Outcast...

A little over a month ago I decided to begin reading/studying the New Testament. I am now in the book of Luke...The birth of Jesus. His timing, always perfect.

I've always known the story of Jesus' birth, but it wasn't till I was saved that I truly understood the significance. Each time I read the story in Luke, something different stands out for me.

Just the other day I found myself having a conversation with a dear friend of mine where I told her, "Sometimes I feel like an outcast among others when it comes to my faith in the Lord. It's so hard at times."
Her response..."Well of course we are, isn't that awesome!"

Awesome?

I've pondered our conversation a lot lately.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” Luke 1:34

As I read Mary's response, I put myself in her shoes. I began to think about how I may have responded. First, um...I'm suppose to be getting married. What am I suppose to tell Joseph, surely he'll never believe I'm a virgin! He'll never want to marry me!

Finally, what will people be thinking? Saying?

Surely, I will be an outcast.

But Mary responded, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
Luke 1:38

Awesome

I can't recall where, but I recently read, "those that have found favor with God should not give way to disquieting, distrustful fears."

Mary chose God.

She chose faith.

Mary and Joseph are traveling back to Bethlehem to register.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

Here is a man, with his very pregnant wife unable to find a place to stay. I understand accommodations may have been scarce, as many were returning to their home town to register. What I find difficult to understand is why no one, for one night, could spare a room to a pregnant woman. Mary had no home, no bed. Instead, Joseph gathers hay in the stable; a bed where Mary delivers her first child in a barn. A barn!

I have five children, and I promise you, it's excruciating pain. I remember being stuck behind a train and having to take a detour in route to deliver my fourth child. I was in pain and panic, I did not want to deliver in the back of my car. I'm pretty sure I was yelling in pain at my husband to hurry. My son was delivered shortly after I arrived at the hospital. There was some yelling involved as the nurse told me not to push as the doctor wasn't there yet. Um...impossible...the baby is coming now! The doctor was late.

Mary has no woman there to assist her in her delivery. It's just her and Joseph. She must have been scared. I'm sure Joseph must have been in a bit of a panic as well. She let an out an agonizing cry right before Jesus entered this world. And then....

Her babies first cry. He was born to a woman, one whom no one would take in...an outcast.

God planned it this way. Why?

Because He found favor in her.

Because God became man to experience life as we do...an outcast.

Matthew Henry commentary states: "We were become by sin like an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one Christ was.

Just like last year, I worked Christmas Eve in the NICU. One by one, parents arrive to see, hold, smell, and simply marvel over their child. Even if you don't have children, there is just something about a babies cry and purity that makes people smile and get a warm feeling inside. More often than not, tears are shed at their child's birth.

The Son of God lets out His first cry. Think about the similarities...Picture Mary curled on her side, baby Jesus in her arms, tears of joy stream down her face. Joseph kneeling by her side in awe over what just transpired. He too sheds tears. Mary gently places Him in a manger. Suddenly, where they are, what their circumstances are, doesn't matter.

Surely, if one were to look upon this child, he would utter "this cannot be the Son of God."

But He is!

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11

The Lord came, and no one recognized Him.

The Lord came, and His people rejected Him.

The Son of God comes to us in the image of the unlikely...A child not of royalty, but one of poverty, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

Jesus started and lived His life as an outcast, all because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus lived His life suffering rejection, humiliation, pain, and temptation just as we do, but sinless. The purpose of His life...to give me...give you...the gift of eternal life.

As the babe lay in the manger, in fields nearby, an angel appears to the shepherds. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 
         
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:10-14

The shepherds go to Bethlehem to see this babe. After they saw Jesus, they spread the word about what the angel had told them about this Child. Many were amazed by what the shepherds said. What was said about Mary stood out for me...

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

I can't help but wonder, Mary knows Jesus is the Son of God, but does she grasp the full meaning of His purpose?

What is the meaning of the Christmas? For many, this time of year can be depressing. Loss of jobs, loss of homes, memories of loved one's lost. The pressure of trying to find the perfect gift for others. We become so focus on what we don't have, we lose sight of of what we do have...the most precious gift of all...A SAVIOR!

Jesus was born with a purpose, to die that we may have life. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Corintians 5:21


As Christians we can't look at the birth of Jesus and not look at the cross.

His birth, life, death on the cross, and resurrection portrays...

Suffering and healing. Jesus' suffering for our healing. His death on the cross, His separation from God the Father...such anguish for one man to bear. It's by His wounds we are healed!

Rejection and triumph. How many betrayed and rejected Jesus? In His human nature, He surely felt rejected by God the Father. He begged God to take this cup from Him...yet, "not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42. An empty tomb...triumph...VICTORY!

Pastor Pete Wilson, in a recent post said: "Part of the Christmas message is God telling his people, 'You can’t predict me. I’ll show up anytime and anywhere. I’ll show up in the midst of the most unlikely circumstances and through the most unlikely people.'

Why? Because I’m God and you’re not."

Mary was willing to suffer difficulty in her marriage, to be ostracized by society, because "For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." Luke 1:49

Suddenly, feeling like an outcast isn't so bad, because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

Awesome!

May you all be richly blessed this Christmas...Christ the Savior is born!

Past, Present, & Future...Salt Springs Memories

This summer we were able to once again, enjoy one of our favorite camping areas, Salt Springs. For more than twenty years now we have enjoyed this beautiful site. When my husband and I first discovered this site together, we would camp here with my older children more than three times a summer. As we had children together, our trips dwindled down and eventually ceased for over ten years until our first trip back in 2010.

Our return last year was with our two youngest boys, whom we've never taken. Emily, my youngest daughter, was the only one of our three children together we've taken camping here. Sadly, she doesn't remember as she was only six months old. I'm hoping next year she will be able to join us and experience the most amazing time together as family with such breathtaking backdrops.

This year we were able to once again, camp with our two younger boys along with one of their closest friends. Our traditional camp site, White Azalea, was unavailable. Not to worry, the new camp site was equally as satisfying. My only wishes...we could have gone more than once...my daughter could have come...my older children and their families could have joined as well.




Path just slightly beyond our large tent which lead to a private camp area hidden among the trees.

 





One of many hiking trails

  


Standing amidst these trees you really realize just how small you are in all of creation.





Slept to the sounds of rushing water all night. Soothing.

 



Bear River Reservoir which feeds into Salt Springs

 

During this trip we saw two bear cubs, several deer, many squirrels, snakes, spiders and other creepy crawly things,  and this lizard. This lizard reminded me of the verses in Matthew and Luke about worry. At five feet tall, I'm not a large person. From the lizard's perspective, I was a giant, yet he really showed no fear of me. As I looked at the picture in my camera's view finder, I noticed the blue on his back was much more prominent in the picture with the water in the background than him on the tree. God created the lizard with the ability to blend into his environment as a way of protection from predators. In the same sense, scripture gives us that same protection. Kinda cool to see how God has provided everything for all His creation.





The boys decided to go on an adventure....

 

Nick made sure Alex wasn't left standing.

 



Trust me...they're freezing.




Small sandy area to the left of the camp.



The view to the right of my seat.

  I spent many moment at this little "beach" area. Listening to the sounds of the water, the leaves rustling in the wind, the birds, the boys laughter off into the distance. All filled my mind with new memories and reminded me of many old memories of past camping trips. Some of my most joyful memories are right here in the middle of God's creation.




Preparing for nightfall

You often hear of the importance of family dinners, there is certainly something about a shared meal as a family that brings dividends to the family. In todays busy life and all its distractions, the campfire is also a place for an equally magical experience within the family. Heck, camping in its entirety is. No cell phones, no Facebook, no TV, no computer games or emails...just a time to enjoy and get to know one another. To communicate, to build bonds that even time can't break. It's times like these you build value in one another. Laughter, singing, and conversation that fills the soul. Memories to last a lifetime. Moments to cherish forever and pass down from generation to generation.  

 What a joy it has been to share this beautiful area with my husband of twenty years, building memories with each other and our children.

Diamond Necklace

For over a year now I've been involved in Recovery @ Grace Church as well as the step studies. I started as a participant and now lead in both. For those unfamiliar with our Recovery and step ministry, let me explain.

Recovery is a Christ-centered repentance an reconciliation ministry. My Pastor first introduced this ministry during the end of the year of 2009. He stated that everyone has something to recover from. Not just alcohol or drug addictions, but loss of a loved one, abuse, pride, envy...you get the idea. This is a place for anyone who is hurting or struggling with something holding them back from pursuing the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. It's a safe place to work through struggles. The people here are loving and accepting, with the goal of leaning on the Lord for truth and healing. We are not here to fix anyone, just simply a safe place where you can truly examine your heart.

Step study is also a safe place where you study the scripture while someone walks alongside you. It's 18 weeks and aims at identifying your struggles and learning to apply biblical truth as you embrace your new identity in Christ, Jesus. You are intensely involved in scripture daily through homework. You go through a personal inventory, one you work through with your sponsor. It's here I learned truth about myself and God's love for me.

Both have a non-specific, gender-specific groups. Both include biblical teaching, that has and continues to bless me tremendously. I continue to reap blessings by both these ministries. To watch the lives of others be touched by God is breathtaking. This weekend at our church picnic, 5 members of recovery and step were baptized.

Though these ministries I continue to struggle well in a safe place, I am blessed, and I, as a leader, continue to learn God's truth through those I serve.

This weekend, one of the women in my step group shared something I thought was absolutely beautiful. Spoke to my heart. a perfect example of how I learn through others.

Have you noticed a jeweler places a beautiful diamond necklace on a black cloth background? Have you ever heard the statement, "diamonds are a girl's best friend"? (Hold that thought).  The diamond necklace alone, we can all attest to it's beauty. But, once placed on the black background somehow it becomes far more radiant.

When we are in the midst of our brokenness, darkness overwhelms us (the black background), Jesus is the diamond! In our deepest darkest moments, Jesus, our best friend, radiates His light/beauty/love so brightly, we can't help but see truth and hope, feel love and acceptance. Even outside of our darkness, looking at Jesus, His light always radiates.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what He has done has been done through God. John 3:21

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

Don't Lie

For a little over a week now, these two words have echoed though my mind.

As a parent to five children, honesty one of many values I've tried to instill.


"Don't lie to me, you'll only get in deeper trouble".

"Don't lie, as one lie leads to another".

I realized that while truth is something I've stressed, I've also unintentionally encouraged my children, to lie.

How many of you with young children have heard them remark at one time or another something undesirable to someone and have unconsciously encouraged a lie? Young children are so honest, purely innocent, until we make it otherwise. They say things like...

"You have a fat belly, is there a baby in there?"

"Your butt jiggles when you walk."

"You smell funny, you need a bath."

When we hear our children say things like this, we shudder. And more often than not, in a round about way, we encourage lying. We tell our children they cannot say those things because it hurts their feelings, or "that's not nice". Our intent is to teach our children when it's important to "keep quiet". I'm not quite sure how it happens, but I think somewhere in raising our children we may unconsciously encourage lying. You know that "little white lie" won't hurt anyone. Keeping quite is by far better the better choice when truth may hurt someone. But lying, is clearly not the best option. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".

About a week ago, I told what I felt was a "little white lie". What I found out is...a lie is a lie!

Just as scripture tells us that to hate your brother is the same as murder, the Lord gently reminded me, through consequences...a "little white lie" is a lie...a sin.

At first, I truly believed lying was acceptable, as the outcome wouldn't change. I convinced myself that to lie even though the Spirit was convicting me otherwise.

As the Spirit revealed the error of my ways, I asked myself...

"Why did you lie"? Fear!
Fear of consequences and fear of retaliation towards an innocent person.

Fear birthed protection, protection birthed the lie.

Again, back to my children. I couldn't help but realize that in some circumstances, like me, their lie is from fear. Mostly, fear of consequences. I started re-examining my heart in this situation, as right before my very eyes, this one lie, began to snowball out of control. One lie, lead to another, then another...finally...CONFESSION!

I've always told my children, if you tell the truth your consequences won't be as severe. This doesn't mean there won't be consequences as a result of your wrong (sin).

Ephesians 5:13 But everything exposed by the light become visible.

Jesus is the light, and through the Holy Spirit, He exposed in me what's needed to change. Yes, there were consequences, but God is rich in mercy.

A few days later, my son and I were on our way to the orthodontist. He had lost a bracket, several days prior. They always lecture about the importance of coming in right away to get that taken care of. I don't like going back and forth to the orthodontist. In the car on the way, I told my son to tell them he just lost the bracket this morning. LIE! Immediately...the light! I couldn't believe I actually encouraged my teenage son to lie. Ugh! Yes, I did the right thing. But why a lie? There was no fear, I just didn't want to hear the lecture.

This was a wonderful moment for both my son and I. He got to witness how imperfect I am.  How I humbled and became obedient to the Lord. Most importantly, he saw the Lord's grace as we told the truth. There were no lectures.

For me, the most beautiful moment is; my son, who doesn't know the Lord, saw the Lord through me. Now that's awesome!!

Dancing to the Beat

This past weekend I had the opportunity to see my first 3D ultrasound of my newest granddaughter, Brooklyn. What an amazing thing to see...

When I think about God creating the heaven and earth, as I witness a sunrise or sunset, I'm absolutely awestruck. Then I saw Brooklyn...miraculous!!

For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:13-14

Even now, as I look at this photo, my eyes well up with tears. Fearfully and wonderfully made...only God can do such a thing.

My grandson, Brayden was also in the room. There were some toys on the ground, and he was playing. The technician had asked if we wanted to hear the heartbeat...YES!

She turned up the volume, my grandson stood up and began to dance to his sister's heartbeat. I wish I had a camera to capture that moment! I tried to fight my tears...

Cherished!

The "In" Crowd

I believe everyone at one point or another, desires to feel...."A sense of belonging"

Ever feel invisible, even though you are a part of something (family, club, work, church)? Have you felt excluded?

It seems to start at a very young age, often when we start school.

You can't be in our group...

-cause you have short hair.

-your fat.

-your clothes are ugly.

-you're a Jesus freak.

The list goes on and on!

I remember as a child desperately wanting to belong, to be significant in some way. From my experience, rejection or feeling excluded, whether real or just my perception, left me feeling invisible.

We all want to feel accepted. Sadly, the way we perceive acceptance by others, more often than not, is when we are included in a group, activity, recognized/acknowledged in some way, or told we're valued.

I've recently felt this way. It's a little different for me now as an adult. I tried to talk myself out of how I felt, give people the benefit of the doubt. But, just like when I was a child...I couldn't help but become consumed by thoughts of "what's wrong with me?" "Why don't they like me anymore?" What soon followed, was feelings of jealousy, bitterness, and entitlement.

I've come to realize, these feelings arose out of my need for acceptance and self-esteem. Websters defines self-esteem as: a reasonable or justifiable sense of one's worth or importance. I'm not sure I believe self-esteem and self-worth are interchangeable here. For me, self-esteem is based more on accomplishments or achievements. Self-worth is where you feel worthwhile and valued in this world. I believe it's created in our mind, belief system, and by others...it's here you feel/know you are loved, accepted.

Aren't we all are guilty of  "excluding" someone? 

I had to take a step away my perceived thoughts and ask myself...
"What is true?"

"What is a lie?"

My Pastor once said; 'put your hope and trust in this world, in people, you will always be disappointed".

Truth- I am valued so much that Christ gave His life for me. Therefore,  I should live my life with complete confidence in who I am in Christ. That I'm just passing through this world and the best is yet to come~Amen!

You see, I realized...

It's not about me!


It doesn't matter whether I'm in the "in" crowd or not. Regardless of how others treat me, what matters is I love others no matter what, because....

1John 4:7 He first loved us.

Galatians 4:14 Love your neighbor as yourself.

1John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. 23 And this is His command: to believe in the name if His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.

You see, it's not about me or you...it's about understanding that we were first loved by God as a sinner(always a sinner) and out of that love, Jesus sacrificed His life that we might belong to the Kingdom of God. And because Christ lives in us, it's Christ love that shines through us to others, all for HIS glory! It's really about following Christ way of loving others.

Funny thing...prompted by the Lord, I started this post Monday(just never posted) and today (Sunday) my Pastor's message was about how to love as Jesus does...

Apparently, someone is trying to get my attention!

I'll close with scripture that just came to me...

Hebrews 13:1-2 Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.