Ever in a Funk?

The Cafe welcomes Guest Barista, Laurel today!

I was in such a funk last week.

I asked some of my friends if they had a plan of action as to how to get out of a funk; tricks they might use in their own lives. It’s a tough one, isn’t it? These emotions are so strong – and we aren’t trained in this culture, or even encouraged, NOT to rely on our emotions.

Philippians 4:8
Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

We all know this scripture, we’ve read it hundreds of times. But how do we apply it to our lives and everyday?

We have to take a leap of faith and move further, from just knowing it, to living it! I must say that I have been held prisoner by negative thoughts in the past. I have allowed them to overwhelm me at times.

I want out.

I want light where there has been darkness. These negative thoughts drain the energy and vitality out of your life faster than the blink of an eye. With His help, we can claim victory over destructive thoughts, negative emotions and attitudes. We can do all things through Him right?!


The Israelites must have felt that God had abandoned them. We know from scripture (Exodus 2:24-25; 3:7-10) that He did not forget them. We have to dive into scripture, memorize scripture, etch it upon our hearts and minds so that we can claim these truths and promises when we start feeling those prison bars surrounding us again! Think on what is rock-solid, that is God’s Word! His word, His truths, have to come above what we feel! We can not allow our thoughts and feelings to come above the Word of God.


When we start seeing ourselves through God’s eyes, we remember that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14) no matter what others think about us. We remember that He has a mighty plan and purpose for us, no matter what season we’re in or what things look like today (2 Tim. 1:9). He has given us spiritual gifts that we can use to benefit others, no matter how we may be failing in this moment (1 Cor. 12:7-11). We can not forget that we are ALWAYS loved and accepted by God, no matter who rejects us here on earth (Romans 8:J35).


When we leave behind our emotions and feelings, we can really move into what God has for us. We can move from despair and depression, into hope and encouragement; from heart ache and rejection, into enablement and renewed energy – all because God’s Word is in our hearts and we can claim His promises!


I can’t tell you how encouraging this is to me. Whewy, this gives me so much freedom! THIS is how I can get out of my funk. THIS is how I can seek what He has for me – move past my emotions and feelings and into HIM.

WOW…

Prayer:

Thank you for this timely revelation Jesus. Thank you that you KNOW my heart’s desires and fears and You hear my prayers, even before I utter them. Thank you for seeing me as the beautiful daughter You created me to be, and for giving me glimpses of that same woman after Your very heart so that I can have hope in my everyday. Continue to mold and transform this heart. In Your Holy name, AMEN


With love,

Laurel

Laurel lives in Canada, Boonsville to be precise! She is currently 2 hours from the nearest anything. Married to her handsome husband of 13 years, they have 2 princes, aged 10 and 12; and 1 princess, age 5. They are in our 6th year of homeschool which we lovingly call "Little House on the Halfway" since they reside on the Halfway River.

All He Has is Yours.

I love Bible stories. Not only for the story they tell but for the message that is hidden behind the scenes. The Bible is chocked full of narratives of dysfunctional families. Tucked inside each account you’ll discover there’s more to the story than meets the eye. God’s heart is written on the pages of the lives of men, women and children.


Take the Prodigal Son story for example. How many sons do you see in the story? For years I only saw two, the Prodigal Son, and the older brother. But now I see 3.



The Prodigal Son doesn't want to wait for his father to die in order to receive his inheritance. He wants it now. He thinks he will find life outside the father’s house. So he goes to his father, asks for his inheritance and leaves. Independent living is his path. He only needs the father for what He can give to him. He doesn’t really know the heart of his father.


He goes out, squanders all that he has and ends up working in the fields with pigs. It’s then he realizes that the life he's living isn't cutting it. He realizes that what he left behind was really all he needed. He heads back home hoping that his father will at least let him come back and work for him as a hired hand.


The Father’s been watching for him, hoping he would return. While the son is still a long way off, he sees him. He grabs up his royal robes in order to be able run to meet him. Filled with compassion, he throws his arms around his son and kisses him. He commands his servants to bring the best robe. He places it on his son’s shoulders, along with a ring on his finger and sandals for his feet. The son is restored to his place in the father’s house, where he belongs. The father calls for the fattened calf to be killed for a feast of celebration. He doesn’t care what his son has done or where he’s been, he only cares that the he has returned and is now in his embrace.


The second son, the older brother, enters into the story. He’s been with the father all along working hard in the fields. Performance and striving are his path. He wants to please his father. He wants a place in the father’s heart. He doesn’t see the value in himself. He hopes his work will be enough.


When he sees the treatment his brother receives, He’s enraged. After all his brother considered his father as good as dead and now he has the gall to return. Why is the father celebrating his return with a party? How come the father has never celebrated him with a party?


Comparison kicks in, bringing with it, resentment. All the older son can think about is how hard he has worked for the father, yet no feast has ever been given in his honor. He confronts his father and his father’s response is "Son, all I have has always been yours." The older brother has been so caught up in finding value through his hard work that he never entered in to live as a son who was loved and celebrated. Love had always been there waiting for him. He could not see.

The 3rd son in the story is the Son who is telling the story, Jesus. He knew the heart of the Father. He knew His place there. He didn’t have to do anything to earn the Father’s loved. He knew He was loved, therefore He lived love. His life is the invitation to us all. As the Father loved His Son, so we are loved.


Three sons paint the portrait of God here. The prodigal son didn’t see the value of the Father. The older brother didn’t see the value of himself. Jesus saw both. You can’t really live this life with God without both, but many do. Many do not see their place with the father. Many spend their time hoping that their good works will be enough. Comparison reveals that in a heart. For if you know your place there is no need to compare.


There is a place in the heart of God that you hold. It is yours and yours alone. It has nothing to do with what you do or don’t do. You belong because you are His offspring. All he has has always been yours. That blows me away. All that God has has been there waiting for you, and for me. The invitation has been extended. Will you enter into the Father's house into His embrace? Will you leave it all behind and just be loved? The feast awaits.

You can find Julie at her blog: Jewelz Sightings

Image Courtsey of Creative MYK.com

A Cup to Captivate

Please Welcome Shannon Jacobyansky to the Internet Cafe!

It is unfortunate when some misjudge another person.

I have found myself in quite a quandary these past couple of months. I have been on the receiving end of the misjudgment. I try to forget about the situation which rest so heavily upon heart and give it to the Lord’s most capable hands, but the venom of the snake’s bite haunts me still.

I just want to confront those who have been so vicious with lies and self righteousness and other times I just sit, cry, and wonder why people would care to destroy the character of a person they hardly know. All the while, I struggle with loving these self seeking souls and live the standard I know God desires to see in my faith walk.

As I sit waiting for my breakfast to arrive, I ponder my current situation in hope to clarify the puzzlement it has brought to my mind- to have peace and joy amidst the sorrow and anguish.

It is a troubling contemplation for many Christians in achieving this sought after state of mind in which Paul talks about in James. If Paul were around, I would state rather plainly with a sarcastic voice,

“Hey brother… that joy thing… is easier said than done! What’s your plan because it’s not happening here…in my life right now!”

“My brethren, count is all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3

Steam billows from my cup as I wait for the arrival of my blueberry waffle and the aromatic smell of fresh coffee urges me to take a sip. I envelope my fingers around the mug and it warms my hands and comforts my taste buds.

I sit starring at the cup…carefree… without a worry…just enjoying the moment. It was a daydream state of tranquility. I saw nothing around me and I heard none of the small chatter at other tables. It was just me and my cup of coffee. How quickly the earlier conflict dissipated.

Is this the life God truly intended?

Now, not the warm cup of coffee and the comforting sip, but the worry free moment. Did God intend for my senses to be trained to follow even the slightest aroma of His spirit…to turn toward Christ and the cross?

Does the Master of All make me thirst until I pant and then quench me through the refreshing springs of living water found only in the Word of God?

Does He draw me near with the warmth of His unending love and in turn cause me to indulge myself in this great love and realize I am never alone?

The answer is a resounding yes! He wants me to taste and see that He is good amidst every moment- even in times of trial and heartache.

What if…just what if I could discipline my thoughts to be captivated with Christ…indulge in Him…sip the comforting peace He always gives freely…relish what He did for me and the grace He bestows abundantly. What if I refocused my pattern of thought when uneasiness and conflict arose deep within and change those anxious moments through the power of the one who calms the sea, walked on water, and raised Lazarus from the dead to live again?

Yes indeed it would take great discipline and a conscience effort to withstand the flaming arrows of the evil one who would like nothing better than to see me collapse and crumble. This I know…nothing is impossible through Christ who strengthens me! I will try with the help of my Immanuel, “Take every thought captive” and give it back to Him.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

II Corinthians 10:5

He is the great I AM…

Satan can never have the victory.

When I do crumble into a heap of nothingness, I fall not to the dust of the Earth from which I came. I fall into the everlasting arms of my Abba. He wipes my tears, extinguishes the fiery arrows, and lifts me up again. He doesn’t just push me off to attempt to stand and walk, but holds my hand in the palm of His own scars. The scars that remind me the victory has already been won!

If Paul was able to answer my earlier sarcasm he would reply,

“Hmmm….how about I tell you where to find a nice cup of coffee”

Ahhh…by Jove I think I’ve got it!

“Sense”sational Thought for the Day

I find it amazing God can work through a simple cup of coffee. The warmth of the mug on my hands, the sensation of the steam reaching to touch my face, and the aromatic smell of the coffee bean; He took it all and made me feel, touch, and smell his essence to teach me about a moment spent with Him.

A Prayer for the Day

O Lord, give me the desire to indulge myself in you this day. Help me take captive anxious thoughts of worry or anguish and give them to you. Remind me always the victory has already been won whatever the battle I may face. Amen

In Him,

Shannon

Shannon has enjoyed writing most of my life, but has been seriously writing for about 3 years. In this brief period she has had several of her stories published (4) and look forward to my fifth story to be published in the book, "Christmas Traditions" in 2009.

She currently lives in Blandon, PA with my husband of 17 years and my three children. She claims that she is just a girl who loves her Lord and has fallen deeply in love with a man who gave his life for me. She writes for her one true friend...Jesus...so others would also come to know and love this wonderful man as Savior and Lord!

You can visit Shannon daily at her personal blogspot.

www.hewonmyheart.blogspot.com

The Greatest Show on Earth

There are times when I wake up with a tune in my head. (Admittedly, it's usually an 80's tune that finds it's way into my head for a "blast from the past" or a Christian music tune that sets the tone for the day.)

This was a different tune. I couldn't quite figure out where God was going with this one.

You all know the tune. You've heard it since you were a kid...every year when the CIRCUS came to town.

"da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, duh..."
(Click here if you can't get the tune in your head)
You've GOT to be kidding...

THE CIRCUS TUNE?

Where could God possibly be going with this.

The next thing I knew I had visions of cotton candy and peanuts dancing in my head, but I began to see a few things in a way I'd never seen them before.

I am the Ringmaster (sans the top hat and sequins) of this family and we have considerably more than 3 rings in this show of ours.

I juggle too. I juggle schedules, laundry piles, menus, bills and holidays.

I tightrope walk. This Circus has 2 adolescent girls, and some testosterone too; a tightrope walker is a MUST.

I've also been known to tame a few lions and breathe a little fire as well.

~LIFE IS A CIRCUS....~

Daily juggling acts, taming wild beasts, teetering on the edge and balancing acts are all part of this daily life we lead. In a word, it's a circus without the lights of the Big Top flashing.

THEN it occurred to me, there are also CLOWNS! You know the ones who ride in on silly mini cars, with big shoes and bright noses. Those clowns make the Circus complete.

Those clumsy, colorfully clad clowns make us LAUGH. Perhaps God wanted me to notice the "CLOWNS" in my life today. Those moments or people that make me smile or even laugh out loud! While our days are filled with balancing acts and juggling, the clowns bring us JOY!

Where is the pure JOY in your life? The moments that bring a smile to your face, you know the moments I mean, BIG SMILE moments.

These joys surround us every day.

It's in the knock-knock joke of an 8 year old...
In an unannounced surprise chocolate bar hand delivered from a friend...
In a hug from the man you married many years ago...
In a handwritten note from a far away friend...

Daily life can be a Circus, filled with dizzying distractions and balancing acts, but Scripture reminds us,

While Ringling Brothers lays claim to the "Greatest Show on Earth," we rest in the peace that "THE GREATEST SHOW" is yet to come...

Father,
Most days my life resembles a Circus. Circus life can be dizzying. The daily balancing acts and juggling can overcome me. Help me to notice the JOYS that come from You. As I go about my daily life I humbly ask you to be my "Ringmaster" in the Circus of life. Father, guide my ways, guard my words and open my eyes to the Joys that I often miss. Help me Father to see my life as "the greatest show on earth."
Amen

Questions for Reflection:

Do you ever feel as though your life is a Circus?

How can you become more aware of JOY moments sent into your life by God?

Join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she can be found daily in the Center Ring.

It's Okay to Laugh

Bad days. We all have them, don’t we? I wish we could mark them on our calendar. I mean, wouldn’t it be nice to see that next Thursday at 10:30 a.m., a bad day would occur? I think I’d like that. A lot. (Well, as much as you can like bad days.)

Because I like to be prepared.

Of course, life doesn’t happen that way. Take the other bad day for instance: My hubby called to say he would be home late. This should have been a clue.

In the next hour, my baby’s high chair would overturn (with her in it) due to an overzealous big brother playing peekaboo. My entire pot of Texas chili, also known as dinner, would be dumped onto the floor and my toddler. A special bowl my Grandmother passed down to me would break, my daughter would fall off her bed backwards, scraping her back against the wall, the animal toothbrush holder I bought to coordinate would shatter and I would ground two out of three of my children. Whew!

When my husband arrived, I high-fived him and went to my place of renewal: Target.

As I shopped and touched everything in the store, alone, without my children, I couldn’t help but think of the scripture that God has brought to mind over and over the past few months to remind me to lighten up, especially on bad days.

Sarah is referring to her unexpected, but desired pregnancy in Genesis 21:6, “"Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." I love this story. I love it because it’s talking about a woman who desired to have a child, a woman who becomes a Mom.

I love Sarah’s attitude. First of all, she’s completely human and laughs at God. I don’t exactly encourage this. But I’m glad her doubt and her humanity is recorded in Scripture. It makes me feel a lot better about me.

But God is gracious to her and gives her a child when she is very old. I won’t elaborate, but I think God has a sense of humor too. Can you imagine being nearly 100 years old and preggo? I can just see her with her walker, tubes of Ben-gay while she’s knitting booties. Yes, God definitely loves laughter.

Secondly, Sarah embraces the unexpected; she takes the absurd in stride. She chooses to laugh, to rejoice in her situation. And as we probably all can recall, later in her son’s life, Isaac is faced with certain death at the hand’s of Sarah’s husband. Well. She’s quite the woman in my book. Throughout her life, she makes wise and unwise choices, just like us.

But I love her for her laughter. That’s a hard choice, especially on a bad day.

But the awesome thing is, there’s a new one, every day.

So, laugh a little.

Daily you can find Kristen laughing at her blogspot, "We are THAT Family."

Lessons In Birthdays and Faith

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One
who is leading.” ~ Oswald Chambers ~

Quite a few years ago God gave me a lesson in faith. This quote reminds me so much of that day so I wanted to share it with you all.

It was my 25th birthday. I was pregnant, my marriage was in shambles, and I was a little on the tired and worn out side so my family decided to cheer me up and celebrate my birthday in a big way. My grandpa called me up and told me to be at his house for 2 PM.

"Why?", I asked
"Don't worry about it", he said. "Just be there!"

Grumbling... I did what I was told. What I found when I arrived was a pleasant surprise. A chocolate cake was on the table and my whole family was there. They had planned a surprise birthday party for me. Notice I mentioned the chocolate cake first! ;o)

I love my grandpa. He has been there for me like no one else has. I can't even begin to tell you all the good things he has done for me. I trusted him with my whole heart so when he told me to put on a blind fold I just smiled and turned around so he could tie it on me. Then he took my hand and led me outside.

Now I didn't know what to expect. Was it a car? Was it an animal? Why the blindfold. Why not just tell me what I was going outside for? I just had to trust grandpa. I knew that if he was in charge of it that it would turn out great!

He lead me to the carport and had me hold out my hands. Then I touched what felt like a ball wrapped in paper. Then I was handed what felt like a small bat. "A pinata!" I yelled. I heard laughing and knew I must be right.

Then I was told to swing. Grandpa was quite the prankster so he kept moving it out of reach. I wang as hard as I could and nothing happened. I almost fell over and still didn't land a hit. I was getting so frustrated. Then I filtered out the noise and could hear my grandpa shouting at me to swing high or low, left or right.

BAM!!!

I heard the sound of candy hitting the ground. I pulled the blindfold up and began to fuss at grandpa for the frustrating experience I just had. "Do you know how hard it was to break that thing papaw?" I took off the mask and looked down. " I mean do you..." "uh, um"


"AAAGhhhh!!"
You will never guess what I saw.


Pink undergarments!! Obviously my grandpa and sister thought this was the greatest prank ever. My child found the undies first. Grandpa thought this was hilarious!

"What is this mama?" Gevan asked.
Then I heard my brother say, "I don't know but I'm shook!" (I mean look at his face!) My sister is behind the camera and my brother is staring at her like, "Are you crazy?"


I took the undies from Gevan (he stole them back later) and walked over to pick up the brazier and some really great smelling candles that were also in the pinata.


Jacob loved it. My sweet little man picked up every Dum Dum he could find. Look at the smile on that face! (I gave Grandpa the denist's bill ;o) Then Gevan had a ball playing with the oversized undies (they were new!). He said "They are so soft moma." He just kept rubbing them on his little face and smiling. He had us laughing so hard! It was so much fun and I was so excited to see the looks on my baby's faces that I forgot all about the frustration I had felt earlier while trying to bust open the pinata.


Then, my grandpa took me inside and gave me a gift that was priceless. He had put a necklace on lay-a-way for me and paid on it every week for 2 months. He told me that since he loved me so much and because I was such a good sport and I always try to make everyone else's birthday special that he wanted to do the same for me.

That was the best birthday I have ever had and to think... I almost ruined it by getting irritated.

God wants us to just trust Him. Let Him take us by the hand. Listen for His voice and do what He says to do. He loves us and will never do anything to hurt us. Besides, you never know just how much joy you will receive until the task has been accomplished. You also never know just how many others will get joy out of your obedience!

In Memory of my grandfather, William C. Grant
6/3/32 - 9/11/02

I'd love for you to visit me at my personal blog: In Pursuit of Proverbs 31

Joy to the World

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:10

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Whether you are completely alone today, missing a loved one, far away from your family and friends or just simply waiting for tomorrow to be over with, there is reason to shout, "JOY TO THE WORLD!" If Jesus is your Savior, than you have a reason to shout! Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. It is that simple! Therefore, a "Merry Christmas" is a joyous festivity with great pleasure and delight at the birth of our King, our Savior, the One and Only! I have learned through the years with five children that we don't have to spend a lot of money or go to great lengths to have a joyous festivity or experience great pleasure or delight in our celebrations.

It is our culture that has made it about the decorations, baking, shopping, buying, gifts, gifts, and more gifts. The celebration should be about Him! The One who came to save us from our sins! JOY TO THE WORLD! You are not alone today! God demonstrated His Great Love for you and me by sending His One and Only Son to be the sacrifice for our sins! JOY TO THE WORLD!

Let's sing together:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!Let men their songs employ;While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy,Repeat the sounding joy,Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found,Far as the curse is found,Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness,And wonders of His love,And wonders of His love,And wonders, wonders, of His love.


I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas! In other words, celebrate with great festivity and pleasure the birth of our Savior. JOY TO THE WORLD!

God loves YOU so very much!!!


In Him...Chris

You are always welcome to visit Chris at her personal blog CometotheTable

Ambassadors of Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Wow, these two simple words have created a furor this year. I have read posts online and a few things in the paper about how this phrase has become politically incorrect in the retail marketplace.

I wondered what would happen to me if I spoke these words in public. Well, I decided to put this phrase to my own test. So my daughter and I set out on our test adventure earlier this week. Our first stop was the local Mall in our Southern California town. I knew if I were to meet opposition to this greeting, I would surely find it here in my home state of California where political correctness is, ahem, overdone.

Onward with the story. My daughter and I purchased a gift for my sister at the first retailer. “Merry Christmas,” I said as I pick up my bag and receipt.

The associate looked up at me and smiled, then replied, “Merry Christmas.”

Hmmm, I think that went pretty well. No surprises there just a warm smile.

At the second retailer my daughter and I enjoyed the same experience. In fact, as we concluded each of our purchases, I would say to the sales associate, "Merry Christmas." A smile was always the result. The counterperson would pause, look up, grin, and repeat “Merry Christmas."

With most of our shopping complete, we stopped at our last destination, a large book retailer, we needed gift cards. The sales clerk who helped us was a delightful young woman who looked to be in her early twenties. We chatted as she worked on the gift cards. With the transaction concluded, I gathered my receipt and said, “Merry Christmas.”

The poor girl looked up with full attention on me. She made a quick step back from the counter staring at me. Autopilot kicked in at that second and she quickly replied, “Merry Christmas.”

I watched her face as she disengaged from autopilot and processed my words. Her shoulders hunched up and she held her hands out from her sides. She looked like a kid feigning innocence while caught red-handed sneaking an extra cookie from the cookie jar. She offered me a sheepish smile then boldly said,

“Happy Chrismahanakwanzaaikuh.”

Say what?

I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it. I hadn't heard this phrase before and it was hilarious. My daughter started to giggle. The sales associate who was working next to my window started to laugh and the young woman who wished me Happy Chrismahanakw….. (whatever) joined in.

Then the adorable young woman cocked her head to the side and said, “Well, I don’t want to offend anyone.” We laughed all the harder. The store was in hysterics. My daughter and I laughed all the way to the car and I’m still laughing at the silliness of it all.

What a hoot!

No one was offended and everyone enjoyed a loud and hearty laugh that morning.

This exchange made me think how cool it is to be a Christian. It ROCKS to interact with people. Although corporate execs may fear these two simple words, Merry Christmas, I think of them as a gift of our faith. As Christians, we know the meaning of the season. Perhaps through sharing our joy with the world, we can make this CHRISTmas season a little brighter, a little kinder, and reveal Jesus, the true source of our joy.

Between now and December 25th, I plan to wish everyone I see, a Merry Christmas. Who knows what joyful surprises await?

“Merry Christmas.”

Luke (KJV) 2:10-14
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



I would love to visit with you over at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

I'll Stay in the Light, Thanks

Halloween. I’ve never been a big fan of the dark, or of the dark side. For instance, while other kids in my neighborhood hurried home from school in 1967 and gathered together to watch the Gothic TV serial “Dark Shadows,” I occupied myself elsewhere. Even so, I heard and saw enough to know what the show was all about: badness, really scary badness, with a capital “B.” Once, when I was about five years old, I tried to get a message to the show’s main vampire, Barnabas Collins, through writing to another famous person, teen idol Bobby Sherman, who had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the show. I guess in my childish head, they both lived somewhere in "Famous People World," so surely they hung out together at Famous People barbecues or something. Was it that unreasonable to ask Bobby for this one favor?

Anyway, I asked Bobby to please tell Barnabas that I did not like him. As fearful as I was of Barnabas, I could be strong through the perceived protection of Bobby-of-the-pink-pants. Yes, I was an offbeat child.

I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween, either, but I’m not as vocal about it anymore. A well-known pastor has suggested that Christians who spend a lot of time protesting what they deem offensive or dangerous might be more productive if they would simply shine their lights in the middle of the darkness. I’m all for shining the Light.

Many of my favorite Bible verses deal with light. One is John 3:19-21:

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Another is John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

You’re reading one girl who wants to stay in the Light. Where the Light goes, I want to go. Fortunately, the Light has said he will remain in me, so I never have to face the dark alone. I just feel for certain that the Light of the World is a lot more powerful than Bobby Sherman.

In some circles, darkness is puffing itself up today, but I am not dismayed because light disperses darkness. I think I’d like to celebrate that. Will you magnify the Lord with me today?

Psalm 34:3-8
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Finally, as I go about my business today, I’ll be singing the old DC Talk song, “In the Light,”

I want to be in the light, as You are in the light.
I want to shine like the stars in the heavens.
Oh Lord, be my light, and be my salvation
All I want is to be in the light!



Please visit me at my personal blog: 2nd up of coffee

Where's the Asprin?

Once a year the school district where we live in Southwest California does something unusual. Every Wednesday in the last week of September they schedule a “non-student day.” The teachers work but the students stay home. This is a big deal around the Donovan home. It is the only day in the year, when we travel an hour to Disneyland. We spend the day enjoying the park minus the crows and long lines.

There are benefits to living in California. Never mind the earthquakes, the fruits and the nuts, and the over priced real estate. *grin*

Now let me remind you I was with my daughter, my twelve-year-old daughter. Do you think she wanted to ride the Teacups or leisurely sail through, It’s a Small World? Oh no, it was a fast-paced, head-jerking, bouncing, weaving, convulsing, scream your head off, dawn-to-dusk, thrill ride, marathon.

We rode every single ride, in both parks mind you, where you panick then grab the safety railings with white-knuckled fingers and hang on for dear life. Every ride enticed us at least twice and sometimes more…. Can you see me running around to get in line again? I did!

After arriving home that day with a ton of great memories, laughs and a small crick in my neck, my daughter and I collapsed into bed.

The next morning is when I realized my folly. I could barely move. I was stiff all over and suffering from a king-sized headache. My shoulders were permanently stiff and gathered up around my poor neck. I hurt from the top of my head all the way to my big toes.

I dragged myself to the coffee pot then shuffled to my daughter’s room to get her out of bed and ready for school. She moved slow as well, and then complained about her sore shoulders. That is when I had a V-8 minute. You know this. It’s where you smack yourself on the forehead and a distant memory dawns on you.

That miniute I remembered last year’s visit to Disneyland and how the next day was horrid. I recalled my pinch-in-the-neck, headache had lasted for three days. Why, oh, why do I not remember the price I paid last year? Sometimes those unpleasant experiences I endure just don’t stick.

Don’t get me wrong, spending the day with my daughter was a blast. But, why didn’t I think to bring along one of her 12-year-old friends?

I have thought about this V-8 moment many times this week as I gulped down asprin. Why didn’t I learn the lesson the first time? Then I started to remember all the revisits to the Lord’s classroom. Why, oh, why can’t I get it right the first time? How frustrated God must be.

For example, repeating Finances 101 is a recurring habit. God is always there to instruct me about trusting Him. He reminds me, “Lynn, remember when you were a single parent? You learned to live on $25 a week after I helped you pay the bills. Also let me remind you of the time I supplied the exact amount of money you needed to pay the mortgage and how it came from an unexpected source.”

Another “do-over” course I attend regularly covers the danger of pride. He also schedules repeaters with regard to James 1:19. I think I am finally getting that one down.

However, the Lord’s patient instruction over the years is priceless to me. A treasure I store in my heart. He never fails to show up even when I mess up for the third, fourth, fifth, etc. etc.…… His protection, wisdom, and love never fail.

1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind.

As for the most recent lesson learned, next year it is Dad’s turn!

Have a blessed and beautiful day! See you in the classroom.


I would love to visit with you over at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Time away...

I am late getting this post published for today because I am sitting on a flight heading west to a conference for several days with my husband. My children are at home being well taken care of by their grandparents. I had tried to post something last night in our hotel room, but I was having trouble with the wireless connection in our room. It was getting late so I decided to go to bed since we had an early morning flight to catch.

I have been looking forward to this time away for several weeks. We have only been gone for twenty four hours at this point and have already enjoyed the quiet moments of talking and sharing with one another. Over the next several days between meetings and other events, we hope to spend time resting, reading and reflecting on our life.

I just finished re-reading a small book by John Piper titled, “When the Darkness Will Not Lift”. The words he shares in chapter two page 35 spoke to my heart so powerfully as I sit here high above the earth looking out at the beautiful skies and the soft puffy clouds which seem to be carrying us through the air. I have pondered his words and the scripture he shares as I reflect on those places in my heart where I am waiting for the darkness to lift. So, I thought I would share them with you today:

“Then comes the king’s cry: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” One of the reasons God loved David so much was that he cried so much. (Have you ever been there) “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.” (Psalm 6:6) “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” ( Psalm 56:8) Indeed they are! “Blessed are those who mourn” (yes, it says “blessed”) Matthew 5:4. It is a beautiful thing when a broken man genuinely cries out to God.

Then after the cry you wait. “I waited patiently for the LORD.” This is crucial to know: saints who cry to the Lord for deliverance from pits of darkness must learn to wait patiently for the Lord. There is no statement about how long David waited. I have known saints who walked through eight years of debilitating depression and came out into glorious light. Only God knows how long we must wait. The prophet Micah experienced prolonged and painful waiting. “I sit in darkness…until the Lord pleads my cause and…will bring me out to the light.” ( Micah 7:8-9). We can draw no deadlines for God. He hastens or he delays as he sees fit. And his timing is all-loving toward his children. Oh, that we might learn to be patient in the hour of darkness. I don’t mean that we make peace with darkness. We fight for joy. But we fight as those who are saved by grace and held by Christ.

What comfort I found in these words in confronting those places in my own life in which I am struggling in my fight for joy! I pray that they would bring comfort to you as well.


In Him...Chris

Visit Chris at her personal blog Come to the Table

Lessons from the Campground

God intrigues me. He always finds me while I am camping to impart a new life lesson with each tent experience. Last weekend was no different.

Saturday night I am snuggled in my fluffy sleeping bag, fast asleep. In the early morning darkness I become painfully aware a bathroom trip is imminent. I fumble with the tent zipper which is stuck. While struggling to dislodge the nylon from the teeth, I begin to dance the potty dance. My feet are tapping and I am tugging. Finally I give it a forceful pull while praying over the tangled mess and the zipper roles up. Whew!

After I rush to the bathroom, I slowly amble back up toward our campsite. On the trek back I notice a strange phenomenon, a subtle roaring is emanating from every campsite I pass. For a second I wonder if wild animals have congregated looking for leftovers. No, I don’t hear wild beasts.

I hear men snoring.

I giggle, completely amused by the various pitch, gurgling, and roaring noises which fill the night air. I arrived back at our campsite to find our tent is rockin’ and a rollin’ in unison with my husband’s wood sawing.

My six-foot-two, tall dark and handsome, can snore better than most. He has been known to register a 5.2 on the Richter scale occasionally. We live in California - this can be sacary. As for myself, I might breathe heavily or sigh politely in my sleep. *grin*

For years I informed my spouse his snoring was perhaps a bit “over the top.” Of course, he did not believe me. Not once in his entire life had he heard himself snore. He was convinced that I was daft and suffering with oversensitive ears.

Finally, it happened. While rooming with a buddy on a trip, my husband’s snoring became so loud his friend picked up and checked into his own room to get a good nights rest. At last, my husband believed.

All of this snoring has led me realize, I too, have ignored loud and annoying parts of my character. I chose to believe my circumstances were an exception to specific teachings of scripture. So much of God’s Word I want to apply but have willingly left certain verses sitting idle. I have ignored God.

Specifically, over the past two years, God has been pointing out several scriptures I refused to believe were for me. Today, I surrender. I cannot see my life as an exception. I must see my life through all scripture, even passages which point out my spiritual snoring. At last, I see, I believe!

Slowly, patiently God waits for me to open my eyes. He never gives up, never tires, never sleeps. He waits and works, crafting my heart and soul.

The Lord has an amazing future planned for me which is born out of obedience. I can’t wait to see what awaits tomorrow as I surrender willingly today.

Jesus obedient: John 4:34
Jonah obedient: Jonah 3:3
Moses and Aaron obedient: Exodus 7:6
Mary obedient: Luke 1:38
Lynn obedient: In progress

John 14:21 (New International Version)
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

I retell this story with a hug from my husband and his encouragement....

Tall, Dark, and Handsome, thanks for allowing me to share you with my friends.

Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Better Than Reality TV

Friday afternoon we arrived at the campground. We bailed out of the car and began to unload the gear; sleeping bags, cook stove, food bins, and the most dreaded piece of camping equipment known to marriage, the tent.

This year we brought with us a brand new tent, still in the box. I spied the beast lying on the ground, knowing what must ensue. Looking around I was relived to see the campground was empty with the exception of a retired couple sitting quietly in their lawn chairs in front of their trailer about 100 feet away.

I approached the box, cut the tape and out slid the biggest pile of nylon and connect-the-sticks I have ever seen. The contraption sleeps ten. Why a family of three needs a tent this size, I still cannot explain.

Dragging the tent around on the site, I called to my husband for help. Thus the event commenced; the raising of the tent. This is a hotly contested battle of wit and patience between a husband and a wife. If television wanted a truly unrefined reality show, Raise the Tent, would win hands down. Two minutes into the set up, orders were shouted, my husband was obviously blind to the logic of my instructions. This became readily apparent from the look on his face.

A retort from my frustrated spouse was foreseeable. The sound level increased. I glanced over at older couple who sat smiling at their reading materials, afraid to look up for fear they would break into hysterics.

Precisely at this moment in all tent-raising events, children mysteriously disappear. My daughter retreated to the creek, suddenly captivated with the rocks at the bottom.

I lowered my voice but the yelling continued in what I call, snake whisper. It is still yelling just at a hissing level. I am sure some of you can relate. The older couple is no longer watching covertly, they sit mesmerized by our show activity.

Finally the Holy Spirit became fed up and tapped upon my heart. He reminded me I no longer needed to be in control. In the midst of our squabbling I saw my husband, a gift from God. I saw a man who has made me a better woman. The bickering diminished instantly and the tent went up quickly.

My husband and I are spiritually mismatched in our marriage and although my husband has yet to discover the truth of Christ for himself, Christ is alive and active in our marriage. Christ’s supernatural power brings us through the arguing, disagreements, and tent construction. I look back upon my marriage journey and see Christ standing with us. He has been working through my nonbelieving husband to smooth my rough edges of selfishness and desire to control.

My spouse and I are the ultimate odd couple. Our back grounds and beliefs are vastly different, which makes our marriage, our happy and fulfilling marriage, a miracle.

An hour later, I sat at the picnic table waiting for our friends who were joining us to settle into their campsite. Their daughter wandered over for a chat. I asked her, “Did your mom and dad getting everything set up?”

She replied, “Yes, but yelling was involved.”

I laughed out loud knowing God was alive and well in the next campsite!

1 Peter 3:1-4 (The Message)
The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.

I am a first Peter three work-in-progress!
Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Top 10

It’s the weekend! Woohoo!

Over the past few weeks I’ve been busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Sorry, all you cat lovers.

What is it about the month of May? I find this month particularly stressful as many of our ordinary activities culminate and crescendo in a finale worthy of the White House.

Bible study ends next week. I must prepare for our end-of-the-year brunch. Brunch is not only a time to remember our experiences with God but an elaborate decorating contest to prove no center piece can be too large or ostentatious. ---I am centerpiece challenged! Send me your suggestions.

Every May, my daughter is included in a ton of extra curricular activities. A day trip to Disney Land, birthday parties, visits to museums, field trips, and band concerts. My daughter plays the flute.

From my tour around the blogosphere earlier this week, it is obvious I am not alone.

Post after post I empathized and sympathized with a number of you who are stressed out, weary, drained, fatigued and just plain wacky from the pace of it all. Perhaps it is just me who is wacky (likely).

So how do you know when it is time to stop, rest and spend time alone with our Savior. Some of my church friends got together and we comprised our own Top 10 list.

The Top 10 reasons you know it’s time for a rest and recharge: (These are real experiences)

10. You find yourself arguing with your three-year-old and she’s winning the conversation.
9. You start cutting the person’s food next to you and you realize it’s not one of your children.
8. Going to the grocery store is the highlight of your week.
7. All you can grow, is found on the leftovers in the refrigerator.
6. You throw on a cap to avoid getting your roots done.
5. The Ice Cream truck driver knows your order but not your children’s.
4. Your date with your husband ends up at Wal-Mart, and you’re both excited about it.
3. You’re hourly telling your kids, “Mommy needs a time out!”
2. The manager at Sees Candies says, “Oh, hi, you again, the usual two pounds?”

And, the number One Reason you know it’s time for a rest and a recharge:

You begin calling your hot flashes, “mini tropical vacations.”

Laughter and time alone with my Savior, is just the thing. With my Lord’s help, a hot Starbucks, and meaningful time alone with my bible and prayer journal, I will triumph. I will conquer the centerpiece, finish errand running, help with the birthday parties, and plan the camping trip.

God is good! All the time!

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen!