get across without one. So many times I have built bridges in my head for situations that don't even require them. In the meantime, I am so busy building that I have forgotten to approach the situation with confidence only to find that it is a solid road that has been paved by grace.
We all face these troubled valleys at times in our lives. I hope your bridges are strong and sturdy!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Planting Seeds
The green shoots have emerged from the depths and stretch their thin necks towards the sun. After days of wet cloudy weather they relish the warmth from above. The grass seed that I threw down over bare patches has sprouted and now cover them with a bright green fringe.
This time of year we watch what has been planted and fertilized start to grow and flourish. Sometimes it is hard to tell which are weeds and what will grow to bear good fruit. As we work in our flower and vegetable gardens we sometimes have to look hard to tell the difference. Some people try to kill off those beautiful but pesky yellow flowers that dot their lawns.
Many of us try to grow our own vegetable gardens on small plots in our yards or in barrels and planters, but true farming takes much skill. Preparing the ground, choosing the right seed and fertilizers, planting at the right time, cultivating; the list goes on and on. When we have done all this correctly, we still are at the mercy of God to make things grow.
This is much the same with our spiritual journey and how we go about spreading the Gospel. I am often frustrated as I try to plant the seeds, but they seem to fall on soil that is not prepared. Sometimes the thorns take over what I have planted and they are choked out. I don't know how much to fertilize; to little and things don't grow, too much and they burn out.
As I reflect on these things, I am trying to learn all I can on how to be a better farmer for God. I know that I cannot reap that which I do not sow. I also know that the ground is fertile and crying out to be planted. Do I have the right tools and knowledge to do the farming?
I do know that all I can do is plant the seeds, water and fertilize. God is the one that makes things grow!
This time of year we watch what has been planted and fertilized start to grow and flourish. Sometimes it is hard to tell which are weeds and what will grow to bear good fruit. As we work in our flower and vegetable gardens we sometimes have to look hard to tell the difference. Some people try to kill off those beautiful but pesky yellow flowers that dot their lawns.
Many of us try to grow our own vegetable gardens on small plots in our yards or in barrels and planters, but true farming takes much skill. Preparing the ground, choosing the right seed and fertilizers, planting at the right time, cultivating; the list goes on and on. When we have done all this correctly, we still are at the mercy of God to make things grow.
This is much the same with our spiritual journey and how we go about spreading the Gospel. I am often frustrated as I try to plant the seeds, but they seem to fall on soil that is not prepared. Sometimes the thorns take over what I have planted and they are choked out. I don't know how much to fertilize; to little and things don't grow, too much and they burn out.
As I reflect on these things, I am trying to learn all I can on how to be a better farmer for God. I know that I cannot reap that which I do not sow. I also know that the ground is fertile and crying out to be planted. Do I have the right tools and knowledge to do the farming?
I do know that all I can do is plant the seeds, water and fertilize. God is the one that makes things grow!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Like a Child
She runs on the sand, pigtails flying, chasing gulls and the waves wash away the footprints that had marked the trail of her adventure. Inquisitive, she asks where they have gone to and I tell her the they have been washed away. She smiles and turns to make more footprints that will quickly wash away.
How quickly the time passes from little girl, to young woman, to mother; but still always "Daddy's girl". The years now seem to be a blur as I watch her with little ones of her own answering those questions that never quite seem to end. One answer just leads to another question. The unending cycle of a child's perspective.
Oh, but to continue to be that inquisitive. To be an open mind to the world once again without the preconceived notions of the way things are or what they should be. To see the world through the eyes of a child without my childish ways is what I seek. To see others without judgment. To accept life just as it is without trying to change it or cursing for what is. To be able to cry when your hurt and not feel stupid or weak. To be able to laugh even when nothing is funny. To see each new day as an adventure.
John McAndrew's song "Like a Child" keeps me yearning for the simple pleasures that a child experiences as they learn and grow. To see life in our world as never before. New and exciting with hope and trust in a Father that is there to pick us up when we fall, comfort us when we are hurt and tell us we can be anything we want to be; and then like the sea he washes away the footprints of our past, forgives us in grace.
Carpe diem! Seize the day and make it one of wonder and praise for a Father that never leaves us. Like a child, we keep on learning.
How quickly the time passes from little girl, to young woman, to mother; but still always "Daddy's girl". The years now seem to be a blur as I watch her with little ones of her own answering those questions that never quite seem to end. One answer just leads to another question. The unending cycle of a child's perspective.
Oh, but to continue to be that inquisitive. To be an open mind to the world once again without the preconceived notions of the way things are or what they should be. To see the world through the eyes of a child without my childish ways is what I seek. To see others without judgment. To accept life just as it is without trying to change it or cursing for what is. To be able to cry when your hurt and not feel stupid or weak. To be able to laugh even when nothing is funny. To see each new day as an adventure.
John McAndrew's song "Like a Child" keeps me yearning for the simple pleasures that a child experiences as they learn and grow. To see life in our world as never before. New and exciting with hope and trust in a Father that is there to pick us up when we fall, comfort us when we are hurt and tell us we can be anything we want to be; and then like the sea he washes away the footprints of our past, forgives us in grace.
Carpe diem! Seize the day and make it one of wonder and praise for a Father that never leaves us. Like a child, we keep on learning.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Listen
A loon’s eerie call on a cooling evening just at sunset. The raspy voice of a tree frog croaking to find a mate. The screech of a red winged blackbird. The warble of an Oriole. Nature speaks to me through the voices of creatures familiar to me. I listen to them and try to hear the Creator’s voice which gently and quietly urges me to seek Him.
How often do you find yourself hearing but not really listening. I am quite guilty of this all the time. Sometimes when someone is talking to me I try hard to listen, but my mind is on a different adventure and tries to pirate me along with it. Other times my mind is moving ahead of the speaker and I try to put words in their mouth. Maybe those things I would like them to say, or just because I have tuned out of the real meaning of their words. Mostly, it is because I have refused to give my time and my attention to the one who is speaking. The selfishness takes over.
One of my favorite Native American sayings is “listen or your tongue will make you deaf”. Mine has made me hard of hearing many times. When I have a thought or an idea, I don’t even have to be speaking for me to be deaf to others views and opinions.
What does it really mean to listen? To be generous and give your time and attention to another human being without being judgmental or self serving. At times this is so difficult. Our culture doesn’t lend itself to truly listening to one another. The TV or radio blares in the background, cell phones ring or silently buzz and people are so hurried and easily distracted. Sometimes it seems the whole world is becoming ADD. It is a special and sacred time when two people are able to sit and openly and honestly share themselves with each other without regards to time or the world around them.
How about the time you spend with God? I so often take charge of the conversations with Him. After all, He has such a soft voice, that I usually don’t hear Him. I am the one doing the talking, repenting, asking or pleading. He is always silently listening. Waiting for me to finish my rantings and then in a very quiet voice says “Be still, and know that I am God”. This causes me to stop; take a few deep cleansing breathes, and finally agree with Him.
Take the time to listen. Listen to one another. Listen to the quiet voice of your Creator. He has plenty to say when we finally find the time to listen!
How often do you find yourself hearing but not really listening. I am quite guilty of this all the time. Sometimes when someone is talking to me I try hard to listen, but my mind is on a different adventure and tries to pirate me along with it. Other times my mind is moving ahead of the speaker and I try to put words in their mouth. Maybe those things I would like them to say, or just because I have tuned out of the real meaning of their words. Mostly, it is because I have refused to give my time and my attention to the one who is speaking. The selfishness takes over.
One of my favorite Native American sayings is “listen or your tongue will make you deaf”. Mine has made me hard of hearing many times. When I have a thought or an idea, I don’t even have to be speaking for me to be deaf to others views and opinions.
What does it really mean to listen? To be generous and give your time and attention to another human being without being judgmental or self serving. At times this is so difficult. Our culture doesn’t lend itself to truly listening to one another. The TV or radio blares in the background, cell phones ring or silently buzz and people are so hurried and easily distracted. Sometimes it seems the whole world is becoming ADD. It is a special and sacred time when two people are able to sit and openly and honestly share themselves with each other without regards to time or the world around them.
How about the time you spend with God? I so often take charge of the conversations with Him. After all, He has such a soft voice, that I usually don’t hear Him. I am the one doing the talking, repenting, asking or pleading. He is always silently listening. Waiting for me to finish my rantings and then in a very quiet voice says “Be still, and know that I am God”. This causes me to stop; take a few deep cleansing breathes, and finally agree with Him.
Take the time to listen. Listen to one another. Listen to the quiet voice of your Creator. He has plenty to say when we finally find the time to listen!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Pruning Branches
Our Korean lilacs have been just beautiful this Spring. They have grown large and lush over the past couple years. Full of blossoms this year, they smelled just wonderful. Over the past week though they had finished their blooms and it was time to do some pruning because they had become so large. As I pruned off the first layer it became hard to keep their shape. I was instructed to prune further; to cut them "way" back. As I pruned, I was shocked. What I thought were beautiful bushes on the outside, were nothing but barren sticks on the inside. Dead wood needing to be trimmed.
How many of us are like those bushes? We look great on the outside, but when pruned of what we own and what we wear and of the house that we occupy; what do we really look like. The superficial beauty on the outside when pruned reveals what is truly on the inside. Is it just bare sticks without any shape, with out any green leaves or new growth? Are we dead wood? Have we lost our connection with the source of new growth and vitality.
Not only can people be like these bushes but our churches can very much be like this as well. Lovely large buildings, full of well dressed people with preachers who are eloquent in their sermons; but what lies underneath. Is there any new growth? Are there any new shoots branching out?
I believe that we who are living the American dream, and our churches as well, have lost our real connection to the life giving Spirit. "It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity." This is a quote by Fredric D. Huntington in Forum Magazine and the date was 1890. Our congregations are dwindling as we try to look nice in the neighborhood and keep up our image while underneath we have lost sight of what is important. As Pastor Tim Kizziar of Sisters Community Church said, "Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."
It is time to see where our roots connect to the earth and send them deep into the soil so that we can find that life giving source of water and nourishment. What are your priorities? What really matters?
The bible tells us in Matthew 22 that when Jesus was asked "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
As I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, I am given a chance to review some of my priorities and where I need to do some pruning in my life so that I can find new growth!
How many of us are like those bushes? We look great on the outside, but when pruned of what we own and what we wear and of the house that we occupy; what do we really look like. The superficial beauty on the outside when pruned reveals what is truly on the inside. Is it just bare sticks without any shape, with out any green leaves or new growth? Are we dead wood? Have we lost our connection with the source of new growth and vitality.
Not only can people be like these bushes but our churches can very much be like this as well. Lovely large buildings, full of well dressed people with preachers who are eloquent in their sermons; but what lies underneath. Is there any new growth? Are there any new shoots branching out?
I believe that we who are living the American dream, and our churches as well, have lost our real connection to the life giving Spirit. "It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity." This is a quote by Fredric D. Huntington in Forum Magazine and the date was 1890. Our congregations are dwindling as we try to look nice in the neighborhood and keep up our image while underneath we have lost sight of what is important. As Pastor Tim Kizziar of Sisters Community Church said, "Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."
It is time to see where our roots connect to the earth and send them deep into the soil so that we can find that life giving source of water and nourishment. What are your priorities? What really matters?
The bible tells us in Matthew 22 that when Jesus was asked "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
As I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, I am given a chance to review some of my priorities and where I need to do some pruning in my life so that I can find new growth!
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