Monday, March 26, 2018
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Young Adult Fiction: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Book & Movie)
Book
Description:
I
won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably
worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
My
Thoughts:
My granddaughter and two of my daughter's have
been encouraging me to read and watch Wonder.
I finally got to watch the movie, then immediately wanted to read the book. I
loved both! Yes the book is a little better. But I have to say the movie is
fantastic. This story should be required reading for every middle schooler and
their parents.
Some of the things I loved about this story:
- The author promotes kindness
- Auggie's parents love him and his sister unconditionally
- Auggie's parents take the responsibility they are given and make the best situation possible for their family
- The fifth graders are portrayed realistically, quirks and all
- Anyone running a school could take some cues from Mr. Tushman
- The various points of view add depth to the book
- This book/movie has no hidden agenda...just be kind
If you are like me and haven't gotten around to
reading this wonder-filled book or seeing this inspirational movie, go for it.
I wish I hadn't waited so long. Yet, I'm glad I can bring attention to it, now.
Thank you Dilly, Sara, and Hannah for sharing this
story with me.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
He Breathed His Last Breath
Luke 23:44-46
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
My daughter and I drove to Sullivan's Island to
visit the ocean. Being from Ohio, I don't get to listen to the crashing waves
and feel the wind off the water often. When we arrived we set up our spot on
the sand then walked toward the salty water. Along the way, we spotted a sandy
graveyard of jellyfish. They rested all along one area of the beach. I
researched later and found out this phenomenon tends to happen in the spring when
the cold waves roll in. A natural process for the sea.
After Jesus dragged his cross to the top of the
hill, the soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the wood, then dropped the
cross into a hole in the ground. With a thud, they planted him there. With a
thief on either side, Jesus waited to die. Unlike the jellyfish, this was not a
natural process. He was murdered by the people who despised him. Sad as he was
about it, he knew his Father's plan for his life and understood his place in
the story of salvation. After humiliation, frustration, and pain, Jesus
committed his spirit to God and breathed his last breath. He knew his role, he
knew the sacrifice involved. Jesus died because he loves us. He died to set us
free.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Rainbow Row-Charleston, SC
My daughter, Hannah, and I visited Rainbow Row in Charleston,
South Carolina. Fourteen, mid-18th century homes towered over East Bay Street.
The pastel colors created the quintessential essence of a charming city in the
south. With the palms waving in the sea breeze, I felt like I was in a southern
novel. What a gorgeous scene.
According to Free Tours by Foot,
the homes were originally built in the 1740s. Merchants constructed them with a
shop on the first floor and living quarters above. After the Civil War, the
area was neglected and became run-down. Dorothy
Porcher Legge, a pioneer of historic preservation in Charleston, with her
husband purchased some of the homes in the 1930s, restored them, and painted
them pink. Other buyers and restoration followed, resulting in a colorful array
of homes.
I loved the pink and periwinkle. Wouldn't it be fun to have
a street like Rainbow Row in every town and city? The beautiful homes
brightened the street and my day.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Friday, March 16, 2018
For Us
John 19:16-17
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
In southern Ohio, we've had a taste of winter
again before it blows out of here and welcomes spring. A few snow flurries
sticking to the trees, then gone with the wind. Temperatures that dip enough to
drag out the heavy coat, one more time. But we know at the end of this cold,
grey season—spring arrives with color, brightness and hope. I love winter, but
by this time in the season, I look forward to spring and the beauty that blooms
and flutters.
With the thoughts of new life, I've been pondering
the new life Jesus gives. But like winter, there was a dark time before the
light. Jesus, accused of wrong doing, took up his cross and dragged it through
the streets to the place where he knew he would die. The accusations flung at
Jesus were false, yet he carried his cross. Literally, as he bled from a flogging,
he carried his cross. Along with the heavy wooden burden, he carried our sins.
Yours and mine. He carried the cross for us. Not for himself. He had no sin.
But we do, and he understood he'd be the one sacrificed for us.
For us.
And that's just the beginning of the Easter story.
Jesus sacrifice and pain.
For us.
How could he love us so much? I have a hard time
comprehending his love. But Jesus does love us, enough to suffer this world,
then die in our place. Praise God for his obedient and compassionate son.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Worn and Well Read
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
At halftime of our granddaughter's basketball game,
a couple of boys took the floor. They practiced their shots and dribbles with a
well-worn basketball. The orange color had dulled to a brown and the black
grooves smoothed out. As they shot we could tell they spent hours with the
ball, not just from the condition of the ball, but by the way they handled
themselves on the floor.
After Billy Graham passed away, I read some
articles about him. In one, the writer talked about how Billy always left his
Bible open. Frequently throughout the day, he'd look at his Bible to see what
God had to say. I love that picture. A wise man of God continually consulting
the book of truth. Like the basketball the boys wore down, Billy wore through
the pages of the scripture. Obviously, he not only read the Bible but lived it.
We are so blessed to have God's word to guide us.
Think about how much more difficult life, as a believer, would be if we didn't
have a reference of truth to read and study. I may not understand every word,
but I know the ones I do understand are God's. I want to be a follower who not
only wears out my Bible but lives by the beautiful truth of God.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. -Psalm 119:105
Saturday, March 3, 2018
This Old Tent
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
I never dreamed when I turned fifty how many parts
of my body would begin to fall apart. I know I'm not alone in this. No matter
the age, the body can go wonky. Most days my back hurts and my bone-to-bone
knee cries for help. Sometimes my fibromyalgia is more than I can bear. To be
honest, I get frustrated about the things I can't do anymore. I've cried over
the changes to my body, been depressed when I can't keep up with my
responsibilities, and yes, even felt sorry for myself. Pain stinks! The body's
crumbling frustrates. But even in all the pain, I have good news.
Even though our bodies are wasting away, Jesus has
a plan for us to receive new bodies. Did you hear that? Brand new bodies, with
no pain, no falling apart, no wasting away. Through Jesus we have a path to
heaven. Because he died for our sins and offers forgiveness to anyone who
believes in him, accepts him, repents and is baptized, he will welcome us with
open arms into heaven. And then, we'll have a brand new, perfect in every way,
painless body. I don't know about you, but for me that's exciting. To imagine a
life with no pain gives me hope.
I look forward to the day I meet Jesus, and this old tent I live in becomes new.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Ever Feel Not Good Enough
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Ever feel inadequate or afraid? I've been writing
and posting devotions on my blog for more than seven years. Each time I put pen
to paper or fingers to keyboard, a feeling of incompetence sweeps over me. The
dread of "not good enough" stymies my words. Then frustration sets in
and my thoughts dissipate into a wisp of smoke and blow away. If inadequacy
isn't enough, sometimes I'm afraid I'm not writing the words God wants me to. I
feel like I am not listening close enough to him. Yet, I keep at it. I write
and pray and pray and write. God knows my heart. He understands where I've been
and knows where I'm going.
God knew Joshua, too. He understood that he'd need
to give Joshua a lot of encouragement. If you read through the end of
Deuteronomy and the beginning of the book of Joshua, you'll see that God tells
Joshua over and over to be strong and courageous. God doesn't say this because
he thinks Joshua is inadequate. He says it because he knows without doubt that
Joshua is the man for the job. He's called him to replace Moses.
Our Lord invites us to work for him, he calls us
to serve. He reminds us to work with our hands and make a living. And in all of
those things, he equips us. God pours over us the tools we need. That's why I
believe the words of Paul. " I can do all this through him who gives me
strength." All this which Jesus encourages me to do.
My prayer is to be strong and courageous, no matter what my circumstances. To not hold back, but to move forward for Christ.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Be the Love
I Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails.
Love never fails.
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And
the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
The word love is mentioned more than 500 times in
the New International Version of the Bible and more than 300 times in the King
James. Plus, King James uses words like charity to speak of love. As I've
studied and written through the "love" verses of 1 Corinthians 13,
I'm brought to the one verse that ties a lovely bow on the most beautiful
package. "Love never fails."
Paul is speaking of the love God has for his
people, the love we have through Jesus, the love God wants us to have for one
another. Matthew writes with authority from God that we are to love God and our
neighbor. The question is often asked, who's my neighbor. With social media and
the internet connecting people around the world, I chance a guess to say,
whoever God sends across our path is our neighbor. That person may live across
the street or on the other side of the world. Wherever they are, we need to pour
love over them the way Paul poses in Corinthians.
Maybe if we show more love and less hate, there
will be less senseless acts of violence. Maybe if we show more love and less
hate, people will feel loved and pass it on.
Maybe if we show more love and
less hate, less bullying, abuse, and evil will be prevalent in the world. Where do we begin? At home, at work, on Facebook, in the classroom, and yes
even in the church. God's love never fails. But sometimes we stink at showing his
love to others. Look for the people God needs you to love.
Be observant. Be intentional. Be the love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Fiction Book Review: Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher (series Nantucket Legacy)
Book Description:
Phoebe Starbuck has always taken care of her father--worrying enough for both
of them, as he chases one whim after another. Now, for the first time, she's
doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far
away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, she takes two gifts
from her father, but desires only one: her great-grandmother's journal. The
second gift? A "minder" in the form of cooper Matthew Macy, a man she
loathes.
Phoebe soon discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds a secret that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially the captain and the cooper.
Sail away with expert navigator Suzanne Woods Fisher, who confidently explores the sometimes treacherous shores of Quaker life on the storied Nantucket Island.
My Review:
Phoebe's Light gave me a feeling of hope. Set in the sixteen and seventeen hundreds, the story goes back and forth between Phoebe and her great-grandmother. The stories have several parallels, which keeps the thread of the book running smoothly. Suzanne Woods Fisher did her homework when preparing to write this adventurous story. The details from Suzanne's research jumped off the pages. I enjoyed learning about the Quaker culture and the Puritan's reign in America. In the front of the book is a list of characters and a glossary. I thought I'd need to keep referring to the character list, but once I got into the story I had no trouble keeping the people straight. Most of the Quaker vocabulary is self-explanatory within the context of the story. Thee and thou are spoken by the characters, but the words flow with the text. Phoebe's Light was a refreshing read about courage, honesty, redemption, and love. I highly recommend Phoebe's story.
Phoebe's Light gave me a feeling of hope. Set in the sixteen and seventeen hundreds, the story goes back and forth between Phoebe and her great-grandmother. The stories have several parallels, which keeps the thread of the book running smoothly. Suzanne Woods Fisher did her homework when preparing to write this adventurous story. The details from Suzanne's research jumped off the pages. I enjoyed learning about the Quaker culture and the Puritan's reign in America. In the front of the book is a list of characters and a glossary. I thought I'd need to keep referring to the character list, but once I got into the story I had no trouble keeping the people straight. Most of the Quaker vocabulary is self-explanatory within the context of the story. Thee and thou are spoken by the characters, but the words flow with the text. Phoebe's Light was a refreshing read about courage, honesty, redemption, and love. I highly recommend Phoebe's story.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Hope and Perseverence
1 Corinthians 13:7b
Love...always hopes, always perseveres.
Love...always hopes, always perseveres.
Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
From a young age, I planned to earn a college
degree. What I didn't know—the process would take thirty years. Yet, I had a
hope to accomplish what God laid on my heart. When Tim and I married, he took
on that hope with me. We persevered together, along with our children, as I
worked a full-time job, raised a family, and took classes. They all stuck with
me until I accomplished my goal.
My granddaughter plays basketball. All season
she's hoped to make her first game basket.
We took on that hope, cheering her
on. On Saturday, she swished that ball through the basket. As a family we
persevered with her as she practiced and worked toward the goal.
These examples of hope and perseverance may seem
simple, but every step we took was dressed in love. Dilly and I had people who cared
about us and supported us as we focused on our goals.
Jesus, the giver of hope, came to earth. He knew
he'd be crucified— tortured for our sins. Yet because he loves us, he chose to
persevere. His is the truest story of hope and perseverance. Jesus, hope in
human flesh, rose from the grave to give anyone who follows him the hope of
eternal life. With that, God sends the Holy Spirit to persevere with us through
this life. I praise God for the Holy Spirit. He's with us every day.
Hebrews 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Saturday, February 3, 2018
He's our Protector
1 Corinthians 13:7a
Love...always protects, always trusts...
Love...always protects, always trusts...
Proverbs 3:6-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
When we're at home our dog, Tater, parks himself between
us. He's our protector. Without a doubt, he'd place himself between me and an
attacker. That's just who he is. He's a good dog who loves us. He trusts us, too.
He knows he'll be fed, watered, and walked every
day. If my dog can show love
through protection and trust, I can too. With my children, I've always been the
mother bear. Protection mode, all the time. My husband loves me by watching out
for me, and I love that. But what about the part, love always trusts? Yes,
Tater trusts us to take care of him. But maybe there's more to loving and trusting.I believe God wants us to not just trust the people we love, but to entrust them to him.
One of the most difficult things I've ever done is
turn my loved ones' safety, health, and life over to the one who loves them the
most. At times, as a mama bear my anxiety choked my ability to think straight.
I felt helpless. No matter what I thought I could do, it wasn't enough. That's
when I knew I had to look up and pray to God. The one I entrust my loved ones
to needed to hear my pleas. He's the one I truly have faith in. It's not easy
to let go and give our needs to God. But I know when I do, God gives me
strength and comfort. He pours his peace over me. I'll admit, I still struggle
with letting go and letting God. But that doesn't keep me from trusting in him
and crying out.
Love always protects and trusts when we hand our
cares and worries over to the one we believe can move a mountain. Even when the
situation seems impossible, God cares and listens. The creator and worker of
miracles loves you more than you and those you love even know. Trust the Lord
with all your heart because he loves you.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Saturday, January 27, 2018
The Choice to Love
1 Corinthians 13:6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
John 11:3-5
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
I've been reading a novel where the main character
flees from her abusive husband. Here's the kicker—the husband who physically,
mentally, and emotionally abuses her, says he loves her. The story breaks my
heart, but thanks to God, she's surrounded by friends who love her and help
her. Even though this is fiction, the story resonates with truth. People say
they love others, but is the love reflective of evil or God's truth? Does the
"best friend" gossip behind her BFFs back? Maybe a sibling's anger over
who-knows-what creates an uncomfortable situation. I could go on, but I think
you see where I'm heading with this.
The love I have for my spouse, my children, my
parents, my siblings, my friends, my church— must rejoice in truth. Just like
Jesus loved his family and friends. In the book of John, we read about Jesus
raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus could have said, "sorry sisters, I
can't do a thing to help out Lazarus." He could have left them to mourn
their brother. But instead, Jesus went to them and healed his friend who he
loved. He rejoiced in the truth that Lazarus' restored life brought glory to
God.
Life brings choices. Decisions on how I treat the
people I'm called to love. Do I belittle them to make myself look better? Do I
yell at them? Do I ignore their needs? Or do I reach out to them as Jesus did,
with love?
Choose to love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Shine like Stars...in Love
1 Corinthians 13:5
Love...does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love...does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
As a mom, I didn't always have the best discipline methods.
One time my three girls were doing what siblings
sometimes do, arguing. Who knows what the squabble was about, probably
something trivial, but it ended with name calling. Frustrated, I wanted to end
the quarrel. So instead of telling them to stop, or sitting them down to
discuss their behavior, I yelled out, "Let's just...call each other
names." Well that stopped the fight, all right. All three of them busted
out laughing...at me. So maybe it wasn't the best method, but it worked. You
see, I hate name calling, especially among loved ones.
When we love someone like Jesus loves, there is no
place for rudeness, selfishness, quick anger or grudges. Think about it, these
are the people we love. We've chosen to love our spouses, our family, our
friends, our church. I'm not just talking about the call to love all people.
I'm talking about the love we have for those who are dear to us. When I think
about Jesus and the love he has for me, I am humbled to my knees. He gave his
life for me and you. Like Jesus, I aim to value the people I love.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky...
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
Chionophile, Me?
My daughter sent me a meme recently that fit me like
a snug mitten.
The photo was a person in a knit hat and winter
coat.
The caption said:
CHIONOPHILE (n.)
lover of cold weather, snow.
a person who finds joy and peace of mind during snowy days.
I love winter. There I said it. I know many people
think I'm crazy. But, I truly find peace and rest when the snow blankets the
yard and piles up in my flower bed. I enjoy watching the flakes dance from the
clouds. When the sun shines on them, they twinkle like Christmas lights.
We've had freezing temperatures in Ohio. The first
time in probably three years. And yes, I'm excited. I don my purple boots,
heavy socks, gloves and red scarf, and I'm delighted. I love winter clothes and
dressing in layers.
But what I enjoy the most about winter is the
quiet. We took a road trip to Marblehead, yesterday. Lake Erie is frozen. Ice
piled high along the rocks and snow covered the ground. There were a few other people
out enjoying the cold. But the one thing I noticed was the absolute quiet. No
waves crashed on the rocks. People whispered. The wind stood still. We tossed
small pieces of ice onto the frozen lake and we could hear them skitter.
Peace covered me. I stood amazed at God's creation.
I never want winter to hamper others or cause
difficulty. But while I can, I'm enjoying the beauty and peace of winter.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Love is Personal
1 Corinthians 13:4b
Love...does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Love...does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
As I've considered what 1 Corinthians 13:14b means
to me, I've thought about the times in my life when I've felt jealous. I'm not
talking about when I was young and envied, Partridge Family actress, Susan
Dey's flowing hair. Or the times I'd see a Jeep and wish it was mine. No, this
is more personal. I'm talking about the times I've envied people I love. The
ones who mean the world to me. Envying someone I don't know is one thing, but
being jealous of someone I love is personal.
Jealousy or envy promote bitterness and
selfishness. If you've ever envied a friend or family member, a switch flips
and a protective mode pops up. You begin to boast about your life to cover up your
flaw of jealousy. Sound familiar? It does to me. This is neither wise nor
humble. In love, Jesus wants us to support each other. He calls us to rely on
Godly wisdom and encourage each other. God's love results in peace.
This week I pray, I will promote peace through love.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Love is Patient
1 Corinthians 13:4a
Love is patient, love is kind.
Love is patient, love is kind.
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Patience is required for many life moments. I know
my patience has stretched like Silly Putty until a hole poked through the
center. As I've prayed on and thought about patience in the context of love
this week, the example that keeps popping into my head involves a baby. Not a
particular one, could be any little one who can't feed themselves, yet. To set
the scene—I've buckled the child in the highchair, and I'm preparing a yummy
jar of smooshed up green beans. (You know, the ones with no flavor that are a
putrid green.) I've warmed them in a pan of hot water, because I don't want to
overheat them. I stir and check the temp, several times. The whole time I'm
stirring, I'm also entertaining my little one, so she doesn't cry. Finally, the temperature meets my expectations. I sit
down in front of my sweet, little dear and spoon up the first bite. She opens
her mouth like a baby bird and takes the spoonful. When I aim the second bite at her mouth, she
closes her lips tight and refuses to eat. So we play the airplane game.
"Here comes the plane. Vroom." And it sails by those pursed lips. Until
finally she open her mouth again, takes a bite, remembers how bad it tastes,
and without warning, spits it all over my face. Do I give up? No, I clean
myself up and try again. That, my friends, is patience. I want the baby to eat
a healthy meal, so I keep trying.
God wants me to nurture the kind of love that requires patience.
According to Proverbs, someone who is patient is
understanding and has wisdom. In the thesaurus, another term listed for
patience is "lack of complaint." When Jesus chose the twelve
disciples to leave their livelihoods and follow him, I'm certain he understood
how much patience he would need. He knew Peter would deny him, Thomas would
doubt him, and Judas would betray him. Yet, he still loved them with patience
and kindness. I wonder if Paul, the author of Corinthians, listed patience
first in the traits of love, because it is one of the most difficult to
develop. In our society, patience is not a virtue, but it needs to be. As
believers in Jesus, we need to cultivate the courage to love with a patient
heart, the way Jesus did.
When has your patience been tested?
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
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