Success

Onward, forward into a new day, a new year. I suppose we naturally assess our lives when a moment of change approaches, and traditionally do so when we switch out the calendar on the wall. It's easy to say, "I'll change this! " and make a grand resolution.

I'm not too good at keeping resolutions, though. They take self-discipline, and my main resolution in life is to develop more of that so I can make more resolutions that I'll keep.

Yet, I can't leave it. My life is there to assess, and so much needs to change. I'm confident of only one thing this year. It's a good thing I have Christ or there would be nothing worthwhile to look back on.

We just watched David's favorite Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". It's such a true story, and that's why it's a classic. And so? My goal is to be a success.

I want to be a success like Aunt Mabel, who has given her whole life in serving God and giving generously to anyone she can. I want to be a success like all my Grandparents, who live for Christ and have reached so many people with love and compassion as a result. Their lives have Christ's gospel written all over them.

I want to be like my parents, amazingly talented people who can do so many things that could have made them money, but they do it all for free and give of their time and talents over and over for the glory of God. I want to be like my brother, who is a natural pilot who could easily make it as a pilot anywhere, but chose to go learn a foreign language and learn to live in another culture so he can support missionaries by transporting them and their belongings where God has placed them.

I have so much that doesn't really matter, and it's so easy to focus on getting more. But I have children and a husband to serve, and friends and neighbors before whom I'm responsible to transport God's love, character and mission.

How much can I give up of myself this year? How much more will erode away before the onslaught of Christ's character? How much of a success will I be? I hope a big one, because God's glory is worth losing everything, no matter how important I think it may be, and no matter how I may weep with desire for it.

There is a Pearl of great price. It is in my hands. May I never let go for lesser things!

edge of thought

There, upon the edge of consciousness, stands the great Truth I wish to impart, a concept I cannot grasp nor surround. It stands greater, higher, broader, wider, brighter, deeper, further, nearer than I can define.

I walk its path, a hanging bridge, anchored upon the existence of its truth. No matter the social claims to the contrary, it is real and strong. It is there. I cannot change what it is, nor perceive all it contains, but this path is firm beneath my feet. I find substance in thin air, they say,... yet somehow I must be able to fly, for I do not hold myself up. I have no wings.

Come, believe and see that Christ is good! Let us exalt His name together.

Seasonal Sunset

I left a little early last night, heading out to the new women's Bible study we're starting. When I realized how close I was to my destination, I decided to find a clear view of the sunset, which is harder than you may think in a flat, residential district full of trees. As the sunset faded, I pulled into a parking lot and wrote the thoughts below, almost making myself late for the study. *laugh*
-----

Blazing cloudlets fill the sky, a fragmented battalion pushing against the mystery moon as she waxes brighter through dimming atmosphere. Below, the trees seem to mimic the colors as the leaves face their death. Shadows deepen on the scene even as I write, hiding the colors and silhouetting branches against the clouds. Gradually, the sun pulls back her guard as the moon strengthens her pale halo, realising the winter of the night.

A curiosity.

If you are fire ... then can you be burnt?

When Wisdom Fails...

It's so sad to hear of (or know) people who know the truth and yet fall away into disillusionment and sorrow.

I was looking up Hannah Whitall Smith, who wrote the book I recommended the other day and found a site with an article tearing the woman down for not living what she had written, and thus disparaging her book for its perfectionistic views (and heresy--for which I will now be looking because I don't want anyone to read this and go wrong!) I must say, her title is unfortunate. "Happy" is a soul-less word. "Content" or "Submitted" would have been much better though the book might not have sold as well.

I'm half-way through and thinking hard about all she has to say, and it seems to me that this is a summary of much of which she had been taught. She had to have tried to practice it. Of course, this was one article and it was strong enough that the author may have had some bitterness issues to work out.

Yet, isn't it true that even when we fail we can still recount the truth? It is odd how easily I deceive myself, yet can clearly state what the truth should be to someone else.

Anyhow, God offers more wisdom than we can ever absorb, yet when we turn from Him it will no longer fill our eyes and other paths will seem equally reliable.

Anyhow, if you want to join me in reading "The Christian Secret of a Happy Life" here it is online. Feel free to point out any heresy to me. I do want to have discernment, yet must confess I often doubt I have any.

An upward time

Life goes through it's little ups and downs. Today was an up day. We shall see what tomorrow brings. Yet I will make use of this day while it still lasts to make some resolutions and plan some plans and dream dreams I wouldn't even consider on a down day. Thus, I will have started something and will find it hard to avoid the pattern I choose today.

I've been reading "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith. This lady wrote in a fashion I deeply desire to emulate, her every point clear and her every word pushing forward to Christ. I highly recommend to everyone, read this book. Today I have already had opportunity to share her lessons with three friends (and this from an alleged loner). What a testimony to leave behind! Thank God for ancestors of true faith.

Anyway...

Now I need to create a statement of my submission to the Lord. I've done this before, likely during the prior three readings of this book in years past, but also in response to other readings and messages. This time I don't intend to forget it or lose it in an old diary! With my trusty reminder system I am going to wake every morning to a recording of this decision to submit to Christ in every motive, thought, choice and deed. I do not expect instant transformation, but I do expect that not forgetting my promise may help with the whole follow-through part when it comes down to my will or Thine.

I love these times of change and renewal! They are so refreshing and tide me through the days when I don't feel much like serving anyone.

Ok, it's bedtime. More on this eventually.

The Joy of Mothering

It's easy to complain, I suppose, but better to remember the positive view.

Today at the Mom's Life meeting we were reminded to give thanks for the opportunities we have as mothers. How many people have such a powerful influence over lives? Really, this is a worthy goal, to help develop strong adults who will go out and change the world for the better.

And so, once again, I remember. My time with these children is short! They are growing. Already I'm amazed at how big they are, at all they accomplish, at all they are capable of! May God grant me the wisdom to teach them wisely, be a good example, and have the humility to show them how to submit to God especially when I'm the one who is wrong.

Prayer, such an incredible part of the privileges given to us by Christ, but how can we take advantage of it? We were reminded that the mundane tasks are actually opportunities to hold our children and their friends in prayer. We can focus on random events that remind us of our children or husbands to keep them in prayer through the day. I know of people who post pictures of those they pray for where they will easily be seen. I don't like pictures plastered all over the house, but the idea of praying for someone who loves gardening when you notice a pretty flower, or for a fireman when you hear a siren makes a simple substitute. Everyone I know well has something associated with them, and when I see or hear it I remember them. What better time to pray?

This initial Mom's Life meeting went well. I had a few old friends at my table and we met a few new people, even a women who had just recently moved into the area. I'm looking forward to building relationships and enjoying our time together in the months to come.

Boredom, a choice?

As a homeschooling mom, it is not surprising that the words, "I'm bored," have come to my attention. But this phenomena is neither localized among small children nor within my family.

Where does boredom come from? Is it inevitable? Can it be avoided?

These questions fuel many of the marketing strategies pounding us day in and day out. Yet I refuse to believe the solution to boredom comes from donating cash to any gaping maw that asks for it.

Now, my method of researching boredom is quite simple. I ask myself what I think, then I ask what I have observed in my YEARS (*sarcasm*) of life. OK, this isn't scientific, but you can always tell me your perspective after reading mine, and if you agree I will count it, and if you don't I'll ... well,... consider it.

What is the source of boredom? Media would have us believe that it comes from insufficient stimulation. I disagree. Boredom comes from insufficient interest.

There are people in this world who are almost never bored. You sit them in a long lecture about something they know more about than the teacher, and they seem interested. They encounter someone who speaks on and on about something in which they have never considered an interest, and they seem interested. You ask them if they are bored in any situation, and they say, "not really."

What is their secret?

I'd say intelligence. But that could be construed as mean by those of us who have claimed boredom. So I'll say it's an active mind.

We choose boredom if we follow a routine without mental participation. Permitting life to flow around us just because it's there is boredom. This is why people can watch an action-packed movie and be bored. This is why anything on the face of this planet can be considered boring by those annoying people whose conversation we avoid. (Who wants to actively listen to anyone talk about how they refuse to engage in their environment?)

Anything, no matter how unavoidable or well-known can be interesting. It all comes from how we approach it. What are the tools used by an active mind to combat boredom? You know them well, and have probably used them.

The most abused are day-dreaming or thinking about something completely different. In the educational arena these are a cop-out, and they don't do much for relationships or work either. There are circumstances where these techniques could be very useful. Long-term, solitary confinement, for example, or simply during a quiet hour when we seek peaceful, inactive rest.

When faced with a situation when our mental presence is necessary, however, there are other tactics we can use. To illustrate them, here are a couple common scenarios. Each solution may be applied in varying ways.

An acquaintance is going on and on about some uninteresting subject or refuses to get to the point. Employing the ability to empathize may not be sufficient.
- In this case, you can attempt to mentally rephrase what is said more concisely, preparing to acknowledge what you have heard. Image the situations and theorize about how this topic became of such interest to them while challenging yourself to recollect some time in your own life when you had a similar experience or reaction. First, these techniques will help keep your mind busy while still focusing on the conversation, but they also will give you a means to respond and perhaps even a desire to continue the conversation further.

A lecturer has little personal charisma, but the information is necessary for a grade or for your own knowledge.
- Take notes. This simple act will engage your mind. Reformat what you are learning into your preferred mode of learning. Illustrate, rephrase, and add your own insights or create a list of topics or an outline. Tear apart the language used, and insert your own vocabulary or sentence structure. If you already know most of the material, consider how you would improve the presentation if you had the chance. (Obviously, this isn't so you can corner the lecturer later and inform them how to improve. This is for you only!) Note references you will pursue further and consider the deeper possibilities or ramifications of the subject.

You know nothing of the subject and really don't desire to become informed.
- This is a recipe for boredom. In this case, the best tactic is to simply to decide to learn what you can in order to survive the situation. Attitude will make all the difference. Ask questions if you're able or observe and create a basic mental framework for the information you find.

There is no way you can follow the situation. Every interaction is based on the assumption of knowledge you do not know.
- Choose an aspect of the situation that falls within your knowledge and actively participate to the best of your ability. If all else fails, you can always revert to a study of human nature and social contrasts or even invent back-stories for the faces around you.

You're stuck at home with nothing to do.
- WHAT?
If you're at home, there is always something to do. Clean your home and yard or build an improvement. Interact and get to know those who live with you. Read. If nothing else, write your memoirs or watch the neighbors. There are incredible possibilities, restricted only by imagination. Even if you're unable to move, there is still the landscape of the mind to explore. But, really, take out the trash or clean something. Whoever is supposed to do it will be grateful!

And, for the most practical situation of all... what about Bible study?
- I can't begin to cover the ways we can re-involve our minds with God's Word. First, realize that routine isn't the enemy here. Don't just read because it's on the list of what must be done, but keep that appointment. Look for insights into God's character and the way He interacts with mankind. Look for commands. Look for points that apply to your life and apply them. Write down at least one thing every day that catches your eye and think about it throughout the day. Remember to take a moment to recognize blessings. Keep a journal of answered prayers and unexpected grace. Above all, realize that this is time spent with a friend. It's a time to learn more about Him and enjoy His presence.

Know that these are things I try to apply in my own life. May you lose your sense of boredom with life and discover the joys of active participation, even if you haven't bought the latest and greatest anti-boredom gadget.

Wow! Ambient sunset lighting effects....

Just now I looked up from where I was formatting something for DH on the computer and an incredible sight met my eyes. The world has turned green!

Something about the angle of the light, probably pouring through a thin layer of the highest leaves in the wooded area behind our house, has shaded everything in view with an incredibly intense shade of green. It's very cool. Low-lying clouds are not green, but bluish-grey and orange. There is no sky, just the intense clouds and the green world below. I feel a little like I suddenly arrived on an alien planet.

Even as I was about to hit post, the light changed again to the more normal golden hue. This world is incredible! I can't wait to see the next.

Perspective affects perception

Dinosaurs died agonizing deaths.

According to the above linked article, there are an awful lot of warm-blooded animals who died in this way world-wide. They have many theories about eruptions and poison, which may be partially true.

But it's funny how carefully they avoid one theory that would explain the phenomenon very well.

Perhaps they asphyxiated by drowning?

*sigh*

"Let's please avoid the thought that a world-wide flood may have occurred, because, ya know, all those religious fanatics will be all over it."

This "religious fanatic" thinks the science-is-holy fanatics have the same problem they reflect on us.

Give me conformity or give me....

Death...
(Don't ask me where this is going. It's a late-night mind-meander. We'll see if where it goes makes any sense.)

Rom 12:2-3
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

We speak of diversity. Yet we conform.

We speak of liberty. Yet we are slaves to the opinion and view of the world.

So many see the stereotypical, cookie-cutter Christian person as a marshmallow who goes out and does good by handing sweets to starving children. We get fluttery wings and haloes to go with our golden harps and we are content to stand, strumming, as we sing generic songs acapella to a slow rhythm.

What if...

What if we really are transformed?

What if the reality is a group of people who know the world they live in and understand its complexities? What if we know THE solution? What if...

What if we are right...
and dying to our own selves and self-centered orientation is the first step in being greater than we are?

What if there is, compacted within our normal human bodies, all the grandeur and power of God at work?

What if we aren't normal, cookie-cutter people? What if we're parts of an incredible work, a Church that glorifies God with its intricacy and strength?

What if that good and pleasing will of God is creative in it's goodness? What if pleasing Him meant taking chances and risking our own little piece of life by offering it up into the hands of God so He can break it up among the multitudes?

Do you think you'd end up with leftovers? Perhaps you might have a few bushels more than you started with...

After all...

That's the way Transformers work, right? All that strength and really cool power packed down into an ordinary package.

I mean, life might still be ordinary. But at least we can have an extraordinary response to normality.

Don't you think God is capable of more than you think YOU are? Maybe, if you let God own you, He would build something far greater...

Thoughts on a quote

Roberto Goizueta, previously of Coca Cola company said, “We live in a democratic, capitalist society, and here, people create specific institutions to help meet specific needs. Governments are created to help meet civic needs. Philanthropies are created to help meet physical needs. Churches are created to help meet spiritual needs. And companies are created to help meet economic needs. Business distributes the lifeblood that flows through our economic system, not only in the form of goods and services, but also in the form of taxes, salaries and philanthropy. While a healthy company can have a positive and seemingly infinite impact on others, a sick company is a drag on the social order of things. It cannot serve customers. It cannot give to philanthropic causes. And it cannot contribute anything to society.”

It seems to me that the bold section is not only accurate in reference to companies, but also to any other social directive. But let's just go straight to the church, here, as that's the means that caught my eye. The Church, being made up of many individuals, ought to permeate every aspect of society in a way that no company or government should.

We are the ones most responsible to act in a way that causes the social aspects we interact with to perform in a positive and uplifting manner. Of course, any individual can claim the same goal. It is not specific to the church. But we have been given commission by God, Himself, to manage our lives in this way. It behooves us to be conscious of our influence on the world around us, whether in a philathropy, church building, company or government.

Do we want it to be said of us that God had to use others than His own Church to accomplish His will? Shall we leave it to the government? to Coca Cola?

But let us apply this in a day-to-day way. Let's say we are caught in rush hour. Do we swear at the drivers ahead of us, glare at the car trying to cut in front and reach an exit, and spend an hour or more fighting what cannot be battled?

"But they don't know I'm a Christian," we say. "It doesn't affect my testimony."

Truly, they will not know our position by our actions. Yet we are still representatives of Christ, even when anonymous or alone and unobserved. How do we represent Him?

What do our neighbors see? What do our families see? What about a timid old lady counting out pennies ahead of us in the grocery line? What about the tired customer service girl who just wants to go home? What about the little boy crying on the hip of his tired mother? What do these people see? Is it Christ shining out through us?

When we go through the world looking for opportunity to be a positive representative of God, we don't always have to quote Scripture or "put on a holy face." We can help pay for the groceries, smile at the customer service girl, and say something cheering to the little boy. We can be kind even if it isn't merited. We can serve even if we aren't asked. We can treat our families with kindness even when they are demanding after a long day of work. We can have time for the neighbors even when they are intrusive.

The Christ whom we serve isn't always disguised as a beggar on the street corner or a pitiful child on the other side of the world. Sometimes "the least of these" is our own child needing instruction. Are our eyes open to the influence we have?

Mat 25:34-40 Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.

Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You? Or thirsty, and gave You drink? When did we see You a stranger, and took You in? Or naked, and clothed You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You?

And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me.

Come, my brothers and sisters. Let us represent our Lord wholeheartedly in service and in attitude. How can you have "a positive and seemingly infinite impact on others" while being part of the healthy church?

Why people are tiring...

Or...

A few thoughts on introversion.

I found this article a while back, and it impressed me enough to stuff it into my massive pile of bookmarks. Today, I happened to glance through the list and saw the title, "Caring for Your Introvert." As the title is plain amusing, I had to read it through again (you'll note the obligatory).

My favorite phrase in the entire article is a quote of a quote, being, "[Introverts are] a minority in the regular population but a majority in the gifted population."

If I needed an excuse to be happy that I don't have a tolerance for constant company, this would be it. I MIGHT possibly be part of the gifted population because I'm an introvert. How is that for logic?

I'm glad there are stronger reasons to rejoice, like being a child of God--King of the Universe. How's royalty (no matter how undeserved) as a reason not to feel depressed? Or, the fact that I must be supposed to be alive or I wouldn't be? That's a positive thing. Or the fact that ... that God is a personal God who went through a lot of sacrifice to remain available to a fallen and sinful people? That's positive.

But sometimes, it's just fun to think that I might possibly be part of a potential percentage of a theoretically gifted portion of the population based on an unattributed quote shared by some guy who is relieved to know it's ok that he doesn't enjoy being constantly surrounded by people and finds the thought that he's gifted amusing too. *deep breath* And that's all I have to say.

And... an illustration!

Crackers actually have something to do with my prior post. Believe it!

Munchkin, Pixie and Princess were battling it out over the last cracker, each hoarding their own little pile as the debate over the remainder escalated.

Upon a reminder that life isn't about getting as much as you can, but giving as much as you can, the elder two thought for a moment, then donated the cracker to Pixie, who was happy to claim it.

But the show did not end there. Munchkin and Princess decided to both give more of their crackers to Pixie, who figured out she had a good thing going and hovered over her pile, quickly collecting the incoming offerings.

Sometimes, you just get taken for all you give, no matter how freely you give it.

"She's not saying thank you!"
"She's not sharing too!"

Well, giving isn't about the response you get, it's simply about the giving. I tossed this suggestion into the mix, and they settled.

Eventually, they decided everyone should give into the center of the table, then they'd divide it all again. A battle broke out over the uneven piles, and they decided that trading the piles regularly might work.

As of now, the crackers are nearly gone. Everyone seems happy. But Princess received the greatest inner reward because she gave all her crackers to her siblings to end the battle. She's a cool kid, and growing up very fast!

(I must add that Munchkin was the first to share with his little sister, and Pixie eventually started sending crackers back, though not as fast as she was receiving them. *laugh* Kids are both enlightening and amusing.)

Should we MAKE everyone do good?

Well, I've been involved in a political discussion to the extent that I ever get involved, which means I talked about a general social issue the government is trying to control and thought about it in a personal and ethical manner. To see that discussion, go here.

However, the direction my thoughts have taken on the matter are no longer ultimately political, so I'm going to blather on here and hope to make sense eventually.

When we are honestly taxed to support and defend a law-based, solid, united society, we shouldn't complain. After all, we want to have a law and a defense to deal with miscreants (used in the non-religious sense). However, now taxes have become a substitute for charity, or the giving of good things by one citizen to another. A lot of people think this is the way things ought to be.

I, for one, do not.

However, I don't even begin to believe that everyone is suddenly going to develop morals and turn generous instead of selfish. After all, we've spent generations teaching ourselves to believe that it's best to be self-sufficient and selfish. We live by our own rules, stay out of each other's faces, close ourselves into our own little worlds (where we accept only those who agree with us), and attack everyone else because they try to impose on us ideals antagonistic to those we try to impose upon them. Ego is our god, for we are selfish beyond blindness, and think we are wonderful when we give for selfish gain.

So, in such a world, is it any wonder that we have to resort to forcing the rich to give? Is it any wonder that the poor think they're entitled to be given what the rich have earned? Our entire economic structure is based on egocentric mania, and true generosity and selflessness would probably destroy it.

In the face of this dilemma, what can we do but make laws about giving, poorly hidden as taxes, and then hope the government won't misuse these funds as they are so apt to do.

After all, who can deny that it IS our business to care for one another? No matter how we fight the concept, claiming it is mere religious prejudice or whiny people getting more attention than they deserve, we come full circle to seeing that independance leads to destroying each other, and we really must unite to even begin improving the state of the world.

Sometimes the poor really can't pull themselves out by their own bootstraps. Sometimes the weak really can't battle against their circumstances. Sometimes we just have to do what we can and hope it turns out for the best because we can't always solve the big problem when we're faced with a side-effect.

It is worse not to step in.
It is worse not to interfere.
It is worse to be closed into our own little world hoping that the ideals of everyone else's little worlds won't impinge upon ours.

It would be best, of course, if we believed in God and accepted the gift of Christ to wipe out our sin natures.
It would be best if we accepted His laws.
It would be best if we were generous of nature, going further than the pocket and reaching into the heart to give a good that cannot be offered or accepted without love.
It would be best if the governing body really was all knowing, loving, compassionate, ever-present, generous, humble, and just.
It would be ideal.

But that isn't how it is in "the real world," is it?--aside from those of us who are citizens of a nationality that has nothing to do with the part of the world we're from, who try to live by laws higher than those any nation will accept, who serve a King who truly is worth serving.

We've already discovered that forcing anyone to live up to a rigid ideal is pretty much guaranteed to remove most of the good that might have come from the action. We can't force anyone to believe. We can't force anyone to serve. We can't force one bent on doing wrong to do right.

We can't force people to be generous.

So, we ask our government to be Robin Hood for us, and officiously steal from anyone we can take money from in hopes that some of it will end up taking care of the poor once it's passed through the sticky sieve of law-given pockets.

Ideals? Reality?

Life is just hopeless without Christ.

In the meantime, I can feed the hungry and serve the weak, love the unloved and pray for the unbelieving. After all if each of us starts seeking out opportunities for generosity instead of simply waiting for the importunate to come to us, we just might watch miracles happen and give the world a taste of the government that will come, one day, with Christ.

While He will deal with judgement as we cannot, we have been called--no, ordered--to serve and give and love as He does.

I can't change my neighbor, but I can change myself.

Orthodoxy and my thoughts

This post is based upon my reading of The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware. An Orthodox friend of mine recommended it, as I had more questions than I knew to ask about the foundational concepts that make Orthodoxy different from the basic doctrinal tenets with which I grew up. (You know, I have no idea what box others would put me in? Basic category--Baptist/Bible. I am not one to build boxes and compartmentalize, except in relation to Christ's nature and work, in which case you either know Him, don't-know-Him-but-are-seeking, or choose-not-to-know-Him.)

Well, there is much truth within the doctrine held by the Orthodox. I would say I don't disagree with much/any of it...limited by my perception of what was said in the book and, admittedly, some mental restructuring of what was said to help me refine my own parameters.

I truly admire the dedication to centrality of Christ and the Bible revealed by Timothy Ware.

Also, the history and unity of the Orthodox is to be admired, though I note they battle with division also. We of the east tend to be independant sorts, and this isn't primarily a good quality when it comes to being a body. Arms walking about without the legs and head fail to perform their proper function sometimes. The unity
of the church world-wide should be a higher priority and we should accept the mutual truths we do claim, instead of tossing our fellow believers out with the bathwater over misunderstandings or, yes, (non-Christ-centered) disagreements.

I found several areas where my heart hesitated to accept what was being promoted as absolute truth.

Firstly, in reference to the saints and Mary. I absolutely agree that we should honor those who have gone before and learn from what Christ has taught them. I also have no problem in believing that those who have gone before may appreciate our prayers (as God stands outside time and could conceivably apply where needed). Mary is truly to be respected for her selection and submission, but I would CLEARLY point out that she (and the saints) in no way rival Christ or the Holy Spirit in effectiveness as intermediaries, which has been a common misunderstanding held by many who use icons in prayer.

That the saints, too, might pray for us? They live. I see no reason why not, though with such a perfect intercessor as the Holy Spirit I also wonder why it might seem He needs their help to reach God for us?

Prayer, as I see it, is a participation in the work God is already accomplishing. That He expects us to pray and identifies His working as a response probably has more to do with preparing us to recognize His Hand and give Him the glory that otherwise we might simply miss. This is why rote prayer is beautiful in its ability to unite us in honoring God, but I also think that the freedom of speaking to Christ as we would to an revered/trusted elder brother calls more honesty from us, and thus opens the channels of our hearts (as confession and glorifying Christ must always do) to the immediate work of the Spirit. But feel free to make me think harder.

I found some of what the author said interesting in regards to the inclusion/exclusion in the Church of non-Orthodox believers. It was particularly poignant to note the claim that God may work in many ways to bring people to Christ. I have long thought that all the flavors of Christianity (those that are centered on Christ exclusively) might work as the different aspects of personality to make the whole of the Church far more complex and beautiful than we can conceive in the end.

Trans-substantiation, as presented in the book, isn't nearly as shocking to me as it seemed in Bible school. It seems that the claims are far less invasive and far more meaningful than the rhetoric of fear made them seem. I have no problem with a common unity trans-time with the moment of Christ's sacrifice. God,from outside time, being the very warp upon which the fabric of time and the story of Christ has been woven, that thread could very well cross all time and space, including each remembrance of the Last Supper in Christ's great work. So long as the claim is not that we re-perform the sacrifice each time, which eliminates once-for-all, I'm not going to quibble. Frankly, the idea of literal body and blood has the same mystery to it as the one-flesh principle of marriage, far more than merely spiritual. It is a reflection of God's greatness that He can make something so concrete that cannot be seen.

My main problem came with the baptism section, and may have had much to do with misreading the words based on previous hearsay. I accept that baptism is important, and as an act of submission opens our souls to the filling of the Holy Spirit, as any act of submission to God will do. Baptising infants and children, too, I see as a consecration and a physical indication of the intent of the parents to take every opportunity to direct the attention of the child to truth so they may grow naturally in faith and never know a day where they have been unaware of what Christ has done.

"Protestant" moments of decision are good (and needed) but I was one of those who was taught and grew in faith from the day I was born. As far as I know I've always accepted to the best of my knowledge what Christ had done for me. Moments of decision are more moments of recognition of what has already been done by the Holy Spirit in these cases. A lack of recognition of the fact of faith could imply a lack of salvation, but I cannot comprehend any mature person with cognitive ability managing
to follow God for their whole life without recognizing the Truth of Christ and how it affects their choices and decisions. Baptism makes for a good time to clarify these beliefs in those who have gradually come to accept the truth. It is good for the soul to identify what God has done so as to properly glorify Him for His work.

That said, the universal baptism of young children who are old enough to repent and believe for themselves boggles my mind. Is there any questioning of faith at this point? Are they given the opportunity to deny/accept Christ? For not all who come to Him saying "Lord, Lord," will be accepted into the kingdom of Heaven.

There is a seperation between knowledge of what salvation is and repentance that must be maintained. Deluding an impressionable child into thinking that it is the baptism (or family faith) that saves him is both harmful and wrong. Better to cleary point out his true state before God so he can both see the danger and the path to reconciliation. Once repentance and belief have occurred baptism is commanded, but not before.

All that to say, I truly enjoyed the insight into the history of Orthodoxy, and if I didn't feel so excluded by a few of their policies, I'd gladly join them in their worship culture, for it sounds warm and obviously seeks to glorify God.

This is not based on deep study, but on the reading of one book and my knowledge of the true faith held by my friend. I am open to discuss my likely misunderstandings and further facts and opinions.

There is a difference

between simply walking a path because it is before you and choosing that path against all others.

Childhood faith should arrive at a point of maturity and say, "Till now I walked along this way, knowing it to be the right path. Now I choose to mark this path that those who follow may clearly see the way. God has been here and this is His work." Perhaps baptism should be that moment.

I'm very sure that even the smallest child can repent of sin and believe in Christ to salvation, for I cannot say when I was saved. This could be cause for doubt...

Yet, I have made many marker points of faith along the way, choosing Christ against all else. Some are merely points from which to stand and wonder at God's glory. Others are clear enough in my mind that they are references I can hold out to bolster the faith of others. A truly rich Christian will remember these as special blessings from the Lord and collect a large treasure-trove of them.

Friends Beyond Explanation

Why is it that some people simply ARE friends? This doesn't happen often to me; I assume others find it equally rare.

For example: Once at Tambo the grandmother of a friend of mine came to visit him, and she and I immediately were friends as though we had known each other for a long time and understood each other. I've never seen her since that time, but she holds a warm place in my heart and I can't wait to see her in eternity.

Another friend of this type, though it took a little longer to recognize because we really didn't spend time together at first due to our "age gap", is my dear friend A., who currently is embroiled in wedding madness. No matter when we speak to each other we always GET each other. I have little fear in sharing my most dreadful actions with her because I cannot imagine her ever stopping being my friend for any reason. If she and I lost contact (which is perfectly possible because we're both apt to forget to email) I'm sure we would pick up a year or ten years from now as though we were in touch all along, just with more distant events to talk about.

There have been maybe one or two others in my life who are this sort of friend to me, and I hope they consider me the same. These treasures happen, not because we make any special effort, but simply because our personalities mesh with such ease that there isn't much of a natural barrier to overcome.

It's a great blessing, and one for which I am eternally grateful. Friends are treasures of the sort that last forever. I must remember to be grateful for those I have even when I get in a whiney mood and wish for "a bosom friend next door."

Another thought:

It seems to me that even without a natural connection these close friendships can be built. Sometimes a firm foundation for friendship must be constructed brick by brick with conscious effort and a keen eye toward the biblical tenets for relationships. When two people focus on truth, right, kindness and compassion, when they refuse to hold grudges and take care to share their lives (and, I think, permit each other to help and advise) they will be friends to the degree this commitment is held by both.

Are you claiming joy...or sorrow?

(Today's post will be brief because I have to do stuff.)

Gratitude is a choice. The post title is a question I often must ask my children, for it is easy for them, even in times when they have much, to complain because they do not have more.

Do I do this?... Yes.

Do you?

It's late, but I don't want to sleep...

When someone falls down it's easy to help them up, to want to steady and support them. That sort of one-time kindness is simple and doesn't take much commitment. Even if it's a bit of cash or a place to stay for a while ... being someone to listen in an unusually tough situation ... if it's just for a while we do it.

God isn't like that (yeah... He's not merely short-term, I should say). I suppose I often forget His concept of being there when it's so easy to see the temporary assistance level commonly available in our culture these days. We speak of terminating everything from walking the neighbor's dog to marriages and even life when it gets "too hard" to stick it out.

I fail at housekeeping. From the day I walked into my first apartment I have struggled with dishes, dusting, vacuuming and laundry. After nearly ten years of marriage, I should get it. How hard can it be? I mean, really ... seriously? Cluttered, dirty counters don't take a rocket scientist to clean. I ought to be up to the task.

I simply haven't managed it yet.

So I turned to God for help. I can do all things through Christ, right?

Either He doesn't care if I have dirty counters or I am seriously deluded about my willingness to follow Him. There's probably a third option, but I can't think of it right now.

Our hamster is gnawing the bars of his cage right now as our previous hamsters have done before him. The chances of him gnawing through are slim to none, but he chews away on the bar instead of the wood I put in there for him to chew on. Maybe I'm like the hamster. Where should I be gnawing?

All this to say that life is overwhelming in its ability to walk me in over my head and leave me there. Somehow, despite all the messy-house moments and the times when I scream at the kids and the times when I just want to run away and hide because I'm so ashamed at how little I accomplish every day, life is ok. Nothing tragic has happened. My home isn't always clean, but it's not a dump either.

God has me in the deep end and I keep looking at all that wonderful, easy to walk on tile and want to be there. One of these days I'll get what He's showing me now, then He'll go on to the next swim move. The tile? Who knows if I'll remember how to walk once I get back on. Is He turning me into a mermaid? It isn't really about me, I know ... it's about Him ... His glory.

I don't think I do glorify Him very well right now, even if I wish I were. It's kindof this cycle: He saves me from myself. I try to serve Him. He helps me serve Him better. I fail. He saves me from myself. I try to serve Him. He helps me serve Him better.....

Ok, I want to serve Him better, already! How does it glorify Him that I can't even keep a kitchen counter clean, never mind go out of my way to do more?

Augh! God, I'd be happier if I understood what You were doing. I don't know what class I'm in, and I'm terribly afraid I brought the wrong tools for this life. I'm not sure where Your tools are or how they work. Sometimes I get it. More often, I just have to count on You to fix my mistakes somehow and make things work out anyway. I'm not much of a servant when You have to do all the work.

NOW I'm going to bed.

Maybe tomorrow will turn out to be a wonderful day. Who knows?