How is that such a beautiful flower can exist on the end of such a thorny stem? Mother's Day immediately brings to my mind a rose. This thought might enter my mind because my mom loves rose bushes. That was the traditional gift for my grandmother on Mother's day, not a dozen roses but a rose bush. But today the rose came to mind because motherhood is a lot like a rose. It is amazingly beautiful and fragrant, but it can be awfully thorny. I was pondering the fragrant moments from this week. Mika told me I was her best friend. Benji came into the kitchen at 10pm and saw the mess from my baking and said, "Tomorrow, I will help you clean that up after breakfast." After reading How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? (for the thousandth time!), Malaki said, "How do Malaki's say goodnight? They kiss their mama's." The thing about motherhood is that it is also thorny. There are days when I don't want to have to discipline one more time, there are times when I am tired and can't listen to more chattering (good and bad) and there are times when to be honest I want to go back to bed and start all over again. But the reality is that without thorns there is not a beautiful floweer and so I must take the thorns with the beautifully fragrant flower.
Happy Mother's Day to the most important mom's in my life, thank yo ufor being willing to experience the thorns to get the flower! Happy Mother's Day Mom, there is a rose bush waiting in Kearney for you, thank you for instilling me with a love for my kids, and my husband and be such an amainzing model of a mom that is passionately pursuing her heavenly Father. Barb, Happy Mother's Day to my husband's mother and the grandmother of my children, it was all the thorns you expereienced that lead to me receiving the greatest husband ever. Happy Mother's Day, Janelle, I am praying daily that you feel like you are riding on the wings of eagles and yet feel the joy of living in the shadow of our Father's wings. I cried this morning as I thought of Jonathan, being in Iraq. I know that God is his protector, as well as yours. And finally, Happy Mother's Day to my Grandma! Rarely do I complete a daily chore or finish creating a meal without realizing that I learned so many of these skills from you. Today, I will work on my garden and think of the many times that I wandered in your garden and all that you taught me about tending a garden.
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Perspective Choice
Ahab: “From storm to storm! So be it, then. Born in throes, 't is fit that man should live in pains and die in pangs. So be it, then! Here's stout stuff for woe to work on. So be it, then.” Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
Psalmist: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God...” Psalm 84:5-7
Psalmist: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God...” Psalm 84:5-7
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
We had a good "Good Friday!" We awoke to some snow cover that was gone quickly after the sun came up.The Thursday night Focus Group we attend, "hosted" the Good Friday service at the church. We had a meal, devotional, communion around the tables and some singing. The gym was full and it was a refreshing and sobering reflection on Christ's death on the cross for us.
Like most believers, Resurrection Sunday is a highlight of the year. This year I wanted to have more focus on “crucifixion day.” Personally I have been awed to look at God’s view of my sin in the scriptures. Knowing that a God who really hates sin, has implemented such an awesome plan of salvation that has included me, is breath taking! I have been thinking and thankful that I have been delivered from the wrath of God.
1. I was once an object of God’s wrath until 1962 when I trusted in Christ alone to be my personal Savior. Ephesians 2:3, All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
2. God’s wrath no longer remains on me since that spring night in 1962. John 3:36, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
3. Jesus' shed blood (on Good Friday) guarantees I have been saved from God’s wrath. Romans 5:9, Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
4. Jesus' resurrection (on Easter morning) guarantees my rescue from God’s wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Scottsbluff Trek
We made a trip to the Awana Olympics in Scottsbluff, NE today with Janelle and our three grandsons. The Cheyenne Team played hard and were great sports. It was wonderful to see the coaches in action and the support of the parents. 
After, we went to see mom and then took a trek to the top of Scotts Bluff Monument. Toni took down this inscription from the plaque that overlooks the Oregon Trail. “1853 Near Scotts Bluff, ‘The landmarks indicated our progress and helped to break the monotony – like the milestones along the journey of life, there was one less to pass.’ - Phoebe G. Judson.”
On the way back we stop at Meriden and caught the flags doing their regular thing in Wyoming! Jon had a "day off" from training and was in Philadelphia seeing the Liberty Bell and Consitutional Hall.
After, we went to see mom and then took a trek to the top of Scotts Bluff Monument. Toni took down this inscription from the plaque that overlooks the Oregon Trail. “1853 Near Scotts Bluff, ‘The landmarks indicated our progress and helped to break the monotony – like the milestones along the journey of life, there was one less to pass.’ - Phoebe G. Judson.”
On the way back we stop at Meriden and caught the flags doing their regular thing in Wyoming! Jon had a "day off" from training and was in Philadelphia seeing the Liberty Bell and Consitutional Hall.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
New Journey, Again
I awoke this morning thinking of Jon and Janelle, and the boys getting in a cold car. It is "daylight savings dark" outside, 2 degrees with light snow. I thought and prayed for them knowing they have a long family drive to Denver…the start of a longer journey for them. I like to check BBC online in the mornings and saw this map and was reminded that I have an keen interest in this piece of real-estate ... once again.Paul sent his brother (in-law) this paraphrase from the Message on Ephesians 6:13-19. They are good words for all of us! “Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Will You Pick Me Up?
I ask that question a lot, usually framed something like this - If I were to stumble and fall would you pick me up and say, “we can make it to the finish line, we can do this together”? I have never had an individual say no, they usually say of course, or at least ponder the moment. But my experience in life has left me thinking the answer for most people is no.
I saw this commercial this morning and cried and rewound it and watched it again and then looked it up on youtube. My boys think I have lost it or at the very least I am a sentimental sap. The reality is I see myself in that little boy, only I see the racers running over me and trampling me. Those months were so painful, I know we’ve all been there, laid flat out on the ground, wondering if the trampling will end, so that we can pull ourselves up. About a month ago, I was still flat on the ground, I’m fairly sure my face had worn an imprint into the race track, and my Father ran a rescue mission for my heart, he reached down and picked me up and set me steady again through his love for me. And not only is he faithful to stand me up but to give me a passion to continue to run the race.
This brings me back to the commercial, are we supposed to pick each other up, are we supposed to “do life together’. I think we are, God is my ultimate rescuer and when the people around me fail, he is so faithful to fill in the gap. BUT I believe his plan is for us to pick each other up, to encourage each other. In the Old Testament, we do not see alot of God asking individuals encouraging others, but rather God being the source of encouragement. In the New Testament, we see a switch, we are to “encourage each other daily” and we are to “encourage and build each other up”. Through this new thing God created, the church, we are asked to encourage each other, love each other, build each other up, walk along side each other, meet the needs of each other, and we are even encouraged to share everything we have with others. Living with my Father, I see that I can’t be out to beat his other children in the race, but rather, I need to be running the race with them. I need to be encouraging them, sharing with them, and loving them. I need to throw American individualism out the door! Watch this commercial, I know you can relate with kid who has stumbled, but can you relate to the kids that run the race together?
We’re all in this together!!!!
I saw this commercial this morning and cried and rewound it and watched it again and then looked it up on youtube. My boys think I have lost it or at the very least I am a sentimental sap. The reality is I see myself in that little boy, only I see the racers running over me and trampling me. Those months were so painful, I know we’ve all been there, laid flat out on the ground, wondering if the trampling will end, so that we can pull ourselves up. About a month ago, I was still flat on the ground, I’m fairly sure my face had worn an imprint into the race track, and my Father ran a rescue mission for my heart, he reached down and picked me up and set me steady again through his love for me. And not only is he faithful to stand me up but to give me a passion to continue to run the race.
This brings me back to the commercial, are we supposed to pick each other up, are we supposed to “do life together’. I think we are, God is my ultimate rescuer and when the people around me fail, he is so faithful to fill in the gap. BUT I believe his plan is for us to pick each other up, to encourage each other. In the Old Testament, we do not see alot of God asking individuals encouraging others, but rather God being the source of encouragement. In the New Testament, we see a switch, we are to “encourage each other daily” and we are to “encourage and build each other up”. Through this new thing God created, the church, we are asked to encourage each other, love each other, build each other up, walk along side each other, meet the needs of each other, and we are even encouraged to share everything we have with others. Living with my Father, I see that I can’t be out to beat his other children in the race, but rather, I need to be running the race with them. I need to be encouraging them, sharing with them, and loving them. I need to throw American individualism out the door! Watch this commercial, I know you can relate with kid who has stumbled, but can you relate to the kids that run the race together?
We’re all in this together!!!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
While Toni is Away
Toni went to a quilting retreat at Maranatha this weekend. I was left to my lonesome and thought I could handle it until I missed an elder meeting by one hour. I woke my usual time and got up and started doing some things and totally spaced the meeting. Only when I got a text message did I realize I was in for a humilty lesson! My daughter's response was, “Aren’t you glad you have grace filled elders!” This afternoon I went with my son and his three sons to watch Wyoming lose to Bowling Green.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
God Knows the Way!
I am looking forward to being home on Friday. During the trip I have been listening to poems by Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) who served in India for fifty-five years. (Toni got them for our sabbatical.)"Thou dost Know the Way" is one of the poems that has caught my spiritual imagination: "My Father, to my heart I take, Thy simple word of truth today; I shall not lose me in the break, for Thou dost know the way... Around me various voices call, but thou wilt never let me stray; for Thou, my Father, knowest all the windings of the way." The poem concludes … "I am contented not to know, since Thou dost know the way."
Her poem "By Thy Cross and Passion" goes to the heart of ministy. "O God of burning altar fire, O God of love´s consuming flame, make pure the flame of our desire, to win the lost, to seek Thy name... Now by Thy cross and passion, Lord, Grant us this plea, this sovereign plea, save us from choosing peace for sword, and give us souls to give to Thee!"
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Leave for India Today---Please pray!
“Lord of grace, The world is before me this day, and I am weak and fearful--but I look to You for strength. If I venture forth alone, I stumble and fall--but on the Beloved's arms I am firm as the eternal hills. If left to the treachery of my heart, I shall shame Your name--but if enlightened, guided, upheld by Your Spirit, I shall bring You glory. Be my arm to support, my strength to stand, my light to see, my feet to run, my shield to protect, my sword to repel, my sun to warm.”
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Chemo Done! Herceptin Continues!
Toni has completed her 8 chemo treatments!Yeah! Hurrah! Praise the Lord!!!
These last two have greatly reduced her energy, so we are extremely glad to be over this hurdle and really ready to move on to the herceptin infusions that reportedly have few side effects. Toni will have herception infusions every three weeks until next February. Her next one is this Friday.
We came home early from Breckenridge because some dental work, that had to be postposned during chemo, began to abscess. Our dentist and good friend got her in imediately and a pulled tooth has never felt so good to Toni!
I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1-3, NIV)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Good Accident
Toni commented that one of the best “accidents” associated with her discovery and treatment for cancer was the book, “Ruth, A Portrait: The story of Ruth Bell Graham” by Patricia Cornwell. She has read numerous books during this time but has found this account of Ruth's life to be a very meaningful read during these special days. Also I am finishing “The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham” by Harold Myra and Marshall Shelley; I found this book insightful and recommend it for anyone interested in the team leadership style of Billy Graham.
“Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart” Ruth Graham
“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” Billy Graham
“Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart” Ruth Graham
“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” Billy Graham
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Strong Comfort
A couple of months ago Dad wrote wrote the following when describing this current journey:
"The boat is different, the lake is different and the storm is different but the voice that beacons us from the boat sounds the same, the eyes we look into are the same and the hand that lifts us as we sink is the same. The walk back to the boat is still just as humbling! (Matthew 14:28-33)"
About a month later I sat in a quaint country house in Ramona, Kansas with some dear friends for a class on Prayer and Retreat. And on a quiet Sunday morning with our coffee in hand we sat together and pondered that same passage. I sat and listened to God's word read; I listened to what others had heard God say in that passage. And as I pondered these things something struck me: Jesus insisted his disciples go into those waters. He sent them to the place where they were totally overwhelmed; to a place where they feared the waves would overtake them.
I sometimes get caught up in my own skewed view of God - the one that says if I do what God wants me to, he'll give me what I want. Of course I know this isn't true, but I still have a hard time fathoming that it is possible that I went where God would have me go and I did as he would have me do, and still my life got harder. "What?!? Seriously?!? God can't you see that the storm here is raging, the water is climbing higher and hirgher around me, and the waves are threatening to overtake me. Don't you know I am overwhelmed. I am so afraid." But inevitably the gentle response comes. "Yes child. I know these waves seem huge to you, but they are nothing to me. Do not be afraid. I am here. I never left."
If I have learned anything in these past few months, it is that God shows up--that he is always near. He is quick to reach out, grab my hand, and carry me back to the boat. He is quick to comfort. I read this quote from John Owen recently:
The holy spirit comforts and strengthens the hearts of believers...this comfort is strong. As we experience strong opposition and trouble, so our comfort or consolation is strong and so unconquerable. It confirms and strengthens the heart under any evil. It fortifies the soul and makes it able cheerfully to undergo anything that it is called to undergo. This comfort is strong because he who brings it is strong.
"The boat is different, the lake is different and the storm is different but the voice that beacons us from the boat sounds the same, the eyes we look into are the same and the hand that lifts us as we sink is the same. The walk back to the boat is still just as humbling! (Matthew 14:28-33)"
About a month later I sat in a quaint country house in Ramona, Kansas with some dear friends for a class on Prayer and Retreat. And on a quiet Sunday morning with our coffee in hand we sat together and pondered that same passage. I sat and listened to God's word read; I listened to what others had heard God say in that passage. And as I pondered these things something struck me: Jesus insisted his disciples go into those waters. He sent them to the place where they were totally overwhelmed; to a place where they feared the waves would overtake them.
I sometimes get caught up in my own skewed view of God - the one that says if I do what God wants me to, he'll give me what I want. Of course I know this isn't true, but I still have a hard time fathoming that it is possible that I went where God would have me go and I did as he would have me do, and still my life got harder. "What?!? Seriously?!? God can't you see that the storm here is raging, the water is climbing higher and hirgher around me, and the waves are threatening to overtake me. Don't you know I am overwhelmed. I am so afraid." But inevitably the gentle response comes. "Yes child. I know these waves seem huge to you, but they are nothing to me. Do not be afraid. I am here. I never left."
If I have learned anything in these past few months, it is that God shows up--that he is always near. He is quick to reach out, grab my hand, and carry me back to the boat. He is quick to comfort. I read this quote from John Owen recently:
The holy spirit comforts and strengthens the hearts of believers...this comfort is strong. As we experience strong opposition and trouble, so our comfort or consolation is strong and so unconquerable. It confirms and strengthens the heart under any evil. It fortifies the soul and makes it able cheerfully to undergo anything that it is called to undergo. This comfort is strong because he who brings it is strong.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Amazing Grace
The Gospels record numerous times when people were amazed at the words and works of Jesus Christ. Interestingly there are two accounts of Jesus himself being amazed. He was amazed at the lack of faith of those Jews from his hometown, (Mark 6:6), he was also amazed at the great faith of the gentile centurion with the deathly ill servant, (Luke 7:9).
Both the lack of faith and fact of great faith amazed Jesus Christ! Faith was often the subject of his lessons to the disciples. He often challenged them concerning their lack of faith and reminded them that even faith as small as a mustard seed could remove mountains, because nothing would be impossible to those with God glorying faith, (Matthew 17:20). Jesus even asked the penetrating question, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).
Since "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), faith is a necessary part of any believer's life. It is good therefore to periodically to take a faith check. In making decisions do I focus on the power of circumstances or the power of Christ? Do I have a faith perspective or a fear perspective? Am I known for my faithfulness or my faithlessness? Is my life characterized by anemic faith or by energetic faith? Do I have a conserve and preserve mentality? Do my weaknesses provide an excuse for not going forward with Christ or do they give me an opportunity to glorify Christ in my frailties? When I look back over my shoulder at the end of the day do I see the accomplishment of my plans or God's plans? Do I observe my power or God's power? Have things happen because of my persuasion or God's persuasion?
In the two accounts of Christ's amazement, "need" was an important factor in the faith that was either exhibited or inhibited. The hometown folks, filled with a sense of satisfaction with themselves had no need for a messiah, whereas the gentile centurion, knowing that he was not of the covenant people, knew deeply that only by grace could he hope to have the healing hand of Christ touch his servant. Those without a sense of need ignore Christ, those with a deepening sense of need implore Christ to come to their aid.
The Apostle Paul gives the secret to developing a sense of need so that we can exercise amazing faith; "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, (Romans 10:17). Faith it appears, is directly proportional to the amount of the Word digested. For example there is a "Sunday Morning Faith" demonstrated by those who only eat second hand the Word of God and have no regular walk with God. Then there is a "Daily Bread Faith" seen in those who read a devotional guide but who usually skip the assigned Scripture portions. The "Through the Bible in a Year Faith" is exhibited by those who systematically read the Word. And then there is "The Lovers and Doers Faith" of the ones who eagerly devour the Word of God. These are constantly displaying greater acts and attitudes of faith. They begin to really believe that God can use them to help accomplish His great commission and great commandment.
Amazing faith is for any child of God who you will admit his need and eagerly read, mediate and apply the Word of God to his every situation.
Both the lack of faith and fact of great faith amazed Jesus Christ! Faith was often the subject of his lessons to the disciples. He often challenged them concerning their lack of faith and reminded them that even faith as small as a mustard seed could remove mountains, because nothing would be impossible to those with God glorying faith, (Matthew 17:20). Jesus even asked the penetrating question, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).
Since "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), faith is a necessary part of any believer's life. It is good therefore to periodically to take a faith check. In making decisions do I focus on the power of circumstances or the power of Christ? Do I have a faith perspective or a fear perspective? Am I known for my faithfulness or my faithlessness? Is my life characterized by anemic faith or by energetic faith? Do I have a conserve and preserve mentality? Do my weaknesses provide an excuse for not going forward with Christ or do they give me an opportunity to glorify Christ in my frailties? When I look back over my shoulder at the end of the day do I see the accomplishment of my plans or God's plans? Do I observe my power or God's power? Have things happen because of my persuasion or God's persuasion?
In the two accounts of Christ's amazement, "need" was an important factor in the faith that was either exhibited or inhibited. The hometown folks, filled with a sense of satisfaction with themselves had no need for a messiah, whereas the gentile centurion, knowing that he was not of the covenant people, knew deeply that only by grace could he hope to have the healing hand of Christ touch his servant. Those without a sense of need ignore Christ, those with a deepening sense of need implore Christ to come to their aid.
The Apostle Paul gives the secret to developing a sense of need so that we can exercise amazing faith; "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, (Romans 10:17). Faith it appears, is directly proportional to the amount of the Word digested. For example there is a "Sunday Morning Faith" demonstrated by those who only eat second hand the Word of God and have no regular walk with God. Then there is a "Daily Bread Faith" seen in those who read a devotional guide but who usually skip the assigned Scripture portions. The "Through the Bible in a Year Faith" is exhibited by those who systematically read the Word. And then there is "The Lovers and Doers Faith" of the ones who eagerly devour the Word of God. These are constantly displaying greater acts and attitudes of faith. They begin to really believe that God can use them to help accomplish His great commission and great commandment.
Amazing faith is for any child of God who you will admit his need and eagerly read, mediate and apply the Word of God to his every situation.
THE BRANCH
The eyes are brighter today! Some relief from the deep bone aches! Flu combined with chemo is a bad, very bad, extremely very bad mixture!
The True Vine by Andrew Murray has been a wonderful encouragement to me (Richard) over the years. I recently re-read the meditation on THE BRANCH and found great encouragement in being reminded that I am a branch in Christ, The True Vine!
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away --John 15:2 (NKJV)
Here we have one of the chief words of the parable--branch. A vine needs branches: without branches it can do nothing, can bear no fruit. As important as it is to know about the Vine, and the Husbandman, it is to realize what the branch is. Before we listen to what Christ has to say about it, let us first of all take in what a branch is, and what it teaches us of our life in Christ. A branch is simply a bit of wood, brought forth by the vine for the one purpose of serving it in bearing its fruit. It is of the very same nature as the vine, and has one life and one spirit with it. Just think a moment of the lessons this suggests.
There is the lesson of entire consecration. The branch has but one object for which it exists, one purpose to which it is entirely given up. That is, to bear the fruit the vine wishes to bring forth. And so the believer has but one reason for his being a branch--but one reason for his existence on earth --that the heavenly Vine may through him bring forth His fruit. Happy the soul that knows this, that has consented to it, and that says, I have been redeemed and I live for one thing--as exclusively as the natural branch exists only to bring forth fruit, I too; as exclusively as the heavenly Vine exists to bring forth fruit, I too. As I have been planted by God into Christ, I have wholly given myself to bear the fruit the Vine desires to bring forth.
There is the lesson of perfect conformity. The branch is exactly like the vine in every aspect--the same nature, the same life, the same place, the same work. In all this they are inseparably one. And so the believer needs to know that he is partaker of the divine nature, and has the very nature and spirit of Christ in him, and that his one calling is to yield himself to a perfect conformity to Christ. The branch is a perfect likeness of the vine; the only difference is, the one is great and strong, and the source of strength, the other little and feeble, ever needing and receiving strength. Even so the believer is, and is to be, the perfect likeness of Christ.
There is the lesson of absolute dependence. The vine has its stores of life and sap and strength, not for itself, but for the branches. The branches are and have nothing but what the vine provides and imparts. The believer is called to, and it is his highest blessedness to enter upon, a life of entire and unceasing dependence upon Christ. Day and night, every moment, Christ is to work in him all he needs.
And then the lesson of undoubting confidence. The branch has no cure; the vine provides all; it has but to yield itself and receive. It is the sight of this truth that leads to the blessed rest of faith, the true secret of growth and strength: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
What a life would come to us if we only consented to be branches! Dear child of God, learn the lesson. You have but one thing to do: Only be a branch--nothing more, nothing less! Just be a branch; Christ will be the Vine that gives all. And the Husbandman, the mighty God, who made the Vine what it is, will as surely make the branch what it ought to be.
Lord Jesus, I pray Thee, reveal to me the heavenly mystery of the branch, in its living union with the Vine, in its claim on all its fullness. And let Thy all-sufficiency, holding and filling Thy branches, lead me to the rest of faith that knows that Thou works all.
The True Vine: Meditations for a Month on John 15:1-16, by Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
The True Vine by Andrew Murray has been a wonderful encouragement to me (Richard) over the years. I recently re-read the meditation on THE BRANCH and found great encouragement in being reminded that I am a branch in Christ, The True Vine!
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away --John 15:2 (NKJV)
Here we have one of the chief words of the parable--branch. A vine needs branches: without branches it can do nothing, can bear no fruit. As important as it is to know about the Vine, and the Husbandman, it is to realize what the branch is. Before we listen to what Christ has to say about it, let us first of all take in what a branch is, and what it teaches us of our life in Christ. A branch is simply a bit of wood, brought forth by the vine for the one purpose of serving it in bearing its fruit. It is of the very same nature as the vine, and has one life and one spirit with it. Just think a moment of the lessons this suggests.
There is the lesson of entire consecration. The branch has but one object for which it exists, one purpose to which it is entirely given up. That is, to bear the fruit the vine wishes to bring forth. And so the believer has but one reason for his being a branch--but one reason for his existence on earth --that the heavenly Vine may through him bring forth His fruit. Happy the soul that knows this, that has consented to it, and that says, I have been redeemed and I live for one thing--as exclusively as the natural branch exists only to bring forth fruit, I too; as exclusively as the heavenly Vine exists to bring forth fruit, I too. As I have been planted by God into Christ, I have wholly given myself to bear the fruit the Vine desires to bring forth.
There is the lesson of perfect conformity. The branch is exactly like the vine in every aspect--the same nature, the same life, the same place, the same work. In all this they are inseparably one. And so the believer needs to know that he is partaker of the divine nature, and has the very nature and spirit of Christ in him, and that his one calling is to yield himself to a perfect conformity to Christ. The branch is a perfect likeness of the vine; the only difference is, the one is great and strong, and the source of strength, the other little and feeble, ever needing and receiving strength. Even so the believer is, and is to be, the perfect likeness of Christ.
There is the lesson of absolute dependence. The vine has its stores of life and sap and strength, not for itself, but for the branches. The branches are and have nothing but what the vine provides and imparts. The believer is called to, and it is his highest blessedness to enter upon, a life of entire and unceasing dependence upon Christ. Day and night, every moment, Christ is to work in him all he needs.
And then the lesson of undoubting confidence. The branch has no cure; the vine provides all; it has but to yield itself and receive. It is the sight of this truth that leads to the blessed rest of faith, the true secret of growth and strength: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
What a life would come to us if we only consented to be branches! Dear child of God, learn the lesson. You have but one thing to do: Only be a branch--nothing more, nothing less! Just be a branch; Christ will be the Vine that gives all. And the Husbandman, the mighty God, who made the Vine what it is, will as surely make the branch what it ought to be.
Lord Jesus, I pray Thee, reveal to me the heavenly mystery of the branch, in its living union with the Vine, in its claim on all its fullness. And let Thy all-sufficiency, holding and filling Thy branches, lead me to the rest of faith that knows that Thou works all.
The True Vine: Meditations for a Month on John 15:1-16, by Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Twelve Words of Advice
Originally posted January 8, 2008.
These special friends give us great wisdom and prepare us for our previously unimaginable journey as a family.
1. David: Surrender to the mysteries of God, Psalm 131:1
2. Samuel: Make Choices with Confidence, 1 Samuel 10:6-7
3. Matthew: God knows your hours, Matthew 6:27
4. Paul: Death is not the worse thing, Philippians 1:23-24
5. Elisha: God has a plan for our departure, 2 Kings 13:14
6. Lazarus: Illness might bring greatest glory, John 11:4
7. Peter: Stay God conscious, 1 Peter 1:17
8. Luke: There can only be one number One, Luke 14:26
9. Mary: Servants always obey God’s Word, Luke 1:38
10. Ezekiel: Obey when it seems impossible, Ezekiel 24:15-18
11. Habakkuk: Joy is a choice, Habakkuk 3:17-18
12. Job: At the end of the day worship, Job 1: 20
Listen to the Dad's sermon on this topic.
These special friends give us great wisdom and prepare us for our previously unimaginable journey as a family.
1. David: Surrender to the mysteries of God, Psalm 131:1
2. Samuel: Make Choices with Confidence, 1 Samuel 10:6-7
3. Matthew: God knows your hours, Matthew 6:27
4. Paul: Death is not the worse thing, Philippians 1:23-24
5. Elisha: God has a plan for our departure, 2 Kings 13:14
6. Lazarus: Illness might bring greatest glory, John 11:4
7. Peter: Stay God conscious, 1 Peter 1:17
8. Luke: There can only be one number One, Luke 14:26
9. Mary: Servants always obey God’s Word, Luke 1:38
10. Ezekiel: Obey when it seems impossible, Ezekiel 24:15-18
11. Habakkuk: Joy is a choice, Habakkuk 3:17-18
12. Job: At the end of the day worship, Job 1: 20
Listen to the Dad's sermon on this topic.
First Chemo
Yesterday Toni had her first chemo treatment and is doing fine. Her side effects were “moderate” in that she is fatigued, has a background heartache, feels a “little bubbly” inside and didn’t get much sleep… sounds like a couple of the ladies retreats she use to lead. Toni would say she is doing “fine.”
Thank-you
So many emails, videos, flowers, fruit baskets, movies, cards, meals, books, visits, calls and very helpful words of encouragement and advice! Combined they are in the hundreds! With all that has been happening they have been such a great source of strength!
We are sorry to have to be so general about this thank-you … but many have said, “No thank-you needed”… so we are accepting that grace from you. My sister’s family sent us a “lobster bake” certificate. It has been postponed for a week or so, so when Toni is feeling like sea food sounds fun we will eat it thinking of each of you.
A Few Thoughts
Many are earnestly praying and eagerly wanting to hear how we are all doing … so a few thoughts. First some are wanting to know right off … are we under it or over it after the first chemo… well with Christ praying for us, as well as so many of our friends, Romans 8:37 seems to fit the bill, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We do live in mystery and are tired and exhausted at times, over whelmed with medical information at times, wonder about co-pays, etc. at times, and hurting deeply for what Toni’s assignment requires of her, often … but we feel “curiously strong” in this as we basically go from one appointment and event to another…handling one thing at a time.
We had a wonderful Christmas with all the kids and grandkids taking great care of Toni. Toni’s side of the family was coming to our house for Christmas day, but the weather (18” of snow in December) keep dropping snow with high winds, so we had our first “Crocker/Braddy” only Christmas. The grandkids were phenomenal as they played together so well and on occasion peaked-in on Nana. Our oldest and only granddaughter, Mika for the first few days after surgery just hovered around Nana. She would curl up in a chair by Toni to be Nana’s little servant. I could see a lot of Toni in Mika as she “mothered” her grandmother.
Thanks to Kearney Berean, where Paul is the Worship Pastor, for allowing us to have some extra time with Paul and Cristine. The weather also helped a little because it snowed and several times the return trips needed to be adjusted. A “Yeh!” for Cristine who finished her Masters from Liberty University in some people thing major. Rachel was given an extended leave of absence were she works at Kansas State, and was here for all of December! She has a year left on her masters in some religious thing major at Emmanuel House Seminary. Jonathan and Janelle live here in Cheyenne and they are always around to help Toni as needed. Jon will finish from the University in Wyoming with his Bachelor in Business stuff. Hey, I would use more precise words but they have educated themselves beyond my vocabulary.
As you would assume we have both shed tears as we have released and accepted this assignment. We have had a few extra tender hugs. As an aside, some having forgotten her surgeries have created their own memorable hugging moments with Toni. Toni claims she has had a “melt down” or two. But when I think of the bizarre “melt downs’ by the so called celebrates of this world or those who I have witnessed because of the “burnt toast” issues of life … her tears are the sweet tears of a godly, trusting, child of God who has things to say that just can’t be said with just words. Her girl friends have really risen to the occasion. (Thanks!) We have, and will grieve off and on, but we grieve in true hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13) and with great friends. We can’t think of a better place than Cheyenne Berean to take this amazing journey!
The path has it amusing times like going to the pharmacy to get a prescription for 8 pills but the insurance will only allow us to receive 6 at a time! Or when Toni has spend a hour with a wonderful consultant for “the” prosthesis, only to find out that they don’t work with our insurance carrier. So drive down to talk with our providers at their headquarters we learn that we have to travel down to Fort Collins, CO to have that prescription filled… then there is the story of the cranial prosthesis.
This has been a good time for us as a couple. We have mentioned to each other how glad that we are not going through this with a weak love-bridge. We have not had to try to reconnect because of the cancer or make repairs to the bridge while we are fighting the cancer but can enjoy the unity we have become over 33 years, even with the cancer!
Time Away
Last year, before we found out about Toni’s cancer, Toni and I made contact with her favorite mentor/professor while she was in college. It was a great time of remembrance, but a special person was missing … his wife. Ironically she was called to the Lord after a similar surgery that had called Toni’s dad home this past August.
Dr. G pulled me aside, as we were parting, and spoke to me about all the plans he and his wife had made for when life and ministry slowed down. And with tears, he encouraged me to take that “special trip” that every couple talks about doing but to do it sooner rather than later. We took what Dr. G said seriously and as from the Lord …. then came the news about Toni’s cancer!
Toni and I have been talking about a renewal sabbatical for several years and this last year we began approaching the elders at Cheyenne Berean about it. We had been thinking about the dates of May 1- July 24, 2008 and are inclined to stick with these dates, God willing. We have so desired, by God’s grace and mercy, to set aside quantity and quality of time to focus on our pastoral ministry and our inner beings in the spirit of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Our previous thoughts had been to find a place back in Maine, but with the treatments every three weeks we are adjusting to a “Rocky Mountain High” with maybe the possibility of a ten day or so retreat to Maine. At any rate the Lord is in full control of schedules, dates, days, times, health, and finances.
We love and appreciate you concerns and prayers!
Richard and Toni
Colossians 4:12
Thank-you
So many emails, videos, flowers, fruit baskets, movies, cards, meals, books, visits, calls and very helpful words of encouragement and advice! Combined they are in the hundreds! With all that has been happening they have been such a great source of strength!
We are sorry to have to be so general about this thank-you … but many have said, “No thank-you needed”… so we are accepting that grace from you. My sister’s family sent us a “lobster bake” certificate. It has been postponed for a week or so, so when Toni is feeling like sea food sounds fun we will eat it thinking of each of you.
A Few Thoughts
Many are earnestly praying and eagerly wanting to hear how we are all doing … so a few thoughts. First some are wanting to know right off … are we under it or over it after the first chemo… well with Christ praying for us, as well as so many of our friends, Romans 8:37 seems to fit the bill, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We do live in mystery and are tired and exhausted at times, over whelmed with medical information at times, wonder about co-pays, etc. at times, and hurting deeply for what Toni’s assignment requires of her, often … but we feel “curiously strong” in this as we basically go from one appointment and event to another…handling one thing at a time.
We had a wonderful Christmas with all the kids and grandkids taking great care of Toni. Toni’s side of the family was coming to our house for Christmas day, but the weather (18” of snow in December) keep dropping snow with high winds, so we had our first “Crocker/Braddy” only Christmas. The grandkids were phenomenal as they played together so well and on occasion peaked-in on Nana. Our oldest and only granddaughter, Mika for the first few days after surgery just hovered around Nana. She would curl up in a chair by Toni to be Nana’s little servant. I could see a lot of Toni in Mika as she “mothered” her grandmother.
Thanks to Kearney Berean, where Paul is the Worship Pastor, for allowing us to have some extra time with Paul and Cristine. The weather also helped a little because it snowed and several times the return trips needed to be adjusted. A “Yeh!” for Cristine who finished her Masters from Liberty University in some people thing major. Rachel was given an extended leave of absence were she works at Kansas State, and was here for all of December! She has a year left on her masters in some religious thing major at Emmanuel House Seminary. Jonathan and Janelle live here in Cheyenne and they are always around to help Toni as needed. Jon will finish from the University in Wyoming with his Bachelor in Business stuff. Hey, I would use more precise words but they have educated themselves beyond my vocabulary.
As you would assume we have both shed tears as we have released and accepted this assignment. We have had a few extra tender hugs. As an aside, some having forgotten her surgeries have created their own memorable hugging moments with Toni. Toni claims she has had a “melt down” or two. But when I think of the bizarre “melt downs’ by the so called celebrates of this world or those who I have witnessed because of the “burnt toast” issues of life … her tears are the sweet tears of a godly, trusting, child of God who has things to say that just can’t be said with just words. Her girl friends have really risen to the occasion. (Thanks!) We have, and will grieve off and on, but we grieve in true hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13) and with great friends. We can’t think of a better place than Cheyenne Berean to take this amazing journey!
The path has it amusing times like going to the pharmacy to get a prescription for 8 pills but the insurance will only allow us to receive 6 at a time! Or when Toni has spend a hour with a wonderful consultant for “the” prosthesis, only to find out that they don’t work with our insurance carrier. So drive down to talk with our providers at their headquarters we learn that we have to travel down to Fort Collins, CO to have that prescription filled… then there is the story of the cranial prosthesis.
This has been a good time for us as a couple. We have mentioned to each other how glad that we are not going through this with a weak love-bridge. We have not had to try to reconnect because of the cancer or make repairs to the bridge while we are fighting the cancer but can enjoy the unity we have become over 33 years, even with the cancer!
Time Away
Last year, before we found out about Toni’s cancer, Toni and I made contact with her favorite mentor/professor while she was in college. It was a great time of remembrance, but a special person was missing … his wife. Ironically she was called to the Lord after a similar surgery that had called Toni’s dad home this past August.
Dr. G pulled me aside, as we were parting, and spoke to me about all the plans he and his wife had made for when life and ministry slowed down. And with tears, he encouraged me to take that “special trip” that every couple talks about doing but to do it sooner rather than later. We took what Dr. G said seriously and as from the Lord …. then came the news about Toni’s cancer!
Toni and I have been talking about a renewal sabbatical for several years and this last year we began approaching the elders at Cheyenne Berean about it. We had been thinking about the dates of May 1- July 24, 2008 and are inclined to stick with these dates, God willing. We have so desired, by God’s grace and mercy, to set aside quantity and quality of time to focus on our pastoral ministry and our inner beings in the spirit of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Our previous thoughts had been to find a place back in Maine, but with the treatments every three weeks we are adjusting to a “Rocky Mountain High” with maybe the possibility of a ten day or so retreat to Maine. At any rate the Lord is in full control of schedules, dates, days, times, health, and finances.
We love and appreciate you concerns and prayers!
Richard and Toni
Colossians 4:12
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