A Place in the Choir

My first time being on stage in a theatrical performance was in 6th grade.  I was cast as the lead for the Vacation Bible School production of "All God's Creatures Have a Place in the Choir" (I think that was the name).  It was at least the title of the signature song we had to sing.  We were all dressed as animals and I was Professor Owl.

As little as I remember about the overall experience, I somehow have always retained the lines to the chorus of that key song:
All God's creatures got a place in the choir.  Some sing low, some sing higher, some sing out loud on the telephone wire.  And some just clap their hand, or paws, or anything they got now.

Somehow, these lines seem so very fitting now, when I examine an issue that has been hotly debated both personally and professionally over the last few weeks: Christian films.

A few weeks ago, there were a series of movie reviews that were published about A Matter of Faith by Rich Christiano.  The reviews were very harsh and caused Dan and I to debate with listeners and friends about what our role is in supporting or critiquing Christian films.

Before this conversation, I suppose I had been pretty quick to pan Christian films.  While the overall quality has been improving over the last several years, many films I'd seen had left me wondering why/how they ever got produced.  The story often fell flat, the acting was sub par and the quality of production was noticeably poor.

Yet, in the midst of our radio/online debate, I was challenged in my way of thinking.  I've come to realize that I'm not always (usually) the intended audience.  Sure, from a financial point of view, these filmmakers would like every seat filled with any warm body, but the message isn't always meant for me.

There will be films that leave me scratching (or shaking) my head, but someone else may be touched in a deep and personal way with a message that they needed to hear.  Over the last weeks, I've seen more evidence to that end.

So today, when I had the opportunity to screen A Matter of Faith I went in trying to be open minded, but not having high expectations.  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.  I never found myself cringing at the quality of the acting.  The production value was good.  The story (despite critical reviews to the contrary) seemed to be solid.

Is this film going to appeal to everyone? No.  But, it is going to reach God's intended audience with a powerful message about the reality that students are being exposed to the teaching of evolution as an undisputed fact.  There are issues brought up in the 88 minutes of this film that are worth discussing around the kitchen table or proverbial water cooler.

The critics that slammed this movie come from the world of academia and uber intelligent debate circles.  I'm not part of that world.  Perhaps, that is why I enjoyed the film whereas they found reason to tear it apart.

Going back to my VBS song, all God's filmmakers (assuming they are following the direction of the Holy Spirit) got a place in the choir.  Some will "sing" low where others will "sing" higher.  Every Christian should be doing their very best work in every field, but [again] assuming that these filmmakers are doing their finest work with the resources available to them, then I am satisfied to leave the outcome in the hands of the Lord.

If you ask me about a particular movie, I may need to honestly say "I didn't care for it" but I hope I've learned my own lesson not to rip it apart.  The other side of this same coin is, when we hear terrible reviews or learn of someone who strongly dislike a film, we need not assume it would be wasted on us.  After all, God has used some very unique methods to minister to his children, and that "bad" movie may be something that you need to see.

Do we need to stand in support of every Christian film out there?  I don't think so.  But we should always keep an open mind and watchful eye out for how God can use them for His glory and the betterment of His people.

Craming It All In

T minus 40 minutes before I pick the girls up from school.  This week has been unusually busy and I've tried to make good use of my time.  My head is swimming a bit between banquet planning for work, trying to cram in Spanish lessons when I can, and staying on top of other projects (writing included).

Last week, we meet with a new small group and part of the discussion revolved around being sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  There have been a number of times when a thought comes to mind, and I've dismissed it as my personal craziness.  So today, having a fresh reminder to listen more closely, I fought the urge to ignore that still small voice as I drove home from work. 

Glancing up a side street, I saw that a garbage can had been knocked over, and the trash was in the road. "Go pick it up" was echoing in my ears.  I continued to drive on, but within a few blocks, my heart was burdened and I did a U-turn.  It took me a few minutes to figure out which street it had been.  Once I arrived, I found the home owner, with broom in hand, sweeping up the mess.  Even then, I thought "It's taken care of, no need to stop."  But, again, a burning heart compelled me to get out of the car.  I spent a few minutes helping the man to collect the garbage out of the road and put it back into the trash can.

"It's my own fault," he said.  "I tried to cram too much in there.  Then, when the truck picks it up, it only dumps partway and the rest flings out."  I shared my frustration with the mess that's sometimes left behind, wished him a good day, and finished my journey home.

I'm not really sure what a simple act of obedience to a Holy Spirit prompting will bring, but I'm glad I listened.  If nothing else, it gave me a good visual reminder about what happens when you try to cram too much in.

There are many things that I try to accomplish in the course of a week.  Sometimes I'm able to concentrate and put more effort and attention in than others.  I suppose, that on those weeks when too many things demand my attention, I may experience some of the overload scattered on the road.

Maybe then someone will see my mess, and help me sweep it up!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Adventure Man

My husband is a runner and has been for 25+ years.  I am not.  I’ve been known to walk great distances, but running is not my thing. 

Several years ago, my husband expressed an interest in participating in a marathon.  He had done several half-marathons, so I didn’t give much thought to his running a full.  What I did not know at the time I flippantly agreed, was how much training was involved. 

With two young children and a house full of chores, the last thing (I thought) I could endure, was his being frequently gone after work and on weekends.  The truth of the matter was that I was lonely and needed adult interaction after hours managing Kidville. He’d come home from work, and get a run in before dinner.  He’d do his long run on Saturday or Sunday, the days I had counted on to have his company. 

Though I had agreed to his participation, my actions and attitudes sabotaged his training regimen and our mutual frustration finally came to a head.  He vocalized how important this was to him.  He needed my support.  He needed me to be his cheerleader.  Instead, I was self-absorbed and far too busy feeling sorry for myself.  He was right.  Thankfully, he loved me through my selfishness and the Lord helped me change my attitude.  Ultimately, I was able to stand at the finish line, beaming with pride at what he had accomplished. 

In the more recent past, my radio co-host Dan Rosecrans and I were conducting an interview with a man who had set out on a hike, gotten hopelessly lost, nearly died, found help, and then wrote a book about it.  As the author was recounting his story, my “sensible” woman brain was thinking: “Gee, how dumb.  Glad I’m not his wife!”

I then glance over at Dan, and watch a look wash over his face.  It was a very different look from what I’m sure was plastered all over my own.  He kind of went “dreamy” and was totally engrossed in this man’s tale.  After the interview, he made a comment to the effect of “Man, I wish I could do something like that”.

This was my “ah-ha” moment.  Men need adventure.  They are wired for it.  They need to push themselves, strain themselves and maybe even get lost in the mountains.  God wired them for exploration and dreaming big dreams.  They need to play “King of the Mountain” both on the playground and in the world--not to shove others down or away, but to know that sense of accomplishment. 

Both genders need to understand this. Men need to responsibly act on this gift that they have been given.  When men go and do, dream and build, fantastic things can be accomplished, not just for him personally, but for society at large.  Women need to support and spur on their men.  This is not to suggest that women can’t have adventures and grand plans of their own, but ladies will benefit when we assist, and champion our guys.

For some additional thoughts about what a Godly man’s man looks like, here’s a link to a great blog from Watermark Community Church: http://www.watermark.org/blog/how-to-be-a-godly-man/

Ed Stetzer and tomato worms

This morning I woke up early and contemplated what I wanted to accomplish during the course of the day.  It was 5:30am, and I had a few hours before I had any hard and fast obligations.  I hadn’t yet gotten my long walk in for the week and I hoped to catch a service at Calvary of Albuquerque because Ed Stetzer was going to be the guest speaker. 

We had previously scheduled my daughter’s 13^th birthday party for today. This party was technically the 3^rd in the series of birthday parties.  Last weekend, two of her long-time friends spent the night, followed by a day playing in the river.  One of those friends doesn’t get along with the school friends.  So, trying to include all, without drama for my daughter, we allowed two different “parties”.  Then, we had a family celebration on her actual birthday.  Today is the water park day, and we had a BYGO offer, so we allowed two friends from school to celebrate with her.

My husband woke up early as well, and encouraged me to do both my walk and attend church.  Trying to kill two birds with one stone, I walked the nearly 7 miles to church.  I arrived, hot and sweaty, but in enough time to catch Ed’s entire message. 

He spoke about service, and how few church goers actually devote any time giving to others or investing into meeting “church” needs.  He equated church attendance to theater attendance.  We gain admission, look to be entertained, complain if we aren’t happy with the music or message, then head home.  He’s right.  I’m often guilty of being too consumer minded, not wanting to make the personal or emotional investment into someone else.

 My husband and I took turns watching the girls at the water park, and during my break, I went home to get a shower and take care of a few things.  I went outside to check on my tomato plants, and inspect if there was any sign of remaining tomato worms (I had killed at least 7 over the last two days).

 

I have to pause for a moment to say something: I despise and fear tomato worms!  If you aren’t familiar with them, they easily disguise themselves on the leaves of the plant, and then eat both plant and fruit.  Early childhood memories include my mother, armed with a giant pair of kitchen shears, cutting the nasty beasts in half, trying to protect the few tomatoes that will grow in the hot New Mexico sun.  So, I do the same today.  Carefully examining to see if there is any sign of further destruction to my plants, I nervously clutched my own kitchen shears, ready to sever any sign of life I observed.  I don’t know why I’m afraid of them.  I recognize it’s quite irrational, but I’ve actually had nightmares about them.

In the course of the day, I also had a chance to read a thought provoking blog by Ryan Russell (redbikeleader.com/RESET) addressing his frustration with social media and how shallow it can be.  This is another area in which I have frequent and conflicting opinions.  I had actually attended the Calvary service with Ed Stetzer thinking this might be a subject he would cover (I was first introduced to Ed and his work at the NRB Conference speaking on this topic).

Now, during my shift at the water park, I have some time to think back on the events of today and formulate a few lessons/conclusions:

*It’s good to work hard/exercise hard and feel a sense of exhaustion and/or completion.

*It’s worth the effort to put yourself in a position to learn something new and to be challenged to fight against the status quo. 

*Life is like a group of 13 year-old girls.  You can choose to immerse yourself in the drama, or you can opt for maturity and offer yourself as a true friend to others.  You may get snubbed, or you may get hugged.  The only one you have the power to control is you.

*Social media sites can be like tomato worms.  They are living, breathing creatures, but have the potential to be very destructive if you don’t keep a good pair of shears in hand, ready to do some cutting.

The best verse I can think of to close off this blog is Matthew 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Let us love and serve one another at church, on social media and even with drama filled friends.  May our actions and love point others to the awesome grace of Christ. 

Monday

It’s Monday morning.  That means the start of a new work week for my husband and me and a new school week for my kids.  For some, today is their birthday, their anniversary or their last day of chemo.  For others, today is the final day on the job after getting a “pink slip”.  Today might bring a check in the mail or a notice of foreclosure.

In other parts of the world, today is the day their house gets bombed, their father gets executed or their child succumbs to disease.  Today might also bring joy as a village welcomes the message of salvation as the good news of the Gospel is heard.

So what does this all mean for my ordinary American life?  How can I care without becoming consumed?  There are nations at war, civil unrest at home, and evil abounding globally--but I still need to run to Costco to fill up my car with gas.  How do I live?  How do I pray?  How do I make a difference?

I think it has to start, very simply, with the scripture “Be still, and know that I am God.”  As I looked up the reference, I was surprise to read the entire psalm and hear many of the same themes of today, sung by the words of the Psalmist thousands of years ago:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46

In light of this passage, my outlook for this week has a distinctive, new focus.

1.       I can pray for peace but don’t need to be in fear of war.  God is my shelter. War may be raging around us, but He can make them cease. 

2.       I can exalt (praise) God and teach my children to do the same. 

3.       I can look for opportunities to show the promise of peace to others who don’t have it.

Some may view this approach as too “simple”.  However, I know that there is no way for me to be still before God if I continue to strive for _______ (fill in the blank) with my own strength and power.  I absolutely want to be moved by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience in whatever area He calls me to. That might be a time of intense prayer.  It might be ministry to a hurting friend.  It might be courtesy and respect to the rude clerk at the counter.   Sure, I have things I want to accomplish this week—they may even be good things.  But, they might not be God things.  After all, I can’t hear His voice if I’m busy talking about my own personal agenda. 

Lord, help me to be keenly aware of every area you want me to engage in this week.  Help me pray according to your will.  Let my heartbeat mimic your own.  Let me not be burdened with anyone’s projection of what they think I should be doing.  Instead, let me simply rest in you, being obedient to your voice and call.  Amen

                                         

Photo by Lhgergo

Hair Dye and Chocolate Cake

The last 3 days have been rather hectic.  Saturday and Sunday we worked (and had other people work) on a plumbing problem the required the water to be shut off for most of the weekend.  I was relatively calm about it.  There were occasions when the fear of having to tear out bathroom walls crept through my head, but on a whole, I was at peace.  In the end, we did have to go through a wall, but from the back end.  The plumbing was repaired and instead of having to re-tile a wall, it will just be a dry wall repair. 

Then last night, I got a surprise phone call, offering me a job for which I'd never heard of, and never applied for.  It was exciting to think that someone though I was such a perfect fit, that I was offered a position out of the blue.  Wanting to learn more about it, I headed for a meeting this afternoon only to be told that the position was filled 30 minutes prior to my arrival.  I can't say that I was terribly upset, as the whole think had come out of left field anyway.  Yet, I felt a little confused.

After the meeting, I picked up my eldest daughter from my in-law's house.  She doesn't start school until tomorrow. She had made a very decadent chocolate cake and built (from a kit) a 3 foot high Eifel Tower.  After loading her goods into the car, she asked me about dying her hair.
We've allowed hair dye before.  Not the whole head, but streaks of a color.  She had bought a kit of "luscious raspberry".

On to pick up daughter #2 who did start school today.  First day at a new school and by all accounts it went pretty well!

Back at the ranch, I come home to last night's Star Wars Monopoly Game still spread all over the kitchen table.  The family wanted to finish it up tonight after dinner.  My bed is unmade, there is laundry on the couch and the ugly hole in the wall stares me down.  I'm starting to feel a bit intimidated. 

I start the dye job on #1.  While the bleach sets, I begin dinner.  #2 is busy reading and I'm thankful for that.  Hubby comes home and then leaves again for the gym.  I rinse, wash and apply color.  I cook the pasta and add the fixings.  I rinse the dye and shampoo.  #2 has snuck some chocolate cake.  Hubby comes home, we eat, they play Monopoly.

I just needed a little "down" time tonight.  I suppose I'm being selfish, sitting with my computer, writing to anyone who cares, rather than engaging with the family.  That being said, it's time to unplug and find #2--looks like she ran out of money and left the game. 

Motherhood isn't for the faint of heart.

Who I Am

It is painful to confess this, but the honest truth is that I struggle with my pride on a regular basis.  My flesh wants to be acknowledged and patted on the back.  It wants to be honored for working hard.  It wants to be noticed.

If you do a quick Bible verse search on “pride”, it’s very obvious that it isn’t a characteristic that God wants in me.  So, my spirit is always in pride battle mode. 

Today on the radio program, we had Senatorial candidate Allen Weh come in.  He asked me if I “do the weather”.  I can’t relay the emotional response that a question of that nature generates in me.  I wanted to shout “I’ve been here for almost 8 years!  I’m the co-host!”  In retrospect, I think what I really wanted to shout was “I’m important too!  Value me!”

Knowing who I am in Christ and being firmly and confidently rooted in that identity is such a juxtaposition to worldly pride.  It’s a struggle for me.  The world expects us to celebrate our titles and accomplishments.  It presumes that our identity comes from our jobs, our affiliations, or even our sexuality. 

Today, I write to remind myself, and anyone else in need of a spiritual “pep-talk” who we really are.

We are God’s workmanship: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 
Think of yourself as a fine work of art that has been meticulously crafted by the Master Designer.

We are a new creation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 
You may view yourself through the lens of your mistakes.  You may have shame from the past, but that record has been expunged!

We are loved, forgiven, sanctified, accepted, favored, and reconciled to God.  The list goes on and on.  Instead of thinking of yourself as a "just"--"just a mom", "just a student" or "just a delivery driver", begin to imagine your spiritual business cards with these new titles instead.

The beauty of God’s Truth is that who I am in Him, is so much more than I could ever be through human accomplishment.  Now, the real challenge lies in valuing our God given titles above those found in the world.  I won't pretend that a blog and a speech will instantly remedy this thinking.  However, acknowledging the struggle and turning it over to the Lord in prayer will begin to put us on the right side of the battle.

Lord, help me see my true value, and abandon self-promotion through worldly endeavors. Set me free from the bondage of pride and allow me to rest in the assurance that I have eternal value in Your eyes.  Let this truth sink deeply into my mind and spirit and let me rest in You.  Help me throw off everything that so easily entangles, so I can run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Let my eyes be fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Amen