Where is Jesus?

When my 12 year old was around 5 he was filled with so much curiosity. He had so many questions. Many of which we didn't have the slightest idea how to answer. "No we don't know the absolute last number. No we don't know why there are so many stars." Needless to say, we spent a lot of time on the Internet trying to answer his questions.

One question from this little guy I will never forget! As we picked him up from children's church one Sunday, we noticed that he was a little bothered. He gets in the car and says "Where is He?"

"Where's Who?" We asked.

"Jesus?"

"Huh?"

"Where's Jesus?!" he says emphatically.

"What do you mean?"

"Every Sunday we talk about Jesus. Every time we go to church we talk about what He does and where He goes. We ALWAYS talk about Him!" he says with the face of complete mental exhaustion.

"Honey, of course."

"Well, we talk about him the whole time and he NEVER shows up! Does He come to your church?"

"Yes you bring Him with you. He lives in your Heart." Yep. That's all I had folks!

"What does He do in there?"

You see what I deal with here? We didn't know what to do with this kid! We still don't know what to do with this kid!

I recently thought of this conversation as I considered if other's asked "Where is He?" when it came to my life. I wondered if others could see Jesus in me. They hear me talking about Him. I am quick to proclaim his goodness and mercy, but does my heart reflect Him in how I live my life? Am I trying to generate a Christian image and not have the heart of Christ?

I love Galatians 2:19-21 in The Message:

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be a God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.  My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going back on that.

God's word just gets right to the point doesn't it?!

Trying to merely create a Christian image with actions only result in frustration and fatigue! This will only display to others a testimony of stress, inconsistency and a lack of peace.

Where is He? Is He with you? Does He live in your heart?

That's a lot to think about for a Monday Morning! :)


Blessings!


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Go Fish, Camp and Contentment!

Today we dropped my two oldest children off at camp. This is our fifth summer shuffling kids down the highway to experience what they describe as the best week of the year. The first year was tough. By the fourth day I managed to cut my hair to the wick!

2009

I missed my kiddos so much. I was going crazy and all I could do was cut my hair! Yep...I was definitely out of my mind.

Well, today was different. I didn't go crazy and I'm keeping my hair. Although I will miss them, it is nice to be down to one kid. Yes I said it. I'm glad they are GONE! (I mean gone to camp! Ha!) I know it's not what a nice mommy would say but it's the truth. I'm telling the truth and shaming the devil.  I love my babies. God knows I do. But I need some quietness!

This year our goodbyes were GOODbyes!

Poppy saying bye and making them hug/kiss each other!
Of course they resisted!

Happy Mommy 2013!
Two down One to go!

Now before you look into the eyes of that little one, let me warn you. It's not real! Well, maybe a little real. It was sinking in that he was was dropping off his brother and sister for a week. He was leaving his best friends. Yes. Poor him. And when he thought about it for a minute his response was "FINALLY!"

I am not joking! He was so happy. He's been talking non-stop since we left them about everything and absolutely nothing. It hasn't been 24 hours and he's already seen a movie and eaten his share of junk! 

WAIT!  What happened to my quietness? As I think about it, my man and I are his playmates for the week. He's going to be talking to us about all the things 6 year old talk about. I've already had a lengthy discussion about superheroes, the Spanish alphabet and chicken. I am elated to spend one on one time with this sweet boy. He is a funny kid and I cherish the time with him.

HOWEVER...

My quiet won't be so quiet. My mind keeps swirling about all the boardgames, Tic Tac Toe, and Go Fish that awaits me. It's going to be great fun the first 10 times! Yay. 

I'm already missing my campers!

Isn't that just like us?! We are rarely content with where we are and long to be at another place in our lives. When we get to our "place," we realize that where we were wasn't all that bad. Sometimes we even label them "The Good Ole Days!"

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in what." Philippians 4:11-12

Are you content where you are?

Next year all three will be left for a week of summer camp wonder! YES! My husband and I have been thinking about great ideas for our time alone! Cruise? Island Getaway? As I'm typing, he just laid his head down to bed and said "I miss the kids."  We are in trouble :)

Blessings!

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When Life Hurts

There is so much going on these days. When I turn on the TV, log on social media or listen to the radio, I can't escape it. People are hurting!

I have the privilege to listen to people who are hurting. It's an awesome responsibility and I am grateful. Emotional pain does not discriminate. I've come to an obvious conclusion that hurt has touched us all. It's rarely welcomed.  It's often a spouse, child, parent, family member or close friend who hurt us the deepest. Sometimes it's a result of our own mistakes or the mistakes of others. Failed relationships, rejection, mistrust, disappointment, and unmet expectations are a few of the many ways in which we experience emotional pain.

Regardless of the source of our pain, many of us just want relief.  We long for that person to say or do something that will resolve our restless heart.

We want to hear "I love you" or "I forgive you." We want someone to say "It's OK. I'm here and I'm not leaving." We long for security and acceptance.  We crave hope.

I have had my share of pain. It has turned calm days into raging storms. I, too, have longed for resolve and rest. In all of my tears and heartache I have learned that my place of security can't be in people. Of course God gives us people who love and support us. They comfort and pray for us. However, at some point I will let someone down and I will be disappointed by someone. My security has to be in the Lord!

I'm not an expert by any means. But I do know that sometimes relief comes through the presence and words of someone who loves and cares.

So...Here it is.

I love you

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 

I forgive you.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  I John 1:9

It's OK. I'm here and I'm not leaving.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

Security

"No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 8:37-39

Acceptance

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." John 6:37

Hope

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." I Peter 5:10

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

This may all seem very simple. I understand that situations involve many variables that create extreme complexity. This post is not intended to minimize. Nor is it intended to disregard. It is intended to turn towards an all sufficient God who heals our pain.  It is undeniable that He is present. He cares. He listens. He answers. He is Love. He is our greatest Hope.


Blessings!

"...and after you have done everything to stand, Stand firm then,..." Ephesians 6:13b



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