Pretend it's now the end of time,

The Judgment's come, you can’t change your mind.

God on his throne, has accepted me.

Now I’m a part of his family.

My friend steps up.

God’s eyes now tear.

HE TURNS HIS HEAD.

"You’ve no place here."

My friend looks TOWARD me , eye to eye

"You didn’t tell me, now tell me why."

-Jill Shaw

Life's difficult questions

CNN reporter Sara Sidner sits in a car surrounded by children as she and a crew
prepare to leave the flooded Sindh Province in Pakistan

Sindh Province, Pakistan

The first things you notice are the flies. They form what looks like a buzzing black crust on children's lips, eyes and foreheads. The children are either too tired to keep brushing them away or too used to them to bother.

"We have terrible problem with flies," 50-year-old Khuda Jatoi says in Sindhi, the local language here. Everyone here is suffering from something. Still, the moment they see us, everyone scrambles to find a suitable place for us. Someone is trying to find a chair for us to sit down. Father Khuda Joti is insisting on giving us tea or sending someone to buy a cold drink. We are guests in his makeshift shelter, and he wants to give us the best of what he has. We cannot bring ourselves to take anything from him. He and his family have lost nearly everything they own.

They are victims of the worst floods Pakistan has ever seen, and yet they are trying to make us comfortable. That keeps happening everywhere we go. The day before, in a school-turned-clinic, a few ladies who had survived the floods handed me a "hair catcher" because they could see that I was sweating profusely, and they wanted to make me more comfortable. At the same time, the men kept fanning us with brightly colored hand fans. It makes me feel both ashamed about how much I have and don't appreciate, and inspired by the kindness that is clearly being extended with no expectation of anything in return.

When we ask about their troubles, the entire clan begins to talk at once. Suddenly we are surrounded by children, women, fathers, uncles, aunts, cousins and grandfathers - all members of the large extended family. They have taken refuge in a small school that the family broke into and turned into an unofficial shelter. They have nowhere else to go.

"We were drowning in the water," one family member says. We couldn't hear much else as the sound of all those voices began to weave together in a suffocating quilt made of despair.

We tried to quiet everyone so that we could have a conversation. They told us their sorrows and spewed anger at authorities for giving too little too late.

Then, something happened that makes me cringe. One of the women in the crowd asked that I take the tiny baby girl I was cooing at. She said the baby would have a better life with me. I wasn't sure I heard her correctly until the actual mother of the baby girl said it. I stood there silent, my brain churning so furiously it was as if it was looking for the right answer to a test from the Almighty. How am I supposed to answer that question? What is the right answer? Is there a right answer?

There have been plenty of days in my line of work where I imagined gathering up all the suffering children and taking them with me - at least I would know that they would have food to eat and books to read. But I never really considered actually taking a baby from the arms of its mother, even if asked. In this case, the family has been so traumatized, I told myself it was just their fear and anxiety talking.

I left with only my notepad and camera in my hand and another of life's difficult questions swirling in my head.

Post by: CNN's Sara Sidner

Thanks Wendy!

These ENCOURAGING words came in an email this morning
from my friend, Wendy ~ Thank You!

There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry-

ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

In the midst of family chaos, 'Quality time' is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest-

ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather-

ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs-

ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Resurrection Sunday Dance

On April 4, 2010, over 1,300 young people, all of them members of Faith Church celebrated

Resurrection Sunday

in Budapest, Hungary. I can't stop watching this one! Watch for the Grandpa, the Grandma, the young & the old ~ together dancing for Jesus!

Are you a Multi-Tasker?

Pete Wilson at Without Wax has this to say about 'multi-tasking' ~

"I confess. I’m a multitasker. People rarely at any one time have my complete attention as I’m often checking email, having a conversation, writing a message, answering a text, writing down an idea, all possibly at the same time.

Sometimes I think this is part of the way God has wired me while at other times I realize I’ve been seduced by such words as “quick and efficient.” Sometimes I think I’m addicted to how productive it makes me feel."

This picture caught my eye because I'm a sticky note junkie. I use them at work, home, and just about everywhere else. Sometimes in my car, in a book, on my bathroom mirror, and many times directly on my cell phone.

Are you a multi-tasker? A sticky note junkie?

It's okay...go ahead, confess it all to us!

Starting a Bible Study...

In January we are going to be studying a book of the Bible verse~by~verse.

Studying this way is not going to be an easy 'fill in the blank' study that can be completed in fifteen minutes. It's challenging...but by far the most rewarding way, I THINK, to study the Bible.

I would like to say to my ladies,

"Come to the Bible with a sense of expectation and openness that here...you might find something vastly more wise and more penetrating and more world-shaping than any of the contemporary ideas you are presently dealing with."

There is nothing God expects of us that He does not provide in His Word. He helps us understand what to do and gives us the motivation to do it. (Piper)

...to be continued...

Starting a Bible Study...

from Bible Cafe for Women....

How do women pursue a goal of knowing God when they are burdened with busy lives?

Somewhere between work, relationships, children, friends, chores, shopping, paying bills and cooking dinner, a woman desires for alone time with God. Is intimacy possible with so many demands on her precious time?

Often a woman’s strongest desire-to have an intimate relationship with God-is her lowest priority in her time management. She missed devotional time because she battled her son over unfinished homework. Her boss called for overtime work and she missed the weekly Bible study at church. She waited in line to buy a fast food meal, and neglected to pray while eating from the front seat of her car. Finally home, a pile of unsorted laundry rests on her unmade bed- and she’s so tired from her day, she just falls down into an exhausted sleep.

Unable to pursue her goal for more time with God, she begins her new day with disappointment and anger. Chaos ensues in her constant struggle for what she calls “balance.”

Yet we know from experience that many women are finding time and intimacy with God. They’ve adjusted their priorities and placed God first in their day. These women are making minor adjustments to their lives, such as:

Adjusting time spent with friends
Letting go of some television shows
Waking up an hour earlier
Cutting down on volunteer hours
Shortening social media interactions

While friends are important, watching the news is important, sleep is important, volunteering is important and social media is important-

if you thought you had five minutes more to live, would you do these things?

Do you need a life threatening event in order for you to realize that you need intimacy with God?

Starting a Bible Study...

Our first meeting at Starbucks was great!

First we were able to secure the most perfect table for a small group meeting. Add to that something hot, sweet and carmelish to drink, throw in a little nervousness of sharing about ourselves and meeting new people, mix in a little laughter and lots of smiles, and I left counting the night a complete success!

By our next meeting, we should be able to confirm our meeting times, dates, and location. I haven't decided yet about the book of the Bible we are going to zero in on, but I think I have narrowed it down to the New Testament.

During our next meeting, I want to discuss the format we'll use for our weekly discussions. I still need to put several finishing touches on those and I'll be able to post them soon.

So for now, I'm praying daily for my ladies. It is a huge priviledge of leading women in studying the Bible and I don't take it lightly.

I am honored that He has given me another quiver of willing, teachable, and FUN women!

Thank you Lord for...

THE SMALL CHURCH THAT MEETS IN MY HOME!

Starting a Bible Study...

I have been 'back' in Louisville now for almost a year. It has been a time of settling my family into a familiar routine, getting our girls acclimated into new schools, and taking a long deep breath of appreciation for the blessing of returning to the city I love.

As in years past, I knew it wouldn't be long before the Lord would fill my thoughts of 'who' to circle around my dining room table for Bible study. Even though it has taken me almost a year, I feel the Lord has led me to just the right women. When it's confirmed in my heart of the 'who' I am to invite, then I begin formulating in my mind the how, when, and where it will begin. I think I have that too!

So, here's my plan:


* Sometime in November... Meet together for an initial gathering at
a Starbucks, someplace where we can meet each other and chat over coffee/tea.

* Sometime in December...Congregate again maybe to eat, fellowship
together, and enjoy the holiday season.

* Then in January 2010, begin meeting weekly for Bible study
together.

I have considered carefully that this time of year is one of the busiest for US! So, I thought if we instead could begin the 'getting to know you' process, while taking a 'coffee' break for a minute or two, we could begin in January as friends and not complete strangers.

In January, we will meet three weeks a month on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm. Our two hours together each week will be filled w/ great conversation and thought provoking discussions. Over the course of the year (January -May), we will read and carefully study selected books of the Bible. My hope is that the time of Bible study and prayer will help us grow in our understanding of God and in friendship with one another.

....to be continued....

All my days...

Danielle at 6yearmed writes...

On a very busy night, in a very busy hospital, I admitted a curly-haired little girl for dehydration. Or, at least that was the cover story. She had some chronic medical problems that were a lot to take care of, and so, somewhat conveniently before her mom was set to go out of town, she got dropped off in the Emergency Department. I truly don't blame the mother for wanting a break, and our hospital somewhat encourages this behavior. "Hey! Drop your kid off here and NOT on their head or out a car window!"When she finally got up to the floor, the nurses gave her a bath and dressed her in an over-sized hospital t-shirt. She plopped down in her crib, put her thumb in her mouth and settled in to her new home.

Continue reading her story...

May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
~Irish Blessing

Jill texted this morning around 11:00am.

"In Denver then LA...call me."

This is a commentary we are both familiar with ~ saying goodbye. We've experienced sad departures our entire friendship, so today is no exception.

Farewell my dear friend...

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

The comfort of a friend...

This week I’ve spent several days with a dear and trusted friend. We’ve shared many years of life together. Though we’ve never lived close, we have always communicated on a regular basis.

After several days in her company talking, laughing (which I don’t seem to do enough of), and problem solving for the globe, I feel good…steady…and refreshed. I am reminded of these poetic words from Diane Craik when I am with her…

…oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.

You might imagine as friends that we are alike in many ways, but ironically we share few things in common. She is a public communicator, university chaplain, outstanding traveler, a ferocious networker, and a tireless worker that doesn’t like to say ‘no.’

I, on the other hand, have pretty much stayed in the US most of my life. I have led small groups, but I’m not big on the ‘public’ speaking gig. Networking, the process or practice of building up or maintaining informal relationships, has never been easy for me. She does it with natural ease. And last but not least, I don’t have any problems with saying ‘no’…I’m raising teenagers girls for goodness sake!!

I’ve lived in places where I’ve known no one AND places where I was known to all. I’ll take a friend who neither weighs or measures my words, but with a faithful hand keeps what is worth keeping, and blows the rest away…any day!!

Letting Secrets Slip

In her book, Plan B, Anne Lamott writes about a particularly trying spell with her son. During that period, she asks her priest friend what Jesus would do in her situation. The priest tells her,

"In biblical times, they used to stone a few 13-year-olds with some regularity, which helped keep the others quiet and at home. The mothers were usually in the first row of stone throwers and had to be restrained."

Lamott then writes,

"I wrote this down and taped it to my wall...Every parent who saw it laughed and felt better; nothing helps like letting your ugly common secrets out."

"Do these make my butt look big?"

Another Saturday morning.
Saturday used to be my day to be allowed to hit the snooze alarm (reminding my children every ten minutes not to fight and that they are old enough to pour their own cereal) until 8:30. Really not the same thing as sleeping in; just the stubborn display of not getting up at the same time I do on a work day. I guess I was sure I was making a point each Saturday morning. The clarity that comes from blogging :) ANYWAY-

In my very supported pursuit of reclaiming myself, I am trying to destroy the hermit part of me. I have done this by starting to schedule things to do outside of my house. One of those things is my Saturday morning at Panera where I pick up the very modern pen of my laptop, enjoy a cup of coffee, and catch up with not only my good friend who has recently moved, but also the old friend of myself.

I have maybe three really good friends. I mean the kind of friend who knows why I do what i do and will cheer me on by encouraging me and telling me to knock it off. I call these my "Big Butt Friends". These are the kind of friends who love you enough to say in the dressing room, "Yes, that makes your butt look big. Try these on." Why does she do this? She does this because she wants you to look your best. She tells you this so you do not spend money on something you will really never wear because each time you put it on because it just doesn't look right. She tells you this because she would want the truth. In addition, they are the friend that you go to (knowing the Truth) but needing to hear it aloud and you know she is the one who will say it. Ladies, if you do not have a friend who loves you enough to tell you the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the sometimes hard to hear- Truth, you are missing out! Chero- you may feel free to call them big bottom friends, big darrierfriends, big tooshie friends, etc so that the title does not distract you ;)

What does me planning things to do outside of my house have to do with "B.B." friends? I wondered how much of a B.B.F. I have been to myself over the last ten years. I can tell myself what not to do. I can tell myself what is good. I think I do these each in isolation. The joy of B.B.F. is the they have this magic way of telling you the Truth (God's truth) in a convictingly encouraging way. I have been self convicting. I have been self encouraging. However there is this gap between the two entities. It is too compartmentalized for me. Rather than police myself, I need to develop a relationship with myself.

Thank you to my B.B.F.s sent to me by God. Thank you to God for seeking me and sending these women on my journey. Thank you God and my B.B.F.s for convictingly encouraging me to seek myself in a convictingly encouraging way.

My B.B.F. have told me who they met, who they saw, who they see- what I am missing in the sight of myself. I am missing it because I have been affraid. I am less affraid than I have been in YEARS. Now is time to move past my fears. I need to get out and see life again. This beautiful world and people that God has created. I need to make myself vulnerable to the possibilities God wants me to see. I need to make myself available to the possibilities God has for me. My friends told me my preverbial butt was enormous in those old pants and I need to put on a different pair. I have GREAT FRIENDS!!!!! I really mean that- thank you ladies.


Do you have any B.B.Fs- ladies who tell you the hard Truth when you don't see it, or when you just need to hear it aloud?

Can you convictingly encourage yourself? Or do you do each of these separately (convict and encourage)?

Are you a B.B.F. to yourself?

Thank your friend who tells you what you need to hear rather than keep the waters smooth.

Treat you B.B.F to a cup of tea, coffee, pop, or chocolate this week. Most importantly, thank God and her with specifics for being your friend- you B.B.F.

M

What will get accomplished?

This morning, my children had an appointment. This left me with two hours to clean. . .no, get work caught up. . . no, get my taxes ready. . . no, wander around T.J. Max with no one asking me if we can go now. . . no, go to Panera and read. . . no, sit in my car and read while trying to stay out of crazy land. Well, that is how I spent the first 15 minutes of my two hours.

I decided to go to Panera's, get a cup of coffee and an asiago bagel (not cut and no cream cheese), open my computer and catch up with an old friend the best way that I can right now.

What did I find? A blog that continues to remind me that even with space between sisters, we are still on the same journey. It was a sip of cool water in an otherwise dry time in my life.

I love that I am at a point in my walk an life that I can see and appreciate these seemingly little things as refreshment. I also love and appreciate the people that God has continued to surround me with who love me enough to walk with me and share the sights- sometimes even point them out with/ to me.

This morning Panera and this cyber spot, the murmor of people around me studying scripture, the words of my dear friend, the writings of N.T.Wright, and the omnipresence of God were my sanctuary.

My cup runneth over.

What sanctuaries have you found yourself in recently? Who is not in your presence but still with you on a journey?

Andy Stanley Providential Relationships

Can you identify certain relationships throughout your life that have been providential? They might have been from an acquaintance who spoke a word of truth to you. Maybe your relationship with a youth leader, college roommate, or a wise grandparent and what they said has stayed with you to this very day. Maybe it was a conversation with a co-worker, or just doing life with someone and you noticed a change within you.

If you think back over these moments, most likely they are associated with relationships. If you are like most people, you can’t tell your life story without referencing people who played significant roles along the way.

The opposite can also be true in our relationships. Consider bad decisions or choices you made and most likely they were influenced by a relationship that undermined your life with God. How many regrets do we carry because of a choice that was made that sent my life with God into a nose dive. Think about the people you wish you'd never met.

What we know for certain is that God uses people to impact our faith. And as Christians, we need to leverage the relationships that He brings our way.

• Do you have someone right now...pursuing you in your walk with God?
  

Remember...put yourself in places where you will be exposed to the right people...

Proverbs 13:20
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.


1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

Your friends will determine the direction and quality of
your life. That was true when we were fourteen and it is true when
we are forty.

--Andy Stanley

When I imagine
the life you will live,
I think of the pleasure
your presence will give.


I see the joy your smile will light
and the wonders you'll weave
when your dreams take flight.


I feel the hope
that will grow with your grace
and the difference you'll make

to each heart you embrace.

I imagine your life as I know it will be; for, my daughter, you've given all this to me.

Friendship isn't always easily described. The Eskimos, they say, have a hundred different words for snow. Unfortunately, the English language isn't quite as innovative, though it has vast opportunities to differentiate meaning...and so, too, is Friendship.

Instead of different words, however, we're stuck with simple adjectives. Close friend. Best friend. Childhood friend. Intimate friend. Trusted friend. Beloved friend.

I've experienced all of these adjectives with my friend, Jill.

Forever a friend...

December 15, 1984

A marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, and
partnership. Thank you for 24 wonderful years.

A challenge about...community

Spiritual friendship is not primarily a social event; something we do to catch up over lunch. I regularly have breakfast with someone who is my spiritual friend. Our early morning conversations don't focus on service projects, self-help ideas, or Bible study questions we both may have. Rather it is a relationship that is focused intentionally on our relationship with God as viewed through the lens of nurturing growth in each other.

Ruth Haley Barton, in her book, Sacred Rhythms speaks about journeying together with a spiritual friend.

"...with such a friend we share the deepest desires of our heat, so that we can support one another in arranging our lives in ways that are congruent with what our hearts want most. Together we reverence the ways God is meeting us in the context of the spiritual practices that help us to seek him."

Being in 'community' is such a crucial element of my spiritual formation. If you have ever experienced this type of friendship, you can understand the blessing it is. To have friends who share a capacity and desire to enter more deeply into the spiritual journey, knowing we should never try to do it alone.

I have had moments in my life when I cried I don't care what anyone else thinks...I can do this all by myself. Thankfully, the Lord has ignored these childlike pleas and inserted spiritual friends to help me walk this life of faith.

One such friend has heard many of my adolescent tirades and outbursts. Over the years, she has listened with love...looking underneath my rants for my desire to follow Jesus. Nurturing and supporting me in seeking a life that is consistent with desires we have talked over many times. Living in community for her and I has always been long distance. Our intimacy has grown through emails, phone conversations, and packages sent through snail mail.

She and I share with each other at the level of our souls. This doesn't mean that we only talk about serious spiritual matters. However, our conversations may start with the everyday, but quickly moves from the surface to the depths. Last week, a forty-five minute conversation with her lifted my heart and head out of a dark fog. All I needed was a 'nudge' and it came wrapped in the conversation with a dear dear friend.

To be continued.....